Former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan has been appointed as an independent director of Australian property development and construction company Built, as the business expands into new construction methods aimed at increasing housing supply.

The appointment comes as Built pursues new manufacturing and construction technologies intended to deliver residential developments more quickly and at a lower cost than conventional building methods.

A major part of the company's expansion involves Built Living, a 50:50 joint venture between Built and Wesfarmers that aims to manufacture residential apartment components using advanced industrial production methods.

The venture is intended to support large-scale apartment construction and improve productivity at a time when Australia's housing shortage and rising construction costs continue to affect residential development.

Earlier in 2026, the Federal Government announced a $120 million investment in Built Living to support the initiative.

McGowan replaces long-serving independent director Dieter Adamsas on Built's board.

Built executive chair Marco Rossi said the former premier's experience in government and understanding of economic and infrastructure development would assist the company's long-term plans.

McGowan said he was attracted to Built's approach to improving housing and infrastructure delivery through modern construction techniques.

The appointment adds to several corporate and advisory positions McGowan has taken since resigning as Western Australian premier in 2023.

In September 2026, he was appointed a non-executive director of Southern Cross Media Group, which owns Seven, The West Australian, PerthNow and The Nightly.

He has also held advisory roles with BHP, APM, Bondi Partners and Perth's Oasis Fertility Centre, along with a position on the advisory board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

Built's expansion into manufacturing-led construction forms part of efforts to increase housing production, although the extent to which these methods will reduce building costs and construction times remains to be demonstrated.