Our History
We are proud of how far we’ve come and deeply excited about where we are going.
The Business
Founded in 2007, Latrobe Valley Drafting swiftly emerged as one of the fastest-growing Building Design Companies in Gippsland. With a dedicated and experienced team of designers, the primary focus revolves around simplifying the building and design process for clients, irrespective of whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial.
Services offered encompass conceptual designs, construction drawings, energy rating reports, planning applications (including Bushfire Management Overlay reports and BAL Assessments), and even the outsourcing of soil reports, site surveys, and structural engineering.
Latrobe Valley Drafting brings together over 80 years of collective team experience and qualifications, which range from Bachelors in Architecture and Diplomas in building design to Engineering technology and Diploma of Management.
Our Journey
Sue Abbott embarked on a career as a civil design draughtsman at Latrobe Valley Water and Sewage Board in the 1980s, which is now known as Gippsland Water. During those years, the focus was on working with pencils, ink pens, and a drawing board. About a decade later, a transition to computer technology began with the learning of AutoCAD and branching into architectural design. Even as technology evolved, a continued affinity for manual designs on the drawing board remained. Work experience included stints with various companies, and in 2003, registration with the VBA was achieved.
Eventually, Sue and spouse Chris decided to take the entrepreneurial path together. As a team, the focus shifted towards handling design and project management. In 2003, approval from the Victorian Building Association allowed for the establishment of a business in their backyard shed, creating an external office space. The business started modestly but grew steadily over the initial years. When the home office became crowded with five staff members, a move into the town centre in 2017 took place, providing a larger office space. This move facilitated the accommodation of the expanding LV team, leading to the current staff levels.
Our Approach
Latrobe Valley Drafting is a Building Design business with a holistic approach to design services. We cater to residential projects (including new homes and extensions), commercial endeavours, and industrial ventures. Our aim is to provide a building experience that is as straightforward as possible.
From Conceptual Design to Construction Drawings, from Planning Applications to Energy Ratings, we ensure that our clients have everything they need to kickstart their projects.
Our Team
Experience. Leadership. Passion. Commitment. Learn more about our people below.
Sue Abbott
Director
Registered Building practitioner
Certificate of Technology – Civil Design Drafting
Diploma of Engineering Technology
Diploma of Management
Member BDAV & BDAA
Certified thermal performance assessor – First rate 5 (Certificate IV in Nathers Assessment)
40 yrs experience in drafting design and project management
GCLP Alumni 2015
Professional Strengths: Passion for architecture, business management & community support. Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between the team, clients, consultants, and building sector stakeholders to ensure cohesive project coordination and successful outcomes.
Chris Abbott
Project Manager
25 yrs experience in the building industry
12 yrs as building supervisor (Project Management)
OH&S Certification
Professional Strengths: Undertaking site consultations with a commitment to the clients needs. Project management and final inspections of completed projects. Approachable and eager to talk through design options with clients.
Kiara Hiriart
Qualified Building Designer
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration
Professional Strengths: Experienced in commercial, industrial, and specialised projects with specific needs for disability modifications or bushfire design. Has a creative eye for detail and performs administrative tasks for the team.
Renae Gambuti
Qualified Building Designer
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment
Professional Strengths: Expertise in passive home design, energy ratings and sustainability. Experienced in the design & documentation of unit developments and second dwellings.
Ella Koopmans
Qualified Architectural Designer
Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
Professional Strengths: Develops intricate new home and high end designs with a sophisticated creative approach and meticulous attention to the smaller details. Manages administrative and team tasks efficiently.
Kien Nguyen
Qualified Building Designer
Advance Diploma of Engineering Technology
Advanced Diploma of Building Design
Professional Strengths: Possesses experience in generating precise and comprehensive construction drawings for new residential buildings and unit developments, ensuring accuracy and adherence to industry standards.
Out of hours.
The LV Drafting Team are a family. We don’t just work hard, we play hard. Our core team has been working together for many years and we have a positive work ethic and a positive work life balance.
Part of Our Community
We have a strong commitment to supporting the local community by sponsoring various clubs and groups. Some of the past and current projects we support include:
The Moe Racing Club
Monash Soccer Club
Moe Apex Yearly Bonfire
LCTBA Business Awards
Moe Football Netball Club
Women in Business
Yallourn Yallourn North Football Netball Club
The Tyres Art Festival
Show Me Some Art Festival