DesignInc Sydney Establishes New Leadership Tier with Five Managing Principals

Culture / Studio News / Media
Managing principal leadership team gather in the DesignInc Sydney Studio
DesignInc Sydney’s newly appointed Managing Principal team. From left: Paul Wallace, Jane McGarry, Megan Walker, Michael Doak and Ian Armstrong.

DesignInc Sydney has established a new leadership tier, appointing five Managing Principals to reinforce design excellence, sector leadership, and operational efficiency across the practice, supporting the Directorship moving forward.

Following a successful 11-year tenure as Director, Ian Armstrong is transitioning to a part-time role as Managing Principal to mentor the new leadership group as part of DesignInc’s legacy planning strategy.

Alongside Ian, the new multidisciplinary leadership cohort – which features Megan Walker, Jane McGarry, Paul Wallace, and Michael Doak – brings a breadth of perspectives that reflect the business’ evolving needs.

This group have all individually shown initiative in strengthening DesignInc’s work and culture – whether by improving processes, elevating design quality, creating shared purpose, or helping teams work more effectively together. Their proven talent in balancing strong design judgment, strategic thinking, and dependable execution reinforces our shared commitment to delivering positive, lasting outcomes for our clients, cities, and communities.

As DesignInc Sydney moves into a new phase of executive leadership, the appointments also underscore a commitment to diverse leadership, with a strong gender balance at the Managing Principal level supporting an all-female Directorship led by Cathryn Drew-Bredin and Mary Anne McGirr.

DesignInc Sydney Director, Cathryn Drew-Bredin, said:

“This marks an exciting milestone for DesignInc. Our new Managing Principals bring deep expertise and fresh perspectives to strengthen our design excellence and operational leadership. As cities and communities evolve, so must we – this leadership step ensures we’re future-ready while honouring the legacy that underpins our continued success.”

Mary Anne McGirr and Cathryn Drew Bredin continue their roles as Directors of DesignInc Sydney.

Introducing Sydney’s New Leadership Tier: Managing Principals

Ian Armstrong
Ian Armstrong
Architecture, Urban Design
A registered architect, urban designer and town planner with over 25 years’ experience, Ian will continue to bring a rare multidisciplinary lens to our complex public and private projects. Instrumental to the growth of Nguluway DesignInc alongside Managing Director Craig Kerslake, Ian has shaped large-scale urban communities, mixed-use developments, rail infrastructure, and master planning across both businesses. His deep understanding of systems and interdependencies will guide the team’s next chapter.
Jane McGarry
Architecture
A multi-sector leader with 20 years’ experience across residential, education, defence and aviation projects, Jane currently spearheads the aviation and education sectors. Jane is currently delivering the Sydney Airport T2 Redevelopment – the largest investment at Sydney Airport in 30 years. Agile, adaptable and authentic, Jane is passionate about delivering exciting and engaging environments that support thriving cities and communities.
Megan Walker
Megan Walker
Architecture, Urban Design
With over 25 years of experience, Megan leads architecture, rail and sport infrastructure, road and bridge design, and public domain improvement projects, bringing clarity, collaboration and delivery rigour to complex, multi-stakeholder environments. A major focus in 2025 for Megan was the growth of the community sector, headlined by the completion of AFL regional-level community sports facility, Bob Prenter Reserve.
Paul Wallace - DesignInc Sydney
Paul Wallace
Architecture
A design architect with 25 years’ experience across transport, education, residential, hospitality and commercial, Paul is DesignInc’s sustainability champion. He has implemented the business’ ESD framework, driven Climate Active certification, led BIM and design technology teams, and plays a pivotal role in the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. Paul has spent the last eight years working on various Sydney Metro projects, including leading the delivery of integrated urban, landscape and architectural designs for the complex, city-shaping infrastructure works at Bankstown Interchange.
Michael Doak - DesignInc Sydney
Michael Doak
Landscape Architecture
Michael’s appointment reflects DesignInc’s investment in landscape architecture. The landscape team is now leading major public realm and transport projects such as Sydney Metro, Western Harbour Tunnel and Berrys Bay Parklands, Redfern Station Upgrade and the award-winning Byron Bay Bus Interchange. With 20 years’ industry experience, Michael has delivered projects across several sectors from residential to community and recreation facilities along with transport and infrastructure, defence and education. With a growing landscape presence in Sydney and Melbourne Michael’s operational management expertise will expand to strengthen and support the wider business in this time of growth.

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