With a father and grandfather in construction and a true love of timber, Greg O’Connor was passionate about becoming a carpenter.

During his apprenticeship in Ireland, Greg worked intensively on the restoration of heritage buildings, some 200-300 years old. Mentored by master tradesmen in heritage restoration, Greg acquired a unique knowledge of carpentry and joinery – learning skills and techniques handed down unadulterated from craftsman to craftsman for hundreds of years.

In 1987 Greg left the Emerald Isle for the Emerald City. Determined to build upon the unique foundation he had gained in Ireland, Greg set out to absorb as much as he could of Australian heritage and carpentry. Over the next twenty years in Sydney, Greg searched out heritage wherever it was available and everywhere in between. From terrace houses in Paddington to Babworth House at Darling Point, from the Woolstores in Alexandria to Victorian era mansions in Mosman, from the colonial sandstone of the Chief Secretary’s building to slides and fairground attractions at Luna Park,

Greg gained a new understanding of heritage – viewed through the Australian lens.
With local industry insight and experience in his tool kit, Greg’s dream could take shape.

Founding Oriel Building Services in 1989, his vision was to provide excellence in carpentry and joinery. Over 30 years later, Oriel is an established and highly regarded name within the NSW building sector – leading the way in industry expertise and achieving the finest quality workmanship.

Today Oriel continues to deliver on its vision. Traditional or contemporary, commercial, heritage or cross laminated timber, our team will provide outstanding solutions for your projects – on point, on budget and on time.