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Meet Rachael Turner, the pianist turned female builder

March 1, 2018 2 Comments

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A classically trained pianist, with a Bachelor of Music in piano from the Queensland Conservatorium, Brisbaneโ€™s Rachael Turner ran a music school for a decade before turning to design and construction in 2013. โ€œI decided to change careers and launch into construction as itโ€™s something I have been fascinated with since I was very young. I can remember sketching up floor plans and house elevations from a young age,โ€ says Rachael who is now a fully qualified builder with her own company, Front Porch Properties.

Rachel Turner
Builder Rachael Turner

While Rachael started out flipping homes she now works on new builds too and finds most of her inspiration in American design. โ€œI am hugely influenced by American style homes and I often draw inspiration from Cape Cod and Hamptons style. I love American-style barn houses, farm houses and cottages. I really love classic design as not only is it charming, but it wonโ€™t look dated in 10 yearsโ€™ time.โ€

Rachael in front of a recently completed project

As for being female in a male-dominated sphere, Rachael sees it mostly as an asset. โ€œI most definitely encourage women to join the construction industry. Itโ€™s a fantastic industry where women can really excel. We have a certain skill set that differs to men. For example, we are often great communicators, visionaries, organisers and multi-taskers and can add a real nurturing quality to a construction site which can make a positive difference. I also believe that dealing with clients and understanding a homeownerโ€™s dream can perhaps be better understood and interpreted by a woman,โ€ says Rachael who was recently a state winner and national finalist at the Australian Training Awards in Canberra (a nomination she received when studying for her technical building qualifications).

Front Porch Properties before and after
A kitchen renovation

But itโ€™s not all been straightforward on the gender front โ€“ there were some initial challenges. โ€œBeing a female in the construction industry was certainly tough in the early days, I donโ€™t know what the tradesmen must have thought when an inexperienced female project manager showed up on site. However, now that I have a bit of momentum, confidence and experience behind me, as well as a great team of tradespeople, itโ€™s less of an issue,โ€ says Rachael who has appeared in several commercial television segments as well as magazines including Home Beautiful, Marie Claire and Inside Out.

Front Porch Properties master bedroom
A master bedroom and ensuite designed and built by Rachael

And Rachaelโ€™s future construction dreams have a charitable focus too โ€“ she has plans to fund construction projects overseas for the less fortunate. โ€œAt the end of the day, money, fame and status really amount to nothing as you canโ€™t take them with you when you die. Iโ€™m more interested in having an impact on people and leaving a legacy,โ€ says Rachael.

Kitchen and dining renovation

Photography: Clare Sophia Photography & Liam Kidston

For more | Eight questions to ask before hiring a builder or tradie

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While we featured a gloriously colourful home on M While we featured a gloriously colourful home on Monday, this one is a masterclass in serene neutrals! And how good is this bunk room?!

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Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible Washable rugs, eco-friendly play mats, reversible linen, gorgeous wallpaper and the chance to win a beautiful bouclรฉ recliner chair!

Today's kids room roundup is full of loveliness if we don't say ourselves!

Via link in bio now.

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A glass shower screen is not the only option! In A glass shower screen is not the only option!

In this 80s villa reno, @trentinidesign took inspiration from an archway typical of the era and used it throughout the home.

The bathroom was transformed from a classic three-piece set up that included a shower, bath and vanity. Kathryn removed the bath and split the room in half and designed an arch to sit between the two zones. 

โ€œI wanted something spectacular. Rather than having a vanity with a piece of glass like you would typically see, I was really trying to push myself as a designer. It was costly but it worked out well and the feedback has been great."

Swipe for the before and follow the link in bio to see the rest of this home.

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One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavet One half of popular parenting podcast @wedonthavetimeforthis, turns out former Neighbours actor @gemma_peanut is even more multi-talented than we thought! Will you check out the joyful and colourful reno of her holiday home (and airbnb) @yo_caba_caba?!

Head over to the blog via link in bio to read all about why she went bold and full of pattern in this project, which is a stark contrast to her zen and neutral Northern Beaches abode.

There's also plenty of details about where things are from etc.

"Iโ€™m not an interior designer so I just chose what I liked and followed my gut. Ultimately this home has been an opportunity to explore my alter ego โ€“ it allowed me to do things that I wouldnโ€™t normally do.โ€

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Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial Not many friends in life fall into the unofficial family category and they're a special gift. So ends three weeks with @danisteve81 who left her husband and son in the UK (I'm forever grateful they lent her to me!) to come and cheer me up and help me in the most practical ways after I spent Christmas and New Year in hospital. There were tears and I miss her so much already but how amazing to have had all that time together as adults. Such a rare treat and would never have happened without having been through something so challenging. Silver linings and all that. So many other friends have also been incredibly thoughtful and kind. There aren't many times I'd say this without cringing but I am 100% blessed!

I still cannot believe we have been friends since we were 12! 12! Are you still close with your childhood besties?
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Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

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This doesn't happen often these days!
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Amy Collins Walker

About Amy Collins Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarSharon says

    March 2, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Rachael, I love reading your success stories and cannot wait until we are in a position to have you build our house!!! (Or renovate an old one!) only 2.5 years of tenure left!
    You are totally amazing!

    Reply
  2. AvatarKylie T says

    March 11, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    An inspiration!

    Reply

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