Icon

From Office Admin to Group Commercial Manager - A Journey That Reflects What’s Possible when you put your mind to it! We’re extremely proud to congratulate Ruth De Rosa on her promotion to Group Commercial Manager – Delivery. Ruth’s journey with the business spans almost two decades, beginning with Cockram as an Office Administrator before progressing into site-based, senior commercial and operational leadership roles across Icon Group. Over the years, Ruth has played a key role in projects and teams across Icon and Barpa nationally, helping strengthen commercial disciplines, support project delivery teams and drive greater consistency across the business. Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to mentoring others, Ruth has also been a strong advocate for creating opportunities across the industry and supporting greater diversity in construction. In her new role, Ruth will play a key role in continuing to strengthen our commercial capability across the Group, working in partnership with regional teams and other business functions. Ruth’s career journey is an inspiring example of what’s possible in this industry. With a previous career as a musician and teacher, construction was a chance encounter that fundamentally changed her life and opened the door to the excitement and diverse challenges the industry brings. Reflecting on her career journey, Ruth shared: “I love this industry and the journey that has led me to where I am now. The challenges, the variety and the people. No two days are ever the same in construction, and I feel very privileged to have a seat at the table that allows me to influence business decisions and provide opportunities to others through mentoring and educating employees. I also believe I am a role model to my daughters, showing them what is possible if you put your mind to it.” Congratulations Ruth on this well-deserved promotion. Your story is an inspiration to so many people across our industry, particularly the next generation of women building careers in construction. #Icon #BuildingWithPeople #Construction #Leadership #WomenInConstruction #CommercialManagement #CareerGrowth

Valuable conversations, strong partnerships and plenty of optimism for what’s ahead in NSW. Great to welcome our clients and partners back to the Sydney office last week for the annual Icon and Barpa NSW Client Function. The evening brought together clients, partners and teams from across the industry to reconnect, strengthen relationships and reflect on the breadth of work currently underway across NSW spanning Health, Education, Defence, and Social Infrastructure. NSW Director Marc Avery spoke about the importance of trusted partnerships across the industry, thanking clients and consultants for the opportunities and support that continue to shape the growth of the NSW business. Marc also reflected on the importance of earning the right to grow, and continuing to lean into sectors where our teams can add the greatest value, particularly as the industry responds to challenges such as housing supply and changing regulations. General Manager and Director Ben Hardy also shared the Barpa story and amazing journey to date, and Group CEO Michael Read reinforced the importance of long-term partnerships and collaboration in delivering sustainable outcomes across the sector: “Our business continues to grow because of the relationships we’ve built over many years with clients, consultants, subcontractors and partners who continue to place trust in our teams. That partnership approach remains central to how we operate across Icon and Barpa.” A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening, and to Ashley Gerathy and Paris King for their work behind the scenes bringing the event together. We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships and deliver meaningful projects together throughout the year ahead. #BuildingWhatMattersMost #IconGroup #Barpa #Partnerships #Construction #NSWConstruction #Collaboration

As Icon Group celebrates 165 years this year, our Building With People series continues by recognising the people whose careers, stories and experience have helped shape who we are today. Next up is Andy Blackmore, Senior Estimator in WA, who has been part of the journey through Cockram and now Icon for more than a decade. From competitive tendering days in Perth to helping deliver some of WA’s biggest projects, Andy’s story is one of experience, resilience and a genuine love of the game. Swipe through to hear from Andy 👇 Q. When you joined the business, what was your first role? A. I started as a Senior Estimator, originally with the Cockram business. Q. How has the construction industry changed over the years? A.Back then, the Perth market was extremely tight. You were often tendering against multiple competitors with tiny margins and sometimes even negative margins. Icon WA has evolved into something completely different now. We’ve built a strong and experienced team that’s highly regarded in the ECI space and we’re now in a position where we can choose projects, agree ECI fees and secure quality work with good margins. Long may it continue. Q. Is there a project or achievement that stands out most? A.Working as part of the ECI team on The Switch at Wellington Street definitely stands out. Spending close to a year helping shape the WA office’s first forty-level multi-storey building was something pretty special. Q. Why construction? A.I went straight from school into construction working for a local building company. When we moved from England to Australia, I worked as an estimator in a large shipbuilding yard in Henderson, which was actually pretty similar to construction estimating. After completing a postgrad in Project Management at Curtin, I found my way back into construction properly. Q. What advice would you give someone starting out in construction? A. Always take onboard lessons learned and keep a positive attitude no matter the issue. Negativity gets nowhere. #BuildingWithPeople #Icon #CreatingPossibilities #ConstructionCareers #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost

From heritage restoration to a new landmark on the Auckland skyline. 🏗️ We’re proud to share that Lorne Street Student Accommodation has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Residential category at the 2026 Auckland Registered Master Builders Association New Zealand Commercial Project Awards. Located in the heart of Auckland City, the 758-bed development brings together modern student living, sustainability and adaptive reuse - seamlessly integrating the restored 1929 Campbell House Art Deco façade into a contemporary 18-storey structure. Delivered for Cedar Pacific and UniLodge, the project was completed three weeks ahead of schedule through strong collaboration, innovative construction methodologies and a committed project team. The timelapse captures the scale, complexity and transformation of this landmark project from the ground up. A huge congratulations to everyone involved, including our partners Cedar Pacific, UniLodge, Urban Outcomes Limited, McConnell Property Limited, Ashton Mitchell ltd and WT (New Zealand). #buildingwhatmattersmost #iconnz #studentaccommodation #aucklandconstruction #sustainability #heritagerestoration #greenstar #designandbuild #collaboration

Growth starts with connection. Last week, our Melbourne team hosted a special event, bringing together women from across our operational, delivery and support teams for an evening of connection, conversation and professional development. We were pleased to welcome Emma McQueen (GAICD), who shared practical and honest insights on leadership, confidence, ambition and backing yourself throughout different stages of your career. The evening created a valuable opportunity for people from across different parts of the business to connect, share experiences and expand networks outside of day-to-day project environments. Attendees also received a signed copy of Emma’s book, Go Getter, to continue the conversation and reflection beyond the event itself. A big thank you to Emma for joining us and to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening. Special thanks also to Samantha Gellis and Marnie Hough for the work behind the scenes to bring the event together. #BuildingWithPeople #WomenAtIcon #Construction #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Teamwork #Icon #WomenInConstruction

Recently, our New Zealand team welcomed clients and partners to our annual client event at the Park Hyatt Auckland, bringing together more than 200 guests for an evening focused on partnership, collaboration and the relationships that continue to drive our NZ business forward. The evening was an opportunity to pause, reconnect and acknowledge the trust, collaboration and shared commitment that underpins the projects we deliver together. Addressing the room, NZ Director Dan Bosher reflected on the importance of backing each other through changing market conditions and continuing to work together with a long-term mindset. “Markets will always shift, but strong relationships and good partnerships endure. We genuinely value the trust our clients and partners place in us, and we know the best outcomes come when we work collaboratively and support each other through both the opportunities and the challenges.” Group CEO Michael Read also spoke about the importance of the New Zealand market to the broader Group and how great it was to see so many familiar faces in the room, including clients and partners we’re fortunate to work with not only in New Zealand, but across Australia and the Pacific as well. A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening. We appreciate your ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead. #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost #Partnerships #Construction #NewZealand #Collaboration #Auckland #Icon #BuildingWithPeople

👉What does “good” look like in Defence construction right now? In a sector where delivery certainty matters so much, the conversation around what “good” looks like is evolving. Icon’s Group Defence Manager, Quentin Flowers, AM was proud to join industry leaders at the recent Defence-Industry ‘Collab X’ event in Canberra, contributing to a panel discussion with Melissa Mailler and Michael Yeomans CSC. The discussion centered around the role of Collaborative Minimum Viable Product (MVP) - Sharing Risk to Understand Requirements on major Defence construction projects. The topic has gained prominence following the recent Defence Estate Audit Report. The level of engagement in the room reinforced just how critical this shift in thinking is, and the role industry plays in shaping what comes next. At Icon, we see these conversations as an important part of how we continue to support our Defence Australia partners - not just in delivery, but in contributing to the broader evolution of the sector. #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost #Defence #Construction #Partnerships #Infrastructure #IndustryLeadership #Canberra #Icon #collabx2026

Strong projects are built on strong partnerships. 🤝 Recently, our Icon WA team hosted our annual subcontractor and supply partner event at the Perth Flying Squadron Yacht Club, bringing together more than 100 of our valued delivery partners for an evening of connection, collaboration and thanks. At Icon, we know we can’t do what we do without the expertise, commitment and leadership of our subcontractors and suppliers. You are more than trade partners. You are specialists. You are problem-solvers. You are reputation carriers. Our clients judge the strength of the whole team - not just the head contractor. The evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the critical role our partners play in helping us win work and deliver it successfully - from early engagement in bids and methodology input, to pricing confidence, program certainty and trusted delivery on site. We also reinforced what great looks like when we work together: reliable delivery, proactive problem solving, transparent communication, strong leadership on the ground and commercial fairness. And just as importantly, we shared what our partners can expect from Icon: clear scopes, fair and timely engagement, open communication, well-resourced projects and a respectful, collaborative culture that sets us apart. A huge thank you to everyone who was able to join us on the night and to all of our subcontractors and supply partners across WA. We value your partnership and look forward to continuing to build what matters most - together. #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost #BuildingWithPeople #IconGroup #WesternAustralia #Construction #Partnerships #Collaboration #SupplyChain #Subcontractors #ConstructionIndustry #Partnerships

🪵 Is timber the future of construction in Australia? We believe it’s a big part of the answer. As an early adopter in the mass timber space, Icon Group has proudly delivered some of Australia’s most pioneering and recognised timber projects, and we’re excited to see our Mass Timber Specialist & DfMA Project Manager, Anna Charalambous, join the panel at: Is the Future Timber? hosted by @mpavilion Anna is one of Australia’s leading voices in mass timber design and construction, having played a role in delivering landmark projects including: 🌿 T3 Collingwood – 36 Wellington Street A benchmark commercial mass timber building utilising CLT floors and glulam framing, showcasing exposed timber, integrated services coordination and engineered fire performance. At the time, the tallest mass timber building in Australia. 🌿 Galkangu (Bendigo GovHub) A major civic project demonstrating the benefits of mass timber in large-scale public infrastructure, including biophilic outcomes, efficient digital workflows and robust moisture and fire management strategies. Anna will join an impressive panel of industry leaders including Christopher Botterill - Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), Chris Gilbert - Candour Systems, Jeremy Church - Timberlink Australia & New Zealand, Samuel Williams - Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB) and Atreyu de Lacy - TTW to discuss what a bold, regenerative timber future for Australia could look like - and what it will take to get there. From faster construction and smarter procurement to richer, more sustainable spaces, this promises to be a fantastic conversation. 📍 @mpavilion 📅 Tuesday 5 May 🕕 6:00pm – 7:00pm #MassTimber #DfMA #SustainableConstruction #TimberConstruction #InnovationInConstruction #DesignForManufacture #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #ConstructionInnovation #FutureOfConstruction #MPavilion

The future of construction starts with opportunities like this. 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ We were proud to recently welcome young participants, interested in a career in construction, from the Construction Pathways Program to @homesvic Simmons Street Ground Lease Model 2 site for an afternoon of learning, connection and industry insight. Icon’s Site Manager, Troy, led a site tour, giving participants a first-hand look at construction in action while also sharing practical advice about working in the industry. The visit continued with a discussion featuring project team members from Icon and Homes Victoria, who spoke about their own career journeys and shared advice on how young people can position themselves for success in construction. Thanks to @nmfchuddle and @ubuntuprojectau for making this opportunity possible and supporting the next generation of construction professionals. #TheHuddle #IconGroup #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost #ConstructionPathways #FutureBuilders #CareersInConstruction #ConstructionIndustry #BuildingCareers #NextGeneration #SocialImpact #CommunityEngagement #ConstructionLife #WomenInConstruction

Behind every project we deliver are people who’ve helped shape who we are today. This is the second piece in our Building with People series - shining a light on the people who’ve shaped our business over time. Next up is Sophie Barmby who has been with Icon for 10 years - from cadet days to delivering standout projects, her journey is what this series is all about 👇 Q: When you started at Icon, what was your first role? A: I started as a cadet at 560 Flinders Street - printing signs, updating document registers, commissioning apartments and pulling together handover manuals. Q: Earliest memories - what’s the first project you were really proud of? A: 14 Queens Road was my first larger project. I had the chance to contribute beyond the usual cadet responsibilities, which made it even more rewarding seeing it come together and be successfully delivered. Q: What stands out across your time with Icon? A: Delivering 36 Wellington Street from start to finish - at the time, the tallest mass timber office building in Australia. Reaching ten years with Icon is another milestone I’m really proud of. Q: What led you into construction? A: My Dad. He’s in the industry and encouraged me to give it a go. Once I started at Icon, I loved it. Q: What excites you most about the role now? A: The team environment and the challenges. Every job is different, so you’re always learning and growing. Q: What advice would you give someone starting out? A: Give everything a go, even the areas you’re not sure about. Being well-rounded and having a good attitude makes a huge difference. #BuildingWithPeople #Icon #CreatingPossibilities #ConstructionCareers #TrustedToBuildWhatMattersMost

Indi Footscray reaches Practical Completion 🏗️ Icon is proud to mark Practical Completion at Indi Footscray, delivered in partnership with developer @investapropertygroup on behalf of owner @oxfordpropgroup 702 Build to Rent apartments, delivered in Melbourne’s inner west, made possible by a strong partnership and a shared focus on delivery. “This project reflects our ability to mobilise quickly, align teams and deliver with discipline. We’re proud to be partnering with Investa and building a strong, long-term relationship.” - Mike Read A huge thank you to our client, partners and the Icon team who made this possible. #BuildToRent #IconVIC #Partnerships #BuildingWhatMattersMost #Investa #OxfordProperties #Indi #Footscray Client & Partners: @investapropertygroup @oxfordpropgroup , Essence Project Management @aboutsjb , @ndygroup @innovis_consulting @egisgroup @adpconsultingptyltd , @slattery_qs , Urbis, @vipacengineers @onemilegrid McKenzie Group, Efficiency Matrix, Meld Strategies and @indi.living