Our Philosophy

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Our business has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2003. Our greatest rewards have been helping our clients realise their dreams. Whether it’s seeing a vacant lot turned into a thriving concept, a business ripe for expansion or a simple refurbishment brought to fruition.

Walk in our door or talk to us on the phone and you will feel a sense of ease. We are here to help you. Our management team is constantly travelling Australia and the World to ensure that they are at the forefront of design and functionality. Their commitment to innovation and passion for excellence flows through their designs and products.

Our unique skills, honed over the years, become yours as we walk you through every step. We listen and learn about your wants and needs and this consultative process forms your path. The results are great designs, fresh and modern, function and appealing, but most of all – yours. Designed with you, delivered for you and enjoyed by you.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver working environments and innovative solutions that benefit both our clients and the animals in their care.

Our Vision

Our vision is reflected by our company name, which means “for the love of animals”, as we strongly believe in the unique bond between animals and humans, and the mutual benefit this brings.

Our Values

Compassion We are considerate of our clients’ needs and the wellbeing of the animals in their care.
Teamwork We have a collaborative approach, with an inquisitive and curious mind.
Commitment We have our client’s best interest at heart and deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
Confidence We stand behind the quality of our products and services.
Partnership We build relationships that last in time and follow our client successes for years.

About Us

Wealth of Experience:

Over 30 years of diverse industry experience have led to a broad understanding of the specialised requirements needed for construction projects within the Animal Care Industry. We have designed and installed many projects throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific Region, and have the unique skill sets needed to handle all the issues associated with designing Animal Care facilities.

Designing for Optimal Animal Care:

Whether you are a shelter, pet resort or veterinary practice – we know what you need to design first class facilities that improve workplace efficiency and safety, and ensure the comfort and well being of the animals in your care.

Specialist Product Selection:

We have sourced the best products available worldwide from industry leading companies. By working with you we can provide a range of quality products to improve your working day – from disease control and waste management, through to surgical equipment that works the way you do, with great ease and functionality.

The First Step:

At Therian we appreciate the complexities of running a business and understand the need to maximise the return on your investment. Incorporating us into your planning process early on can reduce unnecessary costs and delays. We provide comprehensive support irrespective of the size of your project or product needs.

We understand our clients have different needs. We offer solutions that meet your specific requirements.

What we appreciate most about working with the Therian team is their wealth of experience and professionalism at all times to ensure that together as a team we deliver an amazing cat shelter and cat management facility that will ensure that Cat Haven can continue to offer open admission shelter services to the Perth community.

Nicole Bishop
President, Cat Haven

Our approach was to work with a company that specialised in this area so that the process was as efficient and as easy as possible. Gavin and his team are very approachable and contactable. Communication is very good and we have always felt part of the process.

Dr. Andrew Paxton-Hall BVSc.
Yarrabilba Veterinary Hospital

Behind the name Therian

The meaning behind the name Therian comes from an ancient Greek saying Philotherianism, which translates to “For the love of animals”. All of the staff at Therian are passionate about the environments we design for animals and our products which protect them.

Our Team

Gavin BiggsChief Executive Officer

Gavin has a passion for human and animal movement that showcases itself in dynamic and engaging animal facility design. Gavin travels extensively to ensure that he is abreast of all the latest ideas in animal care. Since 2006, he has been heavily involved in designing and project managing many animal facilities. Gavin sees his success as the success of his clients and the long-term relationships that have prevailed past the projects completion dates.

Marissa SkadinsExecutive Assistant

Marissa joined Therian in March 2024, after relocating to the Gold Coast from Melbourne. She brings with her over 15 years of executive assistant experience, the last 7 years of which were spent as an EA at RSPCA Victoria. With a passion for fostering best welfare for animals, industry exposure, and business administration focus, she is looking forward to combining these skills to help Therian achieve their strategic goals.

Kelly BiggsOffice Manager

Kelly has been with the firm since it first opened its doors. These days she concentrates on overseeing the office for Therian. Kelly oversaw the renovations of our new office at Ashmore and loves to welcome clients in. She firmly believes that good design influences our daily life and enhances our experiences.

Tahlia MoanaGraphic Designer

Tahlia joined the team in 2021 as Therian’s Graphic Designer. She graduated from Griffith University with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media (double majoring in graphic design and illustration). She prides herself on her creativity and has a strong passion for design.

VacantMarketing Manager

Nicola StantonAccountant

Meet Nicola Stanton, a dedicated team member since August 2013. With a Certificate IV in Accounting and qualifications as a BAS agent, Nicola excels as a part-time accounts clerk. Beyond her impressive qualifications, Nicola’s collaborative and friendly demeanor fosters a positive work environment. We value Nicola’s contributions and look forward to her continued impact on our success.

Jo-Anne DunbarAccounts Clerk

Jo-Anne joined the Therian team in March 2020, bringing her extensive accounts knowledge. She has a Bachelor of Business and provides vital internal accounts support to all departments at Therian.

Clarise Samson-VerdanAccounts Payable Clerk

Clarise joined Therian after moving to the Gold Coast from Adelaide in 2023. She is holding a bachelor’s degree major in Accounting. A highly organised and detail-oriented accounts professional providing thorough and skillful contributions and support to meet the departments’ objectives.

Architecture Team

Simon HurcombeArchitectural Technician I

Architectural technician with 7 years of experience in the industry and a Bachelor of Architecture, upon joining Therian in 2015 has focused on design and construction management of a range of animal facilities types across Australia.

Bryan KingDesign Manager / Lead Architect

Bryan is a registered architect and has specialised exclusively in the design of veterinary hospitals and other animal care facilities throughout Australia, the U.S.A, and Canada since 2002. Bryan joined Therian as the Architecture Manager in January 2018. He has expertise designing complex projects including multi-phased construction and equipment coordination for large veterinary specialty hospitals as well as extensive experience with more modest small-animal practices.

Annabel TapeArchitectural Technician II

Annabel joined the Therian Architecture team in 2020 and has since completed a Master of Architecture at Bond University. Annabel possesses a strong passion for architecture and prides herself in her attention to detail and work ethic.

Matthew DavidArchitectural Technician I

Matthew has 15 years of experience in architecture, mostly in the residential sector. Enjoys overseeing a project progress from initial conceptual design to final construction documentation. Enthusiastic to tackle the next new and exciting projects at Therian.

Jordyn-Jayne LandonArchitectural Technician III

Jordyn-Jayne graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Design in 2019 and is currently studying her Masters at Griffith University. Jordyn-Jayne joined Therian in 2022 bringing her enthusiasm and passion for design to the Architecture team. She prides herself in her strong drafting skills and attention to detail.

Equipment Team

Jackie O'ConnellEquipment Manager

Jackie started with Therian in May 2023 after moving to the Gold Coast from Melbourne. Jackie has over 20 years’ experience in Sales and Marketing in a diverse range of industries including the building industry, FMCG and agriculture. Jackie is passionate about animals and animal welfare and is looking forward to overlaying that passion with her experience to create a focused and successful strategy to the equipment team and the industry as a whole.

Robert HaleProject Coordinator

Robert emigrated from the UK to Australia in 2018, joining the Therian team in 2021. His previous work experience in the UK lies in financial services & innovation. Rob is currently undertaking a Micromasters qualification in Project management to support his ambitions of leading multifaceted projects.

Loren CoppSales Consultant

Loren is the Sales Consultant for the Equipment Team at Therian. Loren has over 10 years’ experience working with pet, vet and equine products and services. Prior to joining Therian, Loren graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Major in Zoology) from the University of Queensland and has a keen interest in animal behaviour and enrichment.

Grace WintonEquipment Specialist

Grace joined the Therian team in 2017. Over 5 years of retail experience, she provides a vast understanding in sales and customer service for our Therian clients who are looking to purchase products from our Equipment team

Hope LakeSales Consultant

Hope moved up to the Gold Coast from Melbourne, with her previous role being in the commercial and school furniture space assisting her clients with creating beautiful and functional workspaces. Hope has had extensive experience in business development, project management and solution sales across many market segments and is passionate about her clients.

Hayley AndersonSales Consultant

Hayley is the Sales Consultant for the Equipment Team at Therian. Hayley graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Major in Animal Behaviour) from Flinders University. Prior to joining Therian, Hayley had experience in leading teams within the pet and animal industry, operations management as well as experience in sales

Technology Team

Anna SpenceTechnology Implementation Specialist

Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2014 at the Massey University in New Zealand. Since graduation she has worked and volunteered as a Veterinary Nurse in, Australia, UK, China, and Canada. She joined Therian in 2021 bringing her knowledge and experience to help improve the workflow for our clients through the technology we can provide

Nicholas BiggsTechnology Manager

After numerous years of Information Technology Specialist experience, and with a Bachelor of Information Technology – Majoring in Business Analysis, Nicholas joined Therian striving to fulfill a passion of assisting clients improve their business and their workflow with the use of technology.

Aaron Stevens-GrahamTier 1 Support Specialist

Aaron joined the Therian team in 2024 and uses his years of technical support and customer service experience to provide our clients with the highest and most seamless level of service and support possible.