The construction cranes have been busy over Brisbane this year despite the threat of a global downturn, with housing, sporting and commercial projects galore. From a new home for the Lions AFL women’s team to luxury unit towers, housing estates and office blocks, developers have been busy. We take a look at 15 people and family companies driving the boom.

They range from a former Olympic swimmer to a weekend rescue diver, the offspring of penniless migrants and the son of a Chinese street hawker.

The Pikos Group managing director and his brother Michael set up the biggest private construction firm in the Northern Territory after graduating from Darwin High School. They arrived in the Top End after grandfather Petros Mihailou emigrated in 1927 from Kalymnos, a small Greek island.

He started a construction company before Pedro, Michael and another brother, Tony, set up their own business in 1995. They moved to Brisbane in 2003, setting up headquarters in Fortitude Valley and have built well over $500 million in projects. Work will start next month on Pedro Pikos’ latest project, Skye apartments at the top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

He billed it “Brisbane’s best building’’, featuring stone and wood finishes, Swiss appliances and a 1000m public skydeck with a bar, restaurant and pool 15 floors above one of highest spots in the city.

About $200 million in unit sales have already been inked.

Over at 24 Ferry Rd in West End, Pikos Group gained approval in February for a striking 12-storey, 38-unit tower topped by a stunning rooftop area with pool and sweeping river views.

Sales started this year at La Storia, the first tower in a controversial three-building project at 108 Lambert Rd, Kangaroo Point.