2016 EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS – JUDGES STEVEN PELUSO Steven Peluso is the Chief Executive Officer of State Property Insurance Services Pty. Ltd. trading as Master Menders Building Group. Steven’s expertise extends to providing expert witness testimony in building disputes, technical solutions, and guidance and industry referrals. He runs a successful company that provides building services to Body Corporate, Commercial and Industrial Facility Managers and Insurers (General and Builders Warranty classes of business) and also to the private sector. He also presents to his peers on best practice construction techniques at seminars such as Design Build Expo and in the media on Channel 9 home shows, Foxtel and several home publications. Steven has significant experience in land and property development and has worked extensively in the insurance platform/building industry providing assessment and building reports associated with defect and construction analysis. He has also worked with manufacturers of building products where he has provided his experience on the varied building defects he has encountered as part of his rectification/building maintenance arm of his business, to assist them in producing improved products to the industry without compromising on quality. Steve is a registered building practitioner for both residential and commercial construction and holds a Diploma in Building and Construction (Management). Passionate about his industry, Steven continues to actively participate in various associations (MBAV, HIA, Australian Institute of Waterproofing, HIA Kitchen & Bathroom) to bring about practical changes and create a more positive and cohesive image of a well-respected industry. To further enhance his industry associations Steven remains an active member of the Housing Committee for Master Builders Association of Victoria providing him with a well rounded platform for instigating change within the industry as a whole.
MICHAEL RIGG After completing Architecture, Michael worked with Graeme Gunn and Merchant Builders for nine years from 1970 - 79. In 1981, he established the Design & Construct Company of Urban Spaces in 1981 and registered as both Builder and Architect. The Company specialised in building restoration, custom housing and domestic alterations for 28 years. Over this period the Company won 12 Master Builders Awards for their projects. Michael became a member of the Master Builders Association of Victoria in 1983 and graduated from the Housing Committee in 1988 to Council and Board member in 1995. Michael was President of the Master Builders Association of Victoria from 2000 – 2002 and participated on the National Housing Board from 2000 – 2004. In 2004 Michael was awarded Life Membership to the Master Builders Association of Victoria.
PETER SUTTON Peter Sutton is the owner, as well as builder and designer for Sutton Constructions. Sutton Constructions is a multi awardwinning company that individually design and build unique, ultra energy efficient homes. He has been a member of Master Builders Association of Victoria for over 25 years. Within this time, Peter has sat on the Board and Council of Management. Peter has been judging the Master Builders Excellence in Housing Awards for 4 years
AUSTIN SWAIN The founder of Pivot homes, a custom design and construction company building on the surf coast for over 25 years, Austin has himself been the recipient of over 50 awards including building designer of the year and builder of the year. Austin has served as a past chairman of the western district Master Builders Association of Victoria country housing and Apprentice of the Year committees. He is also a member of the surf coast planning committee and was a member of the Geelong land committee for some time. Having recently retired, Austin is now finding time to return to the water. As a keen sailor, he and his wife, Jan, have sailed their yacht up to the Whitsundays. He also enjoys water skiing, snow skiing and golf. Austin was delighted to this year take on the challenge of judging these awards.
PETER VLEUGEL Peter Vleugel is now retired after a fabulous lifetime in the building industry. His life has been blessed having had 47 years building amazing houses. He has won awards with Master Builders Association of Victoria and trained a huge number of apprentices. He has worked with some of Melbourne's high profile architects, and in the later years created his own medium size developments. So now it’s fast cars, garden, golf, travel, and once a year judging homes for the Association. He is thankful for the privilege.
WINNING HOMES VICTORIA 2016 75