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.
Shane brings in excess of 20 years of experience and leads the Major Projects Division within Group DLA. This is a unique division in that it offers a true and authentic consultancy role to valued clients.
Shane is registered as a Building Surveyor and Building Inspector with the NSW Fair Trading and the Victorian Building Authority, at the highest levels. His major project experience has been gained from working on a wide variety of projects including residential developments, aged/health care facilities, and major project developments in commercial, sporting and retail sectors. His practical experience and knowledge is supplemented with Post Graduate studies in Fire Safety Engineering at the Victoria University of Technology.
Shane’s consultancy expertise includes, but is not limited to the following Building Code of Australia (BCA) and regulatory practices:
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.
Nick has a decade of experience in the Construction industry including Construction Project Management in the private sector, Building Surveying in Local Government at two different Sydney Councils and most recently Building Certification in the Private sector.
Nick is accredited with NSW Department of Fair Trading as a Building Surveyor Unrestricted and possesses sound knowledge of the BCA, Planning & Environment Regulations & legislation and project coordination. Nick has completed a Bachelor of Building Surveying and Certification with Honours and is currently working towards expanding Group DLA’s certification business.
Nick takes pride in his work and places a high value on effective communication to develop strong working relationships with all project stakeholders to achieve positive, desirable outcomes for all involved.
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.
Gemma brings 14 years of experience in the construction industry including 8 years as a Building Surveyor and Fire Safety Assessor as well as 6 years as a Project Manager managing construction works throughout the entirety of a projects lifecycle.
Gemma is an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety) through Fire Protection Association Australia. She has a sound knowledge of the Building Code of Australia, Australian Standards pertaining to fire safety.
Gemma is accredited with NSW Department of Fair Trading as a Building Surveyor – Unrestricted and possesses sound knowledge of the BCA, Planning & Environment Regulations & legislation and project coordination.
Previously Gemma was responsible for design development BCA assessments, the assessment of construction certificates, complying development certificates and occupation certificates on developments in non-residential construction fields.
Gemma’s skills and experience ensure that clients are provided with sound advice and direction in the areas of development, building consent matters, as well as fire and life safety issues relating to building design.
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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