FIRST POINT - THE DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

Since 2004, First Point have been at the forefront of the property market – actively sourcing and developing retail, residential, commercial and medical projects.

Their robust track record working closely with government agencies, major national corporations, established SMEs, home owners and investors alike are at the core of its continual commitment to provide positive impactful commercial and community spaces.

First Point doesn’t just build somewhere to sleep, shop, work or heal. It goes the extra mile to bring to life spaces that people are proud to call home, and where communities can flourish.

With a pipeline of projects worth approximately $400 million and decades of expertise in Western Sydney, First Point is dedicated to making a significant difference to a locale it cares deeply about.

NICK SISSONS – THE ARCHITECT

Nick Sissons is the director and founder of Sissons Architects, an emerging design practice based in Sydney. Established in 2012, the award-winning firm specialises in complex projects for quality clients.

Sissons’ unique design process is based upon inspired logic. Driven by process, Sissons combines commercial realities with creativity, logic and big-picture thinking.

This involves a sustained period of client engagement, asking questions, listening and challenging the brief to identify thecore problems, and then solving them beautifully with remarkable buildings.

MURRAY DONALDSON - THE TOWN PLANNER

Murray Donaldson is a leading town planner who has helped shape town centres and urban development across Sydney for over 20 years. As Lead Director of the Urbis Western Sydney office based in Parramatta CBD, Murray has a diverse expertise including statutory and strategic planning, advising on new planning frameworks and preparing planning assessments for developments ranging from large urban renewal precincts to individual buildings.

“Western Sydney is the fastest growing urban region in Australia and a major driver of economic success for NSW. I am passionate about partnering with the private sector and Government to make positive contributions to the future of this diverse region”.

JESSICA FORD - URBAN PLANNER

Jessica Ford is an experienced Urban Planner specialising in statutory planning and strategic advisory work for a diverse range of clients and industry sectors. Jessica’s passion for creating great places has also led to her involvement in leading the management of planning approval processes for significant projects across Western Sydney.

CHADA – THE INTERIOR DESIGNER

Chada is recognised as one of the world’s leading specialists in hospitality design interiors.

The independent design studio was established by Rick Whalley in 1983, and has now completed more than 110 major hotel and resort projects worldwide. This demonstrates a proven track record in the delivery of international standard hotel and resort interiors, and the ability to provide services in a highly professional and effective manner. 

Chada has undertaken hotel projects for most of the major international hotel companies including Hyatt, Regent, Westin, W Hotels, Sheraton, Hilton, Intercontinental, Marriott, Pan Pacific, Le Meridien, Accor (Mgallery) and Swissotels.

MARK KUHNE – THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Mark Kuhne is the director of Urbis, a firm with the goal of shaping the cities and communities of Australia for a better future. 

A celebrated designer and landscape architect, Mark is renowned for his community centric public realm design, contextually responsive landscape architecture and environmentally sensitive infrastructure planning. Among the highlights of his career are his award-winning efforts leading complex, large-scale public domain projects such as Dublin Light Rail in Ireland and the Cairo Downtown Revitalisation Master Plan in Egypt. Closer to home, he has led Urbis’ work on the revitalisation of Macquarie Mall in Liverpool, the Newcastle Light Rail project and Queen’s Wharf in Brisbane.

ESSENCE - THE PROJECT MANAGER

David is a property executive with over 30 years’ experience in design, development and delivery of projects across a diverse range of typologies.

With a background in architecture, development and project management, David has worked within large integrated property groups with platforms across all property sectors. David’s experience includes project director and general manager roles for tier 1 companies including Mirvac, Brookfield Multiplex, Lend Lease and Grocon.

Key to David’s success is understanding stakeholders and influencing the successful journey through all stages of the property life cycle.