When Constantinos “Dino” Nikias arrived in Canberra from Greece in the 1950s, his first job was as a truck driver for the Government. “Out of 65 Greek migrants on the ship I travelled on to Australia, I was the only one with a driver’s licence,” he recalls.
“I had to take people to work, and that’s how I met many migrant Germans, Austrians and others in the construction industry. That’s how I started learning about building.”
Now 97 and still going to the office every day, Dino is the patriarch of Nikias Diamond, the firm established over 25 years ago with the “younger generation” - his son Dimitri and business partner George Diamond.
By the late 1950s and early 60s, Dino was working alongside European tradesmen on government projects. “I was at Old Parliament House rectifying leaks in the roof, with other migrants.” Soon after, he moved into industrial construction, building factories, workshops and warehouses in Fyshwick, before moving into housing with his brother-in-law Angelo Stramarcos in their own company, ‘Ideal Homes’. “We built houses in Deakin in the 60s. Later, in one year, we built 36 homes—standard plans, good quality,” Dino says.
Business was built on trust. “Back then it was handshake deal. You were honest, no cutting corners, and whatever you promised people, you did. That’s how you earned respect.” His reputation for paying subcontractors on time meant people wanted to work with him.
In the 1980s, Dino returned to commercial projects, delivering developments such as Tuggeranong Square and Bonner House in Woden. Attaining his A-class builder’s licence was a career highlight. “I was very proud to get my A-class licence, which then allowed me to build higher storeys. Today you’d need a degree to get that!”
Meanwhile, Dimitri Nikias studied business in valuations and commercial property and gained experience in commercial real estate. He pivoted into construction in the late 1990s to work with his father. Their growing pipeline soon needed more capacity.
That’s when George Diamond, also of Greek heritage, joined the team in the 2000s. “Dino taught me that the way you treat people is just as important as the buildings you put up,” George says. With a background working with tier one builders, George had honed his skills with Lendlease, Multiplex and Iqon, working on projects such as the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo and the ANU School of Music.
“My mentor Mike Rafferty taught me never to assume or accept anything, and the real strength comes from knowledge. That discipline stayed with me,” George explains. Dino adds: “He systemised us, and we needed it!”
For George, NewActon stands out as a career-defining project. “The heritage buildings, the Palace Cinemas, Hotel Hotel. It tested every bit of Nikias Diamond, but it created something spectacular for the city.”
In 2003, the team officially formed Nikias Diamond, beginning with the John James Hospital clinical services building. “We started with limited resources, but with a strong culture of honesty, quality and paying people on time,” George recalls. The firm has since expanded while staying family focused. Dimitri Stramarcos joined as a director in 2016, followed in 2023 by Solai Hosken who had been with the company for 11 years. Dino’s grandson, Constantine Nikias, also joined in 2023 as a contract administrator after completing his construction management degree at the University of Canberra and a cadetship with Construction Control.
“Our vision is to continue building with honesty, integrity and quality, values that have guided us since the beginning,” George says. “We are committed to creating places that strengthen communities, support families and stand the test of time. As we grow into the next generation, we remain dedicated to fairness, craftsmanship and respect for everyone who builds with us.”
Reflecting on the past, Dino notes: “We once worked with handshakes. Today it’s contracts and lawyers. But if you asked me what one thing has changed our lives the most, I’d say power tools. We used to hand drill everything and use hammers and saws by hand. Power tools have made more difference than the mobile phone.”
George sees technology and regulations as both challenges and opportunities. “The industry is building safer and smarter, but affordability and quality are key. Less is more. A simple, well-built home is better than chasing bells and whistles that remain untested.”
For Dino, the Master Builders Association has always mattered. “I’ve been with them since the 1960s. They gave us support, contracts, training and recognition.” Dino received a one-off special award from the MBA for long-term service to the industry, while the company has been recognised with multiple MBA Excellence in Building Awards. George adds: “The MBA provides security and a community for builders. Their lobbying is essential with government.”
As the company enters its third generation, its values remain unchanged. “I think in every business the key is honesty and integrity, and I stand by that,” George says. “Our business is based on those morals and that’s been the basis from day one with Dino. A big focus for us is that people are paid on time. The construction industry deals with large sums of money, and many individuals rely on timely payment. Nikias Diamond has always made sure the people who work for us are paid on time so that their businesses can succeed with us.”
