Local Bloke – David Arbib from North Bondi

By Dan Hutton on February 21, 2019 in People

David Arbib has been living in North Bondi for just about as long as he can remember. When he’s not hanging out with his family, he’s running his successful project management and building services business, Sun Projects. David shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here?

My family moved to Ben Buckler in the 1940s. I followed them down to Bondi in the ‛90s.

Why do you live here?

It’s where I grew up and it’s a tough place to beat. Bondi by nature is a very upbeat place to be. The good energy is contagious and it still has some of that barefoot and happy vibe that it did in the early days. It’s also a melting pot of cultures from around the world. Within that is a very close and special community.

What’s your favourite beach?

North Bondi, especially in the mornings. That place is very special.

What’s your favourite eatery?

I’d have to say the Depot (owned by my in-laws), Shuk and Harry’s.

Where do you like to have a drink?

I love a mezcal or a margarita at Taqiza. Otherwise I’m a bit of a good-whisky-at-home type of guy.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs?

To live so close to the city, yet be surrounded by one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and coastlines, is pretty unique. That, and the people. I still see a lot of the people I grew up with on a daily basis.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs?

That I still see a lot of the people I grew up with on a daily basis!

Do you have a favourite sporting team?

I’m a big NBA fan but unfortunately the nature of the game these days is more about the individual than it is about the team. I started playing in the ‘90s, so the Chicago Bulls are a sentimental favourite.

What music are you into at the moment?

I’ll always have some good rock like the Strokes or Iggy Pop on the playlist, but Drake and Kanye are getting a fair bit of airtime at the moment.

Who is your favourite person?

That would be my partner-in-life and soul mate, Carli Jean. She’s always upbeat, positive and heading in the right direction.

What do you get up to on the weekends?

We’re pretty active by nature but we also have two young kids, which slows down the pace a little. Some kind of nature adventure, beach time, a spearfish, or time in the garden and veggie patch.

What do you do for work?

I run a boutique building company called Sun Projects that focuses on full scale residential renovations. You can check out our work at www.sunprojects.co.

What’s your favourite thing about work?

The relationships I’ve made, the people I continue to meet, the creative aspect and, perhaps above all, creating an environment or a home that really supports or enhances people’s lives.

Do you have a favourite quote?

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast?

In today’s world of social media, which encourages a culture of smoke and mirrors, I’m going to go with my old school’s motto, “Esse quam videri”, which translates to, “To be, rather than to seem to be”!