Backed by more than 160 years of success, Icon has established itself as one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading builders—recognised for its ability to deliver complex projects across commercial, residential, and community sectors. Guided by a people‑first philosophy that balances technical excellence with social responsibility, the group is committed to creating places that make a lasting impact. As part of Kajima Corporation—a global construction powerhouse founded in Japan in 1840—Icon draws on international expertise while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Currently collaborating with Fortis on their first major project in Woollahra, we sat down with NSW & ACT director, Marc Avery to explore the vision, values, and industry insights that define Icon’s approach and continue to drive its success.
Q—Can you please tell us a little about Icon?
A—I’m proud to say that Icon is one of the leading builders across Australia and New Zealand, but what makes our story unique, is how we came together. In 2019, we merged two highly respected companies—Icon Co and Cockram. This merger wasn’t just about scale, it was about combining complementary strengths and cultures. Today, as part of Kajima Corporation—a global construction powerhouse founded in Japan in 1840—we draw on more than 180 years of international experience, technical capability, and financial strength, while remaining deeply connected to the communities we serve. We now have a team of more than 900 and annual revenue exceeding AU$1.7 billion. For me, the real measure of success isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in our ability to stay agile, innovative, and people‑focused. Every project is an opportunity to deliver value‑driven solutions that balance technical excellence with social impact, and I’m proud that we’re shaping the built environment in ways that leave a lasting legacy.
Q—How would you describe the underlying philosophy of Icon?
A—At our core, we’re a people‑first organisation. That means we prioritise the needs of our team, our clients, and the communities we serve. For me, construction isn’t just about buildings—it’s about shaping futures. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful, whether that’s a workplace, home, or a community space. Our philosophy is to create possibilities. We specialise in complex projects across all sectors, and we thrive on challenges that require innovation and deep industry expertise. Being part of Kajima strengthens our ability to deliver higher‑value projects, but we never lose the flexibility and personalised service that comes from being a local partner. I also believe our success comes from the diversity and experience of our workforce. We bring together people from different backgrounds and skill sets, and that richness allows us to approach problems creatively. Safety, quality, innovation, and collaboration aren’t just words for us—they’re the principles that underpin everything we do.
Q—What are some of the biggest industry trends and/or changes you’re noticing at the moment?
A—One of the biggest shifts I’m seeing is the role of technology in driving efficiency. There are many digital tools transforming how we manage projects and reduce admin tasks, allowing us to free up time for the team to be on-site building. Another important trend is subcontractor security, with much greater emphasis now on due diligence and stricter standards around compliance and social responsibility, which I see as a positive change because it raises the bar for the entire industry. Finally, there’s a growing preference for quality outcomes, with clients increasingly focused on long‑term value rather than short‑term cost savings, reflecting a more sustainable, reputationally driven mindset that is reshaping how projects are delivered.
Q—What’s the most important stage of a project? Why?
A—The most critical stage of any project is the beginning, particularly the first 30 days. This period sets the foundation for everything that follows, establishing the rhythm, expectations, and working relationships that sets the tone for the project. It’s when project teams align on scope, communication protocols, and key deliverables which are crucial aspects of a successful build.
Q—Icon and Fortis have recently collaborated on their first major project in Woollahra. Why do you think our two businesses work so well together?
A—What makes our partnership with Fortis so effective, is that we share a willingness to take on challenging projects that others might shy away from—whether it’s unique site shapes, difficult builds, or ambitious architectural outcomes. Fortis embraces those challenges with a clear vision, and that confidence translates into developments the market genuinely responds to. At Icon, we’re aligned with that mindset as we see value in complexity rather than being deterred by it. That shared approach to problem‑solving and ambition is what makes the collaboration so strong.
Q—At the end of a project, what does success look like for you?
A—For Icon, success goes far beyond the practical completion of a project. At the centre of every residential project, we recognise we’re not just building structures, we’re building homes—places where lives unfold, milestones are celebrated, families are raised, and memories are made. That’s something we consider in every project we deliver, and as a company, we’re proud to be shaping communities across Australia and New Zealand.
Icon is an Australia and New Zealand–based construction practice. As a passionate team of builders, engineers, and project specialists, they believe in the power of collaboration and the responsibility of shaping communities through the built environment. Backed by Kajima Corporation, and guided by a people‑first philosophy, Icon approaches every project as an opportunity to deliver lasting value.
