We are always on the lookout for driven and dynamic people to join our team. Please reach out if you are interetsed in a career with us!
With more than four decades of experience in the building surveying and development industry, Brett Clabburn is a seasoned expert in construction compliance, regulatory approvals, and Building Code of Australia (BCA) interpretation. As an Unrestricted Building Surveyor accredited under the NSW Department of Fair Trading, Brett is authorised to issue Construction Certificate approvals, including for projects incorporating fire engineered performance solutions—a testament to his advanced technical capability and trusted standing in the industry.
He has played a pivotal role in the assessment, approval, and audit of developments across Australia, delivering insightful and compliant outcomes for both private and government clients. His contributions include conducting numerous BCA audits on commercial, industrial, and residential assets nationwide, leveraging his deep knowledge of planning regulations and code compliance to provide actionable, high-quality advice.
Brett is recognised for his:
Known for his calm, collaborative approach and meticulous attention to legislative detail, Brett continues to support clients through all phases of development—ensuring compliance without compromising functionality or design intent.
With over 25 years of specialist experience in building surveying and development certification, Charles Slack-Smith is a senior member of the Group DLA team and a respected figure in Australia’s regulatory and certification landscape. His depth of knowledge in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and National Construction Code (NCC) is backed by both extensive project experience and formal qualifications, including a Master of Building Surveying and an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
As a Board Member and Treasurer of the Association of Australian Certifiers (AAC), Charles is not only connected to the latest policy developments and legislative updates—he is also an active contributor to industry education, frequently delivering seminars, webinars, and technical briefings on key compliance topics. His involvement ensures that his clients and colleagues benefit from current, informed, and strategic guidance on matters of certification and building regulation.
At Group DLA, Charles is responsible for:
Charles’s detailed command of legislative frameworks is complemented by his ability to deliver clear, practical, and future-focused compliance advice. His insight is especially valuable in guiding project teams through increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Charles is recognised for his methodical approach, strategic thinking, and leadership within the certification community, and continues to be a trusted advisor on major projects across NSW and beyond.
With over 20 years of Building Surveying experience across both government and private industry in Australia and the United Kingdom, Justin Jones-Gardiner brings a well-rounded, global perspective to the complexities of construction compliance and certification. His career spans a diverse range of project types—from domestic housing to large-scale commercial, industrial, and residential developments—making him a versatile and reliable consultant for a wide range of stakeholders.
Justin’s expertise lies in navigating the regulatory landscape with confidence and precision. His deep familiarity with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 2000, and Local Government Acts and Regulations enables him to guide clients seamlessly through approval processes, from concept through to occupation.
At Group DLA, Justin is responsible for:
Justin has developed a reputation for clear communication, efficient coordination, and solution-oriented problem solving. His professional approach is underpinned by a strong foundation in statutory compliance, balanced with a practical understanding of design intent and construction methodology.
His international experience adds value in multi-disciplinary teams and complex regulatory settings, allowing him to provide pragmatic, actionable advice that aligns with both local requirements and broader project objectives.
Design Development Consultation, Authority Liaison, BCA Upgrade Strategies and issue of Construction Certificates, Complying Development Certificates and Occupation Certificates.
Nick is an Unrestricted Building Surveyor accredited by the NSW Department of Fair Trading, with over nine years of progressive experience across the construction and compliance sectors. His career spans private sector project management, local government building surveying, and private building certification, equipping him with a holistic understanding of development and regulatory processes.
Nick’s multidisciplinary background allows him to bridge the gap between construction delivery and statutory compliance – offering practical, informed guidance to developers, consultants, and approval authorities alike. His core strengths lie in BCA interpretation, planning legislation, and project coordination, underpinned by a Bachelor of Building Surveying and Certification (Honours).
At Group DLA, Nick is playing a key role in expanding the firm’s certification services, bringing energy, insight, and a proactive mindset to both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic growth.
His areas of expertise include:
Nick is highly regarded for his professionalism, clear communication, and solutions-focused approach. He builds strong relationships with all stakeholders to ensure that projects not only meet regulatory requirements but are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption.
A highly regarded Technical Director – Fire Safety Certification at Group DLA, Gemma brings over 20 years of specialised experience spanning fire safety compliance, building surveying, and construction project management. As an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety) (APFS) and Unrestricted Building Surveyor, she is recognised for her ability to deliver practical, robust, and performance-driven fire safety solutions across some of the state’s most complex building portfolios. Throughout her career, Gemma has built extensive expertise within government, institutional, and non-residential sectors, with a strong focus on education and Crown developments.
Gemma leads Group DLA’s dedicated Fire Safety Certification team, overseeing the delivery of:
Gemma’s leadership is defined by her unique combination of hands-on construction knowledge, deep regulatory understanding, and a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset. Her background as a construction Project Manager gives her a practical appreciation of the entire project lifecycle—from early design and compliance planning to on-site delivery and post-occupancy maintenance.
Key strengths include:
A trusted advisor to universities, government bodies, and private asset managers alike, Gemma works closely with stakeholders to ensure that fire safety obligations are met without compromising practicality or project timelines. Her commitment to best practice and clear communication continues to strengthen Group DLA’s reputation as a leader in technical fire safety certification.
Technical Director – Major Projects at Group DLA, Shane leads a specialist division dedicated to delivering true, client-focused consultancy services across Australia’s most complex and high-profile developments. With two decades of building surveying experience, Shane is trusted by clients for his strategic compliance advice, practical insight, and collaborative leadership style.
Shane holds the highest level of registration as a Building Surveyor and Building Inspector with both NSW Fair Trading and the Victorian Building Authority, giving him a cross-jurisdictional depth that supports major developments from planning through to delivery.
Shane’s technical capability is underpinned by postgraduate studies in Fire Safety Engineering at Victoria University of Technology, further enhancing his ability to deliver performance-based solutions that balance compliance, safety, and design ambition.
At Group DLA, Shane’s Major Projects Division is distinguished by its authentic consultancy ethos—providing clients with tailored, solutions-driven guidance rather than transactional certification alone. His leadership ensures projects benefit from:
Respected for his practical mindset and strong communication, Shane brings value not only as a compliance expert but as a trusted project partner who supports clients to unlock opportunities while maintaining absolute confidence in building safety and statutory requirements.
With over two decades of experience in accessibility and inclusive design, Elisa Moechtar leads Group DLA Access as Technical Director – DDA Access. An ACAA Accredited Access Consultant, Elisa has been shaping accessible environments since 2004 across a diverse range of project sectors—from landmark developments and cultural institutions to heritage restorations and public infrastructure.
Elisa combines a deep understanding of accessibility legislation with an appreciation for the human experience of space. Her practical, insight-driven advice supports project teams across planning, design, and construction, ensuring access outcomes that go beyond compliance to promote genuine inclusion, dignity, and usability for people of all abilities.
Drawing on her background in interior design and hands-on work with people with disability, Elisa brings a unique design sensitivity and empathy to every project. She views access not merely as a requirement, but as an opportunity to enhance equity, usability, and innovation in the built environment. Her collaborative approach empowers teams to integrate access from day one—aligning creative vision with inclusive outcomes.
Elisa has provided access consultancy services across all project stages—from feasibility and design development through to construction and occupation—for a wide spectrum of developments, including:
She has also acted as a specialist advisor to government bodies, contributing to the development of access policies and inclusive design strategies at a systemic level.
Elisa’s work continues to shape accessible environments that empower users, meet rigorous standards, and elevate the role of universal design as a creative and social imperative.
Paul brings in excess of 23 years experience in the Private, State & Federal Government sectors as a Senior Building Surveyor. Paul has extensive experience and knowledge in all matters pertaining to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and related building legislation, such as the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act and Regulations.
Paul’s skills and experience ensure that clients are provided with sound advice and direction in the areas of development and building consent matters together with fire and life safety issues relating to building design. His focus has been to undertake the role of Accredited Certifier and Principal Certifier for the assessment and issuing of Certificates and BCA Consultancy Services, including fire safety audits and upgrades of existing buildings.
Paul is able to provide design development BCA assessments, BCA liaison with relevant government departments, fire safety engineering assessment, as well as BCA audits, the issue of building certification, for development in all fields of non-residential construction.
He is also Accredited with Australian Capital Territory Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA) as a Principal Building Surveyor that allows him to issue Building Approvals for all types of building work in the ACT.
We are always on the lookout for driven and dynamic people to join our team. Please reach out if you are interetsed in a career with us!
We are always on the lookout for driven and dynamic people to join our team. Please reach out if you are interetsed in a career with us!
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