Back in 1978, when Maroochydore had just one set of traffic lights, long term local and business owner, Ken Hicks was a one-man surveying company and he needed a chainmen and draftsman.
Ken recalls that Andy Renshaw – a young, blonde, fit, surfer bloke came in the door, and just like that, the company doubled in size. “Andy and I worked through the era of the surveyors chain and freehand drafting and he proved very capable,” Ken said.
It was the start of a working relationship, friendships and career that has spanned 41 years of service. During this time Andy experienced Ken Hicks & Associates morph into KHA Project Management then later merge with DFS Group to become present-day Project Urban.
Naturally technology has made a significant impact during this time and hand drawn plans soon gave way to computerised drawings. Andy simply took technology in his stride, suffice to say there are plenty of buildings that make up the modern Sunshine Coast landscape with Andy’s fingerprints on them. The Sebel and numerous residential subdivisions around Maroochydore, included.
While Andy finishes his career as a well-respected survey draftsman, its beginnings were very different. Andy’s first job was with a Western Australian advertising firm, followed by working on a shark boat in the Great Australian Bight, then building submarines on Garden Island.
Project Urban’s Managing Director, Andrew Stevens said Andy has been an integral part of the services provided at Project Urban and a valued colleague and work mate to all of our staff. “His easy-going approach to life and no fuss attitude have been appreciated by thousands of clients over his 41 years of service. The time has come to improve his handicap and tan, and we all wish him the best in retirement,” he said.
As Andy looks ahead, some overseas travel and plenty of golf, tennis and of course surfing, are on his agenda.
From all of us at Project Urban, congratulations Andy on a stellar career and our very best wishes for the future.