Northcote’s Rebeka Morgan is one of the two clever ladies behind BuildHer Collective, where they aim to empower women with the right tools to build the home of their dreams through their webinars, online courses, events and private consultations. Rebeka Morgan’s desire to help women build is driven from the many enquiries she receives, her thirst for knowledge, her vast business experience and passion for building.

You’re no stranger to construction. Tell us how this passion began.

A a teenager I worked in my family floor coverings business in Melbourne which gave me a strong interest in both Entrepreneurship and Construction. I started a degree in Architecture before changing to construction loving the physicality of seeing the buildings come to life as they are built.

This has not changed, I still love seeing the designs come to life and find the process uplifting and inspiring. It is so much fun. 

What did you do after you finished school? How did you end up here?

I spent the last 14 years in the building industry in various management roles, initially focusing on commercial construction where I was general manager of a commercial building company. More recently I’ve been successfully redeveloping residential properties, which have broken sales records in Northcote. I’m currently joint director of Beirin Projects which focuses on high end renovation and construction and developments in the inner North. 

I am also joint director of BuildHer Collective which has the purpose of helping women take back control of the building process and get the home of their dreams. We teach you about how you do what we do. How to build the family home that is perfect for you without the angst and drama and regret that so often accompanies the building process.  

What qualifications do you hold?

I’m a bit of a serial Entrepreneur with a Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This compliments my degree in Construction Management and more recently my Builders licence. I thought it was really important to be a registered builder, it allows me to demonstrate my passion and my knowledge.

You welcomed a new member to your family in August, baby Kitty. Tell us about your little tribe.

Well she is just the cutest, if I may say so myself. We are a big blended family. There is John, my partner and rock, then Liam, 19 who is super funny, Ben, 16, who is ready to conquer the world, Emily, 6, who is tenacious and amazing, Jack who would have been 4 was an amazing gift but sadly died at birth, Bear is almost 3 and is deliciously cheeky, and Kitty who at 7 months can light up a room with her smile.

How do you manage to juggle kids and all your work commitments?

Badly! It all really depends on the moment. I am still and will always be striving for the balance. Sometimes I feel too far one way or the other, what I know is that I have an amazing support network and our kids are only kids for such a short time. 

I am the type of person who always manages to create work, I love a new project, I love being busy and doing new and exciting things! So no matter whether with work, family or friends my ambitions will always demand more time than I have.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to families who are looking to build a new family home?

There are so many ways to build a home, but your home should ‘feel’ like you. It should be a reflection of you in a space. To achieve this ‘you’ are the most important piece of the puzzle, only you will know the intimate details of how you live.

We teach a ‘choose your own adventure’ system at BuildHer, where you work to your strengths, engaging your team professionals along the way to compliment your skills. This path is unique for everyone but the more you know the easier the process will be. 

Ultimately no one will be more invested than you to have your space perfect so we believe you need to be involved to achieve the best outcome for your family.

Favourite local destinations for homewares?

I do like to shop locally which at the moment is High St, Northcote. Truthfully shopping is not my most favourite thing to do. 

Date night?

I surprised John with a date night at Izakaya Den in the city (Japanese) and had bought and gift wrapped a lovely old book on Japanese Architecture, when he opened the book there was an itinerary to a holiday in Japan. That was the night I nailed date night! 

Favourite playground?

Baden Morgan reserve Northcote.  

Favourite family holiday destinations?

John loves Tasmania and we have a trip coming up again soon! Last year we started doing a weekend away each month or so exploring Victoria. I’d love to pick that up again.

Finally, where can we find you?

Online at buildhercollective.com.au, or give us a call on 1300 973 061, I would genuinely love to hear about your build and if I can help in anyway.