Case Studies
Issue No. 13 - October/November 2003
Savant
ACER to Asia
South Australian—owned Savant was founded in 1986 by two of the current Executive Directors of the company, Campbell Mackie and Richard Smith, at a time when the business of project management was very much in its infancy.
Savant was one of the first independent project management firms established in South Australia, working independently of other professions such as architects, engineers, property consultants or building contractors.
Savant’s USP has been a total focus on the interests of its clients and their projects, lending credibility to impartial advice regarding the selection of consultants and constructors, and in recommending the most appropriate procurement method for a particular project.
Savant was formed to manage the Adelaide Station Environs Redevelopment (ASER) project– the $400 million construction of the Adelaide Convention Centre and the Adelaide Casino above the existing railway station. The project was a Pak Poy—Kumagai Gumi joint venture.
Savant sufficiently impressed Kumagai Gumi that the firm was asked to oversee the completion of Kumagai’s prominent Melbourne Central Shopping Centre.
Savant enjoyed an early run of success within South Australia before formulating a strategy to develop a national and international presence.
History repeated itself and since 1986 Savant has provided its worth in turning projects valued between $2 billion and $3 billion into reality.
Recently won tenders include:
- The $100 million—plus immigration detention centre on Christmas Island, in a joint venture with CMR.
- The $75 million Stage 3 of the Army Presence in the North (APIN) project near Darwin, in collaboration with Connell Wagner.
The going was not always easy in the years between its stellar start—up and today. The Asian currency crisis in the late 1990s required Savant to focus on consolidating its business. However, the company now has its sights set on stren...
