Media Release

Media Release
13 November 2014
INNOVATIVE DRAFTSMAN WINS RIC NEW MEDAL
ABN 83 590 927 922
Construction House
35-37 Havelock Street
PO Box 167
West Perth WA 6872
t: 08 9476 9800
f: 08 9476 9801
mba@mbawa.com
www.mbawa.com
A young Drafting Services Manager with WA Mechanical Services (WAMS) is this year’s Ric New Medal winner.
Joseph Lowthorpe (35) beat a strong field of 6 other finalists for the prestigious medal which was presented on 7
November at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Named after the founder of Midland Brick and a person whose success was achieved largely through entrepreneurial
flair and innovativeness, the Ric New Medal for Excellence is focused on the same characteristics.
The medal recognizes innovation, creativity and achievement of a young person (aged 35 years and under) in the
context of their current and potential contribution to the building and construction industry in Western Australia.
Emphasis is given to the person's practical applied achievements, focusing on their creativity and innovativeness,
rather than academic achievements.
Joseph first worked as a furniture designer and then studied mechanical engineering at the Australian Mechanical
Technical College in Subiaco. He has since undertaken a variety of courses in air conditioning, refrigeration and
ventilation.
Joe commenced his employment with WAMS in 2004, a few months after the business started. His ability to quickly
grasp concepts and be innovative in drafting resulted in his promotion to Drafting Manager. He now supervises a
hand-picked team of 6 draftspersons and 1 trainee on tendered or design and construct projects valued from $100,000
to $18 million.
Joseph has expertise in both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional hard copy and electronic design formats.
According to Master Builders Director Michael McLean, Joseph Lowthorpe is a very worthy recipient of the Ric New
Medal.
“Over the years, Joseph has taken on more and more responsibility on behalf of his employer in liaising with builders,
contractors, architects and consulting engineers with respect to his designs.”
“He is currently overseeing 80 projects as well as ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and Building Codes,”
Mr. McLean said.
“Above all, Joseph has an excellent work ethic, a “can do” approach to design solutions and first class values which
have made him a highly valued member of the WAMS team,” Mr. McLean concluded.
Joseph said he was incredibly humbled and proud to have won this award amongst such a talented group of
nominees.
He said he always tried to be positive and to give something back to his employer for empowering him to take on more
responsibilities in the day to day operations of the design drafting team at WAMS.
Joseph was the unanimous choice of the judging panel which comprised Marylyn New, 2010 Ric New Medalist, Ryan
Cole (Managing Director of Savvy Construction) and Master Builders Executive Director Michael McLean. Apart from
the Ric New Medal, Joseph receives a return trip to London, $2,000 for expenses and a nomination for the 2016 WA
Business News 40under40 Awards.
Media Release
The other finalists for the 2014 Ric New Medal for Excellence were:

Cliff Kearns (34) – Cachet Homes

Mark Barbaro (33) – Sanpro Construction

Justin Campbell (33) – Webb and Brown-Neaves

Luke Leeder (34) – Greg Leeder Homes

Troy Gorton (32) – Now Living and Now Living Realty

Timothy March (31) – Beyond Bricklaying
The previous winners of the Ric New Medal for Excellence were:

2013 – Scott Fagan, Dragonfly Home Improvement

2012 – David McDonnell, Dale Alcock Homes

2011 – Jay Whitman, John Holland

2010 – Ryan Cole, Savvy Construction

2009 – Serena Giudice, Kevin Giudice and Co

2008 – Brook Leber, Residential Attitudes

2007 – Adam Harry, John Holland

2006 – Chris Lillis, Cachet Homes

2005 – Robert Spadaccini, Spadaccini Homes
For more information please contact:
Michael McLean, Director - w: 9476 9800, m: 0412 376 660
Joseph Lowthorpe, Ric New Medal Winner - m: 0433 407 593
Daniel Hunt (WA Mechanical Services – nominator) – m: 0437 485 242
ABN 83 590 927 922
Construction House
35-37 Havelock Street
PO Box 167
West Perth WA 6872
t: 08 9476 9800
f: 08 9476 9801
mba@mbawa.com
www.mbawa.com