When Adam Currall set out to create Acuity PM, he imagined more than just a new business. He was determined to redefine project management in the Australian commercial construction sector. Bit by bit.

Today, Adam’s vision is flourishing. Acuity has several landmark projects in its portfolio and proudly employs 25 staff – all dedicated to fostering a culture that prioritises people over profit.

So, how did he do it? We asked Adam what it takes to thrive in a cut-throat sector, and explored the milestone moments on the road to success.

Growing pains: Where it all began

Adam Currall long envisioned a project management company that dared to stray from the norm. One that prioritised healthy and ethical work environments, where people and clients mattered more than profit.

In 2019, Adam’s idea took flight when he could no longer ignore serious flaws in common industry practices. Practices that normalised cutting corners, cheap resources and unproven contractors.

As Adam explains: ‘Through certain experiences, I witnessed some of the poorest behaviour in our industry. I was desperate to find a new way of doing things.’

And that’s how Acuity was born.

Turning challenges into triumph

Creating something new and progressive was no small feat.

But Adam found it easier with the support of his loyal colleague, Inger Ohlsson, and a group of past clients who believed in him and his vision.

Adam recalls the first pivotal moment in Acuity’s history, when he pitched a project to a significant client. At the time, Acuity was a 2-person team and only 6 months into its journey.

‘I sat with the CEO and asked him to trust us with his project,’ Adam says.

‘I told him that even though there were only 2 of us and we were just starting out, he was the most important client we’d ever have. He looked me in the eye and said: You’ve got the job!’

That first major project was a lifeline that set Acuity on its path to greatness. And although it all went smoothly, Adam’s fledgling company still faced its share of challenges.

‘The COVID pandemic hit during our first 6 months of operation. And with it came several project cancellations,’ Adam explains. ‘We only had 4 clients at the time. And in the first week of lockdowns, we lost 2 of them.’

To overcome this setback, Adam and Inger set their sights on another crucial project from a prestigious firm.

‘The firm had initially gone out to 6 project management companies. Frustratingly, they thought we must have made a mistake on our submission, as it looked too good to be true,’ Adam recalls.

‘So, they went back out to tender again. That time, we won!’

The experience taught Adam a crucial lesson. ‘I learned that the effort you put in dictates what you get out.’

Over the next 5 years, Acuity used that lesson to build an impressive portfolio of clients, including the likes of Benstead Holdaway, Charter Hall and Colin Biggers & Paisley.

Getting the band back together

With new clients came a need for more staff. And Adam knew exactly who he wanted to invite on his mission to redefine project management in Australia.

He had many fond memories of working with former colleagues Elizabeth Nicholson, Tom Hall, Luke Ackland, Graham Grobler and Kate Pegg. And so, Adam reached out to each of them in turn to entice them to Acuity. Fortunately, none of them needed much convincing. They all took the leap!

It was the beginning of bringing an old crew back together. One united by a common goal: to build a business grounded in integrity.

‘My goal was to spend all my time building a strong business surrounded by terrific people,’ Adam explains. ‘And it’s paid off. I’m proud to say that we enjoy real, long-term friendship.’

Joining Acuity also gave the new recruits a chance to own shares in the business. This approach to recruitment is an integral part of Adam’s success in building a committed, passionate team. And it’s something he’s often asked about.

‘I had a coffee with one of our competitors, and he quizzed me about how we’ve built our business,’ Adam shares.

‘This guy is an expert in delivering outcomes for his clients, but he came to me for business advice. It was a real pinch-me moment!’

Standing apart from the crowd

Acuity’s central ethos is prioritising its people and clients. So it sets itself apart by exceeding client expectations – and avoiding common industry pitfalls at all costs.

A good example is Acuity’s approach to pricing. While larger firms often use lower-cost, less-experienced resources to maximise profits, Acuity balances quality and pricing more holistically. Keeping the firm small is one way it can do that.

‘Staying small keeps us competitive. But it still allows us to practise that higher level of integrity,’ Adam says.

Another defining feature of Acuity’s service is the presence of a Director on every single project.

‘We’re there from start to finish,’ Adam explains. ‘And that’s definitely a point of difference for Acuity. It’s largely why clients choose us – which allows us to thrive in a competitive market.’

Adam’s vision for the future

Acuity celebrated its 5^th birthday this year. And as the firm looks towards the next 5 years, Adam’s vision remains clear and ambitious.

‘We’re going to continue delivering an exceptional service,’ he explains. ‘Next year promises considerable growth, particularly in Brisbane and Perth, as we cement our presence.’

Adam firmly believes that continuing to prioritise relationships will be the key to the company’s future success.

‘Ultimately, it all comes back to us,’ he says.

‘A strong, supportive environment is what empowers our team to achieve extraordinary things.’

Want to meet more of the legends behind the brand? Connect with Acuity on LinkedIn.