Written by: Chris Jones
“When you bring your builder in early, you’re not just
Chris Jones | Director
hiring a contractor – you’re gaining a partner who’s
invested in your success from day one.”
When I’m asked what makes the biggest difference to a project’s success, my answer is always the same: get your builder involved early.
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) isn’t just a procurement method – it’s a mindset. It’s about collaboration, trust and bringing the right people to the table before the ink is dry on the drawings. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how ECI transforms outcomes and I want to share a few stories from our own projects that prove the point.
Reviving Avalon: A modern take on a historic stage
UQ’s vision to revive the long-dormant Avalon Theatre into a flexible, community-focused performance space required early buildability input to ensure cost and program certainty. Engaged under ECI, we assembled a specialist team to shape the design within budget, working closely with heritage architects to seamlessly integrate modern functionality with the original structure. Our early works package – including demolition, site clearing and procurement of long-lead items – enabled construction to progress rapidly while approvals were finalised. The restored Avalon Theatre now stands as a premier venue, delivered on time and within budget, ready to inspire future generations.
Early collaboration delivers Canopy Café – a premier school tuckshop
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School envisioned a nature-connected café between its Primary and Senior Schools, designed to foster community and host school events. Engaged early through ECI, we helped refine the design, manage the budget and pre-order long-lead items to keep the program on track. Our team navigated construction within a live school environment by staging works around term dates, resolving unexpected underground service issues and mitigating wet weather delays. The result is a vibrant, flexible café that enhances campus life and was delivered with minimal disruption.
Tradition reimagined: A collaborative restoration
UQ Customs House’s copper dome restoration demanded more than technical skill – it required stepping into the mindset of builders from 130 years ago. Through ECI, we worked closely with heritage consultants and specialist fabricators to relearn traditional blacksmithing techniques and replicate intricate copper details with historical accuracy. Our team combined this old-world craftsmanship with modern construction methods, all while keeping the venue fully operational. The result is a faithful, resilient restoration that honours Brisbane’s heritage and stands ready for the next century.
Collaborating for discovery: A world-first plastic-free lab
To support groundbreaking research into microplastics and human health, UQ required a world-first laboratory with less than 1% plastic content and strict containment controls. We collaborated with scientists, architects and specialist subcontractors to select materials and develop buildability solutions – including welded stainless-steel panels and custom-cleanable aluminium acoustic systems. This close collaboration ensured the lab met both scientific and operational needs while maintaining safety across an active campus. The result is a world-leading, award-winning facility that enables critical research and showcases the power of early engagement.
Across all these projects, one thing is clear: Early Contractor Involvement works. It delivers better cost control, smoother timelines and stronger collaboration across the consultant team.
If you’re planning a project – whether it’s a heritage restoration, a cutting-edge technical space, or anything in between – I’d encourage you to explore ECI. It’s the smartest move you can make toward a stress-free, dare I say, enjoyable construction journey.
Want to dive deeper into ECI?
If you’re curious about how Early Contractor Involvement can benefit your next project – or if you have questions about how it works in practice – we’ve got you covered.
Download our free resource – Early Contractor Involvement: The Ultimate Guide – to get clear, practical answers to all your ECI questions. Inside, you’ll find:
- Real-world examples and case studies
- Key benefits and common misconceptions
- Tips to help you get started
Ready to talk about your next project?
Let’s start the conversation early and set you up for success. Contact our team today.