Principal Building Scientist Colin Prouse

A Curriculum Vitae

Colin Prouse, Building Materials Scientist, Shareholder and Director of the BEAL entities.

______________________________________________________________________________

The writer is a building consultant and building scientist specialising in the performance of materials, energy efficiency and weathertightness of buildings.

Qualifications:

NZCSc majoring in Chemistry in 1969 at the Auckland Technical Institute.

Certificate in Industrial and Commercial Photography, also from the Auckland Technical Institute.

Completed the first of a 2 year post-graduate DipBIA (Diploma in Business and Industrial Administration) from the Auckland School of Engineering.

The writer has also received specialist technical training from BASF, ICI and completed the Weathertightness Course from NZIBS (New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors).

Early Work Experience:

Early work experience included the development of QA processes for the manufacture of gypsum based plaster used for the manufacture of Gib plasterboards and later, the development of ‘rapid’ non-ferrous metal assay techniques including the use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to confirm compliance with international specifications for exporting ingots.

Later, as a laboratory manager, development of methods for the QA of incoming purpose-made paper, carton-board, wax and adhesive materials used for the manufacture of packaging products. Work experience, also included carrying out full scale trials of new materials required for new packaging products used for exporting (frozen eels, wine and fresh apples).

Then as a research chemist based in Melbourne, development of new range of offset printing inks and the co-development of new resins as the basis of new ink systems.

Later, as a technical representative of scientific equipment, responsible for introducing technically based QA procedures for the dairy and meat export companies. Training received included the use of analytical instruments and procedures including GC, HPLC, TFEP, to improve the efficacy of medical and industrial research projects being carried out by Universities and Research Institutes.

Commencing in 1979 as a technical representative for BASF AG (the largest chemical research and development company in the world), the writer received specialist training in the use of pigments, additives and surfactants used for the manufacture of paints and coatings. Training included travel to the German headquarters and their numerous manufacturing facilities and laboratories.

Commencing in 1986 as manager of a New Zealand based coatings application company, the writer received extensive training in the application of both industrial, engineered and decorative coating systems using brush, roller, pin roller, hopper gun, pressurised texture gun, air atomisation spray, HVLP and airless methods.

His specialist knowledge was enhanced through training from ICI on the exterior refurbishment requirements of Housing New Zealand and, later, training in the preparation and application of industrial floor coatings by a specialty industrial floor coatings manufacturer.

Finally, his specialist knowledge included the design of methods and project management of  the restoration of historic stone and masonry buildings (Parliament buildings, Auckland Town Hall, Dunedin Town Hall, Oamaru’s National Bank and others).

Consulting Work Experience:

In 1994, in partnership with a Quantity Surveyor, using his own maintance software (MAINTAIN), marked the beginning of planned maintenance programmes for managers of large property portfolios. This led to an initial contract with the Property Manager of the ‘Civic Centre buildings’ in Wellington, which led to the maintenance of 2,400 rental units owned by the Council.  These projects lasted several years and involved the continual development of the software,  that enabled the Council managers to optimise their long term maintenance budgest and expenditure.

These projects were followed by a contract with Otago University to carry out a condition survey and implement a long term preventative maintenance programme for the exterior of the Wellington School of Medicine buildings, based in Wellington. The success of this project then led to the partnership providing advice for the long-term maintenance of School of Medicine buildings based in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Numerous other maintenance advice and project management contracts were entered into for commercial and industrial properties throughout the Wellington region.

In 1999 the writer was invited by the Joyce Group (New Zealand’s largest building consulting practice) to look into leaking houses at the beginning of what is now called the “leaky home syndrome”. In time, this led to the establishment of a consulting practice specialising in leaky homes.

Cladding Assessment Experience:

In 2004, encouraged by public demand for an alternative building product assessment body (to that of BRANZ), the writer established the Building Element Assessment Laboratory Limited (BEAL™) to carry out appraisals of high-risk products such as claddings, roofing, windows and membrane systems used on houses.

With the passage of the new Building Act 2004, manufacturers soon became aware of the need to have their building product officially recognised and the enquiries received by BEAL from both Australian and New Zealand companies has grown steadily.

In 2005 the writer attended the Leaky Buildings Symposium in Auckland organised by Prof Duffy of the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering, University of Auckland.  The key speakers were Dr Joe Lstiburek and Prof John Straube from the USA and Canada respectively.  This experience established a basis for investigating current NZ cladding designs and developing industry-based guidelines for use by local and overseas cladding manufacturers.

With now 14 years of practical experience of developing test methods, combined with the assessment and certification of countless building products and systems, the writer is one of the few persons in Australasia with the depth of experience able to assess new and innovative building products, systems and methods.

Past and Present Professional Associations:

From 1979 to 1985 I was a member of the Oil, Colour and Chemicals Association Inc.

From 1994 a full member of the Australasian Corrosion Association Inc. Not currently a member.

From 2001 a member of the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors Inc. Not currently a member.

Testimonials:

Testimonials from current and past clients are available on request.