Content Library
Explore articles, insights, and updates from across the Brevity network.
The Implusoria and an Engineer Vision
Let’s start back in the 1850s. The impressive image above is the Impulsoria, designed by Clemente Masserano in 1851. It’s a very well constructed engine for the transportation of t...
Construction Monitoring - The 3 Articles You Need to Read
Construction monitoring (CM) is increasingly required, but there are a number of levels to choose from and it can be hard to understand which one is needed and when. Not to mention...
Seismic Bracing for Suspended Ceilings
A suspended ceiling is essentially a large weight of plasterboard or mineral tiles that act like a pendulum wanting to swing – especially with a horizontal force. A suspended ceili...
Ockham's Greenhouse Apartments
Brevity was engaged for their expertise in providing the interior seismic design for ceilings and partitions for Ockham's impressive Ponsonby development, The Greenhouse. Ockham’s ...
Christchurch's Most Festive Seismic Structure
A few seasons ago, Christchurch unveiled a spectacular Christmas tree structure in the heart of the city. Behind the scenes of this festive centerpiece, the Brevity engineering te...
Auckland Airport Transport Hub: Navigating Complexity in Transit Design
If you’ve visited Auckland Airport recently, you’ll have noticed the significant transformation of the terminal precinct. The opening of the first stage of the new Transport Hub re...
Initial & Detailed Seismic Assessments
The Initial Seismic Assessment (ISA) is a process used in New Zealand to assess the seismic performance of buildings following a major earthquake. It is used to determine the immed...
Craigs Investment Partners Head Office, Tauranga
Craigs Investment Partners is one of New Zealand's largest investment advisory firms, with 650 staff servicing more than 60,000 clients. From its humble beginnings in Whakatāne in ...
On Site Synergy: Relationships are key says Developer
Alex Khera has business interests spread across a number of industries, but his passion for construction is unmistakable. He thrives on the fact that no two jobs are ever the same ...
Construction Monitoring: Understanding the Levels for Interior Engineering
The level of Construction Monitoring chosen will determine the value added to the project - and this could be anything from a lightweight audit function (CM1) to a quality assuran...
If I have a PS4, do I need to do my own Quality Control
If I have a PS4, do I need to do my own quality control? This question is one we hear from time to time, it’s a bit like asking if you have a Warrant of Fitness, do you still need ...
Producer Statements & Construction Monitoring
PS1, CM4, RFIs and CANs… the terminology used by engineers for consents can seem like its own language. What exactly is a PS? What does CM involve, and what do I need to do with a ...
Overview of Ceilings Standards
The following changes are to issues that the industry has mostly been aware of over the last few years, although some (like square stopping) were still causing issues, with differe...
The Elephants in the Room when it comes to Seismic Design
Looking back at the AWCI ANZ National Conference in Uluru, I had the opportunity to address the three "elephants in the room" regarding seismic design. Even in retrospect, these th...
Tauranga Civic Precinct Development
Project: Tauranga Civic Precinct Development - Te Manawataki o Te Papa: Library and Community Hub Client: Tauranga City Council
Racking Designs for Earthquake Resilience
Racking systems are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, and other industrial facilities to store and organize products, materials, and equipment. During an earthquak...
The Importance of Seismic Design for Internal Partitions
During an earthquake, buildings experience ground shaking and seismic forces. Internal partitions can be vulnerable to these forces. If they are not designed correctly they may fai...
How does a Modern Bracing System work with Partition Walls during a Seismic Event
When you consider the forces in action during an earthquake, and the resulting stressors on internal partition walls, there are two main interactions to consider. To illustrate the...
The Use of Base Isolation in Storage & Racking
In the immediate aftermath of a significant seismic event, the visual of a warehouse floor is often one of chaos: twisted steel, shattered inventory, and heavy pallets that have pl...
BCAs End up Holding the Can
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The Building Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes Amendment Bill SD 48
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Brevity Interiors Engineering Live Stream
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Ep 8 - AWCI CoP updates
In this session, Matt Bishop and Gye Simkin discuss the latest updates to the AWCI Code of Practice for the design, installation, and seismic restraint of suspended ceilings. It's ...
Ep 7 TS 1170 5 for Commercial Interiors
On May 7, 2024, Brevity hosted the seventh episode of our technical webinar series, focusing on the newly drafted Technical Specification TS 1170.5. This episode was a significant ...
Understanding Seismic Assessment of existing Non-Structural Elements in Commercial Interiors
In the latest installment of Team Brevity's technical webinar series, we delved into the critical topic of seismic assessment for existing non-structural elements in commercial int...
IKEA Family & Friends Open Day - Seismic Restraint for Building Contents
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The "Why" of Seismic Design
With changes afoot with the revised Aotearoa National Seismic Hazard Model, we thought it was timely to revisit the key elements of seismic design and its importance. Often when we...
Seismic Design for Waikato Regional Theatre
Integrating the meticulously restored façade of the historic Hamilton Hotel, the modern theatre will seat up to 1300 patrons and will be used for performances and education...
Understanding Seismic Design for Suspended Ceilings
Ceilings come in all shapes, sizes and designs, and depending on a range of factors, the seismic design may change to ensure they are structurally sound in the event of an earthqua...
Don't Just Prompt & Walk Away...
🌱 The One-Shot Prompt: Giving AI a single command and accepting the first result is like planting a seed and hoping for the best. You get a chaotic output that looks impressive at...
Advancing Non-Structural Building Element Engineering through Open Source Methods
A presentation at the SESOC 2025 conference by Matt Bishop. Well, a pre-recording of the talk. A trojan horse of a presentation, it touches lightly on a technical matter, but reall...
Brevity Live Webinar: How to utilise AI in the AEC space - Matt Bishop
Future-Proof Your Practice: AI's Game-Changing Impact on AEC Revealed! Are you an Intelligent Design Strategist, Public Realm Transformer, Corporate Workplace Innovator, or Regener...
How well can Google Nano Banana Design an apartment?
First experiment with the new google AI image model. It's impressive, although it couldn't do everything I asked of it.
Automation of Engineering Methods: Advantages, Risks, and a Practical Playbook
Automation is changing how engineers design and verify. In this talk, Matt Bishop (Managing Director, Brevity) lays out a pragmatic pathway: where to use algorithms, where large la...
BIM into Google Docs
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Navigating Major Changes in the NZ Building Legislation (AWCI Conference 2025)
Navigating the maze of recent and upcoming changes in New Zealand's building industry can be challenging. In this presentation, we break down the critical updates you need to know ...
Balancing Security & Seismic Safety: Interior Engineering for Waikeria Prison
Waikeria Prison is a dynamic environment, integrating agriculture and vocational training into its operations to foster rehabilitation among its inmate population. It is currently ...
To Delegate or to Automate?
The approach was used by Eisenhower, the 34th President of the US, and repopularised more recently in Steven Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. There are a few v...
Understanding Seismic Restraint of Non-Structural Building Elements
During an earthquake, a building experiences a lot more movement than normal. Objects inside the building also experience this movement. In designing for seismic restraint, enginee...
Brevity’s Performance-Led Four-Day Work Model
Brevity is part of a pilot alongside 20 companies across New Zealand and Australia, supported by the not-for-profit Four Day Week Global. While many organisations are experimenting...
Remediation options for Storage Racking on Weak Slabs
If the slab is not strong enough to resist these forces the racking may tip in a seismic event, causing a risk to the safety of people nearby as well as loss of the contents on the...
Racking & Shelving - Getting it Right
As demand increases, it is tempting for businesses to squeeze more in. But unless this process is managed well, health and safety could be at risk. The design of racking takes into...
Fall Arrest Systems: How Fall Protection Compliance Differs Between Australia and New Zealand
Fall arrest systems are crucial safety mechanisms designed to protect workers from injury or death when working at heights. These systems typically involve harnesses, lanyards, anc...
Non-Residential Construction Growth Signals Across New Zealand and Australia
The construction market across New Zealand and Australia is entering a new cycle. Residential activity continues to contract through 2025, but the data is clear. Non-residential ...
When standards change, clarity becomes competitive advantage
New Zealand’s approach to seismic engineering is currently undergoing its most significant transformation in two decades. The industry is navigating a three-pronged shift: updated ...
AI in Construction: From Tool to Advantage
Artificial intelligence in the construction and interiors sectors is evolving from a basic administrative aid into a critical operational asset. While many firms still restrict AI ...
The Reality of BIM for Interiors
Over the last decade, the requirements for BIM in interior engineering design has changed, as interior engineering has moved from being primarily a Design & Build subcontract to a ...
The Ground is Shifting: 5 Key Changes to NZ Building Law You Need to Know
It’s a common perception that building legislation moves at a glacial pace. Years of consultation often lead to minor adjustments that barely register on the industry's radar. Howe...
Navigating Temporary Structures in NZ: Do You Need a Building Consent
Planning an event in New Zealand often involves temporary structures – think marquees, stages, food stalls, or even pop-up retail spaces. While these can transform any location, un...
Interior Products in New Zealand and Australia: Compliance and Engineering Considerations
The selection and installation of interior products in New Zealand and Australia involve a complex interplay of individual product compliance and the broader engineering requiremen...
What Goes Into Engineering a Suspended Ceiling & Why It’s More Complex Than It Looks
Suspended ceilings — whether using tile and grid systems or plasterboard linings — are often thought of as simple finishing elements, but they are anything but. These ceilings must...
Winning Strategies in DBB, DB, and IPD: A Game-Theoretic Framework in the Age of Digital Construction and MMC
This report synthesises insights into a unified game-theoretic framework, covering Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). It integrates t...
Strategic Decision Framework: When DBB Still Makes Sense
While Design-Bid-Build (DBB) often yields lower overall efficiency compared to Design-Build (DB) or Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), there remain contexts in which it can be a st...
What Goes Into Engineering a Wall & Why is it so Complex?
Building a partition wall is more complex than it appears, requiring a blend of different components to ensure it's not just a divider but a stable, compliant, and high-performing ...
Commercial Developers find that Interiors Specialist Advisors are needed earlier in the Design Process
For New Zealand's leading commercial interior firms, architects, and construction companies, navigating the complexities of seismic design isn't just about compliance—it's about sa...
Designing for Deflection: Why do we need a DHT anyways?
It’s a fair question, and one that’s often asked on site when looking at a 250mm thick concrete slab overhead. It seems impossible that such a massive, rigid structure will ever mo...
Engineering the Unforgettable: Brevity's Role in New Zealand's Biggest Events
New Zealand's live event scene is booming, from electrifying concerts to world-class sporting spectacles. Behind the dazzling lights and thumping bass, a crucial element often goes...
Why Specialist Expertise is Crucial for Non-Structural Seismic Design
The field of seismic design for interiors, often referred to as Non-structural Elements (NSE) engineering, has emerged as a distinct and vital skillset in Australia and New Zealand...
Matt Bishop's Article in AWCI Australia Magazine
We are excited to bring to your attention a compelling new article by Matt Bishop, featured in the latest edition of AWCI Australia Magazine. Titled 'On the Surface', Bishop's cont...
Brevity Digital: Engineering Confidence, Simplifying Compliance for Every Project
In the dynamic landscape of modern construction, the twin demands of efficiency and unwavering compliance are constant. Building projects, whether they're vast commercial complexes...
Above the Ceiling, Beyond the Chaos: Mastering Building Services Coordination in NZ Commercial Interiors
In the pursuit of modern, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing commercial interiors, much attention is rightly paid to visible design elements. Yet, hidden above the ceiling line,...
Decoding the NZ Building Code: A Guide to Compliance for Commercial Interiors
In the dynamic world of commercial interior projects, rigorous compliance with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) is not merely a legal obligation; it's a foundational pillar for...
Risk-Aversion in Building Consenting: Causes and Solutions in New Zealand
Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) in New Zealand are often criticized for taking an extremely risk-averse approach to granting building consents. This cautious stance is driven b...
New Zealand’s Building Amendment Bill 2025: Opportunities and Challenges for Overseas Building Products
The Building Amendment Bill 2025 promises easier access to overseas-sourced products, but industry experts urge caution to ensure new materials meet New Zealand’s unique standards....
Is Your Racking Ready for Tomorrow? 7 Ways to Optimize Your Steel Storage for Future Growth & Efficiency
In today's rapidly changing business environment, warehouses need to be more agile and efficient than ever. The "Future-Proofing/Optimization" approach is crucial for staying ahead...
Steel Strong or Storage Wrong? Debunking 5 Common Myths About Warehouse Racking
Is your warehouse racking up to scratch, or are you falling for common misconceptions? Let's debunk some myths and ensure your storage solutions are safe, efficient, and tailored t...
Seismic Restraint for Building Contents
Seismic restraint, often referred to as earthquake bracing, is the practice of securing non-structural building contents to prevent damage and injury during seismic events. These c...
Digital Transformation in Construction
Digital transformation is so rapidly reshaping various industries, and the construction sector is no exception. The integration of digital technologies is streamlining processes, i...
Structural Engineering Best Practice for Steel Storage Racking Analysis
At Brevity Racking, we understand that the safety and efficiency of your storage solutions are paramount. That's why we employ rigorous structural engineering best practices to ana...
Our Three Service Levels for Seismic Interior Projects
Recently we rolled out the Brevity Best Price Guarantee, expecting this to be an impressive part of our pricing strategy given the current market conditions. However, it has turned...
139 Greys Avenue - A Social Procurement Model
Buildings are an intrinsic part of our society. They affect the way we move, live, work, feel and interact. But the story starts even before the first person walks through the door...
A Unified Step Forward: Strengthening Seismic Resilience in Building Design
The AWCI Code of Practice (CoP) , developed by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI), is a targeted guide focusing specifically on suspended ceiling systems. It aim...
Building a Custom SketchUp Extension in Four Days: Lessons Learned
At Brevity, we live by our progressive and pioneering values, always embracing new technologies and methodologies. When a large project requiring 3D coordination came up, I found m...
The Next Generation of Engineers
Brevity Engineer, Devante Puiri-Tuia, grew up just down the road from Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara, Auckland. When the opportunity arose to take part in the Wonder Projec...
Women in Construction: Open the doors
We know women are under-represented in the NZ construction industry. Stats NZ states 13% of construction workers are women, but that drops to just 3-4% when you look at how many ar...
Racking & Shelving: Challenges & Opportunities in the NZ Environment
Brogan Bruce has officially been part of STACKIT for 12 years, but in fact his training started from birth. STACKIT is a family racking and shelving business, and like many Kiwi...
Rethinking Seismic Anchors: A Smarter Approach for Interiors Engineering
In the world of interior engineering, where form meets function and performance under pressure is everything, seismic anchoring has quietly become one of the most misunderstood—and...
BIM Coordination: A Persistent Challenge in Construction and How Brevity is Automating Clash Detection
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry by improving visualization, collaboration, and overall project efficiency. However, BIM coordinatio...
Challenges in New Zealand's Education Sector
The MoE’s guidelines set the benchmark for safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments. Adhering to these requirements ensures educational facilities remain resilient, ada...
Interior Seismic Design & Construction Monitoring for Ockham's Manaaki Apartments
Manaaki Apartments, created by Ockham in partnership with Marutūāhu Iwi , sit in one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. In the mid 1800’s, Onehunga was one of New Zealand’s first and bu...
Pacific Apartments: Aucklands Newest Structure
Reflecting the shimmering waters of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour, the impressive Pacifica Apartments sit on Commerce St in the heart of the downtown waterfront precinct. With build...