Interviewer: Kyrillos, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with your current role. Can you tell us about what you do as Director of Building Certifiers Pty Ltd?
Kyrillos Ghaly: Thanks for having me. As the Director of Building Certifiers Pty Ltd, I manage a team of Building Inspectors, Engineers, Certification Experts, and support staff. Our main goal is to ensure that building projects in Sydney and Greater Western Sydney are approved efficiently and without delays. It involves a lot of coordination with various stakeholders, including councils, to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Interviewer: It sounds like you oversee quite a broad team. How did your career path lead you to this point?
Kyrillos Ghaly: Well, I actually started my studies in a completely different field. I earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Western Sydney back in 2013. But I found myself drawn to the property and construction industry. That led me to pursue further qualifications, including a Diploma and Certificate IV in Building & Construction from the Australian Qualification College.
Interviewer: That’s quite a career shift! What inspired you to make the transition from physiotherapy to building certification?
Kyrillos Ghaly: It was really about following my interests. I became fascinated with how the property sector works—especially the compliance and regulatory aspects, which are crucial to getting projects off the ground. Once I got a taste for it, I knew it was the direction I wanted to pursue.
Interviewer: You didn’t stop there though. I see you’ve also completed more studies in the field.
Kyrillos Ghaly: Yes, in 2019, I completed a Diploma of Building Surveying and a Graduate Certificate of Building Surveying at Western Sydney University. Continuous learning is really important to me, and these qualifications helped deepen my understanding of the regulatory framework. It also prepared me to take on more responsibility.
Interviewer: And you worked as a Building Regulations Consultant before becoming a Director. How did that experience prepare you for your current role?
Kyrillos Ghaly: That role at City Plan was really valuable. It gave me a strong foundation in building regulations, working with clients to ensure their projects met all the necessary compliance requirements. It was a natural progression to move into a leadership role, where I could manage a team and oversee projects on a larger scale.
Interviewer: Speaking of leadership, you’re known for your attention to detail. How does that play into how you manage your team and projects?
Kyrillos Ghaly: I’m definitely hands-on. While I lead the team, I also like to get involved in the finer details of each project, including site inspections. It’s important to me that we maintain high standards and meet all accreditation requirements. By doing that, we ensure smooth project approvals and build trust with our clients.
Interviewer: With so many regulations and standards, how do you stay current with industry changes?
Kyrillos Ghaly: I’m a member of the Australian Institute of Building Certifiers and the Association of Australian Certifiers. These organizations keep me informed about the latest building codes and regulatory updates. It also gives me an opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry and share knowledge.
Interviewer: You’ve clearly made a name for yourself in the industry, but I understand you’re also passionate about mentoring. Can you tell us more about that?
Kyrillos Ghaly: Mentoring is something I really enjoy. I believe it’s important to give back, especially in an industry as complex as this one. I work with junior professionals, helping them develop their skills and navigate the challenges of building certification. It’s rewarding to see them grow and succeed.
Interviewer: That’s fantastic. It’s clear you’ve built a career on both expertise and giving back. What’s next for you and Building Certifiers Pty Ltd?
Kyrillos Ghaly: We’re always looking to grow and improve. For me personally, it’s about continuing to lead by example, staying committed to high-quality standards, and helping more projects come to life efficiently. For the company, we’re focused on expanding our reach in Sydney and Greater Western Sydney, while maintaining the strong relationships we’ve built with councils and clients.
Interviewer: Kyrillos, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us today. It’s been a pleasure.
Kyrillos Ghaly: Thank you—it’s been great to chat!
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