Buchan principal Scott Inverarity is a key addition to the senior team at Buchan, with some 30 years of experience managing large-scale projects across commercial, retail, hospitality, health, aged care, sport and civic sectors. Scott shares his passion for the built form and the importance of building strong teams to achieve best project outcomes.

What interests you most about working in the built environment?

I love great buildings, but what I really enjoy is the connection of our design teams to the built outcome. I’m a builder’s son, so I’ve always been in the construction space, and very practical. I like to solve problems. My tank is full when I’ve solved a complex challenge, helped a client be understood or inspired a team be the best it can be. I feel incredibly grateful my role enables me to do that.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working with our design partners, HKS Architects and TOA Architects on the proposed Te Tōangaroa Stadium and Urban Neighbourhood Precinct in Auckland. Building on Buchan’s expertise in precinct design, my key role is to support our relationships and stakeholders bringing the masterplan to reality. Central city adaptive reuse projects are also a focus for Buchan. In Auckland there are significant opportunities to reimagine older building stock, giving them new life to reactivate urban centres through innovative adaptive reuse, in a sustainable and meaningful way.

What are the key industry challenges in New Zealand right now?

As is the case globally, there are challenges around increased construction costs and delays. The opportunity is in how we respond. It’s our responsibility to bring a construction lens to projects right from the concept stage and think about how a project is going to get built.

How can delivery be streamlined?

It is critical to methodically review and scrutinise project programs, drawing on lessons learned from past projects to effectively identify and address challenges. To enable best outcomes, it is essential to view the design process as the cornerstone of successful construction, fostering both exceptional design and strong collaboration throughout the journey.

What’s behind great project delivery?

It is always the people. It’s about creating the right team and environment. You either pull together the people you want to work with based on existing successful relationships or work hard to create an environment where people can be their best. I’m a great advocate for enabling our teams to succeed and thrive.

What do you enjoy about working at Buchan?

I enjoy connecting with people across our global studio. We are a collective of agile talent in different locations and we see ourselves as one. I love the incredible depth of experience and knowledge in the business. The projects we have done over the years are just staggering. To look back and lean into that legacy is fantastic.

Photography: Mala Patel