Rate My Professor John Smolders

John Smolders is Adjunct Professor of Practice in Construction Management (Building) in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle, part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment. A chartered builder possessing over forty years of construction industry experience, he integrates practical insights into academia. Smolders completed a Master of Philosophy at the University of Newcastle with his thesis entitled 'Consequences of Unforeseen Rework on Australian Construction Projects – a Case Study Approach,' which investigated rework phenomena through case studies on Australian projects, under the supervision of Associate Professor Willy Sher and Professor Anthony Williams. He also serves as Senior Lecturer in Construction Management in Practice in the School of Built Environment and Design at Western Sydney University. Previously, he held roles including Lecturer and Conjoint Professor of Building and Construction at the University of Newcastle, commencing his association with the School of Architecture and Built Environment in 2015.

Recognized for his professional achievements, Smolders received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2019 and holds Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Building (FAIB). His publications include the co-authored book 'Understanding Australian Construction Contractors: A Guide for Emerging Professionals' (2023, with Matt Stevens), offering guidance on Australian construction practices. Key peer-reviewed works encompass 'Understanding the building certification system: a need for accreditation reform' (2013, with Kim Maund, Willy Sher, Rosemary Naughton), 'BIM and OHS – Designer and Design Coordinator Adoption in the UK and Australia' (2012, with Sheng-Ying Shih, Willy Sher, Alistair Gibb), 'Stakeholder Power and Mutual Dependence: Construction Contractors are Caught in an Economic Vise' (2023, with Matt Stevens), 'Regulatory Transformation Case Study in Construction: Past Tense and Future Perfect' (2023, with Matt Stevens), 'Industry-enabled Work Integrated Learning through Certificate of Practice Program' (2021, with Ali Al-Ashwal, Sepani Senaratne, Mary Hardie), and 'A Study of the Causation of Distressed Projects' (2013, with Willy Sher). His research focuses on construction contracting, building certification, BIM adoption for occupational health and safety, rework consequences, project distress causation, and work-integrated learning, influencing practices in the Australian construction sector.