About — Doolan Advisory

Founded and led by James Doolan, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with over 20 years’ experience, the practice delivers focused, commercially grounded advice on complex and high value projects across Sydney.

James has held senior and director level roles within leading consultancy firms, advising on projects from early feasibility and development application through to tender, construction and final account, with a strong focus on cost certainty and risk management.

Doolan Advisory was established to provide a more focused, senior-led alternative to traditional consultancy models, with an emphasis on clarity, quality and commercial insight.

Experience

James has extensive experience delivering cost management and commercial advisory services across a wide range of developments, including highly complex and large scale projects.

He has held senior and national leadership roles within leading consultancy firms, advising on high value and technically complex projects across Sydney.

Experience spans the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and development application through to tender, construction and final account.

Projects range from standalone buildings through to large, integrated precincts, including both new build and adaptive reuse outcomes.

This experience has been gained working with both private and government clients, providing a strong understanding of the different commercial, strategic and delivery drivers that shape successful project outcomes.

Approach

Structured and Solutions Focused
A methodical approach is applied to all aspects of cost advice, breaking down complex issues into clear, practical and workable solutions.

Commercially Aligned
Advice is developed from the client’s perspective and aligned with the commercial, financial and strategic drivers of each project, ensuring cost decisions support broader development outcomes.

Clear and Direct Communication
Advice is communicated in a straightforward and accessible way, providing clients with a genuine understanding of the commercial position of their project and enabling confident decision making.

Whole-of-Project Understanding
A strong understanding of the broader development process is maintained, extending beyond traditional quantity surveying to include feasibility, development strategy and delivery considerations.

Client Focused and Relationship Driven
A close working relationship is maintained with clients throughout the project lifecycle, with a focus on consistency, responsiveness and a high quality client experience.

Cross Sector Experience
Experience across both private and government clients provides an understanding of differing project drivers and decision making frameworks across sectors.