About Us

Formed in 2001, McNally Architects today is the product of a talented team of Architects, Interior Designers and specialists who apply their unique skills and creativity to produce quality design solutions that are a response to client vision and to place.

The value of experience can never be discounted, and we have a wealth of knowledge to apply to your project. Multi-residential, Boarding Houses and Bespoke Homes, Seniors Living, Community Projects, Workplaces, Interiors, and Master Planning are all areas of expertise for us. The architectural styles in our portfolio span from contemporary to more conventional architectural methods, including heritage restoration work.

The common thread running through everything we do is a passion and commitment to creating a space that not simply meets practicalities, but exceeds the imagination of every client. To do that we listen first, consider holistically and create pragmatically to deliver the best possible result.

We take the approach that creating great spaces is a collaborative process. It encompasses everything from conceptualising, experimenting through imaginative design, then planning and overseeing the construction to final delivery. Because every project for every client is unique, we adapt to varying scales, building types and budgets. We pride ourselves on investing the time to create an open working relationship with all involved from concept to completion. Relationships are critical to the success of a project. We are glad to declare that all of our work is based on client recommendations and referrals.

External aesthetics are the immediate representation of architectural skill and integrity. However the art that creates the essence of outstanding living environments can only be appreciated from within.  That’s why we have a dedicated skill set that specialises in Interiors.

Whether it’s bringing the finishing touches to a home or incorporating the most durable features and fit-outs for complex aged care facilities we pride ourselves on the interior design solutions that make all the difference to the projects we undertake.

Our passion is for achieving the best possible outcomes for everyone we work with.

 

Affiliations

McNally Architect Team

James McNally

Director

BArch, AIA NSW 6744

James is the founder and principal of McNally Architects. Established in 2001, McNally Architects is an award-winning studio working across the seniors living and aged care sector, multi-unit residential, commercial, educational, luxury residential and government sectors.

James brings over 30 years’ architectural experience along with his refined skill for innovative, creative and harmonious building design. As team-lead of the architectural design and planning teams, James is adept at working across a variety of project scales from master-planned developments to private homes. With an open and collaborative communication style and a hand-on approach, James manages his teams during every project stage to ensure that client milestones are met, and their expectations exceeded.

James has been a member of the UDIA Seniors Living Policy Committee, and his projects have won building and design awards from the UDIA, Property Council of Australia, the Leading Age Services Association and various local councils.

I+D Studio Team

Caroline McNally

Senior Interior Designer | Director I+D Studio

Dip Design, Dip Colour& Design, DIA NSW

Caroline brings over 20 years interior design and project management experience including brand new builds and refurbishment projects across the breadth of the education sector from early education environments to primary, secondary, and tertiary learning spaces.

Caroline’s breadth of experience and her personal interest in contemporary educational design gives her a diverse creative outlook and informs her approach of creating productive and empowering learning spaces.

Caroline is involved in all aspects of project work. She takes a thoughtful approach when interpreting the brief and manages a team of project-specific interior consultants over the entire design process from initial concept design, design development, documentation, procurement, construction, and final delivery.

Caroline’s eye for detail and her collaborative client-focused approach makes her a valuable member of every project team. She ensures that each educational design project is individually crafted to deliver unique, creative solutions and a seamless result every time.

Liam Stack

Architect Graduate

Sydney University

 

 

Liam has been a valued member of the team for over four years, contributing across a broad range of project types and stages with a strong technical understanding and collaborative approach.

His experience spans concept development, documentation, and project coordination, allowing him to support projects from early design through to delivery. Liam’s attention to detail and clear understanding of construction documentation help ensure design intent is communicated accurately and effectively throughout the building process.

Working within a multidisciplinary studio environment has enabled Liam to develop a well-rounded understanding of project workflows and the importance of collaboration between clients, consultants, and builders. His proactive mindset, technical capability, and commitment to thoughtful design make him a trusted and integral part of the team.

Dariane Tenorio

Project Architect

 

Dariane brings over 20 years of diverse experience in medium to large, complex projects spanning sectors like Multi-unit residential, Mixed Used, Commercial, Age care, Health, Education, Hotels, Industrial, Urban design, and Master planning. Her team-oriented, client-focused approach emphasizes innovation, productivity, creative solutions.

 

Throughout her career, she has worked and lead multicultural professionals throughout the

project life cycle including feasibility studies, concept design, construction documentation, consultants’ coordination, site inspections, contracts, client acquisition, the creation and implementation of new company processes, project and ISO 9001 management.

 

Driven by professionalism, she is committed to the client satisfaction, project and design excellence, cultural and environmental concerns, and human well-being

 

Lianne Ward Corral

Architectural Technician

Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)

Bachelor of Architectural Studies Masters of Architecture (UNSW).

 

Lianne is an architectural graduate with over 3 years of experience in high-end residential and hospitality design.

 

Currently in her final year of a Masters of Architecture, specialising in Housing, she brings a strong background in interior design, focusing on human-scale, detailed architecture.

 

Lianne’s expertise in rendering and visualisation supports her innovative approach to design. Passionate about sustainable design and urban revitalisation, she is driven by the challenge of creating positive, impactful architectural solutions that enhance communities.

 

Caitlin McNally

Architectural Intern

 

Caitlin is currently working through her Architecture degree at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she continues to build a strong foundation in both design thinking and technical skills.

 

Her clear and logical approach to work enables her to contribute to our team in several impactful ways.

 

Caitlin primarily assists in the compilation of FF&E Schedules, the production of Interior Concept presentations, and the management of our digital libraries. She is also actively involved in supporting the 3D visualisation process, helping bring design concepts to life through detailed renders.

 

Her curiosity, collaborative spirit, and growing technical expertise make her a valuable part of the team.

Ben Egan

Architectural Designer

M.Arch, University of Newcastle

B.Des(Arch) with Merit, University of Newcastle

BCompSci, University of Wollongong

 

Ben is a designer of thoughtful architecture with a responsible and ethical approach to practice. Over 15 years, he has developed a broad skillset across diverse project typologies, with a particular focus on high-end residential, multi-residential, and boutique hospitality projects. His work is characterised by rigorous conceptual exploration, careful consideration of context, and a dedication to create high-quality, meaningful buildings that endure through contextual responsiveness and adaptability.

A strong technical foundation enables him to translate innovative ideas into detailed, buildable solutions. His affinity for construction documentation benefits each project with clear and precise design intent, mitigating risk from ambiguity in the building process.

 

Ben’s expertise, borne of small practice, spans all project stages from feasibility to construction. This experience has fostered an understanding of the design process that allows him to anticipate the implications of decisions at every stage and proactively address them, ensuring smooth project progression and value for clients. He prioritises open collaboration with clients, consultants, and builders as the foundation for achieving project success.

Paige Edmondson

Undergraduate of Architecture
 
 

Paige is currently undertaking her Architecture degree at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she is developing a strong understanding of both creative design processes and technical documentation.

 

Her organised and thoughtful approach allows her to support the team across a variety of project tasks and day-to-day studio operations.

 

Paige contributes to the preparation of FF&E schedules, assists in developing interior design presentations, and helps maintain and organise the studio’s digital resources.

 

With a keen eye for detail, a proactive mindset, and a collaborative nature, Paige continues to be a valued member of the team.

Alessia Aspite

Architectural Technician

Master of Architecture – University of Technology Sydney

Alessia is an architectural graduate with experience across heritage conservation projects, bringing both technical knowledge and a thoughtful design perspective to the team. Alongside her professional experience, she has spent three years teaching architecture at UTS College, supporting and mentoring emerging design students.

Her strong understanding of architectural software, documentation, and technical detailing contributes to her innovative and considered approach to design. Alessia’s combination of academic and industry experience allows her to approach projects with both creativity and precision.

Passionate about cultural and environmental outcomes, Alessia is driven by the opportunity to create meaningful architectural solutions that positively contribute to communities and the built environment.

Sanjana Sudesh

Interior Designer

Bachelor of Architecture – Dayanand Sagar Institutions

 

Sanjana is an Interior Designer and Architectural Graduate with over four years of professional experience delivering residential and mixed-use interior projects from concept development through to detailed documentation and construction coordination.

She brings a strong technical skillset to the team, with proficiency across CAD platforms and the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as extensive experience in joinery documentation, material specification, and interior package preparation. Her detail-oriented approach and collaborative mindset allow her to contribute effectively across all stages of a project within multidisciplinary studio environments.

Passionate about creating refined and functional spaces, Sanjana is driven by the opportunity to design environments that enhance quality of living and wellbeing. Her thoughtful approach to interiors, combined with her technical expertise, makes her a valued member of the team.

Sabrina Chekaoui

Interior Architect

Bachelor of Arts (Interior Architecture, Project Management and Sustainability – Hoyskolen kristiania – Oslo, Norway

 

 

Sabrina is a driven Interior Architect with experience delivering both commercial and residential projects, including high-end residential and premium commercial interiors. Her work is guided by a strong focus on sustainability, universal design principles, and the thoughtful use of colour to create spaces that are both functional and engaging.

With previous experience across the aged care and hospitality sectors, Sabrina has developed a strong understanding of user behaviour and the importance of designing environments that support comfort, accessibility, and wellbeing. Her ability to balance design aesthetics with practical user needs allows her to contribute meaningfully across a wide range of project types.

Passionate about creating spaces with purpose, Sabrina is motivated by the opportunity to deliver design solutions that positively impact people’s lives while contributing to a more sustainable built environment.