Towards the end of 2006, a business associate of mine who I had known very well since 1994, rang me out of the blue and said that she had a nephew who did the most wonderful work and that I should meet with him to look at what he had been doing in Switzerland.

The next week I met with Hansruedi Jager (Jegi) at his office in Hunter Street Newcastle. I very quickly envied the control that the Swiss have over their building projects - from design and documentation through to delivering the completed project. This was a period where it was nearly impossible to find good builders in Newcastle (all of my old reliable builders were fully booked for the next 3 years!).

Immediately I could see the potential of Jegi's expertise and the benefits his skills would bring to the design and building industry in Australia. Jegi's firm control of every stage of the building process is taken for granted in Switzerland .... 'it is just the way it is done'. But in Australia, it is a skill that has been eroded away by developers and project managers and with the current Pl situation, many are now not able to do the work that Jegi offers.

Jegi's honesty, straightforwardness (telling it how it is), attention to detail, practical and realistic goals and ways to achieve a client's budget are all qualities that would tremendously benefit our ailing and 'out of control' building industry in Australia.

Carol Seymour

Jegi Jaeger of CPS Project Management was the Project Manager for our building project in Valentine. This project involved additions and alterations to our existing home, and the addition of a completely new structure on a steeply sloping block at the back. Access was difficult throughout, as all equipment and materials had to be brought through a carport with a low ceiling and up the rear slope. The total cost was in excess of $300,000. Jegi was recommended by our architect, Carol Seymour, who has worked with him over a number of years. She provided final architect's drawings, and Jegi then transformed these into engineering diagrams, specifications and draft contracts. He then arranged for quotes from builders for the project.

Unfortunately, when the quotes were in it was clear that the total cost would significantly exceed the money that we, as a retired couple, had available. Jegi then revised the plans to eliminate some costly but inessential features, and suggested that I consider being an owner builder. After some consideration, I agreed to undertake this as Jegi undertook to contact reliable subcontractors with whom he had worked on previous projects, draw up revised contracts with each of them, make regular site visits, and follow up any problems encountered. All this he did.

The project went remarkably smoothly and efficiently, took less than four months, and came in within our financial means. Much of this was due to Jegi's expertise, knowledge of building and the building industry, and contacts within it. I would not have been comfortable being an owner builder without him by my side.

A feature of Jegi's work, and of the subcontractors he chose, is the quality of construction. Foundations and engineering specifications are substantially stronger than usual; tolerances exceed Australian standards; and materials are chosen for long life expectancy and low maintenance.

Throughout, Jegi was efficient; cheerful, helpful and always on time. He and I formed a solid working relationship based on complete trust and respect. I would unhesitatingly recommend him as project manager, whether or not the client intended to be an owner builder.

Peter Clayton

The detailed tender documents produced by CPS create certainty. Everyone knows what has to be done. There is transparency and accountability. You know what you are getting and how much it will cost. It also enables you to exercise choices with design elements, materials and trades. You can get what you want. So there is great flexibility as well as certainty. The tender process also ensures that quality materials are sourced at competitive prices as are trades. The workmanship on my projects has been exceptional. The clarity of the documents minimises the risk of misunderstandings or possible conflict. Both my projects proceeded very smoothly.

CPS was very attentive in modifying my designs in response to my changing needs. They were always there to listen to and discuss my evolving ideas and seek the best possible solution. This open and honest communication was an outstanding feature. During construction I was always informed on the progress of the project down to the fine detail of daily activity on site. This level of communication with tradespeople along with active and vigilant site supervision ensured quality workmanship. Liaison with suppliers also ensured that I accessed the most suitable product.

CPS Project Management turned my plans into reality - that meet my needs, reduces my carbon footprint, used quality material and trades, carefully scheduled and supervised construction and on budget, dealing with everyone involved in a most professional manner.

Adele Nowak

We engaged CPS Projects to assist in an office renovation at Nelson Bay. Our office is closed down for between one and two weeks each year over Christmas, with emergencies handled by mobile telephone and remote computer connections. Christmas 2007 was scheduled to have the carpet replaced . We were unable to get things organised in between assisting our own clients get ready for the busy holiday season in Port Stephens.

This year I wanted to make sure the long overdue carpet replacement was attended to and as I started the necessary research , our clients needs accelerated and it appeared we would not be able to make the deadline. We engaged Jegi Jager of CPS projects on 5th December with a scheduled closedown date of 19th December and reopen date of 5 January 2009.

Jegi did the appropriate research , found the right products at the right price and took the minimum of my time (only two 30 minute meetings) to ensure he was on track.

The organisation was excellent right down to assisting staff pack up operating areas so that they would be restored most time efficiently and with th~ minimum of staff disruption to get working again. The scheduling of trades from movers, through carpet layers electricians, carpenters and office furniture delivery was excellent with minimum waits or delays for any trade.

The budget was set originally without inclusion of a head contractor The job was not only finished ahead of budget, meaning Jegi paid for himself, and ready for the 5th January reopening , it was completed on 23rd December ahead of the Christmas close down and without the need to try to trades in between Christmas and New Year. And removing risk associated with late completion and not being able to re-open on schedule.

The result was also outstanding in appearance, with the staff feeling well accommodated and comfortable with an increased yield of one workspace (12.5%) from the same floor plan.

I have no hesitation in recommending him.

David Morris
Director
8th Generation Pty Limited

Dear Hansruedi

I am writing to thank you for your most valuable teaching work this semester. Your work as a tutor in the design studio, and your lecturing, has made an enormous difference to our students' technical knowledge, especially with regards to insulation and waterproofing of concrete structures.

I do hope you will stay in touch and that we may call on you in the future as well.

Yours sincerely

Steven Fleming