From collecting rocks as a child to working on some of Australia’s most valued heritage structures, Mark Milevski shares a snapshot of his journey with natural stone. Get to know Mark, Co-Director and Materials Testing Specialist (Heritage Services) at Stone Initiatives.
What inspired you to work in stone and materials testing?
I’ve been fascinated with rocks since I was a child – I had a large collection and would always pick up rocks I thought looked interesting. My father was a builder, and I had a lot of exposure to the construction industry. My interest in rocks inspired me to study geology at university, while my knowledge and experience in construction inspired me to pursue materials testing. I’ve been with Stone Initiatives since 2014.
I really enjoy being involved at every stage of a project, from the initial design phase through to construction and even after handover. There is a need for testing at almost every stage. It’s fascinating to witness projects evolve from concept to completion.
Could you tell us about your area of specialisation at Stone Initiatives?
I specialise in the heritage field, working on a wide variety of projects – from a rising damp survey in a small local stone church, to large-scale materials testing of an offshore heritage lighthouse, accessible only by helicopter. The variety certainly keeps things interesting! My work in heritage materials testing often involves problem-solving, to work through unique challenges that require tailored solutions.
What’s a typical day at work like for you?
A typical workday for me begins with addressing client inquiries and keeping them updated on ongoing projects. I prioritise prompt communication, often picking up the phone to discuss testing requirements or results directly. After that, I assess the testing and reporting tasks at hand and plan my day accordingly. Throughout the week, I also engage in quoting, on-site work and research. Given the unpredictability of each week, I’ve learned to be adaptable and ready to restructure my schedule in response to our clients’ needs.
Do you have a favourite type of stone or material?
I don’t think I could choose a single favourite, it’s a bit like picking a favourite child, I suppose! However, if I were to favourably mention one, it would have to be Victorian bluestone (basalt). It’s a strong and durable material, with a blue-grey hue. While it might seem understated at first, its real charm lies in the scattered pockets of large vesicles, or “cat’s paws,” as they’re affectionately called. Each piece is one of a kind, and I often find myself imagining its origin as molten lava before it solidified, capturing that moment in time.
What’s one interesting or surprising fact about stone testing or the industry?
Dimension stone, being a natural product, can vary significantly within a single quarry.
The location from which the stone is extracted can greatly affect its physical properties. For instance, a change in water absorption, even as small as 1% for some stone types, can lead to significant differences in strength and durability.
At Stone Initiatives, we have over 20 years of historical data on various Australian and imported stone types. With a simple water absorption and bulk specific gravity test, we can identify changes in stone properties by comparing it to our historical data. This approach is especially useful for developing effective quality assurance testing regimes, helping clients make informed decisions.