About McDowell Building & Construction, Melbourne Builder
Meet the team behind every McDowell Building & Construction project.
Patrick McDowell
Building has been part of Patrick's life for as long as he can remember. Introduced to the industry from a young age through his stepfather, he built a genuine interest in construction working across a wide variety of residential projects, from maintenance works and structural retaining walls through to post-and-beam construction, pitched roofs, renovations, extensions and bespoke residential homes. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, Patrick progressed from subcontractor to site supervisor, gaining hands-on experience across more than 100 homes before founding McDowell Building & Construction.
Throughout his career, Patrick realised that while quality workmanship is essential, it's only one part of a successful building project. What truly sets a renovation apart is the experience clients have throughout the journey. Too often, homeowners are left feeling overwhelmed by poor communication, unclear expectations and unexpected costs that could have been avoided with better planning and greater transparency.
That belief became the foundation of McDowell Building & Construction.
Build Homes Clients Are Proud Of
Rather than simply providing a price from a set of plans, Patrick takes the time to understand how his clients want to live, what they're trying to achieve, and what may have been overlooked before construction begins. He believes the best projects are built long before the first hammer is picked up, through detailed planning, honest conversations and helping clients understand how every decision can influence the outcome, budget and timeline.
Patrick has delivered a diverse range of projects, from complex structural alterations and second-storey additions to heritage restorations, renovations and extensions. One project that stands out is the complete restoration and extension of an 1870s Carlton building, a former pub that is now a family home, involving extensive structural works, careful restoration and intricate detailing. Technically challenging projects are rewarding in their own right, but Patrick believes the greatest measure of success is hearing from new clients who say, "Our friends recommended McDowell Building because of the experience they had."
Today, Patrick's focus is simple: build homes clients are genuinely proud of, not just structures that pass inspection. He wants every client to feel informed, supported and confident throughout the entire process. Through honest advice, proactive communication and meticulous planning, his goal is to remove as much uncertainty as possible, so clients enjoy the journey as much as the finished result.
For Patrick, success isn't measured solely by completed projects or industry recognition. It's measured by the trust clients place in McDowell Building, the relationships built along the way, and the confidence clients have in recommending the company to their family and friends. His vision is to build a reputation where the McDowell Building name represents quality, integrity and a building experience people genuinely enjoy.
The People Who Turn Up
The same four are on a project from the first day to the last. Open a name on the photograph to read more.
Greg PetropoulosSenior Carpenter
Greg is a senior carpenter with McDowell and has been with the team for five years, leading structural work, maintenance, renovations and extensions.
On site, Greg carries the McDowell name. He takes responsibility for how a job runs day to day: a clean site, a safe one, and a working environment the whole team and the client can be comfortable in. It is the kind of thing homeowners notice most when it is missing.
One recent project was a full renovation in Ascot Vale, taking the home through new weatherboard cladding, new doors and jambs, and new internal trims throughout.
Greg holds a Certificate III in Carpentry.
Clients describe him as friendly, easy to talk to, thorough and tidy.
Costa TzarosConstruction Manager
Costa brings more than 14 years in building and construction to McDowell, across framing new homes and light commercial work through to architectural finishing, structural alterations and additions, and full home renovations and restorations.
He grew up around people with trade backgrounds and has always liked making things with his hands, which pointed him at carpentry early. That grounding gives him a practical read on how a build actually goes together, and the problem solving to work it out when it doesn't.
Costa runs McDowell's projects: setting the direction for each job, coordinating the team across sites, holding the client relationship and getting on the tools when the job calls for it. His job is making sure everyone knows what needs doing and the work keeps moving in the right direction. On site he takes on the work most builders would rather avoid: structural wall removals, water ingress diagnosis and balcony remediation, looking for the root cause of a problem rather than patching the symptom.
The part he treats as most important is the client relationship. He keeps homeowners informed through the build and has the direct conversations early, while a decision or a problem is still cheap to solve. Clients tend to mention his communication, his attention to detail and the standard he holds the work to. He will offer his experience even when the best answer is not the quickest or the easiest one.
For Costa, good building comes down to quality workmanship, clear communication and a result the client is still happy with years later.
Patrick McDowellFounder & Director
Founder and Director, and a licensed Registered Building Practitioner.
Danny TranLead Carpenter
Danny, known on site as Danno, has been a qualified carpenter for more than nine years and joined McDowell in 2025.
On site, Danny runs the day to day: coordinating and organising trades, holding the schedule, getting materials ordered ahead of time, and keeping clients across what is happening on their job and what happens next.
Danny is an all rounder across carpentry, though renovation work is where he is happiest. He likes the problems that only surface once an existing building is opened up, working them out as the job develops, and watching an old place turn into the new one.
Before joining McDowell, Danny worked on an eco home at Strath Creek that featured on Grand Designs Australia. Since joining, the Ross Street project is the one he has most enjoyed.
He holds a Certificate IV in Building and Construction, a current Working with Children Check and a First Aid certificate.
Clients describe him as professional, friendly, polite and easy to talk to.
The Work Behind the Names
The jobs the three of them describe above, as they were on site.
How We Work
From the first discovery call, homeowners deal directly with the McDowell team. The process moves through a staged Opinion of Probable Cost and Pre-Construction Agreement before any construction contract is signed, so the scope and budget are settled before trades are booked. Once on site, clients receive weekly updates by email and WhatsApp, including video walk-throughs, and every job site is left clean at the end of each day. It's a small, hands-on team by design, not by accident.
Who We Work With
McDowell Building & Construction works with Melbourne homeowners taking on considered projects: full home renovations, extensions and alterations, heritage restorations, and structural rectification. Projects range in size and budget. What stays constant is that getting the scope right matters more than getting a fast price. The team also works with body corporates and property management agencies through its Property Maintenance arm, handling structural and remedial work most maintenance operators aren't licensed to take on. What both groups have in common is a willingness to plan properly before construction starts.
Credentials
- Patrick McDowell, Registered Building Practitioner, DB-U 44509
- HIA (Housing Industry Association) member
- Registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission
- 15 years experience
- Fully insured
- 4.9★ from 73 Google reviews
Notable Work
Heritage restoration & extension, Carlton (1870s building)A full restoration, renovation and alteration of an 1870s heritage building, a long-standing family home. The project involved significant structural work in close collaboration with a structural engineer, structural removals and an extension, plus a new open terrace. Many of the home's original internal and external features were restored throughout. We worked closely with the client on internal finishes and design.
Single-front terrace extension, FitzroyA single-front terrace with a small tacked-on kitchen extension, which we removed and extended right out to create a large open kitchen and living space. Above it, we built a full open terrace accessed by an external spiral staircase.
Weatherboard extension & granny flat, Box Hill NorthA partial demolition back to the original dwelling, then a full extension of the living area through to a new laundry, master bedroom with full-size walk-in robe and large ensuite. We also worked with the client to add a separate granny flat to the property.
Rear renovation & extension, Surrey HillsThe owner had planned to knock the house down, then changed his mind. He renovated the front of the home himself, then engaged McDowell Building & Construction to renovate and extend the rear. The extension created open plan living, a large open dining space and a butler's pantry, added two bedrooms, and included a covered outdoor deck.
What Our Clients Say
“We recently had a pergola extension completed by Pat at McDowell Building and Construction, and we couldn't be happier with the result. From the initial consultation through to the final touches, Pat and his team were professional, punctual, and a pleasure to deal with...”
“Patrick and his team were a dream to work with! They have an incredible eye for detail and ensure the final product is of the highest quality. We could not fault their communication...”
“The McDowell team were great to deal with through what I anticipated would be an extremely stressful process since it began as a fact finding mission and developed into (what we considered substantial building works). Patrick explained each finding as we went and gave us options as to what we could do, understanding budget constraints etc...”
“We would HIGHLY recommend Patrick and the team. Right from the first meeting through to hand over, they were great communicators, amazing workmanship and provided much needed guidance during 2 projects now. We also enjoy the regular banter with the broader team! A must to call before you build!”
Ready to Start the Conversation?
Ready to start the conversation? Book a call with the team.