In recognition of the firm’s 40th year in business, long time team member and Structural and Industrial Design Technical Resource Manager, Jason Humberstone, takes a few minutes to look back over some of the changes and memorable moments that have occurred during his time with the firm.
The firm is celebrating 40 years in business this year, and you’ve shared 17 of those years with us. Tell us how things have changed since you started with Pritchard Francis in 2000.
When I joined the team, we were working in the old house on Kimberley Street. I was in the drafting room with Andrew Bayley and Anthony Sims, listening to Triple J all day whilst we worked. At the time we had about 12 staff out of 1 office, where now we’re more than 90 staff out of 3 offices.
What’s kept you working for Pritchard Francis?
From the very early days, I’ve been impressed with how approachable the directors have been and how family orientated the company has been. The work has also been very varied, afforded me many opportunities to work on all kinds of projects, and visit many different locations throughout the state.
Having been a senior draftsman and subsequently a structural project leader for the majority of your time with the firm, what is one thing that you’ve learned since you began working for the firm?
That quality, a high level of documentation and attention to our clients’ needs are paramount to how we operate.
Which project challenged you most or are you most proud of?
Being involved in the Condor Tower project (the Hay Street tower portion). The project was totally ground breaking, and for us, award winning project, taking out state and national awards. To add 18 storeys over an existing 10 storey building was something that had never been done before in Australia, and was a unique and rewarding challenge.
Can you share any advice for budding draftsmen or modellers looking to grow their career?
Check your work!
Also, attention to detail and producing water-tight documentation ensures less issues on site.
To learn more about Jason or to connect with him via email or LinkedIn, visit his bio page:
https://www.pfeng.com.au/people/jason-humberstone/