28 FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO.26
at work with /JOCK MERRIGAN of URBAN HABITATS
WHAT IS ONE LIFE SKILL YOU WOULD
LIKE TO PASS ON?
Compassion, remaining positive and
not over-thinking things (that’s more
than one!).WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
Love what you do and you will never
work another day in your life!
I love this quote. Today’s world is in a
constant state of flux and it is likely the
future generations will have a number
of careers. My advice is to create or take
as many opportunities that are provided
to you in order to find what it is that you
really love to do.WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR
THE FUTURE?
Looking ahead, Urban Habitats will
endeavour to remain South Australia’s
premier design and build business. In this
regard, we will remain at the forefront of
industry innovation and remain committed
to collaboratively designing and building
intelligent and sensitive living spaces
of joy.
As a member of the Master Builders
Association of South Australia, chairing
the Housing Committee (and the state
representative for the National Residential
Housing Committee), I also look forward to
my ongoing contribution to the local and
national building industry opportunities
and challenges.WHICH KEY DESIGN FEATURES DO
YOU LIKE TO INCLUDE IN YOUR WORK
TO ENHANCE YOUR CLIENTS' QUALITY
OF LIVING?
Access to natural light and airflow is
essential in the Urban Habitats design
process. Correct proportions are also
critical for design flow and too often
I see costly detailing compromised by
poor proportions.WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CAREER
CHALLENGE TO DATE AND HOW HAVE YOU
OVERCOME IT?
Tackling the unforeseen. Urban Habitats
is a solutions-focused design and build
business and I believe that over the years
we have become very thoughtful and clever
in responding to unforeseen issues that
may arise.
After-sales service is also a differentiating
factor in the Urban Habitats approach.
Our relationships with our clients go
beyond completion of the building or
project build.HOW DO YOU MANAGE A WORK/LIFE
BALANCE?
I am a strong believer in a healthy work/
life balance and this is increasingly
important with a young family. Although
it is an ongoing challenge as a business
owner, I have always tried to be very
disciplined in leaving work at work and
keeping weekends free for our friends
and family.
Exercise has always been a great stress
management tool and our family country
retreat is a great way to disconnect (given
there is no mobile phone reception or
internet access!).