The practice was established in 1980 and operated under the name Davis Associates Pty Ltd until 1995. In the first decade, practice growth and skills were developed primarily through exposure to the industrial and commercial design and construct market and to various consultancy roles in the structural and civil design of industrial process plant facilities.
In the 1990’s the practice gained exposure to the Asian market undertaking a number of assignments in industrial, commercial, tourism, housing and institutional developments primarily in Malaysia, China and Myanman. Since the late 90’s the practice has moved into more mainstream areas including Retail, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Health. The practice has completed projects in every state of Australia and the Australian capital territory.
Four directors, Jon McGovern, Adam Bethune, Andrew MacDonald and Anthony Askew now manage the practice known as Davis Naismith & McGovern Pty Ltd. Jon joined the practice as a graduate engineer in 1989, becoming a director in 2000. Adam joined the practice as a graduate engineer in 1994, becoming a director in 2008. Andrew joined the practice as a graduate engineer in 1998, becoming a director in 2021. Anthony joined the practice as a graduate engineer in 2003, becoming a director in 2022.
The four directors maintain hands on consulting roles within the practice and are supported by nine technical and three administrative staff. A number of the key technical staff have been with the practice for over 15 years.