Specifications

Charles Nelson joined Denton Corker Marshall as a spec writer in 1984, developing the specifications for DCM’s projects at the time, including 222 Exhibition Street and the Australian Embassy in Beijing.

Charles established Building Technology Pty Ltd in Melbourne in 1986, to open an independent specification writing consultancy. At that time, there were no active “spec” consultants working independently in the city. Over the next years, he and his team were responsible for the specifications for over $3 billion in built work in Melbourne, including Melbourne Central (pictured at right), Southbank, and the National Gallery of Victoria rebuilding.

Quality systems consulting

The recession of the early 1990’s decimated the need for “external” spec writers, and Building Technology’s work shifted sideways to helping architects develop quality management systems, including writing checklists and software programs to implement them. Over the course of the next decade, Charles and his team assisted more than 200 firms to gain ISO 9001 certification across Australia.

history