Ashburner Francis, a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and ESD engineering entity, has announced that long-time Brisbane team members Toby Murdoch (left) and Lara Bailey (right) will manage the company’s river city outpost as Senior Associates.

The pair replaces outgoing Brisbane Director Darren Cardy, who previously introduced an in-house hydraulics division. Both Murdoch and Bailey have been at the firm for well over a decade and will leverage their complementary skill sets to full effect when working across an array of sectors.

“I always encourage young women to pursue careers in engineering,” Bailey 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.”

Murdoch concurs.

“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.”

Bailey’s expertise lies in mechanical engineering, while also heading up the firm’s 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. Murdoch, on the other hand, possesses trade experience, as well as estimating and project management.

Former Director Darren Cardy believes the Brisbane office is in good hands.

“They are both consummate professionals with the expertise and dedication required to continue to deliver outstanding service to Ashburner Francis’ clients.”