David Veksler

Founder, Director

I’ve been an entrepreneur my whole life. My first venture was in high school. I founded e-Tech, an online company which imported and distributed electronics. However, hospitality has been the area in which I found my true calling. I love the fast pace, the creativity, and the need to constantly improve. To date I have lead over 300 hospitality design and fit out projects.

I try to build high trust relationships in all areas of life and business. This includes not only clients but suppliers, strategic partners, and of course my amazing team. Everyone at GURU is creative, hard-working, and dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals.

In my limited spare time I love spending time with my kids and family, gardening and renovating, training, and having a nice glass of wine by the fire with friends while discussing anything and everything.

Ben Filler

Project Manager

I originally joined GURU as a designer, having completed my undergrad and worked previously in Architecture. During my time here, my position has grown and evolved with GURU – I have made a point to develop skills across the whole business. From Designer I transitioned to Contracts Administrator, where I developed a robust understanding for the administrative and logistical aspects of projects. Now, as lead Project Manager for GURU, I oversee entire projects from start to finish.

I like to think that this transition has been successful because of my desire to achieve excellence both with and from all stakeholders. I have a passion for good design and believe that the designer’s vision should be achieved with quality. I enjoy the problem solving and communication required to bring a design to life. Open and honest communication underpins successful projects.

My passion is creating, regardless of discipline. My approach to project management is as creative as my approach to design – think broadly, consider all options, and identify and action the best solution. 

Jonti Friedman

New Business Manager

I love my job.

I love my team, I love that there’s always something to learn, there’s always a problem that requires creativity and energy to solve. Every day is different, every client teaches me something new.

I believe that effective communication is the key to any successful partnership. This belief informs my approach to life, and defines how I add value to clients. There are ten thousand moving parts in hospitality –  finding the correct property, negotiating the lease, concept design and development, documentation, specifying furniture and equipment – all on a tight timeline! The team at GURU go above and beyond every day to find solutions to problems that others miss.

We understand better than anyone that your new venue is first and foremost a business. Our venues don’t just look amazing – they are designed with functionality and optimisation in mind.

Like the rest of the team, I love creating. When I’m not helping the GURUs create beautiful venues, you’ll find me in my attic drawing, painting, or writing.