The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has appointed experienced mechanical engineer Anwar Gayed as the regulator’s first Principal Plumbing Specialist.

As Principal Plumbing Specialist, Mr Gayed bolsters the technical experts in the Office of the State Building Surveyor, which features leading experts in Fire Safety Engineering, Structural Engineering and Building Surveying.

The new role will be focused on providing expert advice on complex and significant plumbing matters to the State Building Surveyor and other key stakeholders.

Victoria’s State Building Surveyor Andrew Cialini said the appointment of Mr Gayed was another important step in boosting the VBA’s technical and strategic development in the plumbing sector.

“We’re continuing to build our team of experts to support industry to thrive and deliver better outcomes for Victorians,” he said.

“Mr Gayed’s knowledge and experience will enhance the work the VBA does in ensuring plumbing compliance in Victoria.”

Mr Gayed is a chartered professional mechanical engineer with more than 22 years of local and international experience in design and construction of hydraulic services.

He has worked on a broad range of projects within multiple sectors including residential, healthcare, defence, education and commercial.

Some of Mr Gayed’s past roles include senior engineer for global building developers, engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and senior hydraulic engineer for consultancy companies such as Stantec and Integral Group.

Mr Gayed said one of his priorities will be ensuring quality control processes during design and construction are followed to protect consumers.

“When plumbing work is carried out incorrectly, the consequences can be costly, not only financially but to people’s health too,” he said. “The power of continuous improvement and raising awareness of the importance of safe plumbing practices is a top priority.”