Gordon Building Design Innovative & Sustainable Building Design Since 1974

At Gordon Building Design, we specialize in the design and approval processes for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Our team of experienced designers, engineers, and planners is dedicated to creating innovative, functional designs that meet the unique needs and desires of our clients. With a strong focus on sustainable design and the latest technology, we strive to deliver exceptional results for every project.

What We Offer:

  • Custom design solutions for new homes, business expansions, and renovations.

  • Expert collaboration with project owners, developers, civil and structural engineers, geo-technical consultants, building contractors, consulting surveyors, solicitors, valuers, and other specialists.

  • Comprehensive services from initial concept to completion.

Our Legacy: Established and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (Department of Fair Trading) in Bega since February 24, 1974, we have spent the past 50 years delivering a wide range of building design, drawing, and documentation services for numerous projects in this district and beyond.

Our Commitment: We hold a current Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy, ensuring confidence and trust in our services. Our proven ability to work closely with various stakeholders guarantees a smooth and efficient project experience.

Connect with Us: Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact Gordon Building Design today to discuss your next project. Whether you’re embarking on a new build, expanding your business, or renovating a space, we’re here to make it happen.

We leverage the latest CAD software and hardware to ensure precision and efficiency in our projects. Our advanced technology suite includes:

  • Canon TM-300 Colour A0 Printer: Equipped with high-resolution large-format colour scanning capabilities, perfect for detailed and vibrant prints.

  • HP Color LaserJet Enterprise Flow M880: With print speeds up to 46 pages per minute color, automatic duplex printing, and a 3,500-sheet high-capacity input tray.

This cutting-edge equipment enables us to deliver top-quality designs and documentation for all our clients’ needs.

Software in use:

Revit: A powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software tailored for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, designers, and contractors. It streamlines the entire design process, from concept to construction.

Enscape: Real-time rendering and virtual reality tool that integrates directly with your modeling software, enabling you to create, design, and build with instant visual feedback and immersive experiences.

AutoCAD: An essential CAD software tool widely used in the construction industry for precise technical drawings and detailed designs.

Civil 3D: A comprehensive solution for civil engineering design and documentation, supporting both CAD and BIM workflows to enhance project efficiency and collaboration.

Infraworks: A civil infrastructure conceptual design software that allows AEC professionals to model, analyze, and visualize design concepts within the context of real-world environments, bridging the gap between planning and reality.

AutoCAD Vehicle Tracking: A specialized tool for analyzing and simulating the movements of vehicles, ensuring efficient and effective design of transportation projects.

Microsoft Project: A robust project management software designed to help you plan, track, and manage projects effectively, from start to finish.

Microsoft Office 365: A suite of productivity tools that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more, enabling seamless collaboration and communication across teams.

About Gordon Building Design

Our business began during the time when Ordinance 70 regulated building in NSW and metric conversion was being implemented in Australia. Significant changes occurred with the introduction of Ordinance 71 and later the Building Code of Australia.

Current Drafting and Building Design Services

We are proud members of the Building Designers Association of NSW. Our outgoing principal, Mr. Ken Gordon, served as the foundation President and Branch Delegate of the South Coast Branch of the Building Designers Association of NSW for several years. Ken was also a member of the Australian Building Codes Board – Building Codes Committee, representing the Building Designers Association of Australia.

Stephen, our CAD operator and chief CAD designer, is also a member of the Building Designers Association of NSW, South Coast Branch.

Our office consists of three staff members, with additional architectural draft-persons skilled in Revit software working on a casual basis. Together, we bring over 88 years of experience to the field.

For the past 35 years, we have continually upgraded our office systems to incorporate the latest in computerization. We have transitioned from manual drafting methods to fully implemented CAD systems.

Our Services

At Gordon Building Design, we offer a comprehensive range of documentation and design services for various building and infrastructure projects, including:

Development & Construction Certificates We handle applications for development and construction certificates, including contract administration for selected projects. Our expertise spans domestic, commercial, and industrial constructions, as well as licensed entertainment areas and Liquor Administration Board applications. We also provide project documentation, management, and feasibility estimates.

Fire Service Assessment We conduct fire service assessments for existing buildings, additions, and new developments, ensuring compliance with regulations from Councils, NSW Fire Brigades, and the Department of Health (for medical buildings). We collaborate with seasoned consultants specializing in fire protection, fire safety, and hydraulics.

Land Development/Capability Assessment Our services include site works, zoning potential evaluation, rezoning applications, and submissions to Councils. We prepare detailed reports for public exhibition proposals and attend planning discussions and meetings of Development Forum Committees and Development Control Units.

Survey Drafting We provide professional survey drafting services for real property subdivision, strata title schemes, and community title assessments. Our team works closely with registered surveyors, solicitors, valuers, and agents to develop preliminary schemes.

Infrastructure Design We prepare design plans for roads, street construction, water reticulation, sewer systems, and drainage solutions, complete with specifications, quantity schedules, and cost estimates.

Tourist, Recreation & Sporting Facilities Our expertise includes drafting plans and submissions to Councils for development and construction certificates, and designing effluent treatment and disposal systems for Department of Health and Environment Protection Authority licenses.

Farm Property Plans We create detailed plans covering topographic features, fencing, paddock areas, water supplies, catchments, farm buildings, water storage dams, and landform designs.

Facilities Management Plans We update and create metric plans for existing residential, industrial, commercial, and public buildings, using on-site measurements, digitizing capabilities, and 3D model generation. Our evaluations ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia, providing useful tools for building owners in managing, maintaining, and upgrading their properties.

Our associates extend across various locations, enabling us to carry out building design and other drafting work for submissions to Councils and Government Authorities in multiple areas.

Areas of Work and Collaborations

New South Wales:

  • Councils: Bega Valley, Bombala, Cooma, Snowy River, Eurobodalla, Young, Shoalhaven City, Newcastle City, Wollongong City, Lake Macquarie City, Campbelltown City.

  • Utilities and Services: Great Southern Energy, Telstra (formerly Elcom Telecom), Optus/GHD.

  • Government Departments and Agencies: CaLM, Housing, Public Works, Roads and Traffic Authority, Planning and Environment Department, EPA, Health Department, NSW Fire Brigades Fire Safety Division.

  • Other: Department of Agriculture, Dairy Industry Corporation, Maritime Services, National Parks and Wildlife, State Forests, Race-course Development Committee.

Victoria:

  • Councils: Orbost Shire, Rutherglen Shire, Bendigo City.

Queensland:

  • Councils: Noosa Shire, Redland Bay Shire.

Northern Territory:

  • Council: Alice Springs City.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

  • Agency: The National Capital Development Commission.

Australian Government:

  • DEET

  • DSS

  • The Patent Offices: Australia

International:

  • United States of America

  • Malaysia

  • Peru: Lima

  • Vanuatu: Port Vila

  • East Timor: Timor Leste

 

Examples of Previous Design Experience.

Following is a brief Summary of work selected from some of the many Building projects planned and overseen by this office:

Bega Valley Day Surgical Centre

A premier privately-owned day surgery facility featuring two operating theatres, a Central Sterile Department (CSD), preparation rooms, a recovery room, a nurse station, and offices.

Through the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, doctors, nursing unit manager, and the Department of Health, this facility sets the benchmark for day surgery outside metropolitan areas.

We have prepared and received approval for the addition of a four-bed private hospital for recovery and high dependency patients. Future plans include the development of a comprehensive private hospital facility at this site.

Bega District Hospital Theatre Upgrading

We undertook a comprehensive renovation of the theatre suite, which included two theatres, a set-up area, dirty utility room, staff room, store room, and Central Sterile Department (CSD). Our services encompassed measurements, preparation of metric plans, design, documentation, work scheduling through contract, and the completion and reopening of the theatre suite.

This project also involved the construction of a major plant room for the air-conditioning system, which was designed and installed by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Bega District Hospital Projects

Laundry Extension & New Boiler Room We managed the removal of existing coal-fired boilers, the reconstruction of the area as a laundry extension, and the addition of a new section housing gas-fired boiler equipment. Our team handled the design, documentation, and contract administration through to completion, while the plant installation was performed by other specialists.

High Dependency Unit & New Mortuary We carried out preliminary and final planning in collaboration with hospital management, doctors, and nursing staff. The project is now in its final stages, ready for submission to the authorities.

Fire Services We completed a major drafting project that resulted in a comprehensive set of metric CAD drawings for the three-story Bega Hospital. These drawings are now available for building management, future alterations, and upgrades. The work included digitizing old plans, site inspections, and recording all existing essential services within the main building and other site buildings. A complete schedule of upgrading works was also prepared, in association with a fire safety and essential services expert.

Kalaru Race-course Complex Home of the Sapphire Coast Turf Club

The Kalaru Race-course Complex replaced the Bega and Pambula race-courses, serving as a modern hub for regional horse racing. Our office collaborated with civil engineers to prepare and document a comprehensive feasibility study for this significant project.

The feasibility study, approved by the Race-Course Development Committee, led to funding for the $5 million construction project. Our contributions included draft designs for the patrons’ complex of buildings, members’ area, function rooms, kitchens, toilet facilities, and public viewing areas. Additionally, the planning incorporated an on-site dwelling and stabling complex for up to 19 trainers.

Bega Cheese Ltd., North Bega Plants

We prepared a Development Application and building plans for a significant upgrade at the Cheese Factory. This project included:

  • A large cheese cool store of approximately 1900m² and 19000m³ capacity.

  • A whey drying plant with a building of 400m² and 30m in height.

  • Augmentation of sewer services, including a pump station and on-site packaged treatment plant.

  • A traditional character kiosk/tourist facility of 715m².

Additionally, plans were prepared for:

  • A new boiler house.

  • A 100-tonne fuel bunker.

  • Services bridge.

  • Extensive concrete road paving and drainage, including factory redevelopment with a budget of approximately $20 million.

We have been involved in the planning, design, and documentation of the cheese store and cheese handling facility, including project management. Our CAD operation has simplified this work for the Bega Co-Operative personnel and others involved in the design process. We managed time scheduling, contract administration, and project overview.

The whey plant itself was designed by specialists and engineered in New Zealand. By electronically transferring the plans through our office for updating and reproduction, we saved the time delay associated with hard copy plans.

We also documented the company’s Ridge Street cutting and packing plant through the development application to the construction certificate stage. Currently, we are planning major upgrades to this facility.

Merimbula R.S.L. Club

The Board of Directors selected our office to prepare plans and documentation for a Development Application to relocate the Club to new premises on Main Street, Merimbula. This application was approved, and the Club has successfully relocated.

Our scope of work included:

  • Preparation of CAD drawings for the existing building.

  • Preliminary design of the Club facility layout within the available spaces.

  • Conducting a traffic study, including Court attendance.

  • Estimating the cost of the project.

Bunge Meat Industries – Corowa Piggery and Abattoir

Now one of the largest piggeries in the Southern Hemisphere, the Corowa Piggery and Abattoir project has been meticulously surveyed and laid out by our office.

Project Overview:

  • Commencement and Duration: The works began in 1974, shortly after the establishment of our drawing office, and continued over 20 years with the development of five major stages and a large-scale abattoir.

  • Scope of Work: Our responsibilities encompassed site works covering 150 hectares, including access roads, stormwater drainage, a three-span concrete bridge overpass, three major water supply dams, gravity water reticulation, effluent drainage, treatment, storage, and disposal via 250 hectares of flood, spray, and channel walker irrigation.

Key Contributions:

  • Infrastructure and Buildings: We designed and documented a substantial brick office building, workshops, and five major staff amenities blocks at Bega. Our work also included the design of six large executive residences in Corowa, as well as investigative work on several subdivisions and irrigation projects.

  • Comprehensive Planning: The project involved a collaborative team effort, combining the expertise of principals, company specialists, other consultants, and our drawing office team to ensure the successful development of this complex and large-scale operation.

The Corowa Piggery and Abattoir project highlights our ability to manage and execute extensive and multifaceted developments with precision and efficiency.

Bega Day Care Centre (Bega Valley Council)

The Council engaged our services to prepare plans that conform to the local committee’s requirements, ready for building applications and tender purposes.

Bega Valley Shire Council

Our office planned tourist information centres at Eden and Bermagui. The Eden project includes an office upgrade and a new library. Documentation has been completed to the tender stage.

Bega District Nursing Home

We prepared plans and documentation for an 8-bed extension, which was constructed and commissioned under our supervision.

The Oaks Country Village – Bega

We developed plans for a 41-dwelling retirement complex in Bega, including site works, drainage, sewer, and water reticulation extensions. This project has reached the site works stage, tenders have been let, and the first six dwellings are under construction. All planning and construction supervision have been undertaken by our office.

 

Albacore Apartments, Princes Highway, Merimbula

A five-level building featuring 21 serviced apartments with underground parking is nearing completion. Our involvement included final plan preparation, documentation, and CAD drafting. The building is equipped with full essential services, mechanical ventilation, drainage, and amenities such as a passenger lift.

Bega Centre

We completed the design and documentation for development applications, building applications, and tender purposes for the extension of the Bega Centre. Our office was also responsible for time scheduling, contract oversight, and completion of the works.

Bega Valley Christian College (Now Bega Anglican College)

Developed at South Bega, we were retained by the Board of Management to prepare development and building applications for stages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the college. This included a two-story building with five classrooms, a science laboratory, and a toilet block. We also planned and supervised the construction of multi-use sporting fields and road works.

Our forward planning included:

  • Stage 7: Technical learning facility.

  • Stage 8: Additional classrooms.

  • Stage 9: Auditorium and sports center.

All works, totaling approximately $3.5 million, were supervised by our office.

 

Wagga Wagga Technology High School

Our CAD specialists produced Hydraulics Services Plans for Associate Hydraulics Consultants. The building, spanning four levels and multiple blocks, includes Food Technology, Science, and Art Rooms. Our services included plan layouts of hydraulics services and isometric drawings. We facilitated the electronic transfer of architectural drawings to ensure the efficient completion of hydraulics services drawings.

Red Cross Medical Centre, Hindmarsh Drive, Garran A.C.T.

We produced Hydraulics Services Plans for Ronald Cox and Associates, Hydraulics Consultants. The Medical Centre offers a full range of facilities, including Radiology, Consultation, X-ray, Pathology, a 24-hour clinic, and Endoscopy services.

Haven Place Retirement Village – Tathra

We managed the building design and supervision of construction for stage 3, comprising four additional dwellings for the aged at the Tathra Lions Club-sponsored retirement village. Our involvement included plan preparation, documentation, drafting, and preparation of estimates for development and construction certificate applications. The project was funded by the Department of Housing, completed on time and within budget. We are currently planning the next stage of development at the village.

Bega Valley Shire Council Bermagui Community Centre (Completed in Oct. 2007)

This 700m² addition to the Bermagui Town Hall was designed and supervised by our office. We conducted stakeholder consultations and a lengthy design process. Funding came from Commonwealth, State, and Council resources. Following the expression of interest, tenders were invited. The project, with a budget of approximately $1.8 million, was completed on schedule by local builders.

Steve & Maureen; Directors GBD