PW Rygate and West has a rich history dating back to 1893 when Phillip William Rygate established a private surveying practice in Sydney. The earliest known plan on the South Coast he prepared was the "Killarney Estate" at Erowal Bay in 1915.

In 1920 Clarence James Lyle West was welcomed into a partnership and PW Rygate and West was formed.

Like many surveying firms based in Sydney, Rygate and West undertook numerous surveys in regional NSW. When the Ulladulla and Mollymook region began to expand after World War Two they undertook the surveying for numerous subdivisions in the district including work for Alison Clissold, who started the development of Mollymook with the first subdivision in Golf Avenue/Buchan Street being surveyed by Mr West in 1947.

They were also involved in early subdivisions in Sussex Inlet from the late 1940s with work undertaken by Mr West. The first subdivision in Mollymook North of Blackwater Creek was undertaken in 1955 with RB Alderton, a partner in the practice, as the surveyor. This subdivision included Mitchell Parade and Donlan Road which was extended to the current Mollymook Creek, north of Donlan Road, in 1957.

1957 also saw the Kings Point Estate and South Pacific Estate established with Mr Alderton as the surveyor.

As South Coast workload increased from Kiama to Narooma a permanent presence was established with the opening of an office in Milton in 1966 above the current Raine and Horne Real Estate office. The office was established by Terry Meakin who, with Bob Barker, undertook the design and survey work for the majority of the Mollymook Beach subdivisions in the 1960s on behalf of Middle Harbour Investments.

Mr Barker managed the South Coast office until 1975 then Mr Tony Wright arrived and stayed until 1979 when he was replaced by Peter Salmon. Alan Doyle then relocated the office to Ulladulla in 1981. He remained in charge until 1985 after which John Mittlehauser and Greg Foster had short stints in control.

In May 1988 Mr Beasley took over with his wife. In 1992, the office was relocated to its current location on the corner of Green and St Vincent Streets.

Since the South Coast office was established many well known locals have worked for the practice. Bruce Barrett, John Begg and Catherine Thistleton have worked in the practice for over 30 years and Mr Begg and Ms Thistleton still work there today.

Now, Ulladulla couple Peter and Amy Smith are the new owners. Mr Smith is "true local" who, after gaining his surveying degree, has worked in many engineering and surveying roles around Australia and the world. He has worked with Mr Beasley for the past four years and continues a family trend in the practice with his father, uncle and cousin having also worked there.