Director of planning & construction

Gary White

As a director at Commercial Shift, I bring extensive experience in both planning and construction, which I actively share across the studio to support strategic thinking and informed decision-making.

My role extends beyond project delivery to providing guidance on complex applications, mentoring team members, and helping shape our broader development strategy, ensuring that our work remains both grounded and ambitious.

I am often called upon for insights that require foresight and practical knowledge, and my experience serves as a resource the entire team draws on to push boundaries with confidence.

My fascination with the technical aspects of design and construction—beyond aesthetics—led me early in my career to collaborate closely with planners and construction teams across multiple practices.

Over time, this evolved into a passion for developing strategic, outcome-driven approaches, and I now take great satisfaction in shaping projects through my methodologies while helping others refine theirs.

Fundamentally, I am driven by a commitment to elevate architectural and planning outcomes, ensuring every scheme we engage with as a team delivers higher standards of quality, purpose, and design integrity.