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In Our Estimation

Rob Tannous from Favetti Bricklaying

In our first profile in the series, John White of the BCA talks to Rob Tannous from Favetti Bricklaying.

Published on September 2, 2026

BCA: Hi Rob, here in the bricklaying industry you are well known, and your achievements are revered and admired greatly. The Chau Chak Building, Loftus Lane and Crows Nest Metro station just to name three.

BCA: How did you find your way into estimating brick buildings?

Rob T: After I completed my Uni degree in construction, I had a meeting with Westfield D&C back in 1995 to work at Mt Druitt Westfields. I missed out on that opportunity but the Director who interviewed me at Westfield was impressed enough in that meeting to recommend me to Peter, Ray and Sam Favetti who he knew was looking for an Estimator for their business. The meeting with Ray Favetti lasted 10 mins and I started 1 week later.

BCA: How long have you been at it for?

Rob T: This will be my 31st year with Favetti so I am some what institutionalised.

BCA: What do you always do with a set of plans?

Rob T: Once I receive a tender package, I always look through every plan issued to ensure there are no hidden details of masonry which can catch us out in pricing.

BCA: What do you never do?

Rob T: Rush a tender for the sake of putting a price in, I like to take a detailed approach to estimating to ensure the details are not missed, even if it means delaying submission or missing out.

BCA: What would you tell someone wanting to do what you do?

Rob T: Be as thorough in your approach as possible, the word ‘estimating’ may require some guess work at times but the more effort in providing a detailed costing submission, means you limit the risk of losing substantial income down the track and just as importantly, builds trust with clients.

BCA: What building / job are you most proud of?

Rob T: I’ve enjoyed working on many projects over these 30+ years, but the 2 projects which stand out for me would be Darling Square NE Plot with Lend
Lease for the relationship and trust that the client placed in Favetti to execute a complex project, and the other would be Arc By Crown with Hutchinson Builders
for the complexity of the project and Favetti’s input into the execution of that construction. Honourable mentions must be made for Chau Chak with Lend
Lease, Rail Operations Centre with AWE and The Phoenix Gallery with FDC. Actually, I could name another 50 truth be told, we’ve worked on some great projects over the years.

BCA: What is your idea of a perfect day off?

Rob T: Outside of being on holidays overseas, my perfect day off would be breakfast with the family, game of soccer with my son and friends, swim and relax by the pool afterwards, Italian restaurant for dinner with family and end with a movie.

BCA: Thanks for your time John, you are one of the best in our industry and it has been a pleasure dealing with you for many years now.