Meet the husband and wife collaboration helping locals move into their dream forever homes [+ keeping the beautiful period architecture of the Highlands alive].
What do you get when you mix an experienced master builder, a project engineer and a love for Southern Highlands architecture?
A local, professional and approachable construction company that help locals move into their dream homes.
Meet Robert and Gabrielle Foodey from RWF Building Company.
We spoke to this dynamic husband and wife team about all things construction. From big and interesting builds through to the importance of nurturing young talent and that all-important client and builder relationship.
1 :: So, who is Robert Foodey when he’s not carrying a nail gun?
Rob :: I was born in Bowral and grew up here. Actually, my parents are still in the same house. I have a younger brother who’s a stonemason, and we went to Moss Vale High. I grew up playing local sports, and all the usual stuff.
I completed my trade with a local builder. We predominantly worked on larger projects in Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra in addition to big local houses.
I completed my builder’s licence during my apprenticeship. I then went into construction management, running $2 to $5 million projects all over NSW.
And then just being away from home so much, it was time for a change. I stepped away from that and started RWF Building Company.
2 :: And Gabrielle, you’re a mechanical engineer specialising in project management.
Gab :: Yes, I’m a university-trained project engineer who has worked on $10M infrastructure projects, so that is my skill set, which is invaluable in our business in delivering a professional service.
Actually, I wanted to be a mechanic but I couldn’t leave school in Year 10. So, I chose a mechanical engineering degree because it had the word mechanic in it! And I just loved every minute of it. Diversifying into project management means I can extend my knowledge and be a multi faceted engineer and manager.
Project management is so interesting, because you can do so many different things from infrastructure projects to civil projects and residential construction.
I am very involved in the company. I’m liaising with our client and with all the stakeholders pre, during and post-construction, and because of the training and skill set I’ve got, it makes building with us professional and effortless.
3 :: Now, you’re not only a unique husband-wife collaboration, you’re both very hands on in the business, is that right?
Rob :: It’s really important to me that I’m on site every day working with a nail bag, regardless of the project size. I’m not the type of builder who runs it all from an office.
If the guys send me something, I’m not questioning ‘what’s this’? I’ve been there – literally. I know. If a problem pops up onsite, I deal with it immediately with the clients to give that ultimate sense of reassurance.
Gab :: And I’m in the office closely managing your project. I’m quoting, strategic material sourcing, budget forecasting, liaising with designers, organising site visits, doing the variations and developing construction schedules.
I’m very involved!
4 :: And you specialise in architecturally designed homes.
Rob :: Yes. We love working on homes unique to the Southern Highlands. We want to ensure we remain faithful to the Highlands architectural style and add to its portfolio of beautifully crafted custom design homes.
Of course, we work on all sorts of projects, house styles and sizes but period homes are pretty special. They’ve got so much style and personality to start with.
5 :: It’s been a wild old ride for the building industry lately. How’s the confidence out there? From price increases in materials through to supply issues, the industry seems to be facing some challenges, would you say?
Gab :: Definitely and that’s why trust is so important to us.
We make sure any kind of project we do is fully transparent including detailed pre-construction costing. When you hear the horror stories of a huge construction blowout, you won’t get that with us. We are strong on client relations. It is our number one focus. We have never had a job where someone wouldn’t recommend us or build with us again.
Rob :: Exactly. We forecast budgets and work schedules which is important when managing client expectations and potential issues.
Education is also a big part of it. We’re part of the Masters Builders Association (MBA) and we use MBA contracts which protect both the builder and consumer.
So, again it is about trying to educate people about price and getting protections with a contract. In this environment, you often meet people that are a bit wary of the industry.
Gab :: The last thing we want to see is people lose trust in the building industry because there are a lot of amazing builders out there. We’re proud to be part of it.
6 :: And it’s not just price, but quality. And that starts with helping to develop really great tradespeople too.
Gab :: Definitely. Our apprentices won’t just sweep floors. They get stuck right in.
Rob :: Yes, we want to develop them into quality tradespeople. I always tell them the reason I’m so particular about our quality finish is because I want you to be able to do what I do too, and we have a reputation to uphold.
Just last month we went to the Sydney building expo with our apprentices to get ahead of the latest trends in building. Stuff like that is important to them, and us.
7 :: What kind of builds do you do?
Gab :: We focus on architecturally designed new homes and extensive home extensions and renovations. We specialise in helping clients interested in working with architects and interior designers to build something unique.
8 :: And what’s your dream build?
Rob :: I’m still a carpenter at heart who loves his craft. I just love those historical period homes with contemporary extensions, the ideal mix of everything I love about building.
At the end of the day there is nothing I love more than my lining boards, big skirting and timber floors. When you restore a historic build or a period home, you’ve got to think outside the box. You may have pulled something off here and I try to teach the guys not to break it up so that we can reuse it.
That’s the type of work I really like because that’s where I first started, working for many older,local builders that have now retired.
It’s nice to keep passing that knowledge on.
Thanks guys! LOVE a local, family-run business so driven and focused on customer service and keeping the history of our Highlands architecture alive.
RWF Building Company specialise in high end architecturally designed new homes, extensions and renovations. Their core values focus on reliability, quality and strong client builder relationships. Rob and Gab totally get that a home building project should be exciting, joyful and effortless and with their team, work hard to make that happen.
Head to the RWF Building Company website for more information, contact details and a gallery of some pretty cool projects they’ve completed.
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