Who we are

“Sanford was established to provide independent, client-side project management for complex commercial property projects, where clarity, early risk identification, and disciplined delivery matter.”
— Brian O’Rourke, Founder and Principal / Director

Sanford Project Management is an independent, client-side project management and property advisory firm specialising in complex commercial property projects across Australia.

Led by experienced project professionals, Sanford supports property owners, developers, occupiers and institutions to plan, deliver and optimise commercial assets in live, high-risk or time-critical environments.

Our role is to act solely in the client’s interests, providing clear advice, disciplined oversight and early risk identification so projects remain controlled, informed and aligned with commercial objectives.

Brian O’Rourke - Founder
Sanford Project Management

Brian has extensive experience delivering complex commercial property projects across office, industrial, hospitality and mixed-use sectors. His background spans client-side project management, development management and independent certification roles, often on projects delivered in live or operational environments.

Brian is known for providing clear, commercially grounded advice, identifying risk early, and managing the interface between clients, consultants and contractors to reduce disputes and delivery uncertainty.

  • Brian brings to the table over 26 years of experience leading the development and delivery of high-quality commercial construction and fit-outs.
    He has led a small-scale business to a national operation that was awarded and recognised by industry peers for excellence.

    Brian has spearheaded projects on behalf of all levels of Government, developers and institutional clients and has a comprehensive national network of contacts and genuine business relationships positioning him at the forefront of industry shifts and public announcements.

    His deep knowledge and active involvement in the design development and delivery of projects have equipped him with a deep understanding of the intricacies inherent in the commercial fit-out, building and the commercial development landscape.

    Brian's proficiency extends across the spectrum of business management, encompassing the strategic oversight of operations and the cultivation of client relationships.
    He excels in navigating the complexities of project management, ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion.
    Brian's proven track record in operational optimisation enables him to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, driving sustainable growth across 26 years.

    • Australian Business Awards
      Employer of Choice:
      2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

    • Property Council of Australia
      - 2022 National Award for Diversity

    • Queensland Business Awards
      - Reconciliation Award

    • Telstra Business Awards
      - 2017 Medium Business Award, ACT

    • Master Builders Australia
      Multiple MBA Awards across NSW & ACT including:
      - MBA Excellence in Building Fitout/Refurbishment
      - 2017 Bonsella Accountants Fitout $1M
      - MBA Excellence in Construction
      - 2015 McGrath Revesby

    • NAWIC ACT
      - 2021 Crystal Vision Award for Inclusion & Diversity
      2017 Bonsella Accountants Fitout $1M

  • Brian's experience includes:
    • Leading a portfolio of projects across Defence and
    Government, as well as infrastructure, asset repositioning, health sector, educational sector, childcare centres,
    hospitality, and heritage building fit-outs.

    • Spearheading business development, market expansion, and
    cultivating a culture of collaboration and excellence.

    • Enhancing operational processes, resulting in streamlined workflows and improved project delivery.

    • Growing a company – doubled turnover year on year. Over a 26-year period grew Rork Pty Ltd from under $1 million turnover to $80milion turnover and 100 staff.

    • Strategic leadership and vision-setting to drive change management.

    • Executive oversight of financial management, budgeting, and forecasting.

    • Founder & CEO | Rork Projects est 1997

    • Business development, client relationship management, and contract negotiation to de risk projects.

    • High-level corporate governance and oversight to ensure alignment with strategic business unit objectives.

    • Regulatory compliance and risk management expertise, as well responsible for developing the Covid-19 Management Plan that was shared with Master Builders Australia for wider industry use

    • Stakeholder communication and public relations.

    • Championing innovation and technology adoption for enhanced business productivity.

    • Leadership in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including setting up a non-for-profit Wa Initative to aid in the education of indigenous children.

    • Supporter of:
      Salvation Army,
      Property Industry
      Foundation
      Make a Wish
      Indigenous Literacy Foundation
      MS Society,
      GIVIT
      Cancer Council

    • Public advocate for Indigenous community development and reconciliation initiatives

    • Silver Medal for Sustainability

    • Ecovadis Australia (National Accreditation)

    • Member & Active Participant

    • Property Council of Australia (ACT, NSW, QLD & VIC)

    • Member & Active Participant

    • Master Builders Association (ACT, NSW, QLD & VIC)

    • Building Licenses

    • ACT, VIC, (TAS, SA & WA)

“Sanford was established to provide independent, client-side project management for complex commercial property projects, where clarity, early risk identification and disciplined delivery matter.”
— Brian O’Rourke, Founder and Principal / Director

Why clients engage Sanford

Independent, client-side representation
Sanford acts solely in the client’s interests, providing objective advice and delivery oversight independent of contractor or consultant influence.

End-to-end delivery oversight
Sanford manages projects from early planning and procurement through to construction, completion and handover, reducing gaps in responsibility and accountability.

Early risk identification and control
Projects fail when risks are identified too late. Sanford focuses on identifying scope, program, cost and contractual risks early, when they can still be managed.

Experience in live and complex environments
Sanford regularly delivers projects in occupied or operational buildings, where staging, access, safety and stakeholder coordination are critical to success.

Clear governance and communication
Clients receive structured reporting, transparent advice and clear decision pathways, helping them stay informed without being drawn into day-to-day delivery issues.

Quality, accountability and commercial focus
Sanford emphasises disciplined documentation, quality control and contractual clarity to reduce disputes and support predictable delivery outcomes.