Testimonials

CRD is broad practice spanning luxury hotels, restaurants, residential properties, commercial / medium density / high density and corporate design contexts both in Australia and the international market.

CRD enjoys a discerning client base and a reputation for outstanding classical and contemporary design. We challenge the boundaries of form and function to create beauty that works.

In recent years the CRD team have completed the re-design of the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath in Sydney’s Blue Mountains as a major international resort, the refurbishment of Darley’s Fine Dining at Lilianfels, The Belise Hotel in Brisbane, restoration of the historic “Redlands” in Katoomba, the new dining Pavilion ‘Miss Lillian’ at Lilianfels Resort and Spa, and multiple developments in Sydney & Regional Australia. CRD has an outstanding portfolio of projects in Sydney, Canberra, France, Indonesia, Hong Kong and London.

We began working with Ian Finlay and the team at LMF Contracting Pty Ltd, Commercial Construction on the refurbishment if the Iconic ‘Oriana’ Hotel in Orange, NSW in April 2018.

From the very outset Ian and his team were an impressive and highly capable operation. Their ability to review a design and have a clear and focussed understanding of not only the technical components, but also the direction and goals of the design was very impressive. We knew immediately that they were exactly the team we needed to carry out the review of internal and external spaces at the Oriana, and to create a future model that could work and grow – with a glamorous new look to drive the revitalisation to it maximum potential.

It was during this process that the true brilliance of Ian Finlay and the team at LMF Contracting Pty Ltd became so clear. A positive, proactive team of experts, dedicated to delivering a design, and all of its plans ambitions, with passion, skill and dedication. A team that arrived with answers to make things happen and not problems – a team that never lost site of the budget or played areas off against others to compromise outcomes.

100% honesty, integrity, accountability and the finest weekly reporting system I have ever had the pleasure to work with, and long distance was never an issue.

After 30 years working in the industry, it is a rare experience to see a project completed – on time, on budget and at a standard far above expectation.

Ian Finlay, Jay Schwerin and the entire team were a delight to work with and consummate professionals.

I would have no hesitation in recommending LMF Contracting Pty Ltd to anyone, and will be relaying the excellence of their work to my fellow industry associates.“

Peter Reeve, Director, CRD

“It is my pleasure and privilege to introduce builder, Mr Ian Finlay to you. Ian has completed to most recent building project at Stuartholme School, The Aquatic Precinct. This precinct included the demolition of the existing pool and the development of a FINA Waterpolo standard pool with change rooms, barbeque/entertainment area together with a stand which seats approximately 300 people. The precinct also addressed future areas in our Masterplan which has afforded us a covered walkway from the main teaching area to the proposed Boarding Facility and an Outdoor Performance space adjacent to the Performing Arts Theatre, Entertainment Terrace overlooking the city and an Amphitheatre adjacent to the pool for theory classes. Additionally, landscaped areas have provided an aesthetic quality to the precinct with the practical provision of extra recreational seating for our students.

Ian’s oversight and management of these building works has been of the highest order. His attention to every detail is reflected in this outstanding precinct. Ian worked closely with the Architects, the Stuartholme School Board’s Project Control Group and their Project Manager. As well, Ian’s liaison with the School Leadership Team ensured an uninterrupted schedule for the Staff and Students. His prompt notice of specialist contractors on site allowed the Deputy Principal, Staff Services and Operations to effectively plan for these times.

A significant attribute of Ian’s is his ability to engender confidence in all the stakeholders of a building project. His work with the Board, Parents, Alumnae, Staff and Students ensured that all were kept up to date with the project schedule and all were able to ask questions and seek classification.

Ian took the time to get to know the Stuartholme Story and the ethos that informs and guides our work. He was able to explore his understandings of these in relation to the project so that a sympathetic and sensitive response was given to all issues.

Ian is a builder who is a craftsman! A great communicator with highly developed interpersonal skills, Ian’s organisational skills and appreciation of the logistical management of a project of this scale in a fully operational context was superb. Most significantly, Ian’s attention to the building budget and the constraints within which the school had to operate was greatly appreciated.

I recommend Mr Ian Finlay to you. “

Principal, Stuartholme School