We’re multi-disciplined

Our capabilities reach far beyond property, which means when we’re assessing a property we draw upon the skills of our expert designers, commercial real estate agents and project managers, all of whom sit under the one roof to form BRM Projects.

How will this make a difference?

BRM Projects assesses the property from a lease and negotiation perspective, but for us, it doesn’t end there. We use a holistic approach, evaluating the property from its design potential, timeline, budget, project risk, delivery and its ability to capture opportunity for you.

We cover every detail

We assess how much space you need, costs involved, timeframes, property potential and risks , how to engage your project stake-holders and when to push harder on a deal or walk away. No stone is left un-turned in a property search. Even if it’s the smallest thing keeping you awake at night, like clearing clutter, we will find a solution for you. 

How will this make a difference?

Simply put, it will make your experience smoother. Your every question will be answered quickly, no matter how relevant. 


It’s the strategy, not the transaction, that gets us excited

We go against the notorious project churn and chase that is typical for our industry. If you engage BRM Projects, you are engaging experienced property consultants to undertake analysis, to ensure your property needs are explored and then achieved. We enjoy writing executive reports, and understand how to communicate to your board and senior management.  Rather than running after the next big project, we take the time to get to know our clients in order to determine the most effective strategy for their requirements. 

How will this make a difference?

We don’t think it terms of projects. We think in terms of partnerships. Rather than pushing you towards a move you may not want, we think it’s more valuable to thoroughly delve into a property strategy. Perhaps it’s better to renew your current lease instead of moving. What’s the right approach for you to break your lease? What happens when you rapidly outgrow your space before the lease’s end?  Once these questions have been asked and answered, the foundation is formed for a long term relationship with a client whose needs can be addressed by us at every stage of the property process, not just the beginning and end. 

Every property service under the one roof

One provider for the entire length of your project. This concept is unusual in our industry, with a typical project seeing clients handballed from real estate agent to designer to builder to removalist. Our experience and skills transfer across all areas of commercial property which means you will be receiving consistency in service and knowledge throughout every stage. 

How will this make a difference?

We don’t leave you until you leave the old space and you deal with the same BRM team that will provide ongoing support well after you’ve moved. You will come to know us to the point that you will feel comfortable enough to contact us to resolve any kind of property issue, no matter how simple or complex. 

Size DOES matter

We are small enough to genuinely care, listen and have directors attend meetings. But large enough for our team to claim national experience, deliver 50+ projects per year and experience across all the Victorian courts giving expert evidence. BRM Projects employs 4 licensed commercial agents and has a team of nearly ten staff including designers and project managers. 

How will this make a difference?

We are 100% independent and will not compromise our integrity in any negotiations which makes us perfectly placed to represent you. We take ethics, real estate charter and client-first policies seriously. You will receive a personalised, boutique experience where your actual needs are addressed before “ticking off” another project. 


If you’re seeking a blue ribbon property service, look no further than BRM Projects.

Contact us today to talk about your current situation.

This week we sat down with Scott Coles of Optalert, a tech company that is changing the way we detect driver fatigue. BRM Projects has enjoyed a long standing relationship with Optalert, working with its innovators over a number of different projects over the years. Scott kindly agreed to share the challenges and benefits of his workplace from the perspective of  CEO.

We've been working with Optalert for many years now and we've enjoyed watching it grow. As CEO, can you name some defining moments in the company's journey?
Optalert pioneered technology to measure and quantify drowsiness more than a decade ago. We sell our products globally to some of the largest mining and transport companies in the world to keep their workers safe and minimise lost production due to fatigue related incidents. 2018 was a pivotal year for us when we started applying our technology to pharmaceutical trials and neurological conditions. Right now we have trials going on in multiple hospitals in Australia where we are looking at predicting and detecting epileptic seizures.

What makes Optalert a successful workplace? (What are the elements that distinguish your workplace from others in your industry)
Small companies have the edge over large companies in one particular area, they can adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Whether the influence is external, such as a market change, or internal – being able to capitalise on the change and move quickly is the mark of a successful company.

From a property point of view, what are some of the challenges Optalert has faced?
With our existing business, the majority of our customers were overseas, so the office focus was very much internal, we were able to focus almost exclusively on the staff environment. Finding the right location to attract staff, and then balancing costs to achieve the best outcome is always a challenge.

How has BRM helped you overcome these challenges? 
BRM have been supportive, creative and cost effective in equal measures. They have provided advice when we have sought new premises, and renegotiated a lease on our behalf.  Working within all the different constraints that exist when moving to a new location is always challenging, and they helped us to do that with ease and create a great workplace environment.

Looking forward, what are your goals for Optalert's workplace in the future? (i.e, company culture, location, workspace) 
Our goal will always be to provide an environment where people want to come to work. People always have a choice of where they work, and we want people to choose Optalert. A central location, close to transport and an attractive, inviting workspace environment is essential. . A level of layout flexibility has also been important to allow for changing dynamics and growth of the company as we adapt from being a hardware centric technology company to a data driven Med-Tech company.

​Learn more about Optalert's groundbreaking technology here 

To discover how BRM Projects can unearth the possibilities of your workplace contact us for a chat about your current situation!

After surveying 1000 respondents upon applying for hyperthetical jobs, the study came up with the following results:

What Kind Of Workers Participated In The Study?

The study was conducted across 4 states and five industry sectors; Tech, Government, Finance, Professional Services, Resources and Engineering. Participants were also balanced for age and gender.

The Top 3 Deciding Factors That Attract Us To A Workplace:

Interestingly, a combined 48% of workers were attracted to culture and workplace facilities, which overtakes the number of workers attracted to salary. Even more surprising is that technology seems to be the least appealing factor in hunting for a new job.

So what does this mean for workplace design? Steve Coster, head of the Commercial and Workplace division at HASSELL acknowledges that this study is only a small part of the research process, yet what it shows us is design’s unmistakable commercial value. 

"We can show that the expression of identity, through design, has a significant role to play in attracting new talent to an organisation." 

Workplace Facilities

The study found that workplace facilities were more important to participants than aesthetics , with specific facilities such as on-site car parking and food and drink outlets favoured over facilities like child care or End Of Trip Facilities.

What Does This Mean For BRM Projects’ Clients?

Quite simply, studies like this, although limited and ‘pilot’ in nature, have long term implications for the way we see workplaces in general. As the Australian workplace continues to evolve, it is imperative that organizational leaders recognize the factors that not only attract talent but retain it as well. 

Our work in change management and workplace culture, together with our office design and property advisory services will continue to develop in response to such studies as we discover new and exciting findings every day!

Is your workplace reaching its full potential?

Contact us at BRM Projects to discuss your ideas for your workplace today!

Sustainability

While the “sustainable” affect was once reserved for large scale companies wanting to promote their efforts to save the planet, smaller companies are starting to see the true value of sustainable practices in their workplace. “Biophelia” is a trend that is becoming more and more widespread as offices seek designs involving natural light and outdoor spaces. The world of commercial furniture is also evolving with designers seeking sustainably sourced furniture and office supplies. Meanwhile, back in the office, managers are beginning to enforce sustainable practices like waste reduction, recycling and compost, which in turn is boosting worker morale.

Inclusivity

While diversity was once a somewhat “forced” practice among employers, the past few years has seen it become embraced, to the point where an inclusive workplace is preferred by employees and customers alike. Inclusivity isn’t only seen through the hiring process but as designers, the team at BRM Projects has seen an increased demand for customised furniture and fitouts to accommodate different types of people.

Co-Working

Co-working is no longer reserved for trendy startups who occupy “WeWork”. In fact, some workplaces are breaking new ground by designing co-working spaces within their own offices and leasing co-working spaces outside of their headquarters. This adds to flexibility and promotes greater collaboration and productivity among workers.

Wellbeing 

The words “wellness” and “healthy workplace” have been floating around for a few years now, however 2019 will see the adoption of worker wellbeing as a priority, rather than a fad. In Australia, wellbeing at work is being taken very seriously at every level, from a property point of view, all the way down to commercial furniture and workplace culture. The evolution of wellbeing practices in the workplace will kickstart an exciting change in the workplace landscape and we are right behind it!

Generational Blend

While millenials are accustomed to doing things faster and are more reliant on technology, Generation X and baby boomers have grown up with a different perspective on the workplace.  Contrary to the problems this may have posed in the past, 2019 brings a new trend of “sharing” the workplace among different generations who can learn a great deal from one another. Collaborative spaces and projects are being set up all over the place, giving workers from different ages a chance to fulfill their potential.

The team at BRM Projects is excited to implement these innovative practices into every project we deliver for workplaces across Australia.

The Property Strategy: Stay Or Go?

BRM’s involvement is part of a long running project with YSAS, which began in 2017 when BRM provided the agency with property search and advisory services. While YSAS  was on the hunt for new offices, it faced budget restrictions common to Not For Profits, which ultimately limited its choices in finding an appropriate new space.
 
In the end, YSAS decided to remain in its existing office and BRM guided management on ways to fit in with the property and make the space work best for the agency and its workers. Our property advice included advice in relation to YSAS's rights as a commercial tenant and advice on the property itself, including acoustic recommendations for being located directly under a gym. Ultimately, the decision to stay in the existing premises was the best outcome for YSAS, given its positive relationship with the landlord and its budget.

The Design Strategy: A Game Of Tetris

Fast forward to the end of 2018 and BRM was once again engaged by YSAS to help with an increasingly tight office space. Our design team needed to re-configure the existing desk setup and entered with what we fondly refer to as the “Tetris Challenge”, where we played around with the desk setup, aiming to comfortably fit more workers in the space, while keeping teams together.
 
The new setup was also to promote a sense of privacy, with the addition of free standing screens and an office. While working with a limited space, and within a tight budget, the BRM design team aimed to create an illusion of more room to move, while it was in fact adding more people to the space. The area was further opened with a freshly cleaned out kitchen (that was previously used for storage, limiting the space even more) and the addition of a ‘lounge’ area for employees to use for time out and privacy.

Outstanding Benefits Of A Considered Approach To Office Design:
​

• A longstanding affect on the overall workplace culture
• Improved productivity
• Success in maximising a limited budget

 

Are you looking to re-invigorate your workplace?
 
Contact BRM Projects to discuss your project today!

BRM Projects recently made it on Anthill Magazine's list of the Top 100 Coolest Companies In Australia.

So what is it that makes us so cool? 

See some of the cool projects we deliver

Read about the impact we wish to achieve

Meet the coolest posse in the business

BRM Projects strives to deliver coolness in every way we can, whether it be through the projects we deliver, our interactions with suppliers and clients or our impact on the community and environment.

Join us as we embark on a new year of exciting projects and new endeavours!

Every project we deliver reflects our commitment to healthy workplaces so it's safe to say that Ergonomists are our friends here at BRM Projects! Today we sat down with Eleanor Eshel, one of our favourites in the business of OT and Ergonomics. In this interview Eleanor offers us a helpful perspective on the role of ergonomics in business and general workplace wellbeing.....

Tell us a bit about your work as an ergonomist. What kind of businesses/industries do you work with?

As an Ergonomist, I focus on fitting the task to the worker, in order to maximise productivity, whilst reducing risk factors, such as injury, discomfort and fatigue. I view Ergonomics as both an ‘art’ and a ‘science’ because I need to look at creative solutions for design improvement, to account for people’s inherent differences and diverse requirements, whilst also looking at scientific evidence to support my recommendations. 

Working at In House OT has enabled me the opportunity to work across a number of workplaces and industries, including hospitality, retail, manufacturing and machine operation; in this capacity, I am usually engaged as a reactive measure, following an incident or issue that needs to be addressed to avoid future risk. Currently however, my main client base has been predominately working within the office environment where I have the opportunity to work proactively with people, both in terms of providing advice regarding general workstation set up and posture, as well as task and office design and fit out -which is something I particularly enjoy. 

Where does ergonomics fit in to the general sphere of "Wellbeing in the workplace"?
 
Recently, there has been a growing awareness of the concept of “wellbeing at work”, with many employers providing “wellness programmes”, which offer benefits such as gym memberships, Quit programmes, bike racks, health assessments, EAP and health lunch education to name a few – however without optimal design of the worker’s task and their environment, the risk of physical and psychological injury remains high. 
 
We know for a fact that work as a concept is positive – work provides structure, meaning, and routine; it reduces poverty and social exclusion; health indicators for workers are more positive than for those of non-workers, with lower levels of smoking, lower levels of obesity, and higher engagement in activity.
 
For a worker to reap the positive benefits of work, Ergonomics is vital. Ergonomics is a preventative, design based discipline- we hold the view that design for health and productivity, reduces the incidence of injury and discomfort risk factors. Ergonomics is also known as Human Factors; it is not just about the physical posture, it also looks at psychological, cognitive and organizational issues that can impact on a worker. 
 
By consulting with an Ergonomist and embedding this philosophy into the culture of the workplace, the employer can better understand the effects that the tasks, equipment and environment has on the worker, and harness this information to support overall wellbeing, whilst also increasing performance.
 
Is there a direct relationship between a business's bottom line and good ergonomics?

Absolutely- the economics of Ergonomics is well researched. We know that implementing an effective ergonomic programme can on average, result in 1:19 cost benefit ratio, with any costs spent paid back in less than 9 months. These costs take into account the hidden costs of absenteeism and presenteeism- with 75% fewer lost work days, 68% reduction in worker’s compensation claims, 48% decrease in staff turnover and 25% increase in productivity.

At In House OT, we offer a number of services to assist with implementing effective ergonomic programmes, including individual and group education sessions, individual workstation assessments, and ‘Train the Trainer’ programmes to allow frontline staff to assist with entrenching Ergonomic philosophy into the workplace culture. 

In recent years, changing technology would have shaped new concerns for employees. How do you deal with these concerns from an ergonomics point of view?

Our access and time spent using technology has increased significantly in recent years. In the past year, Australians spent more time on the Internet than working, spending 21.9 billion hours on the Internet in one form or another – whether at home, at school, while at work or elsewhere, compared to 20.5 billion hours on the job. A significant portion of this ‘tech time’ is spent on handheld devices- such as phones, tablets and laptops. What this means, is that we are seeing an increase in reported musculoskeletal disorders, with media attention on syndromes such as “iPad neck” and “text thumb”.

Workplace trends and the way we work have also shifted- we have moved away from personal offices, to open plan environments, hot desks, Activity Based Work (ABW) and are moving to agile work design and increased use of co-working spaces. Globally, the boundary between working and home life is rapidly disappearing, with nearly 25 million people working in their home at least one day a week, without necessarily having a dedicated home office or work space. There has also been increased media attention on sustained postures, such as “sitting is the new smoking” which further confuses people as to how they should best work to maintain their health. 

From an Ergonomics perspective, we try and give people the tools to understand what the “optimal scenario” looks like, and how to achieve this in a variety of settings. In the real world, we don’t always have the ability to replicate the optimal posture when we move from office to the home, or a client site, but if there is a clear understanding of why Ergonomic principles are important, how to implement these, and when to take breaks, we can affect some behavioral change and improve worker overall comfort. 

The Ultimate In Flexibility                                                           A Wellness Hub
A space for meetings, storage, lunch, presentations                   Ok, maybe we're getting a bit carried away. We're not
and more. A well-designed breakout space makes                      talking yoga mats and waterfalls, but even the most 
better use of floor space and takes pressure off other               subtle design hacks can provide a different environment
work zones. Staff need flexibility in their workspace.                   that encourages health and wellbeing. For example, 
Who wants to sit at a desk all day? A breakout space can           natural light and bright colours can improve both mood
offer informal spaces to work from or can even provide             and productivity, as well as a welcome escape from a 
an alternative venue for meetings.                                                 mundane desk life.                        

Corporate Personality                                                                An Oasis
Millennial workers, who will make up 42% of the                       If good cafes and parks are nowhere nearby, a good 
workforce by 2020, want employers who live                             break out space, especially one that functions as a lunch
and breathe their corporate values and put employees           room can compensate for what's lacking. 
first. A breakout space can help you show your                         This type of 'Oasis' can boost creativity and decrease 
corporate personality and your commitment to                         stress which is essential for a healthy workplace.
employees – and attract top talent.
                                                              

Are you looking to create the ultimate break out space for your workplace?
​Contact BRM Projects to get started!