Technical Director | Fire Safety Certification

Gemma McKenna

As an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety) (APFS) and Unrestricted Building Surveyor registered with NSW Fair Trading, Gemma is recognised for her multi disciplinary background and ability to deliver practical, robust, and performance-driven fire safety solutions across some of the state’s most complex building portfolios. Throughout her career, Gemma has built extensive expertise within government, institutional, and non-residential sectors, with a strong focus on education and Crown developments.

A trusted advisor to universities, government bodies, and private asset managers alike, Gemma works closely with stakeholders to ensure that fire safety obligations are met without compromising practicality or project timelines. Her commitment to best practice and clear communication continues to strengthen Group DLA’s reputation as a leader in technical fire safety certification.


Gemma heads our dedicated Fire Safety Certification team, overseeing the delivery of:

  • Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) consultancy and sign-off
  • Detailed fire safety assessments and audits for diverse asset types
  • Bespoke regulatory strategies and compliance pathways
  • Stakeholder liaison and client advisory services

Qualifications

  • Registered Building Surveyor [Unrestricted] BDC2987
  • Fire Safety Assessor | Accreditation #F058996A | Fire Protection Association
  • Building Surveying Practitioner BSP2469 | WA Department of Mines, Industry + Safety
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) | University of Western Sydney
  • Diploma of Management | Frontline Management Institute
  • Graduate Diploma - Building Surveying | University of Western Sydney

AFFILIATIONS

  • Member | Fire Protection Association Australia - FPAA
  • Member | Association of Australian Certifiers - AAC
  • Member | Australian Institute of Building Surveyors - AIBS
  • Member | National Association of Women in Construction - NAWIC