Designing Better Outcomes: Elizabeth Creswell on Leading Design & Innovation at Hansen Yuncken

Design has never been more important to successful project delivery.

From managing risk and improving constructability to unlocking innovation and delivering greater value for clients, effective design leadership influences every stage of a project’s lifecycle.

That’s why Hansen Yuncken has established the new national role of Head of Design & Innovation, appointing Elizabeth Creswell to lead the business’s design capability across Australia.

Since joining Hansen Yuncken in 2024 as Head of Design for NSW & ACT, Liz has played a pivotal role in strengthening design and services management capability, supporting major bids and driving continual improvement across project delivery. Her appointment reflects Hansen Yuncken’s commitment to embedding nationally consistent design excellence while fostering innovation that delivers tangible outcomes for clients.

For Liz, the opportunity is about much more than establishing new processes.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to bring greater consistency and clarity to how we deliver design across Hansen Yuncken nationally. We already have exceptional capability across the country, and this role is about connecting and elevating that expertise.”

She believes successful projects begin long before construction starts.

“Design sets the trajectory for every project,” she explains.

“Great design management brings clarity to complexity. It aligns client objectives, stakeholder expectations, project constraints and construction outcomes from the outset.”

Rather than simply coordinating consultants, effective design management is about leadership.

“It requires proactive leadership – driving outcomes, managing risk early and making informed decisions at the right time.”

Ultimately, she says, great design ensures projects are not only well designed, but also buildable, efficient, safe and focused on delivering value.

Innovation with Purpose

While innovation has become a popular industry buzzword, Liz believes meaningful innovation isn’t about pursuing technology for technology’s sake.

“Innovation is about continually challenging the status quo to improve outcomes in a considered, purposeful way.”

For Hansen Yuncken, that means continually refining how projects are delivered – from smarter design assurance and richer digital models to greater use of AI, data and digitally enabled prefabrication.

“Some of the biggest opportunities lie in improving how we communicate design, unlocking more value from project data and enabling closer collaboration with our clients and partners.”

She also sees enormous opportunity in evolving delivery models that bring designers, builders and clients together earlier to create better integrated solutions.

Building Capability

Alongside innovation, developing people sits firmly at the centre of Liz’s leadership philosophy.

She believes capability isn’t built through one-off training sessions, but through consistency, mentorship and creating opportunities for people to learn from each other.

“Developing people starts with creating a clear and consistent foundation through practical frameworks, targeted upskilling and a shared understanding of what excellence looks like.”

“I’ve benefited from strong mentorship throughout my career and I’m passionate about paying that forward.”

She also emphasises that learning never stops.

“I continue to learn from people at all levels of the business every day.”

Why Hansen Yuncken?

Having joined Hansen Yuncken in 2024, Liz says what immediately stood out was the culture.

“I’ve been struck by the passion, integrity and camaraderie that define Hansen Yuncken’s culture.”

She describes an organisation proud of its legacy while constantly looking for better ways to deliver for clients.

For professionals considering joining the business, she believes the opportunity is clear.

“Hansen Yuncken offers the opportunity to work on diverse, complex projects alongside people who are genuinely passionate about what they do.”

“There is a strong culture of learning, adaptability and continuous improvement, with a genuine drive to innovate and deliver better outcomes.”

Looking Ahead

As Head of Design & Innovation, Liz hopes to leave a lasting impact that extends well beyond individual projects.

“I’d like to leave a more connected and consistent design capability across the business – one that’s recognised for delivering quality and real value.”

But perhaps most importantly, her focus is on ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead.

“Building a strong pipeline of people with the capability and confidence to lead design and innovation into the future would be a lasting legacy.”