Designing For Space – Optimised Plumbing Solutions
Within today’s architectural landscape, maximising space efficiency is a critical challenge. With increasing urban density, stricter regulations, and evolving user demands, architects and designers must find ways to optimise building layouts without compromising functionality, aesthetics, or long-term adaptability.
In this session of CPD Live, we explore how space planning and innovative engineering solutions can unlock new possibilities in modern building design. From bathrooms to broader building infrastructure, we’ll examine how engineering systems located behind the wall or above the ceiling can open up new possibilities for interior design; and discuss strategies that help create more efficient, flexible, and future-proof spaces.
Our speakers will identify the latest plumbing solutions, such as compact drainage systems, roof drainage, and concealed cisterns; contrast these with the bulkier systems used in the past; and outline various multi-functional design approaches, which have the capacity to not just save space but also enhance usability.
Through practical insights and project examples, this session will unpack how designing ‘behind the wall’ can lead to better use of space in front of it and contribute to greater adaptability, support building repurposing and renovations, and help future-proof the buildings in which they are installed.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session you should be able to:
- Explain the importance of space saving in the current architectural context
- Identify various modern plumbing and drainage systems and explain how they differ from traditional products
- Identify design strategies that can be used to maximise bathroom and living space
- Outline the factors and strategies involved in ‘future proofing’ building
(PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC18, PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC 25, PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC 33)
Speakers
Marc Williams, Technical Sales Specialist, Geberit Pty Ltd
Marc Williams brings over 20 years of extensive experience within the plumbing industry, currently working as the Technical Sales Specialist for HDPE Piping Systems across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania at Geberit Australia.
Throughout his distinguished career, Marc has worked across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, playing an instrumental role in introducing groundbreaking technologies and innovations to the plumbing sector. He is deeply committed to advancing plumbing design, efficiency, and sustainability through innovation, leveraging his vast technical knowledge and industry insights to educate and support professionals in achieving best-practice solutions.
Steven Yeouart, Business Development Executive, Geberit Pty Ltd
Steven Yeouart is a trade and business qualified professional with 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Specialising in Business development, training, applications and technical product knowledge. He has a strong track record of driving growth and innovation. Currently working at Geberit Australia across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania as a Business Development Executive. He is Passionate about industry-leading products and focuses on how innovation, quality, sustainability and design can shape the future of construction.
Andrew Potts, Principal Engineer – Fire & Hydraulic Services, Potts Engineering
Andrew is the Principal Engineer at Potts Engineering, specialising in the design and construction management of hydraulic and fire services. He is responsible for specialist input into the review, design, value engineering and training of staff for hydraulic and fire services design and documentation as well as conducting onsite reviews and giving direction and providing key input into construction design and methodologies of the fire and hydraulic trades.
In addition, his role includes quality assurance, project programming, value management and cost budgeting for projects. Andrew has extensive experience across many sectors in hydraulic and fire design from billion-dollar infrastructure projects, multi-million-dollar ultra-high-rise buildings, commercial and educational fitouts, rail and transport and community hubs to name a few. Combined with his project experience and passion for the built form he explores all opportunities and assesses all risks to ensure the final product is of high quality and sustainable providing an innovative solution for end users.