As Built Learning Exchange

Profile: James Bertram

Current at: 22 February 2010 (A)

Providing building industry technical support led me to the realisation that sharing experiences with others is a much better way to learn what we need to know.
 
Social learning theorist Etienne Wenger calls this creating a "community of practice: people learning how to work smarter by exchanging their experiences with others”.
 
I believed that people working in the Western Australian building industry would participate in a community-of-practice if it led to the development of useful technical support and resources.  This is why I created the As-Built Learning Exchange.
 
 
James Bertram has worked in the residential construction industry since graduating from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Architecture. He has a wide practical experience with all facets of residential design and construction.
 
In 2008 he established the As-Built Learning Exchange.
 
1986
Graduated Bachelor of Architecture (Hons), Curtin University WA.
 
1986-93
Director of Westrend Homes Pty Ltd, a residential design and construction building company.  Achievements included winning: numerous HIA and MBA industry design and building awards, the inaugural 1991 HIA (WA) Marketing Award, and being the first WA builder to win a national award, the 1992 National HIA Gold Marketing Award.
 
1993
Westrend Homes ceased trading.
 
1993-95
Design Manager, Ross North Homes.
 
1995-02
Established and conducted BertramConsulting, a mentoring and systems development practice targeted at small-business.
 
2003
Developed and delivered the Master Builders’ Association (MBA) technical training program to introduce the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Class 1&10a Energy Efficiency provisions.
 
2003-07
Established and conducted BCA On-Site Pty Ltd, and as part of a service alliance with MBA, provided compliance and workmanship support and delivered technical training for members and industry.
 
2004
Wrote and published the Energy Notebook, an open-access resource explaining the use and application of BCA-DTS Energy for assessment and construction.
 
2006
Engaged by Department of Housing and Works (now Building Commission) to research the local practice impact of the 5-Star Housing provisions.
 
2008
Established the As-Built Learning Exchange Pty Ltd (ABLE).  Common Practice Supporter Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Building Industry Development (now Building Commission) and Builders’ Registration Board.
 
2009
The first ABLE Common Practice Solutions published.  Building Industry Development (now Building Commission) issued Building Notes No. 75 & 76 recognising the Common Practice Solutions.
 
Engaged by Building Commission to research the local practice impact of the draft BCA 2010 6-Star Housing provisions.