Our History
As one of Australia’s oldest family-owned commercial builders, Kennett has a longstanding history delivering better projects across South Australia and Victoria.
Over four generations, our commitment, passion and drive to deliver quality results while building lasting relationships are ingrained in our DNA – it’s what brings our clients back time and again.
Read on to learn more about our history.
Our Story
1914
Kennett was established in Adelaide by brothers Clifford and Charles Kennett, who formed a strong partnership as stonemasons and home builders.
1920
As Kennett’s reputation for building quality grew, so did the business. Within six years the brothers were overseeing a team of 80 tradesmen building homes in the inner-city.
1945
The post-World War II migration boom fuelled demand for more housing, which Kennett continued to provide whilst undertaking its first commercial construction project. A hardware supplies business and joinery workshop soon followed to support increased construction activity.
1960 to 1980
Charles’s sons Neil and Dean Kennett, the second-generation, expanded the business into Mount Gambier where the company won a contract to build 50 homes for the South Australian Housing Trust.
1992
Neil’s son, John Kennett, became the sole owner of the business having begun his career at Kennett as an apprentice carpenter in 1974. He steered the company to commercial construction, carving out a solid reputation and delivering many of South Australia’s major buildings.
2018
Fourth-generation sons, James and Scott, both qualified builders with over 20 years’ experience, took ownership of the company from John, leading the company from strength to strength.
2019
Kennett opens the Melbourne office, establishing a presence in Victoria.
Present
Today, Kennett operates offices in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Melbourne with an established presence as commercial construction specialists, delivering projects across all sectors, including: education, aged care and health, recreation and sport, commercial, industrial, retail and automotive and multi-level residential.
