Image credit: A recently completed precision glazing project on Castlereagh Street, Sydney, showcases O’Brien Glass’ expertise. (Image: Joshua Hill)
As seen in INSIDE CONSTRUCTION August/September 2025
Written by Ashley Grogan
There is glass, and then there is O’Brien Glass. In a sector shaped by deadlines, design demands and strict codes, this century-old name moves with purpose and precision.
There is glass, and then there is O’Brien Glass. In a sector shaped by deadlines, design demands and strict codes, this century-old name moves with purpose and precision, evident on Castlereagh Street in Sydney.
Commercial glazing can introduce a building before anyone steps inside. It speaks to purpose, presence and precision – all in a single glance. Whether bold or understated, it cues the experience inside and anchors the architecture to its intent.
From multi-storey façades to shopfronts that double as statements, the work of O’Brien Glass’ dedicated Building & Fitout team spans the architectural and the everyday – often in the same week.
“The industry has become much more regulated over the past 10 years,” says Benton Duthie, head of B2B property at O’Brien. “There is greater competition and a stronger emphasis on formal tendering. While long-standing relationships still carry weight, pricing and compliance now play a bigger role.”
Rather than duck for cover, the business made a deliberate pivot. A dedicated team now focuses solely on commercial construction and retail fit-outs, with its own estimators,
national systems and in-house fabrication. The aim is to channel specialist attention and deeper expertise into an area that demands both.
Not just another pane
The results speak through projects like Castlereagh Street in Sydney. What could have been a routine café install turned into an 18-month journey of engineering and finesse. The brief? Seamless, curved glazing with built-in LED lighting, designed to span the interior and exterior of a high-profile site. The client wanted style, substance and zero surprises.
“The architects were heavily involved and had a clear vision for a seamless curved design, with all the glass panels aligning precisely,” says Raj Murugesu, national building and fitout manager at O’Brien. “The level of precision required was significant, and because it is located on a prominent street frontage, the end result needed to meet both aesthetic and functional expectations.”
Meeting the brief meant tackling uneven flooring, navigating complexities around lighting and solving design kinks in real time.
“Castlereagh Street was a challenging project, but that is where we add real value. We are not just about delivering what is on paper; we actively solve problems along the way,” says Duthie.
“When challenges arise, we focus on finding practical solutions in partnership with the client, rather than taking a fixed or transactional stance. Each project is treated with a high level of care and commitment. We are genuinely invested in every project we take on.”
But bespoke builds are only one half of the equation. At the other end sits anti-theft glazing for retail chains, high-volume door replacements and pragmatic shopfront upgrades. The same rigour applies.
“We are just as focused on more standard façade replacements and commercial fit-outs,” says Duthie. “It is about maintaining a strong balance between custom, high-spec work and the day-to-day glazing needs of our clients.”
Coast-to-coast capability
Operating nationally means no room for weak links. O’Brien has locations nationwide with a spread of regional hubs, each with fabrication capabilities and quality assurance processes baked in. This is not a central office operation relying on satellite support. O’Brien ensures quality and consistency through local delivery.
“It is always a challenge, but O’Brien Glass operates as a truly national business,” says Duthie. “We also maintain a strong subcontractor network that gives us flexibility in labour, allowing us to scale up or down depending on the needs of each project.”
The team behind this reach includes six full-time estimating and workflow specialists, led by Murugesu. Combined with a project-by-project logistics strategy, it is a model designed to cut delays, not corners. This structure also allows for the kind of centralised quality assurance that avoids costly missteps on site.
“All materials are delivered to our branches before going to site,” says Duthie. “That gives us an opportunity to check the product as it arrives and again before it is dispatched, verifying both quality and accuracy.”
Murugesu adds: “One of the key tools we use is an inspection test plan. This outlines a step-by-step process for checking materials – before they arrive, on delivery to site, during installation and afterwards.”
Made to measure
In-house fabrication gives O’Brien an edge. Instead of waiting for third-party lead times or overseas orders, the business can turn around customised solutions in shorter windows. Control stays close, quality stays high, and adjustments don’t rely on outside hands.
That control also extends to compliance. With a dedicated technical standards manager and consistent national training, the business treats regulation as integral to project delivery rather than a procedural hurdle.
“We have national systems in place to support compliance,” says Duthie. “If there is any uncertainty, it goes through a defined review process. It is not something we leave to chance.”
Safety gets the same treatment. Each branch has access to health and safety specialists, who work side by side with estimation and delivery teams. Site-specific risks are reviewed early and addressed accordingly.
“There is a strong focus on collaboration between these groups to ensure safety is considered from the outset,” says Duthie.
Trust with a track record
In a market where contractors can appear and disappear with each ABN, continuity matters. That is where the O’Brien 100-year pedigree comes into focus.
“We stand by our work, and we are upfront from the beginning about what can be delivered,” says Duthie. “Our reputation is built on accountability and longevity.”
That same clarity plays out in how the business responds to shifting client concerns. When one partner flagged a spike in break-ins, O’Brien developed a customised Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution. What began as a one-off is now an option for clients across Australia.
“We were working with a client we had a strong relationship with, and during those conversations, they raised concerns about a rise in break-ins. They asked if we had anything that could help,” says Duthie.
“We listen closely, respond decisively, and shape our solutions around the needs of our clients. Strong relationships are essential. While we remain competitive on pricing, our focus is on building long-term partnerships.”
Reflecting on impact
Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda, and O’Brien is turning environmental commitments into everyday processes. Recycled glass and supply chain transparency are all standard practice.
“Internally, we have recycling processes in place for glass and other materials, and we actively track and report on those outcomes within the business,” says Duthie. “We also place a strong focus on supply chain transparency, including compliance with modern slavery requirements. As a business of our scale, we take that responsibility seriously and maintain clear oversight of where and how our materials are sourced.”
In addition, O’Brien is keeping pace with advancements in glass and material technologies, prioritising products with lower environmental impact wherever possible.
“It is about staying closely connected to both our own practices and broader industry shifts, to ensure we continue to meet evolving sustainability expectations,” says Duthie.
The business is also preparing for a wave of remedial work, as a generation of low-quality glass reaches the end of its life.
“During the building boom 10 to 20 years ago, many large-scale projects used cheaper products,” says Duthie. “We are now seeing the effects of that, as some of that glass reaches the end of its service life.”
What builders want
What does value look like in today’s commercial building and fit-out market? It is not just price per square metre. It is delivery certainty, custom capability and clarity when plans change.
“Our scale and experience give us the ability to be more flexible with delivery timelines, which is critical in fast-paced projects,” says Murugesu. “Our team can offer innovative, customised solutions where needed, and that is underpinned by the trust that comes with the O’Brien name.”
Looking ahead, Duthie predicts greater demand for more sustainable materials and continued innovation in glass technology.
“Energy efficiency, solar protection and smart glass features – such as switchable films that can act like digital screens or adjustable shading – will influence how glass is specified and installed,” he says.
As the demands grow sharper, O’Brien continues to meet them with clarity and craft.
Ready to start your next project?
Learn more about our Building & Fitout services or contact the O’Brien® Glass team today.
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