Our People
Brisbane – land of the Yuggera and Turrbal people
Toowoomba – land of the Jagara, Giabal and Jarowai people
Townsville – land of the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people
Darwin – land of the Larrakia people
Brian Kenny
Brian has worked as a consulting engineer for more three decades. Throughout his significant tenure with Ashburner Francis (most recently as Managing Director) Brian’s clients have long valued his unwavering commitment to designing, documenting and delivering efficient and innovative engineering solutions. Likewise, they appreciate his comprehensive site knowledge and well-established networks of trusted collaborators.
Accustomed to working across a broad range of sectors, Brian’s career has seen him contribute to the success of projects spanning commercial, education, government, aged care, health and retail sectors. Industrial and hospitality projects are also among his project portfolio. Chief among Brian’s areas of expertise are the design of systems for energy-management, communications and fire-detection. High/low voltage reticulation, lighting and security systems are also well within his wheelhouse. An exceptional communicator, Brian is known for his ability to unify project teams and overcome challenges.
Lara Harris
Ashburner Francis Director Lara Harris co-leads the firm’s Brisbane office. She specialises in mechanical engineering and heads up the practice’s Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) work. Lara’s experience, and credentials, equip her to help clients achieve their projects’ energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code. Lara is also an accredited Green-Star Professional and NABERS Assessor (National Australian Built Environment Rating Systems).
Façade analysis and building modelling are also among Lara’s key areas of expertise — so too the design of mechanical building services systems. The scope of Lara’s project experience is broad. Defence, aviation, commercial/industrial, health, education and aged care sectors are all among her project portfolios. Lara’s diligence and dedication, combined with her multi-faceted skill set, make her an integral part of successful project teams.
Toby Murdoch
Ashburner Francis Director Toby Murdoch co-leads the firm’s Brisbane office, having joined the practice in 2011. Drawing upon more than two decades of experience within the building sector, clients and collaborators value his pragmatism and professionalism.
Toby began his career as an electrical-fitter mechanic, before embarking upon further studies in engineering, contracting and project management. Having trade experience equips Toby with the practical skills required to trouble-shoot designs in the documentation phase. His co-Directorship of the Brisbane office is hallmarked by a commitment to oversee timely, well-coordinated and high-quality outcomes for clients. An insatiable curiosity helps position Toby as a future-focused professional, committed to ongoing research and ensuring Ashburner Francis remains in step with industry innovations and new directions.
Graham Heaslip
Graham has notched up three decades with Ashburner Francis. During this significant tenure, Graham has been responsible for establishing the firm’s Northern Territory office. He has also led international projects in Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Pacific Islands. In these locations he oversaw design and development teams with remits spanning electrical, fire, communication and mechanical services.
Graham brings to Ashburner Francis a combination of electrical engineering and trade experience — he is a qualified electrical fitter and mechanic. Engineering design, contract administration, purchasing and supervisory roles are all within his long list of capabilities. Graham’s past projects span sectors including Government, commercial and industrial, aviation, education, hospitality and healthcare facilities.
Wayne Benson
Wayne leads Ashburner Francis’ Townsville office and has done so for more than fourteen years. An impressive career as a Principal Lead Mechanical Engineer has seen Wayne steer projects for Defence and large-scale sporting facilities, as well as the commercial, education, hospitality, retail and aged-care sectors. Research, institutional and medical facilities round out the key areas in which Wayne has worked.
Known for his efficiency and ability to streamline project delivery, Wayne’s agility assists design teams of all structures. From managing contractors to overseeing engineering elements for design-and-construct teams, Wayne’s leadership always shines. A practical and down-to-earth professional, Wayne frequently draws upon insights garnered from his early career in the refrigeration service/maintenance industry. His personable approach, and tireless commitment to his clients, combine to position Wayne as an invaluable member of the Ashburner Francis team.
Paul McKenna
Paul leads Ashburner Francis’ hydraulic design team, drawing upon more than 25 years of industry experience. Twice awarded the Hydraulic Consultant of the Year, by the Hydraulic Consultants Association (Australasia), Paul’s contribution to the building services’ industry continues to be lauded.
Clients value Paul’s technical skills and efficiency. A multi-skilled manager and clear communicator, Paul is also a collegial and effective collaborator. Highly sought after at all stages of the design and construction process, Paul’s responsiveness and agility make him a vital contributor to high-performing design teams. His wide-spread project experience includes Defence work and commercial/industrial projects, in addition to working within the education, health and aged care sectors.
David Marek
David’s contribution to design teams is extensive. An accredited NBN designer, he is also proficient in electrical and lighting design programs and AutoCAD and Revit software. Specialising in electrical and communication services, David is known for producing compliant, efficient and cost-effective design solutions.
David joined Ashburner Francis in 2013 and, more recently, was promoted to Associate. Often called upon to lead design development, clients value David’s collaborative and agile way of working. His portfolio of past projects spans aged care, health, commercial and education sectors.
Karel de Lange
Karel has extensive mechanical engineering experience and expertise. As such, he is relentless in the pursuit of identifying effective and practical solutions to complex project challenges. An asset to design teams across multiple sectors (including Defence, commercial and industrial projects, as well as education, health, aged-care and retirement work) Karel’s technical knowledge is highly regarded.
A natural collaborator, Karel effectively navigates consultant and stakeholder management. An expert in HVAC, he also has extensive experience in vertical transportation and fire sprinkler systems. Karel’s knowledgeable and practical approach is welcome at all stages of building services’ design and delivery.
Neil Scott
Neil has been a key member of the Ashburner Francis Townsville office since the late nineties. Initially engaged as a draftsman, and now responsible for overseeing the office’s mechanical engineering design projects and IT services for the entire company, Neil’s diverse skills are highly sought after by clients and collaborators alike.
An accomplished designer of mechanical building services, Neil routinely leverages his competencies in a suite of software applications including CAD and REVIT. Accustomed to contributing to the design, documentation and construction phases of projects of all sizes and scales, Neil is a competent and congenial collaborator. His portfolio of past projects includes those in Defence, sports and recreation, health, science and education sectors.
Simon Smith
Simon brings to Ashburner Francis both local and international experience. He has worked extensively in site engineering roles across the UK and Saudi Arabia. Since joining Ashburner Francis in 2009, clients have lauded Simon’s broad skill set — spanning design reviews, specification writing and due diligence.
Simon’s multi-sector experience includes Defence, aviation, commercial, retail, education and aged care projects of all scales. With a specialisation in mechanical engineering, Simon is regularly engaged to design and document services including air conditioning, mechanical ventilation/filtration, medical and welding gases, as well as compressed air and steam.
John Kereczko
John draws upon his engineering and trade experience to provide clients with holistic and practical design solutions. In addition to his qualifications in electrical engineering, and almost a decade of experience as an electrician, John has also worked for a large state-wide utility provider. Since joining Ashburner Francis in 2020, John’s clients have had high praise for his knowledge and insights regarding service connections, metering, power reticulation and transformers.
Electrical asset assessments and upgrade reports, building services and electrical/communications reticulation round out John’s key capabilities. His extensive project experience covers commercial and industrial sectors, in addition to health and science projects, and housing developments and subdivisions.
Clinton Walker
Clinton heads up our mechanical engineering team in Toowoomba, who carry out the design and documentation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) services for a wide range of projects. His dual competencies, across both mechanical engineering and project management, equip him with the required agility to work across a range of sectors including commercial, industrial, education, and aged care and retirement living.
Best described as a future-focused professional, Clinton has contributed to advancements in thermal and energy modelling, helped improve engineering efficiencies for carparking services, and assisted with auditing hazard identification and risk assessment protocols. As an active member of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) Clinton champions measures to improve indoor-air quality, nationwide.
John Tait
John is a highly experienced electrical engineer, having joined Ashburner Francis in 2015. His wide-ranging skill set includes building services design, electrical consulting and contracting, along with estimating, auditing and contract management. John’s career to date has seen him contribute to significant projects across a myriad of sectors including Government, retirement and aged care, and commercial and industrial work.
At ease working within software applications including AutoCAD and Revit MEP, John is accustomed to adhering to CAD standards and document control processes. Additionally, his stakeholder engagement skills, clear communication and agility are all highly valued by clients and collaborators.
Michael Heaslip
Michael combines both engineering and trade experience to deliver clients practical and effective electrical services’ solutions. His expertise includes the design, documentation and delivery of electrical, communication, security and dry-fire services. First engaged by Ashburner Francis in 2009, Michael has gone on to contribute to the success of design teams in a wide range of sectors — including commercial and industrial, aged care and retirement, and education.
Known for the ease with which he navigates complexity, Michael fosters a positive and proactive approach within all project teams. Accustomed to working in multi-disciplinary environments, and engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, Michael is known for his unwavering professionalism and meticulous nature.
Dale Enright
Dale has more than 30 years’ experience in the electrical engineering industry. Since joining Ashburner Francis in 2022, he has been responsible for overseeing the technical elements and coordination processes required for the design, documentation and construction of electrical and communication engineering services.
Perhaps Dale’s agility can be attributed to his former lengthy tenures with electrical contractors and consultancies — both nationally and internationally. His broad skill set spans energy audits, estimation, site installation and overall project management. Accustomed to assuming senior roles within diverse project teams, Dale has significant experience across multiple sectors including education, health, commercial and industrial projects. Energy distribution substation projects round out his experience.
Santosh Shrestha
Santosh joined Ashburner Francis in 2022 and brings to the firm two decades of experience in electrical distribution and building services engineering. He leads our Darwin electrical engineering division and works extensively on territory-wide utility projects.
Proficient in HV/LV overhead and underground distribution design, Santosh is highly skilled at working with a range of software including AutoCAD, Poles ’n’ Wires and other design applications. His portfolio of past projects is extensive and includes complex Council projects, urban & remote development projects and subdivision developments. Santosh has worked across a multitude of sectors including commercial, health, education and residential projects.
Richard Davies
Richard’s design and documentation experience spans oil, gas, low-voltage power and control, as well as water and wastewater projects across South-East Queensland, Northern New South Wales and the Darling Downs. From concept and design, through to commissioning and operation, Richard’s insights are highly valued by clients.
Thanks to a broad-ranging skill set, Richard is proficient in the navigation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Also known for his capabilities in electrical building services and subdivision design, Richard’s meticulous and methodical approach make him an asset to design teams — both on site and in the office.
Darren Hilber
Darren’s extensive building services’ experience has equipped him to contribute to design teams across a myriad of sectors including health, scientific research, commercial, industrial, retail, education and residential projects. His core skills in design, coordination and drafting are complemented by digital proficiencies in software applications designed to assist with calculations and documentation.
Equally at ease working within conceptual design and construction phases, Darren’s skill set includes mechanical ventilation, air conditioning and heating, exit pressurisation and smoke control systems. Clients value Darren’s agility and his ability to provide insights for new builds, as well as projects that require alterations/additions.
Dipti Brahmbhatt
Terry Merritt
Terry is adept at designing electrical, fire, communications and security services. His broad skill set includes strategic planning, project management, cost estimates and concept design and ideation. Thanks to his significant tenure with Ashburner Francis, Terry has broad sector experience ranging from education and commercial projects through to industrial, infrastructure, health and aged care projects.
Having joined Ashburner Francis’ Toowoomba office in 2000, Terry has gone on to forge a strong network of trusted collaborators. Additionally, Terry has significant expertise in the design of electrical and communications services for residential and industrial subdivisions.
Neil Bryne
Neil’s impressive tenure with Ashburner Francis saw him initially engaged as a drafter and now he leads the firm’s entire drafting team. Drawing upon extensive experience in the building services engineering industry, both locally and in the UK, Neil’s Revit and AutoCAD design skills are highly lauded.
At ease at every juncture of the design and construction process, Neil is proficient in delivering drawings for all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services. Liaising with design teams, and deploying Navisworks for 3D co-ordination and clash detection, is also part of Neil’s remit. Having worked on Defence projects, and those across education, health, commercial and industrial sectors, Neil is accustomed to delivering accurate and timely drafting services for all project types.
Samar Desouky
Samar brings to Ashburner Francis significant international experience, having lived and worked in Cairo and Kuwait. Her extensive skill set includes the design and documentation of air conditioning and ventilation systems, as well as MEP coordination, data collection and cost estimation. Samar’s insights are sought after during early design phases right through to construction. Her impressive CV includes supervisory roles in on-site construction and services coordination.
Samar joined Ashburner Francis’s Toowoomba office in 2022 and leverages her expertise to help drive the firm’s Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) modelling. Her depth and breadth of experience includes the design and documentation of building services for commercial, health, education, residential, aged care and retirement projects.
Chris Farmer
David Kinney
David joined Ashburner Francis’s Toowoomba office as a graduate engineer and now works extensively in the design and documentation of building services. His remit also includes the design of electrical, communications and street lighting infrastructure for subdivisions.
Clients value the ease with which David navigates complexity, together with his proactive approach. David has worked across a myriad of project types and industry sectors including commercial, industrial, residential, and health and science projects.
Valentine Mugabe
Valentine is highly experienced in the design and documentation of a range of building services including air conditioning, ventilation systems, energy efficiency assessments and medical gases. Cost-effective designs and excellent problem-solving skills are both hallmarks of Valentine’s contribution to project teams.
Since joining Ashburner Francis in 2012, Valentine has contributed to the success of design teams across a range of project types. Health, hospitality, transport, residential, education, commercial, Defence and community projects are all among the sectors within which Valentine has worked.
Lester Walters
Lester joined Ashburner Francis in 2009 and now contributes to the design and documentation of building services projects for the Toowoomba office. His project portfolio spans diverse building sectors and includes the design of electrical, communications, fire alarm and security systems.
Known for his meticulous nature, Lester provides critical oversight of the Toowoomba team’s final designs. Prior to joining Ashburner Francis, Lester lived and worked in South Africa. His international project management experience includes work on noteworthy sites such as the American Consulate Building in Cape Town.
Ronald Briones
Ronald brings to the Toowoomba office over 14 years’ experience working within the engineering industry — locally and within New Zealand and the Philippines. Highly accomplished in the design and documentation of building services, Ronald’s multi-sector experience includes education, transport, residential, health and sporting facilities. He is also equipped to deliver electrical, streetlighting and communications infrastructure design for subdivision projects.
Ronald’s digital proficiencies include CAD drafting and the use of software applications for power-system analysis and lighting design. Equally at ease leading projects and taking direction within design teams, Ronald is a valued member of the Ashburner Francis Toowoomba office.
Charith Malwenna
Charith has significant industry experience — spanning both electrical engineering and site supervisory roles for electrical services. He joined Ashburner Francis in 2023 and brings to the team a formidable skill set that includes electrical services’ design, documentation and review.
An asset to project teams, Charith is both meticulous and flexible — always determined to overcome challenges by identifying efficient and effective design solutions. At ease working across multiple sectors and scales, his project portfolio includes education, health, warehouse and industrial buildings.
Geoff Hodge
Mark Milligan
Mark is a highly skilled electrical engineer with a special interest in renewable energy and emerging technologies. He draws upon experience within both facilities management and electrical design. At ease working across a myriad of sectors, his portfolio of work to date includes education, commercial, Government, aviation, transport, aged care and retirement projects.
Tenacious by nature, Mark is driven to improve the efficiency of electrical services by uncovering new design strategies. Combined with his rigor and agility, clients value Mark’s affable nature when working with a range of stakeholders and project teams.
David Russell
Satya Vankadari
Satya has extensive experience designing and documenting building services across commercial, industrial, education, residential, retail and transport sectors. His is accustomed to designing within the parameters of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), as well as delivering energy efficiency modelling and compliance assessments.
Satya stays at the forefront of emerging technologies and has a comprehensive suite of digital skills and software proficiencies. He is a valued contributor to design teams, highly motivated to design energy efficient and sustainable building services.
Damon Kenny
Damon joined Ashburner Francis in 2012 while completing his Diploma of Engineering Studies. In 2017, he was appointed to Ashburner Francis’s Toowoomba office as a Technical Officer. Damon’s digital skills are broad ranging and include proficiencies in both AutoCAD and Revit.
Dedicated to improving workflow systems and processes for clients and colleagues, Damon stays in step with new and emerging software applications. His work in designing, drafting and modelling of engineering services includes electrical and mechanical services for buildings, as well as communications networks, electrical reticulation and street lighting for urban developments.
Tim Matthews
Tim joined Ashburner Francis in 2020 and supports the Townsville office by designing and drafting a range of building services including lighting and power, electrical reticulation, street lighting and air conditioning. Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit and a suite of additional design programs, Tim is also well versed in the use of software to increase workflow efficiencies — for both our clients and internal processes.
Thanks to formative drafting roles involving plumbing, site analysis and approvals from major utility providers, Tim has a comprehensive understanding of all project components. At ease navigating competing demands, Tim is highly motivated and an excellent collaborator.
Harimon Ganasan
Hari joined Ashburner Francis in 2022 and has significant experience drafting building services’ designs for Government and utility projects. Thanks to his intricate understanding of Standards and Regulations, Hari is well equipped to deliver efficient and compliant deliverables for a broad range of project types.
Having lived and worked in Qatar, Hari’s extensive experience also includes design drafting for large-scale aviation and hospitality projects. An agile and detail-orientated professional, Hari is regularly called upon to assist design teams across a broad range of sectors including commercial, health, education and residential projects.
Benjamin Doyle
Benjamin joined Ashburner Francis in 2019, bringing to the team significant experience in the design and documentation of hydraulic services. His holistic approach aims to deliver outcomes where building services integrate seamlessly with a building’s architecture.
Benjamin’s far-reaching skill set also extends to 2D and 3D drafting. His past projects span a range of sectors including commercial, Defence, education and retail projects, as well as residential, aged care and retirement projects.
Brendan Williams
Brendan joined Ashburner Francis in 2023 and delivers to the team significant proficiencies in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for plumbing (hydraulics), mechanical and electrical services. Thanks to his extensive digital skill set, Brendan is accustomed to working in 3D Revit and AutoCAD programs. With a specialisation in hydraulics, he also has experience working across diverse projects spanning healthcare, industrial, residential and commercial sectors.
Brendan’s keen interest in cyber communication led him to a former role as a Communications Systems Officer with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He now brings his innate efficiency and meticulous manner to Ashburner Francis’s Brisbane office.
Rachel Anderson
Rachel joined Ashburner Francis in 2022 and assists the team’s senior electrical engineers. She is familiar with a broad range of project types and sectors including education, residential, industrial and commercial. Her interest in building services includes both low-voltage and high-voltage design — for buildings and infrastructure — in addition to NBN for new developments.
Rachel is proficient in a range of software programs including AutoCAD, Revit, PowerCad and DIALux. Described by colleagues as astute and proactive, Rachel’s positivity and professionalism look set to be hallmarks of a promising career trajectory.
George Wunsch
George joined Ashburner Francis in 2023 and supports project teams engaged in the design and documentation of electrical services. To date, he has contributed to education, childcare, commercial and industrial projects. With an impressive suite of digital skills, George is accustomed to working in AutoCAD and other design software including PowerCad and DIALux.
Emerging technologies and sustainable design are among George’s key areas of interest. An affable and approachable team player, George is at ease liaising with a broad range of stakeholders, consultants and collaborators.
Ashlee Downes
Debbie Benn
