Lyn Bu’s achievements reflect an exceptional combination of commercial ambition, strategic leadership and commitment to developing others. Since co-founding C U Building Group in 2017, she has helped transform the business from a two-person start-up into a multi-brand construction company.

As General Manager, Lyn Bu has driven the systems, commercial strategy and market expansion underpinning the company’s growth, including its expansion across four brands spanning luxury homes, boutique developments and modular construction. Approximately 99 per cent of the company’s project pipeline now comes from referrals and repeat clients, while its growth has included appointment as exclusive builder for 21 luxury homes at Burswood Point.

Her contribution, however, extends well beyond commercial success.

Through hands-on mentoring, flexible working arrangements and a focus on recognising potential, Lyn Bu has helped women progress into senior management and operational positions within the business. She is also undertaking doctoral research into construction insolvency prediction and working with universities to explore emerging technologies and new approaches for the sector.

Reflecting the breadth of that contribution, Lyn Bu was also recognised with the Executive Leadership, Innovation and Change Leader, and Professional Business Woman awards.
HIA WA Executive Director Michael McGowan said Lyn Bu’s achievements demonstrate the impact that strong leadership can have not only on a business, but on the people and industry around it.

“Lyn’s success is impressive not simply because of the growth of the business, but because she has combined that commercial success with innovation, research and a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for others,” Mr McGowan said.

“She demonstrates the depth of contribution women are making to our industry, from running successful businesses and developing new technologies to mentoring the next generation of leaders.”

The awards also recognised an outstanding group of women and businesses whose achievements demonstrate the breadth of expertise women bring to residential building.

Renee Morrell-Brown of Pique received the Achievement in Manufacturing and Supply award, recognising her leadership in production, project delivery and the advancement of two-storey modular and medium-density housing solutions and opening new possibilities for the sector. Renee is equally committed to developing people, and through her business leadership and wider industry involvement, she continues to advance both modular housing and the people behind it.

Amy Butler of Kyros Homes was named Administration Executive for her contribution to the company’s growth to triple the annual number of homes built. Her architectural expertise and talent for business administration and operational leadership has improved efficiency, strengthened accountability and created greater transparency for clients and staff.

Emma Lord of Constructive Software received the Business Development Professional award. Managing a client portfolio representing half of the company’s annual revenue, her understanding of builders' operations and customer expectations allows her to deliver tailored solutions that help builders adopt technology to improve efficiency and customers home-building experience.

Isabelle Tan of Prompt Engineering was recognised as Business Mentor / Leader for strengthening leadership development, supporting flexible working arrangements and creating career opportunities for women. As Chief Operating Financial Officer and Company Secretary, her leadership has contributed to staff retention reaching 92 per cent and record employee engagement. Through her compassionate approach to mentoring, Isabelle empowers others to recognise their potential and grow into confident leaders.

Debbie Bute of Leading Energy | ESD received the Industry Contribution award for her technical and industry leadership and lasting contribution to the residential building industry. Her work has helped identify practical solutions to help navigate complex regulatory requirements. She has demonstrated the potential of high-performance housing, contributing to award-winning 10-Star NatHERS Sustainable Home design, and through industry education and mentoring, Debbie continues to share her knowledge and create opportunities for others.

Georgia Caust of ABN Group was named Young Achiever / Trailblazer. Having progressed from Marketing Assistant to Product Marketing Manager, she now leads a team of four and has contributed to major brand and digital initiatives, including the ABN Trade Mates app. Combining creative thinking with commercial understanding and a drive to improve how teams work together, Georgia works across key business functions to strengthen collaboration and marketing outcomes.

Beaumonde Homes received the Inclusion and Advancement of Women award, recognising the growth of female representation within the business from three employees in 2021 to 13 women in a workforce of 27, including women holding the Chief Executive Officer and Operations Manager positions. The business has also created pathways from administration into technical and construction-focused roles.

Beaumonde Homes fosters a supportive workplace through open communication, recognition of individual contributions and flexibility around family responsibilities to build an inclusive culture where women are valued, supported and encouraged to develop their careers.

Mr McGowan said the diversity of this year’s recipients showed that women are contributing at every level and across an increasingly broad range of disciplines in residential building.

“What stands out in this year’s awards is the extraordinary variety of roles represented. We are celebrating women in manufacturing, administration, technology, business development, technical services, marketing, operations, research and executive leadership.

“That depth and breadth matters. Our industry needs talented people with different experiences and skills if we are going to meet the challenges of delivering the homes Western Australians need.

“These women are leading businesses, improving the way homes are designed and delivered, developing people, embracing new technologies and strengthening the industry for those who follow them.

“HIA is proud to recognise their achievements and, importantly, the contribution women are making every day across Western Australia’s residential building industry.”

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