Meet Inger Ohlsson, one of Acuity’s original pioneers.

She was the first to back Acuity founder Adam Currall’s vision – trading a steady career for the unknowns of a start-up. And today, she remains at the heart of our team.

But Inger’s journey began in a completely different world.

We sat down to find out how she jumped careers, embracing a bold chance to help build a business from the ground up.

Finding her path

Inger Ohlsson never imagined she’d end up as a project manager. In fact, her career path once looked completely different.

‘I wanted to be an interior designer when I was younger,’ she reflects. ‘But I’m more wired for processes, planning and logic rather than creative thinking.’

So, Inger left the world of design to explore other interests, including health and fitness, then marketing. She even ran her own weight loss and nutrition business.

Along the way, she developed skills and experience that would form the foundation of her future career – which arrived after a fateful conversation.

‘Project management found me,’ Inger explains. ‘A friend encouraged me to give it a shot, and I decided to take the plunge.’

It was there, in her first project management role, that Inger uncovered her passions: managing timelines, budgets and processes while collaborating with creative minds in design and architecture.

It was also where she crossed paths with Adam Currall – the future founder of Acuity. Adam recognised Inger’s potential. And the rest is history.

Taking a leap of faith

When Inger decided to join Adam at Acuity PM, she was stepping into the unknown.

It was 2019, and Adam had just left their firm to launch an impressive new project management company. One that would be built on integrity, collaboration – and doing things differently.

And the person he wanted by his side? Inger.

Leaving a well-established company for a start-up carried risks. There was no office, no established client base – and no guarantee of success. But Inger didn’t hesitate.

‘I had absolute faith in Adam,’ she shares. ‘Professionally, his reputation is second to none. I knew if anyone could build something extraordinary, it was him.’

Inger also recognised the chance to do something meaningful: help build a company that prioritised people over profits.

‘Deep down, I believed in what Adam was trying to create – and that made all the difference,’ she says.

The early days

The early days of Acuity were all about perseverance.

The team operated wherever they could – from cafes to hotel lobbies to borrowed meeting rooms. Every day was focused on pitching for projects and proving themselves in a competitive industry.

Inger’s background in business development and marketing proved invaluable during this time. ‘It wasn’t glamorous,’ she laughs. ‘But there was something exciting about figuring it out as we went.’

One of the duo’s most significant challenges? Securing their first major project. But then an old client came knocking.

‘This was our first and most important project,’ Inger shares. ‘Without that project, Acuity wouldn’t be where it is today.’

That first vital project helped Acuity move to the next level of business. Within a few months, the team was growing and had moved into a co-working space, which provided a much-needed home base.

‘It felt like we were really gaining traction,’ Inger says. ‘Sure, there were moments where it felt like an uphill battle, especially when going up against larger, well-established firms. But we believed in what we were doing.’

Acuity’s unique culture

Fast forward to 2025 and Acuity has become a highly regarded and nationally recognised firm. It has several landmark projects in its portfolio and proudly employs 25 staff.

And its ethos remains the same: lead with a people-first approach.

Inger believes that Acuity’s strong culture starts with Adam’s leadership. ‘Adam genuinely cares about every single person on the team,’ she says. ‘It’s very rare to come across an employer that doesn’t just see you as a number.’

Beyond support, there’s also a sense of camaraderie that makes Acuity unique. ‘We work hard, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously,’ Inger explains. ‘There’s always banter in the office and it’s just a really enjoyable place to be.’

A sense of loyalty

For Inger, working at Acuity has been a journey of both professional and personal growth.

Over the past 5 years, she’s steadily advanced toward becoming an experienced project manager, working on landmark projects for Quantium, Toyota Finance, AMP Services, IAG, Sydney Water and CBA.

But her favourite type of work? Adaptive reuse and heritage building projects, like the Havas project at the Bushells Tea Building and the Quantium Sydney Head Office at the Australian Technology Park.

‘I love the complexity these projects provide, as well as the history and character of the buildings,’ she shares. ‘They challenge you to think creatively – and I really enjoy that.’

Perhaps Inger is more creative than she first gave herself credit for. And that creativity, paired with her unwavering support of Acuity’s leadership, has been key to her growth.

‘I’ve believed in what Acuity stands for from day one,’ she says. ‘The values, the integrity, the way we approach our work – it all aligns with my values.’

Today, Inger is certain she made the right choice by choosing a startup over security.

‘I see myself being part of Acuity for a long time,’ she says. ‘I never questioned my decision – I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.’

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