Colin Barkus

Q. Can you describe exactly what you do? My job title is building technologist, which translates to project manager for those outside BRANZ. In short, I project manage BRANZ Appraisals from start to finish and coordinate ongoing quality assessments and quality management. Q. What’s your background? How has it prepared you for this role? I worked as an analytical environmental chemist and divisional manager for a testing laboratory before moving to New Zealand.

Images of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London remain stark and sobering in the minds of many: flames tearing up and across the exterior façade of the residential high-rise from their source on the fourth floor, engulfing the 24-storey building at devastating and deadly speed.

It might be a dream clifftop home with fabulous sea views, a first family home in suburbia or an apartment block, office building or public facility in town – extreme natural events can put any building in virtually any part of the country at risk. Before any new project starts, those risks need to be understood – and sometimes a difficult call needs to be made.