National engineering firm Ashburner Francis has appointed six new associates and welcomed BCA Consultants into the business as it looks to the future with a focus on renewables and energy transition.

Ashburner Francis specialises in mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and ESD services for buildings and urban developments. Managing Director Brian Kenny says the appointments build on the strong foundations laid by previous leader Peter Caune, who sadly passed away last year.

"Peter had been with Ashburner Francis for 30 years, 14 years as managing director," says Brian. "He left a great legacy and was well-liked and respected by all who knew him."

The new associates significantly boost the company's management team across its four offices, which service leading architects, developers, construction firms and facility managers across the country. 

"The promotion of these six team members recognises the contribution each has made and their commitment to the high level of service that we pride ourselves on," says Brian.

Paul McKenna is hydraulic services manager with over 25 years' experience. He was Hydraulic Consultant of the Year in 2016 and 2017 and has expertise across all aspects of the design and construction process. His broad experience includes significant projects in the defence, commercial and industrial sectors.

Lara Bailey is Ashburner Francis' ESD manager. A mechanical engineer, she is focused on energy-efficient engineering solutions and is skilled in energy efficiency compliance assessment and the design of HVAC systems. She has Green Star Professional and NABERS accreditation.

Simon Smith is a building services engineer specialising in mechanical services. Simon emigrated from England where he worked extensively as a site engineer in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Since joining Ashburner Francis in 2009 he has delivered projects across sectors including defence, aviation and emergency services.

Toby Murdoch is electrical engineering manager in the Brisbane office with 19 years of hands-on and design experience in the construction sector. As a senior designer and project manager, he draws on his knowledge of best-practice engineering to provide practical solutions to clients across all sectors. 

Neil Scott is a senior technical officer who been with Ashburner Francis for over 25 years. With a wealth of technical and engineering expertise, he is highly skilled in mechanical engineering design packages, AutoCAD and REVIT and has notable experience in the defence and health sectors.

David Marek has been with Ashburner Francis for 8 years and is senior electrical designer and office coordinator in the Darwin office. He is highly experienced in AutoCAD and REVIT and has been lead designer on projects in several states, including technically complex health, civic and public buildings.

The elevations follow last year's merger with BCA Consulting in Brisbane. BCA Consulting's Dale Enright (principal electrical engineer), Darren Hilber (senior mechanical engineer), Geoff Hodge (senior electrical engineer) and Debbie Benn (account officer) have joined Ashburner Francis' Brisbane office, further bolstering capability and capacity. 

Brian says the expanded management team and addition of BCA's experienced engineers position the firm for the future. "We're entering a time of important energy transition, and our team is focused on making it happen," says Brian. "I'm looking forward to working with the team to keep us at the forefront of climate-positive engineering solutions."