The real story of planning a development through Woollahra Council.

Who is Victor Berk? IMO he is one of the most unprofessional people I have ever come across. With 35 years designing properties in Woollahra, Vaucluse, Dover Heights and Watsons Bay, it is rare that I have have met someone who on paper seems so accomplished, but in real life appears to me to be little more than a pompous bully with an immense superiority complex.

So I had the mis-pleasure of several phone calls with Professor Berk, who is unfortunately for myself and surrounding neighbours the architect for a nearby property. On record there have been ten registered complaints to Woollahra Council regarding his design. Not surprising for a proposed building that is in my opinion selfish, poorly thought out and inconsiderate to the surrounding properties. He had little interest in hearing my opinion - and dealt with my observations and perceived problems with blunt dismissal without validation or explanation. This appeared to me to be simply because he believes he knows better and does not feel obliged to explain further. I found his attitude arrogant beyond belief.

In my experience anyone who starts a conversation by reading their credentials is usually a person who derives a high degree of self-importance by doing so, or is insecure. On each of my calls to Victor Berk I endured his recap of his perceived importance and how he is also a Professor at the University of NSW. I do not understand why anyone believes that they have a right to respect - this is reticent of the class system. True professionals understand people, solve complex problems and are able to repeat their feats time and time again. I’ve found over the years that dealing with people’s problems and finding solutions is the mark of a true professional.Despite my best efforts to come to an understanding with Victor Berk I encountered nothing but rudeness, denial and arrogance.

For the record I have taken a good look at Victor Berk’s properties and have to say they are some of the ugliest buildings I have seen in the Vaucluse area.

If you ever want to use Victor Berk’s services he can be found here:
Design 23 Ltd
Randwick

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