We’re proud to share that 116 Rokeby has won the Commercial Architecture Award at the 2025 Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects Awards.

The AIA Awards remain the highest recognition for architecture in Australia, and to be acknowledged within that field means the world to us.

Congratulations to Carr, whose design brought restraint, clarity, and conviction to the project. From the start, there was alignment — on purpose, on materiality, on what it means to build something that lasts. We’ve worked with Carr before, but this one felt different. This one was ours.

In one of the early concept design meetings, our Founder Joe Grasso brought in a photo he’d taken years earlier of the Harvard Carpenter Center, designed by Le Corbusier.

“I wasn’t pointing to a precedent,” he reflects. “I was trying to describe an emotion, a feeling — the articulate use of concrete, the way the circulation cut straight through the form, the quiet simplicity and clarity of it all inspired me. It had stayed with me, and I wondered if we could create something that carried that same conviction. Something that would be around forever.”

Carr understood that instinct. What followed was a collaboration grounded in shared values — a built form that reflects our commitment to design and construction, and perfectly captures who Figurehead is.

As builder, developer, and now occupant, the recognition holds weight.
116 wasn’t a brief we answered — it was a vision we backed, shaped, and now live inside.

We make decisions here. We meet here.
We share the space — with tenants, collaborators, visitors.
And we feel what the building gives back, every day. It’s not just our HQ. It’s part of how we show up.

The jury cited amenity, sustainability, and urban presence.
For us, those weren’t slogans — they were priorities from the beginning.

116 doesn’t just photograph well. It performs.
It’s warm in winter, cool in summer. It breathes and it moves.
The circulation works. The light lands just right.
The spaces invite use, not performance.

We share this recognition with Carr, our other valued consultants, and everyone who helped bring 116 to life — because every decision was shared.

The award recognises more than just design.
It shows what happens when builders lead with vision, and back it with care.

“It means a lot,” Joe adds, “not just because it’s beautifully resolved, but because we lived every decision.”

But what matters most isn’t how it’s awarded — it’s how it’s lived.
We work here. We rely on it. And every day, it proves itself.

Navya’s path into construction wasn’t linear. She studied architecture, interned in practice, and found herself caught on the threshold — fascinated by the next phase of the project, but not yet part of it.

“What frustrated me most was watching a project pass from my hands as it moved into construction — the part that had always fascinated me.”

Now completing a Master of Construction Management at the University of Melbourne and on track for first-class honours, Navya is part of Figurehead’s Cadet Program — where her academic insight is met with real-time complexity, and theory is measured against material.

“Architecture let me imagine what was possible,” she says. “Construction makes me ask if it will work.”

That distinction sits at the core of how she thinks. For Navya, construction isn’t a departure from creativity — it’s where creativity is tested, constrained, and made legible.

“It’s creativity under pressure,” she explains. “Material, cost, and time are the tools you use to solve problems.”

Working under Design Manager Jules Crivelli, Navya is gaining exposure to the choreography behind project delivery — feasibility studies, procurement logic, cost planning, and material selection. These aren’t abstract lessons. They’re lived — across timelines, disciplines, and real decisions.

“Jules has been a constant knowledge resource,” she says. “She’s helped me see that design isn’t just about how something looks — it’s about whether it can be built, and whether it makes sense to build. That kind of logic gives me confidence.”

Navya’s trajectory reflects the ambition behind our Cadet Program: to shape capability from the inside. Not as an internship, or a branding exercise, but as a way of integrating future leaders into the systems, decisions, and relationships that shape the built environment.

Her story also speaks to a broader truth we’re invested in: that construction is not an endpoint, but an active, thinking discipline. It draws from design, yes — but also from economics, psychology, scheduling, labour, and restraint. To work in construction is to work with constraint. And constraint, handled well, becomes clarity.

“I’m learning to think critically, take ownership, and see my growth in real time,” Navya says. “That’s what makes this opportunity invaluable.”

At Figurehead, we’re not just delivering projects. We’re building the people who will shape them. That means creating space — for learning, for dialogue, and for future leadership to emerge with purpose.

Over the weekend, Team Figurehead joined thousands of runners in the Ballarat Marathon — lacing up for the second annual event in the heart of regional Victoria.

We ran.
Some of us faster than others.
All of us questioning our life choices by kilometre four.

From the Half Marathon to the 10km, our crew turned up in full force — some of them even resembling athletes.
- Caleb McGrath, Sam Mackie, Dylan Mercer, and Harley Pockett took on the Half Marathon.
- Joe Clarke, James Hetherington, Will Tol, Melyssa Dunlop, and Ramya Alamuri tackled the 10km.

With over 9,000 participants — 80% visiting from out of town — the event generated more than $3.25 million for the local economy. A huge result for Ballarat City Council and a growing celebration of the city’s energy, identity, and community pride.

Of course, no race weekend is complete without a few highlights:

  • Joseph Clarke ran like he had a handover to make.

  • Emily Tighe gave it 300 metres and made a tactical call — saving 9.7km for next year.

  • Dylan Mercer placed first among our group in the halfie. He’s been sore ever since. He’s also made sure we all know it.

  • James Hetherington just welcomed a newborn — though right now it’s his calf splints keeping him up at night.

  • Will Tol wore shoes so bright we’re vetting him for a sparky role.

We couldn’t be prouder of this crew — they showed up, pushed through, and were back on site and in the office Monday morning.

It’s the same mindset that drives our work: show up, back each other, and go the distance.

   

Everyone in Melbourne knows the factory off the Westgate. For years, it’s been the same question:

“What’s going on with that?”

After sitting dormant for decades — part-forgotten, part-standing — Bradmill is finally coming back to life. And it’s not a reinvention. It’s a continuation.

Stage 1 is now well underway, delivering 44 new townhomes across six distinct typologies. Two- and three-level residences, shaped by the original site structure — its setbacks, levels, and geometry. From the brick tones to the nickel detailing, each material choice responds to what was already here.

The heritage structures remain — integrated, not erased. This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a recalibration, one that respects what Bradmill was while building what it needs to be now.

Across the precinct, new streets, shared spaces, and homes are being threaded through the industrial grid that once powered Melbourne’s textile trade. This is just the beginning. Spanning 26 hectares, Bradmill is one of inner Melbourne’s largest infill sites and will eventually deliver up to 1,500 homes, along with public space, retail, and community infrastructure.

Figurehead is delivering Stages 1 and 2 in collaboration with:

  • Frasers Property Australia

  • Irongate Group

  • Rothelowman (Architecture)

  • Tract Consultants (Planning)

  • MDG Landscape Architects (Landscape)

  • Craig Tan Architects (Amenities)

Where We’re At — Stage 1 Typologies:

  • Type A: Stone installation underway. Fit-off started. Angled brickwork and recessed entries taking shape.

  • Type C: Tiling and joinery nearly complete. Framed balconies in place. Façade works ongoing.

  • Type D: Tiling and joinery wrapping up. Key material junctions resolved.

  • Type E: Plastering underway. Roof cappings nearly finalised.

  • Type F: Timber frame complete. Structure defined. Cladding next.

  • J4: Cladding finished. Scaffold coming down. Internal finishes in progress.

External works — including paths, steps, and landings — are progressing across the site, helping stitch the precinct together. It’s a layered, constrained environment — the kind that rewards good construction. Timing, tolerances, sequencing — every move matters here.

Bradmill isn’t being reinvented.
It’s being reawakened — with the same grit and materiality that defined its past, and a future built to last.

We’re proud to lead its return.

 

After months behind scaffold, Lyons Place is finally out of hiding. With the internal scaffold now removed, the full street and courtyard elevations have come into view — revealing the textured, layered form shaped by Chamberlain Architects.

Delivered for Hygge Property, Lyons Place rises seven storeys in the heart of Ballarat Central, making it the city’s tallest residential build. Now visible in full, the development brings together 51 apartments, 7 penthouses, and 2 townhomes — all anchored around a central courtyard designed by Phillip Withers.

The site reads as one connected system, with residences linked across levels and shared space. It’s a carefully choreographed build that balances urban density with liveability and identity.

External works are tracking well, while internals continue to progress with lining, joinery, and finishes now underway. On the corner, the heritage church is taking shape — its original façade retained and propped, with new structure rising behind. Once complete, it will house the retail tenancy shell, creating space for services that support the local community.

At the heart of the site, the courtyard is structurally in — ready to soften the geometry, ground the development, and invite connection between residents.

Sustainability here is built into the bones — not just the spec sheet.

Lyons Place reflects what intentional, place-led growth looks like for Ballarat. With scaffold down, our focus now turns to delivering the homes, shaping the shared spaces, and bringing the full potential of this community to life.

We're proud to be leading its delivery — and proud of what it represents for the future of regional living.

     

We’re thrilled to celebrate a win that’s come full circle — from international competition to the Figurehead office at 116 Rokeby.

Earlier this year, our New Business Coordinator, Matilda Field, quietly became a national champion, taking out the AusCycling eSports Championship while racing abroad with Movistar Team, one of the world’s top-tier cycling outfits. Competing remotely while riding in Spain, Tilly’s win wasn’t subjective — it was calculated, metric-based, and absolute. A gold medal followed, bubble-wrapped and addressed to our office. (Yes — someone in Estimating may have given it a bite.)

At Figurehead, pressure isn’t unusual — not in New Business, and not on site. Timing matters. Constraint is constant. The people who thrive are the ones who know how to read both.

Tilly doesn’t just keep up. She keeps things moving. Working across tenders, submissions, and capability documents as part of our New Business team (led by Dylan Mercer), she helps line up the next job before boots are even on site. It’s structured work — about sequencing, momentum, and knowing when to push.

The same qualities that define elite competition are baked into how we build — whether it’s a tender delivered on the dot, a submission that lands just right, or a clean, timely handover. Every win has its own rhythm — and this one just happened to arrive with green and gold trim.

Next stop: World Championship qualifiers in Abu Dhabi.
Until then, Tilly’s chasing wins the usual way — through scope changes, word count caps, and a calendar of deadlines.

We’re backing her all the way.

Figurehead has been appointed by Golden Age Group to deliver the first stage of Wembley Hill — a new townhome precinct in Box Hill South designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by Mim Design and landscape by TCL.

Stage 1 includes 59 designed townhomes, forming the first release in a broader 143-townhome masterplan set along the banks of Gardiners Creek. Located within one of Melbourne’s key Metropolitan Activity Centres, Wembley Hill sits at the intersection of density, ecology, and long-term residential growth — positioning this early delivery phase as foundational to the success of the broader precinct.

“We are excited to partner again with Figurehead Construction for the construction of Wembley Hill, a development that embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality living spaces,” said Damien Hehir, Development Director at Golden Age Group. “This project is set to redefine modern living in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, supplying families and home buyers an opportunity to invest in a vibrant, connected community.”

With a focus on sequential slab pours and framing across distinct rows, Figurehead is carefully controlling subcontractor engagement to reduce site congestion and maintain precision throughout the build. Premium materials, including custom-produced Champagne Kinetic cladding, natural reconstituted granite joinery, and bespoke recessed curtain pelmets set the standard for the remainder of the precinct.

Construction of Stage 1 will commence in July 2025, with completion scheduled for Q3 2026.

This marks our second collaboration with Golden Age Group, following the successful delivery of Floret in Glen Waverley — a project that laid the groundwork for a trusted working relationship grounded in quality, consistency, and delivery.

We’re pleased to share that Figurehead is now part of the Built Environment Channel — a curated national network of leading construction, architecture, and property professionals, sharing ideas and projects that shape how we live, work, and build.

BEC delivers industry-led content across more than 5,000 screens in architecture studios, construction offices, site sheds, client boardrooms and developer spaces — connecting ideas from site to screen in real time.

For Figurehead, this is more than just visibility. It’s about participating in a broader conversation: one that values depth, collaboration, and the intelligence of good building. It’s a chance to contribute meaningfully to the way our industry sees itself — through the quality of our work, the rigour of our delivery, and the way we think about construction as part of a larger system.

As a Melbourne-based builder, we’re proud to be recognised for the way we work — and to stand alongside those raising the standard across the built environment.

For Jules, it started on the Tools

When Julian Sanfillipo first stepped onto a Figurehead site, he was a contracted carpenter, working on flux projects like Hawthorn House, Kew RSL, and Canning Street (Private Residence). His focus was clear—deliver high-quality work, problem-solving on-site, and ensure each detail was built to last.

But Figurehead saw something more—an ability to lead, coordinate, and think beyond the tools.

Julian wasn’t just building; he was managing. He was already making on-the-ground decisions, working closely with trades, and driving site productivity. Six years ago, Figurehead offered him a full-time role as a Site Supervisor, recognising his ability to balance technical expertise with leadership and communication.

"I was running sites, making decisions, and before I knew it, I was stepping into site management," Julian recalls. "It all just evolved pretty naturally."

From Carpenter to Site Manager: Growth at Figurehead

Julian’s builder’s mindset has always shaped his approach.

"If I’m on-site, there’s a tape measure clipped to my waist—it’s a habit I’ve never shaken."

Attention to detail, a deep understanding of materials, and a practical way of thinking set him apart early on. But transitioning from working with the tools to managing full-scale builds required a broader perspective.

"I always looked at things through a builder’s lens. Now, I’ve had to widen that perspective—seeing not just the structure, but the sequencing, the teams, and the process of bringing everything together."

Now, Julian is a key player in the delivery of Lyons Place in Ballarat, working alongside Project Manager Caleb McGrath to bring the city’s soon-to-be tallest residential building to life.

Delivering a Landmark Project in Ballarat

As Site Manager, Julian is responsible for the on-site execution of Lyons Place, a landmark development that will redefine Ballarat’s skyline.

The project has presented unique challenges, requiring careful planning, adaptability, and strong coordination between teams, trades, and consultants.

"Without a tower crane, we’ve had to rethink everything—mobile cranes, multiple setup locations, constant recalibration. You’ve got to be adaptable and think ahead."

Just as he did from the beginning, Julian approaches every challenge with a grounded, solutions-focused mindset—one that Figurehead recognised early on. His ability to work closely with consultants, contractors, and clients has made him a key part of the project’s success.

A strong working relationship with Hygge, the developer behind Lyons Place, has ensured a collaborative approach, clear communication, and shared focus on quality.

"The people here are proud, and word spreads fast. I’d like this project to feel like it’s always been here, a natural part of the streetscape."

Investing in People, Building Stronger Teams

Julian’s story is a testament to Figurehead’s belief in recognising and fostering internal talent.

At Figurehead, site managers aren’t just hired—they’re developed. The company’s approach to investing in people, providing opportunities, and trusting emerging leaders has created a team where people like Julian can step up, take ownership, and evolve alongside the projects they deliver.

As Figurehead continues to grow its presence in Ballarat and beyond, Julian is a key part of that expansion—ensuring that every project is built with precision, efficiency, and a long-term vision.

While the tools may still be close by, his role today is about something bigger—bringing teams together, driving projects forward, and shaping the future of Figurehead’s construction leadership.

Every Figurehead project begins with a moment of intent — a tradition we call Sign and Sip. It marks the formal start of a build, but more than that, it’s a moment to pause, recognise the work ahead, and celebrate the relationships that make it all possible.

Some of these moments feel more like a homecoming. And our recent rooftop gathering at 116 Rokeby for Central Park II was exactly that.

Familiar Faces, Shared Standards

Central Park II will deliver 27 premium residences to Malvern East, designed with restraint, refinement, and a deep understanding of place. It’s a project that reflects the values we hold close: quality in every detail, clarity in communication, and respect for the process.

The project brings together a team we know well — and trust deeply.
Developer Roulston and development partner Moda have long shared our commitment to creating considered, enduring homes.
Ewert Leaf, as lead architects, bring a thoughtful design approach that aligns with our own standards for buildability and precision.
And Jack Merlo, once again, shapes the landscape with his signature balance of structure and softness.

Behind the scenes, this project is also supported by a skilled and experienced team including O’Neill Group, Red Fire Engineers, Salta Properties, PAX Project Management, Buxton Group, and Floreancig Smith Building Surveyors. Each plays a critical role in bringing this vision to life.

The Value of a Good Start

The event wasn’t about fanfare. It was about alignment — setting the tone for the build ahead. It reminded us why relationships matter: when the right people come together, the process becomes not just more efficient, but more rewarding.

There were a few questionable construction stories (as always), a lot of laughter, and shared optimism for what’s to come. The kind of night that confirms: the job ahead is in the right hands.

We look forward to delivering Central Park II — and to doing it with a team that knows what quality really takes.  

We’re proud to celebrate the success of the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) in South Yarra — a project that continues to receive national and international recognition for its contribution to contemporary education environments.

Delivered in collaboration with Brand Architects and Fieldwork Architects, CHES was completed in 2022 for the Victorian School Building Authority. The facility spans five levels and was designed to support high-achieving Victorian secondary students, providing access to advanced, university-level learning across a range of disciplines.

Located on Chapel Street, the project balances architectural sophistication with educational intent — from the light-filled atrium and considered materiality to the bespoke studio spaces and high-performance lighting solutions.

Since its completion, CHES has been recognised with multiple major industry awards:

2024

  • Winner, New Campus with Educational Facilities – Learning Environments Australasia Design Awards

2023

  • Winner, New Educational Campus – LEA VIC/TAS Chapter Awards

  • Winner, Best School Project Above $10 Million – Victorian School Design Awards

  • Winner, Learning Space of the Year – FRAME Awards

  • Winner, Educational Architecture – Victorian Architecture Awards

  • Winner, Best of State Commercial Design (VIC) – Australian Interior Design Awards

  • Shortlisted, Educational Architecture – National Architecture Awards

  • Shortlisted, The Learning Space – INDE. Awards

  • Shortlisted, Education & Research – Sustainability Awards

The success of CHES reflects the strength of collaboration across design, engineering, and delivery — with a shared commitment to quality, clarity, and purpose.

We’re proud to have delivered this milestone education project — one that sets a new benchmark for academic environments in Victoria and beyond.

We’re proud to announce our appointment by Pask to deliver the Edition Townhomes within Rowville’s Bankside Precinct — a project that brings together intent, precision, and enduring quality.

To mark the occasion, we hosted Sign & Sip on the rooftop of our 116 Rokeby office — stepping away from the traditional boardroom to bring project partners together in a more open, reflective setting.

Alongside Pask, we welcomed Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), HGW Projects, Measure Engineering, and WRAP Consulting Engineering for an afternoon of shared insights, alignment, and a few well-earned toasts.

Edition represents the kind of collaboration we value most — where architecture, urban planning, engineering, and construction are considered as one. With Figurehead leading the build, we’re focused on delivering a townhome precinct shaped by smart sequencing, clear methodology, and high-quality execution.

The groundwork is now laid — and the work begins.

Learn more about Edition Townhomes →

 

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We’re proud to share that our DECJUBA Head Office project was recognised at the 2024 Master Builders Association of Victoria Awards, taking home the award for Best Sustainable Project Under $30M.

Originally conceived as a brutalist concrete structure, the project underwent a significant transformation through close collaboration with our consultant team. The final result is a 5 Star Green Star-rated hybrid structure that integrates green concrete with locally sourced cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT), demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation in commercial construction.

Project Team

  • Architect: Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB)

  • CLT Supply: XLAM

  • GLT Supply: Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH)

  • Client-side Project Management: SEMZ

We were also proud to be named finalists in the Commercial $20M–$30M category for two additional projects:

  • Everlane by MONNO

  • Osprey — our own boutique low-rise apartment development

Congratulations to everyone involved. These acknowledgements reflect the care, creativity, and technical excellence that define our approach across all sectors.

Contact
info@figurehead.com.au
Part of the Figurehead Group