New leadership reflects positive industry-wide shift

We are pleased to announce the promotion of two of our long-term employees to take on the dual management of our Brisbane HQ. The newly appointed Senior Associates are Toby M. , Electrical Engineering Manager, and Lara Harris, nee Bailey , Mechanical Engineer/ESD Manager. Together, they will jointly lead Ashburner Francis’ Brisbane office.

Lara joined us more than ten years ago and, since then, she’s been buoyed to see more women entering the engineering profession. “I always encourage young women to pursue careers in engineering,” Lara says. “My advice is never to be fearful of being the only woman in the office, or on site, because that is changing and there is now a lot more support available for female engineers.”

Toby agrees and describes the industry’s evolution as vital. “Buildings are populated by broad demographics so it makes sense that building services be designed by teams made up of talented professionals of diverse genders.”

Toby began his career as an apprentice electrician before embarking on further studies and moving on to roles in estimating and project management. “Having trade and on-site experience equips me with the practical skills required to trouble-shoot designs in the documentation phase — always looking for where improvements and/or efficiencies can be made.”

Meanwhile, Lara specialises in mechanical engineering and also leads Ashburner Francis’ Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) work. Her experience with Green-Star rated projects, combined with her expertise in building modelling, equip her to identify and/or devise strategies aimed at bolstering energy efficiencies.

Clients can look forward to Lara and Toby leveraging their complementary skill sets to full effect. “Our leadership will provide strong cohesion across the disciplines of both electrical and mechanical services — so clients can be assured of rigorous and well-coordinated design solutions,” Lara says.

Ashburner Francis Managing Director Brian Kenny has acknowledged the contribution of the firm’s outgoing Brisbane Director, Darren Cardy (who is vacating the building services industry after an impressive tenure).

“Darren joined Ashburner Francis back in 2007 — initially as a technical officer, before moving into office management roles and, later, Directorship,” Brian says. “His contribution to the success of our firm cannot be underestimated. We have long valued his professional insights, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Most recently, Darren initiated the introduction of an in-house Ashburner Francis hydraulics division: A move that was universally welcomed by both long-term and new clients. 

Darren has applauded the announcement of Toby and Lara as his successors. “They are both consummate professionals with the expertise and dedication required to continue to deliver outstanding service to Ashburner Francis’ clients.”