25 Years.One Standard. The Best.
David Goodwin has been laying bricks since before most people in his industry finished their apprenticeship. What began as a trade has become a life's craft, built on precision, pride, and an unwillingness to cut corners.
The Story Behind Goodwin Bricklaying
David Reuben Goodwin started out doing what bricklayers do: residential work, new builds, extensions. But over two decades, something became clear. The work that kept him up at night, in the best way, was the difficult stuff. The heritage restorations. The vaulted ceilings. The chimney stacks others had turned down.
Based in Camberwell, David has spent 25 years refining a skill set that very few tradespeople in Melbourne can match. He has restored pre-war facades in Canterbury and Hawthorn, built landmark chimney stacks for commercial clients across the city, including the Highett Gasworks and a 40-metre stack in Collingwood, and is currently working on the Old Licorice Factory chimney in Brunswick: a project that tells you everything about the kind of work he is drawn to.
David doesn't take every job. He works with homeowners, architects, and builders who share his commitment to doing things properly, clients who understand that quality masonry is an investment, not a line item to trim. Goodwin Bricklaying exists for those clients.
Taken Seriously, Start to Finish
Every enquiry is taken seriously. David provides detailed quotes with full construction specifics: no vague estimates, no surprises on site.
Once a project starts, the standard doesn't change. David and his team arrive on time, communicate clearly, and treat every property with the care it deserves.
The goal on every job, whether it's a chimney in Fitzroy or a heritage facade in Glen Iris, is that when it's done you can't tell anyone else was ever there. Except that it looks better than it ever has.
Landmark Projects
From commercial chimney stacks to heritage boundary walls, these are the projects that define David's reputation across inner Melbourne.
- Chimney Stack: Highett Gasworks, Melbourne.
- Chimney Stack: Collingwood (40 metres).
- Chimney Stack Restoration: Old Licorice Factory, Brunswick (in progress).
- Brick Tunnel: Fitzroy.
- Cairo Flats, Fitzroy: 10,000-brick heritage boundary wall rebuild.
- Kirra Gardens, Camberwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I deal directly with David, or is work handed off to other tradespeople?
David is on site for every project and leads the work personally. He may work alongside his regular team of bricklayers and labourers, but he is always the one responsible for the outcome. You will have direct contact with David from the first enquiry through to completion.
What makes Goodwin Bricklaying different from other bricklayers?
Twenty-five years of experience in specialist masonry, including heritage restoration and architectural work that most bricklayers simply don't have the skill or background to take on. David's clients are homeowners, architects, and builders who want the work done properly and to the highest standard, and that's the only standard David works to.
Do you take on small jobs?
Goodwin Bricklaying focuses on quality projects where the skills and experience David has developed over 25 years are genuinely needed. Small patch repairs and low-budget jobs are not the right fit. If you're unsure whether your project is a good match, contact David and he'll give you an honest answer.
Work with a craftsman who cares.
If you value quality masonry and want the job done properly, David would be glad to hear from you. Honest assessment, detailed quote, no sales pressure.