and industry leadership.
DAVID MCGUIRE
David is a highly experienced project management professional whose background in civil engineering has equipped him with critical, practical design sensibility. Over the last few decades this sensibility has underpinned his success to lead diverse design teams to rewarding outcomes through strategic planning, innovative thinking, and disciplined execution.
With over 30 years of experience in planning, leading, and directing a wide array of public space and infrastructure projects, David has built a reputation for excellence, precision, and dependable leadership. As the Director of Project Services, David draws on a strong foundation in civil engineering, project management and his experience as a senior officer in the Australian Defence Force – bringing a practical, design-informed sensibility to every project he leads.
David is widely respected for his ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams across complex project environments. His empowering and inclusive leadership style fosters high levels of engagement and collaboration across all project phases. This approach is particularly effective during the design phase, where his ability to align project vision with team capabilities enhances design coordination, strengthens collaboration and drives integrity through to completion.
David understands that successful design implementation requires more than just technical precision – it demands a cohesive, well-supported team capable of translating strategy into tangible outcomes. Leadership that represents clarity, rigour and steadfast commitment to design and delivery excellence is key to this.
DAVID MCGUIRE
David is a highly experienced project management professional whose background in civil engineering has equipped him with critical, practical design sensibility. Over the last few decades this sensibility has underpinned his success to lead diverse design teams to rewarding outcomes through strategic planning, innovative thinking, and disciplined execution.
With over 30 years of experience in planning, leading, and directing a wide array of public space and infrastructure projects, David has built a reputation for excellence, precision, and dependable leadership. As the Director of Project Services, David draws on a strong foundation in civil engineering, project management and his experience as a senior officer in the Australian Defence Force – bringing a practical, design-informed sensibility to every project he leads.
David is widely respected for his ability to lead diverse, multidisciplinary teams across complex project environments. His empowering and inclusive leadership style fosters high levels of engagement and collaboration across all project phases. This approach is particularly effective during the design phase, where his ability to align project vision with team capabilities enhances design coordination, strengthens collaboration and drives integrity through to completion.
David understands that successful design implementation requires more than just technical precision – it demands a cohesive, well-supported team capable of translating strategy into tangible outcomes. Leadership that represents clarity, rigour and steadfast commitment to design and delivery excellence is key to this.
ANNABEL MCGUIRE
As an accomplished, trusted advisor to government, public and private sectors, Dr. Annabel McGuire is a recognised strategist, researcher, engagement, and project services specialist for Gripfasts’ major projects across Australia – and abroad. With expertise in design and innovation policy, she brings a forward-thinking, user-centred approach to achieving impactful outcomes to a broad range of projects.
A highly respected process navigator and technical translator, Dr. Annabel McGuire has earned a distinguished reputation for delivering innovative, solutions focused outcomes across some of the most complex and demanding project scopes. As Director of Advisory Services and Co-Founder of Gripfast, Annabel brings deeps expertise in strategic planning, governance, policy development, program evaluation, and organisational psychology – anchored by sophisticated understanding of design-led thinking.
Holding a PhD in Psychology, Annabel specialises in co-design, secondary research, and the development of robust project plans. Her approach is deeply user-centred and methodical, enabling her to address the feasibility and long-term impact of design initiatives. Annabel has played a key role in co-designing and implementing design and innovation policies that meet the needs of both clients and the broader communities they serve.
Annabel’s work is underpinned by a commitment to integrating clever, innovative, and sustainable solutions that respond meaningfully to complex challenges. Driven by a passion for applied design as a strategic tool for transformation and impact. She consistently places client, stakeholder and end user needs at the centre of each engagement, ensuring that every project she leads not only deliver results but also contributes to lasting value.
Proven ability to conduct strategic and methodical approaches to design solutions tailored to any client.
Proficient in the understanding and implementation of sustainable practices and policies, promoting, economic, environmental and social outcomes.
Capable of developing inclusive approaches that support communities in engaging with new design developments, providing both the client and community with a voice.
ANNABEL MCGUIRE
As an accomplished, trusted advisor to government, public and private sectors, Dr. Annabel McGuire is a recognised strategist, researcher, engagement, and project services specialist for Gripfasts’ major projects across Australia – and abroad. With expertise in design and innovation policy, she brings a forward-thinking, user-centred approach to achieving impactful outcomes to a broad range of projects.
A highly respected process navigator and technical translator, Dr. Annabel McGuire has earned a distinguished reputation for delivering innovative, solutions focused outcomes across some of the most complex and demanding project scopes. As Director of Advisory Services and Co-Founder of Gripfast, Annabel brings deeps expertise in strategic planning, governance, policy development, program evaluation, and organisational psychology – anchored by sophisticated understanding of design-led thinking.
Holding a PhD in Psychology, Annabel specialises in co-design, secondary research, and the development of robust project plans. Her approach is deeply user-centred and methodical, enabling her to address the feasibility and long-term impact of design initiatives. Annabel has played a key role in co-designing and implementing design and innovation policies that meet the needs of both clients and the broader communities they serve.
Annabel’s work is underpinned by a commitment to integrating clever, innovative, and sustainable solutions that respond meaningfully to complex challenges. Driven by a passion for apply design as a strategic tool for transformation and impact. She consistently places client, stakeholder and end user needs at the centre of each engagement, ensuring that every project she leads not only deliver results but also contributes to lasting value.
Proven ability to conduct strategic and methodical approaches to design solutions tailored to any client.
Proficient in the understanding and implementation of sustainable practices and policies, promoting, economic, environmental and social outcomes.
Capable of developing inclusive approaches that support communities in engaging with new design developments, providing both the client and community with a voice.
GRACE ANDREW
Grace is a seasoned project manager and urban planner with over a decade of experience leading multidisciplinary design teams to deliver innovative, sustainable, and community-focused built environment solutions.
With a robust foundation in urban planning and construction management, Grace brings over ten years of industry experience to the forefront of design leadership. Her academic journey, encompassing a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning with a minor in Construction Management and a Master’s in Project Management, has equipped her with a unique blend of strategic foresight and practical execution skills.
Throughout her career, Grace has successfully managed diverse design teams, fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, and stakeholders to realize projects that are both innovative and contextually responsive. Her approach is deeply rooted in sustainable development principles, ensuring that each project not only meets current needs but also anticipates future challenges.
Grace’s commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments make her an invaluable asset in the planning and execution of urban development projects. Grace continues to champion designs within Gripfast’s new design division, that enhance community well-being and environmental resilience.
Expertise in creating comprehensive urban layouts that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Proven ability to lead diverse teams towards cohesive project goals.
Comprehensive oversight from project inception through to completion.
Identifying potential project risks and developing strategies to address them proactively.
Skilled in facilitating participatory design processes to incorporate community input.
In-depth knowledge of planning regulations and building codes to ensure project adherence.
Focused on creating spaces that enhance social interaction and community well-being.
GRACE ANDREW
Grace is a seasoned project manager and urban planner with over a decade of experience leading multidisciplinary design teams to deliver innovative, sustainable, and community-focused built environment solutions.
With a robust foundation in urban planning and construction management, Grace brings over ten years of industry experience to the forefront of design leadership. Her academic journey, encompassing a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning with a minor in Construction Management and a Master’s in Project Management, has equipped her with a unique blend of strategic foresight and practical execution skills.
Throughout her career, Grace has successfully managed diverse design teams, fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, and stakeholders to realize projects that are both innovative and contextually responsive. Her approach is deeply rooted in sustainable development principles, ensuring that each project not only meets current needs but also anticipates future challenges.
Grace’s commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments make her an invaluable asset in the planning and execution of urban development projects. Grace continues to champion designs within Gripfast’s new design division, that enhance community well-being and environmental resilience.
Expertise in creating comprehensive urban layouts that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Proven ability to lead diverse teams towards cohesive project goals.
Comprehensive oversight from project inception through to completion.
Identifying potential project risks and developing strategies to address them proactively.
Skilled in facilitating participatory design processes to incorporate community input.
In-depth knowledge of planning regulations and building codes to ensure project adherence.
Focused on creating spaces that enhance social interaction and community well-being.
KENDYL JORDAN
Kendyl is a project manager and interior architecture graduate whose blend of design expertise and project management skills enables her to deliver creative, precise, and purposeful outcomes across diverse sectors.
Kendyl is a skilled Project Manager and Interior Architecture graduate with a proven track record delivering complex projects across commercial, education, nonprofit, retail, and residential sectors.
She brings a unique ability to balance creative design intent with the structured demands of project delivery, ensuring outcomes are both purposeful and innovative. Her expertise spans design management, contract administration, stakeholder engagement, and project scheduling, underpinned by a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Drawing on her dual background in design and project management, Kendyl consistently delivers high-performing projects that reflect both functional excellence and design integrity.
Capable of managing the design process from concept to delivery, ensuring design intent is preserved, consultant coordination is seamless, and project requirements are fully met.
Strong background in spatial planning, aesthetics, and user-focused design principles, with experience producing functional and visually aligned interior solutions.
Skilled in reviewing plans, documentation, and built outcomes to ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, and client objectives.
Experienced in leading end-to-end project delivery across design and construction phases, ensuring milestones, budgets, and client expectations are consistently met.
Skilled in preparing structured, insight-driven reports that clearly communicate progress, risks, financials, and key decisions to stakeholders.
Competent in developing and monitoring project schedules, identifying dependencies, and maintaining program accuracy to support timely delivery.
Experienced in administering contract processes including RFIs, variations, progress claims, documentation review, and compliance oversight.
Strong ability to engage, coordinate, and manage relationships across clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to achieve cohesive project outcomes.
Knowledgeable in monitoring Quality, Safety, Environment, and Risk processes to uphold compliance and support safe, high-quality project delivery.
Skilled in preparing procurement documentation, assessing submissions, and supporting strategic recommendations based on scope, methodology, and value.
Supportive team mentor with the ability to guide junior staff, share knowledge, and foster development in both design and project management contexts.
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Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture), QUT, 2023
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Post Graduate Certificate Project Management, QUT, 2025
KENDYL JORDAN
Kendyl is a project manager and interior architecture graduate whose blend of design expertise and project management skills enables her to deliver creative, precise, and purposeful outcomes across diverse sectors.
Kendyl is a skilled Project Manager and Interior Architecture graduate with a proven track record delivering complex projects across commercial, education, nonprofit, retail, and residential sectors.
She brings a unique ability to balance creative design intent with the structured demands of project delivery, ensuring outcomes are both purposeful and innovative. Her expertise spans design management, contract administration, stakeholder engagement, and project scheduling, underpinned by a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
Drawing on her dual background in design and project management, Kendyl consistently delivers high-performing projects that reflect both functional excellence and design integrity.
Capable of managing the design process from concept to delivery, ensuring design intent is preserved, consultant coordination is seamless, and project requirements are fully met.
Strong background in spatial planning, aesthetics, and user-focused design principles, with experience producing functional and visually aligned interior solutions.
Skilled in reviewing plans, documentation, and built outcomes to ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, and client objectives.
Experienced in leading end-to-end project delivery across design and construction phases, ensuring milestones, budgets, and client expectations are consistently met.
Skilled in preparing structured, insight-driven reports that clearly communicate progress, risks, financials, and key decisions to stakeholders.
Competent in developing and monitoring project schedules, identifying dependencies, and maintaining program accuracy to support timely delivery.
Experienced in administering contract processes including RFIs, variations, progress claims, documentation review, and compliance oversight.
Strong ability to engage, coordinate, and manage relationships across clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to achieve cohesive project outcomes.
Knowledgeable in monitoring Quality, Safety, Environment, and Risk processes to uphold compliance and support safe, high-quality project delivery.
Skilled in preparing procurement documentation, assessing submissions, and supporting strategic recommendations based on scope, methodology, and value.
Supportive team mentor with the ability to guide junior staff, share knowledge, and foster development in both design and project management contexts.
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Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture), QUT, 2023
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Post Graduate Certificate Project Management, QUT, 2025
ELLA EVANS
Ella is a project manager and design enthusiast, whose background in art, architecture and management allows her to integrate creative expression with practical considerations.
Ella’s love for design has been shaped by a lifetime of visual research, exploration and lived experiences. Ella undertook Bachelor of Architecture (minoring in Mandarin Chinese Language) with the active intent of finding some form of rationalisation for the creative world which she had explored her whole life.
Through this portion of her career Ella explored the realm of design through an architectural lens. In her architectural works she found a love for community-based projects rooted in serving the needs of the user. It was this passion for project concept, purpose and stakeholder needs which led her to transfer to a career in Client-side Project Management.
As a Project Manager, Ella now seeks to keep projects alive, ensuring client’s needs are met and projects are delivered with purpose. She transfers her understanding of architectural design through to every aspect of project delivery, where her understanding of planning, concept and purpose are married to a commitment to successful project delivery.
She continues to find balance between practicality and personality through her career as she pursues a career as a professional artist in addition to being a PM. Ella is excited to continue to apply her passion for design, stakeholder management and project delivery in the world of Design Management and Design Visualisation.
Capable of managing design development processes, supporting consultant coordination, and ensuring design intent is maintained through delivery.
Experienced in coordinating end-to-end project activities, ensuring milestones, budgets, and deliverables are managed with precision and transparency.
Skilled in developing functional and aesthetically driven design outcomes that respond to client needs, project context, and brand identity.
Competent in reviewing tender submissions, comparing scope, methodology, and pricing to support informed procurement decisions.
Capable of preparing and managing schedules to track progress, identify dependencies, and support proactive project planning.
Strong understanding of brand communication and marketing strategy, with experience producing design-aligned content across digital platforms.
Able to identify, assess, and monitor project risks to support mitigation strategies and maintain project stability.
Knowledge of integrating art components in design and construction environments, supporting coordination between artists, fabricators, and project teams.
Experienced in assisting with contract processes, including documentation, variations, RFIs, and compliance reviews.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to review documentation, processes, and deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance with project standards.
Competent in preparing clear, structured reporting to communicate progress, risks, and key project updates.
Able to assist in defining project scope, functional requirements, and design briefs to support early-stage project clarity.
Supportive team mentor with the ability to guide junior staff, share knowledge, and foster a collaborative learning environment.
- BA Design (Architecture)- QUT – Distinction – Minor in Mandarin Chinese
- Post Graduate Certificate Project Management – RMIT – Distinction
- Winner of 2024 Moreton Bay Outdoor Art Prize
- Finalist Local Business Awards – Outstanding Youth
ELLA EVANS
Ella is a project manager and design enthusiast, whose background in art, architecture and management allows her to integrate creative expression with practical considerations.
Ella’s love for design has been shaped by a lifetime of visual research, exploration and lived experiences. Ella undertook Bachelor of Architecture (minoring in Mandarin Chinese Language) with the active intent of finding some form of rationalisation for the creative world which she had explored her whole life.
Through this portion of her career Ella explored the realm of design through an architectural lens. In her architectural works she found a love for community-based projects rooted in serving the needs of the user. It was this passion for project concept, purpose and stakeholder needs which led her to transfer to a career in Client-side Project Management.
As a Project Manager, Ella now seeks to keep projects alive, ensuring client’s needs are met and projects are delivered with purpose. She transfers her understanding of architectural design through to every aspect of project delivery, where her understanding of planning, concept and purpose are married to a commitment to successful project delivery.
She continues to find balance between practicality and personality through her career as she pursues a career as a professional artist in addition to being a PM. Ella is excited to continue to apply her passion for design, stakeholder management and project delivery in the world of Design Management and Design Visualisation.
Capable of managing design development processes, supporting consultant coordination, and ensuring design intent is maintained through delivery.
Experienced in coordinating end-to-end project activities, ensuring milestones, budgets, and deliverables are managed with precision and transparency.
Skilled in developing functional and aesthetically driven design outcomes that respond to client needs, project context, and brand identity.
Competent in reviewing tender submissions, comparing scope, methodology, and pricing to support informed procurement decisions.
Capable of preparing and managing schedules to track progress, identify dependencies, and support proactive project planning.
Strong understanding of brand communication and marketing strategy, with experience producing design-aligned content across digital platforms.
Able to identify, assess, and monitor project risks to support mitigation strategies and maintain project stability.
Knowledge of integrating art components in design and construction environments, supporting coordination between artists, fabricators, and project teams.
Experienced in assisting with contract processes, including documentation, variations, RFIs, and compliance reviews.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to review documentation, processes, and deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance with project standards.
Competent in preparing clear, structured reporting to communicate progress, risks, and key project updates.
Able to assist in defining project scope, functional requirements, and design briefs to support early-stage project clarity.
Supportive team mentor with the ability to guide junior staff, share knowledge, and foster a collaborative learning environment.
- BA Design (Architecture)- QUT – Distinction – Minor in Mandarin Chinese
- Post Graduate Certificate Project Management – RMIT – Distinction
- Winner of 2024 Moreton Bay Outdoor Art Prize
- Finalist Local Business Awards – Outstanding Youth
GEORGIA DINGLE
Georgia is in the early stages of her career in design and project management. A quick learner with a talent for navigating complex challenges, she brings together strong design capabilities and exceptional critical thinking to deliver innovative, effective solutions.
Currently in the final year of her Bachelor of Architectural Design at QUT, Georgia brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective to the design industry. Her strong academic performance has been recognized through her selection as a Dean’s Scholar, reflecting both her dedication and ability to excel. Over the past year, she has applied her growing expertise within the built environment industry, delivering practical and tailored solutions across various project phases.
Georgia possesses a solid understanding of design principles, technical documentation, and visual communication. She has effectively leveraged her knowledge of architectural, structural, and services coordination to review and cross-examine consultant documentation, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment across disciplines. This attention to detail has helped mitigate risks to project quality, cost, and timelines, offering clients proactive and effective solutions.
By applying her academic learning to real-word projects, Georgia offers a valuable and unique perspective – demonstrating both technical competence and a nuanced understanding of client and stakeholder requirements.
Strong understanding of architectural, services, structural, and civil documentation and the relationships between them for cross-disciplinary coherence.
Proven ability to coordinate all aspects of building contract work, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with project specifications.
Foundational knowledge of building codes, standards, and legislation to support design compliance.
Proficient in BIM and CAD tools, including Revit, and foundational experience in Navisworks and Grasshopper.
Skilled in identifying stakeholder needs and integrating them effectively through project delivery and design.
Capable of designing diverse architectural spaces in response to client requirements, environmental context, and community needs.
Experienced in strategic coordination, review and maintenance of drawings register across multiple design disciplines.
Competent in preparing clear and concise reports to communicate project progress and updates to stakeholders.
GEORGIA DINGLE
Georgia is in the early stages of her career in design and project management. A quick learner with a talent for navigating complex challenges, she brings together strong design capabilities and exceptional critical thinking to deliver innovative, effective solutions.
Currently in the final year of her Bachelor of Architectural Design at QUT, Georgia brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective to the design industry. Her strong academic performance has been recognized through her selection as a Dean’s Scholar, reflecting both her dedication and ability to excel. Over the past year, she has applied her growing expertise within the built environment industry, delivering practical and tailored solutions across various project phases.
Georgia possesses a solid understanding of design principles, technical documentation, and visual communication. She has effectively leveraged her knowledge of architectural, structural, and services coordination to review and cross-examine consultant documentation, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment across disciplines. This attention to detail has helped mitigate risks to project quality, cost, and timelines, offering clients proactive and effective solutions.
By applying her academic learning to real-word projects, Georgia offers a valuable and unique perspective – demonstrating both technical competence and a nuanced understanding of client and stakeholder requirements.
Strong understanding of architectural, services, structural, and civil documentation and the relationships between them for cross-disciplinary coherence.
Proven ability to coordinate all aspects of building contract work, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with project specifications.
Foundational knowledge of building codes, standards, and legislation to support design compliance.
Proficient in BIM and CAD tools, including Revit, and foundational experience in Navisworks and Grasshopper.
Skilled in identifying stakeholder needs and integrating them effectively through project delivery and design.
Capable of designing diverse architectural spaces in response to client requirements, environmental context, and community needs.
Experienced in strategic coordination, review and maintenance of drawings register across multiple design disciplines.
Competent in preparing clear and concise reports to communicate project progress and updates to stakeholders.