Inspector and staff profiles
All of our inspectors are well qualified combined with strong building backgrounds. With over 200 years of combined industry experience you can rely on any of our inspectors to undertake a thorough and professional inspection of your property.
John Firth BRB 7632
John has always had a passion for the construction industry and qualified as an Associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 1970 (FRICS 33371). He went on to become a Fellow in 1986.
After four years working in Nottingham, John followed the sun to Barbados where he was employed for six years before becoming involved in his own joint venture, Nord Construction Co. Ltd. John became a director and major shareholder in the company in 1973 and went on to construct multi million dollar developments such as Government House and many other commercial and residential properties.
John and his family immigrated to Perth in 1987 where he continued working for himself and developing successful businesses.
John’s work practices and meticulous discipline have led to his success in the business of building and construction inspections. He is extremely methodical and precise. His attention to detail and perfectionist traits are the reason for BCI Firth’s success. The report and inspection procedures have been continuously improved over 16 years and will continue to improve while under his directorship.
Ian Watling Civil Engineer
Ian is qualified as a Civil Engineer. He has been an integral part of the BCI Firth team for over 10 years. Prior to BCI Firth, Ian worked across a portfolio of civil engineering projects including a multi-storey car park and office block for BOAC (now British Airways) at Heathrow Airport, Sunderland by-pass road and bridge works in County Durham, cut and cover tunneling and station construction on the Piccadilly line extension to Heathrow Airport and bridge and concrete carriageway construction on a major urban motorway in East London.
When he moved to Trinidad in 1976 he was the site manager on major road and bridge construction in and around the Port of Spain and then went on to manage the 600 car multi-storey car park, major highway and bridge works between the Port of Spain and the airport.
When he moved to Australia in 1989 he worked with Comco Constructions and Pindan Constructions as a Project Manager on projects up to $7.5M.
Ian has spent most of his life in the construction industry and enjoys the satisfaction of finishing all inspections properly and professionally
Stuart Blackie BRB 9860
Stuart is a people person and a veteran in Perth property. Still taking on projects that challenge him, he has developed many single and double storey, architecturally designed houses in his 40 years’ of construction experience.
He has managed single and multi unit developments and Energy Lite steel-framed houses in the CBD and rural areas.
Stuart is heavily involved in the equestrian community and when he is not inspecting buildings he is grooming his horses and maintaining his farm property.
His passion in the industry goes back to his apprenticeship as a bricklayer and subsequently his interest in architecture has grown ever since. The highlight of his current position is the variety of properties that he inspects and interacting with people from all walks of life.
Stephen Shultz BRB 12878
Stephen is a registered builder with a Diploma of Builders’ Registration and a trade-qualified carpenter. He grew up in rural Western Australia and has over 30 years’ experience in the building industry. Like most qualified people living in the country, Stephen has had a lot of experience across a range of projects including housing, renovations, extensions, patios, sheds and steel fabrication.
Stephen has three children so has recently increased his portfolio to include two-storey cubby houses with loft conversions and Lego construction too!
Stephen has a passion for problem solving in the construction industry. He enjoys the challenge of finding the cause of any structural issues and sharing his knowledge to provide remedial solutions.
When Steve is not providing a professional and friendly service, he is either fishing or practicing his swing on the golf course. This is of course in between camping and spending time with his family.
Bob Imray BRB 8184
Bob is a registered builder who has built over 100 homes at the quality end of the market. He has won six MBA Housing Excellence awards over his career. This outstanding achievement recognises the best builders based exclusively on their building excellence and quality of workmanship.
Having recently completed two major renovations in the historic port city of Fremantle, doing most of the work himself, Bob has a keen eye for detail as well as aesthetically.
Bob has great people skills, is extremely reliable and diligent and has an extensive building background on which to rely when undertaking inspections; assuring you peace of mind.
Jo Firth, Partner
Jo has ten years’ experience in business development and marketing. She has a passion for small business and creating networks that add value for her clients.
Jo has managed four small businesses in Perth and overseas and recognises the value of open communication and working towards the same goal as a team for clients’ benefit. She enjoys meeting clients’ needs by working closely with them. Along the way she has developed her problem solving skills that allows her to focus on solutions and win-win outcomes.
Jo finds the construction industry a unique challenge and has enjoyed the experience of learning on the job.