Meet The Team
ADRIAN SORENSEN - Principal - Director
Adrian is the founder of Sorensen Design. Upon finishing Year 12, Adrian completed a Diploma in Commerce, having an interest in Small Business and Marketing. Soon after, Adrian applied for a position with the Northern Territory Government which lead to enormous opportunity. Adrian completed a Diploma in Civil/Structural Engineering at the Northern Territory University whilst undertaking a cadetship with the Northern Territory Government. During this cadetship Adrian gained an enormous amount and a variety of experience, in both the commercial and residential domains. Adrian developed a passion for the residential sector and upon retuning to NSW, designed and built a home at Salamander Bay. Adrian further developed his skills and training and eventually formed his own Building Design Business in 2001. Adrian commenced working from home and his business quickly progressed. Adrian opened his first office in 2002 and he expanded his small team of staff soon after. Sorensen Design has rapidly progressed and Adrian now leads a team of 10 staff. Adrian is involved in the whole process of a project from beginning through to the end and has a particular passion for the design. Adrian takes pride in every aspect of a project and ensures all clients are looked after by his expert team. Sorensen Design has an excellent rapport with all clients and the community, testimony being to the growing list of repeat clientele. Adrian's interests outside of work include, being an active dad to 3 daughters, fishing, boating, wakeboarding, reading and following the property market.
REBECCA SORENSEN - Business Development - Management
Rebecca is a co-founder of Sorensen Design. Upon completing year 12, Rebecca commenced a Bachelor of Law (LLB) at University. After successfully completing her 2nd year, Rebecca’s tertiary education was interrupted with a new addition to the family. Now a proud mother of 3 daughters, Rebecca heads Business Development and Management at Sorensen Design, which she and Adrian founded in 2001.
Rebecca works alongside Kath in HR and General Management of this busy and fast growing Business.
Rebecca has a passion and flare for interior design, catering and cooking, she also enjoys getting outdoors to soak up the sun, the beach and being an active mother to three young daughters who are heavily involved in local extra-curricular activities including dance and drama classes.
KATHY MARCHANT - Office/HR Manager - Book Keeper
GARY MILLARD - Designer/Draftsperson
IAN SORENSEN - I.T./Database Development - Draftsperson
Ian Sorensen is a valuable part of our design and draftsperson team, as well as managing all our I.T and Database development needs.
After completing his School Certificate in the 70’s, Ian has spent over 30 years in the heavy engineering sector as a tradesman, leading hand, foreman and production controller in Australia and overseas. Ian has Australian and International trade certificates in a number of trades. After his return to Australia in 1981 Ian then successfully gained his Structural Engineering Certificate at the Newcastle Technical College. Ian was the recipient of the College Medallion for four years and received the State Bronze Medallion in his final year of the course in 1986.
Ian’s wealth of experience and knowledge gained from his educational qualifications, trade and supervisory experience makes him an essential part of our team. Ian uses his high standard of computer knowledge to design, develop and maintain our custom made Database; which allows for active tracking of all clients and projects in our portfolio.
Outside of the workplace Ian's interests include home improvements, movies, documentaries, computers, science shows, browsing the Internet, music, books and magazines.
SALLY WATERS - Designer/Draftsperson
Architecture Graduate, Sally Waters, is an integral part of the Design and Architectural Drafting team. Sally completed her Bachelor of Science (Architecture) at the University of Newcastle in 1999 then embarked on an adventure, gaining the experience and knowledge that only travelling the globe is able to give you.
In 2005 Sally gained her Bachelor of Architecture at The University of Newcastle, and became a part of the Sorensen Team in 2007. Sally’s green focus for energy efficient design has seen her successfully complete the ABSA Course in Building Thermal Performance Assessment (Residential).
Sally is involved in all aspects of the design process; from site visits and client liaison to the preparation of Architectural drawings for DA and CC approval.
Outside of the workplace Sally enjoys growing her own vegetables and exploring new ways to make her own home more sustainable.
SCOTT BLAKEMORE - Designer/Draftsperson - Development Application Liaison
Scott Blakemore is part of our Designer/Draftsperson team and is also the Development Application Liaison. Scott has extensive experience in residential design, educational and industrial development and architectural illustration projects.
Scott has 14 years drafting experience and holds an Associate Diploma in Aplied Science in Architectural Drafting from The Hunter Institute of Technology. Scott’s broad range of skills cover a wide variety of duties including; site measurement, research of statutory requirements, preparation of concept designs, DA and CC tender documentation and architectural illustration and graphic design.
Scott’s commitment to performing at an extremely high standard and willingness to go the extra mile has made him a wonderful addition to the Sorensen Design team.
ELISE O'TOOLE - Office Administrator
Elise O’Toole is the Office Administrator. After completing her Higher School Education Elise attended The June Daly Watkins/ Passmores Business Finishing School where she gained her Secretaries Diploma.
Elise went on to gain her Real Estate License and a wealth of experience and knowledge when she held the position of Property Manager and Office Manager for over 10 years in the Real Estate Market.
Through involvement in the local Rugby Union Club as Club Secretary, Elise became involved in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union where she acquired extensive Financial and Administrative experience.
As Office Administrator Elise does a superb job of managing our Custom Designed Database which allows for activate tracking of all clients and projects. Elise enjoys her client liaison responsibilities and the new challenges involved with working at Sorensen Design.
Elise enjoys being a mother to two very active children, outside of the workplace Elise is heavily involved in the local community, having held positions on many local boards including, Karingal Preschool, Anna Bay P&C and Hunter Junior Rugby Union to name a few.
ELLE DURRANT - Student of Architecture - Administration
Elle Durrant is a current student of architecture. Elle successfully completed her Higher School Studies in 2007, where she was placed 8th out of a cohort of over 140 Students. For these final years of study Elle undertook a rigorous pattern of study and performed at a very high standard.
In 2008 Elle commenced the first year of a Bachelor of Design (Architecture). 2010 now sees Elle begin her third and final year of the course. Elle enjoys the constant academic and creative challenges Architectural design throws at her in the classroom as well as in the workplace. Upon successfully completing this degree Elle intends to commence a Master of Architecture course.
Elle’s creative and technical knowledge allows her to be a valuable part of the Sorensen Design Team; her role in the office utilises her publishing skills, and involves administrative duties, Photoshop work and webpage maintenance.
Elle’s interests outside the workplace include art, graphic design, photo media and dance.
CAMERON ROSS - Trainee Draftsperson
Cameron Ross, is the youngest member of our team, he successfully completed his higher school studies at Tomaree Education Centre in 2008. In his final year of study Cameron undertook a sizeable study pattern and achieved 1st place in Industrial Technology for his year.
In 2009, Cameron completed his first year of Architectural Technologies at Tighes Hill TAFE Newcastle Campus, where he is continuing to perform at a very high standard.
Cameron is continuing to study and will be commencing his second year of Architectural Technologies as well has becoming a valuable member of our drafting team. Cameron enjoys the creative challenges of new home design, site analysis and establishing a conceptual design.
Outside of work, Cameron is proudly involved in the local Nelson Bay Soccer Club, and enjoys cars and following the property market.
TEGANN KELLY - Administration
Tegann Kelly is the newest member of our administration team. After successfully completing her HSC in 2008, Tegann commenced a Bachelor Law/Bachelor Social Science, Majoring in Human Geography at the University of Newcastle. Currently in her second year, this degree will allow Tegann to develop skills in planning, implementing and management in the sectors of Project Management, Community Development and Human Resource Management. This double degree demands a high standard of commitment and work ethic which Tegann delivers not only in her education but in the workforce and community.
Tegann has grown up in the Port Stephens Community, volunteering at the local Surf Life Saving Club, teaching Karate and working at the Visitor Information Centre has resulted in her strong community ties.
Outside of University, work and being active amongst the community, Tegann is interested in travel, photography and reading.
ALEXANDER SORENSEN - Website Maintenance
Alex is a part time employee and maintains the website. Alex is Currently in Year 12 undertaking his HSC and is hoping to enter a future career in computer software/engineering.
