Our team

trusted experts in sustainable building

Our team of sustainable building experts undertake meaningful projects that align with our purpose and values—to build quality, environmentally conscious homes that improve neighbourhoods and maximise urban space.

Sustainable Homes Melbourne people
energy-efficient homes

energy-efficiency experts

award winning builder

award-winning builders

Proven track record

proven track-record

innovative building

leaders in innovation

heritage renovation projects

heritage & terrace renovations

Extensions & renovations

clever extensions

ecofriendly

design & build packages

Buget-savvy renovations

budget-savvy renovations

simon clark
founder & director

Simon is a self-confessed timber nerd, chai latte man and passionate Melbournian. His favourite day is Monday and loves nothing more than being part of a team doing great things. Read more about our founder’s story.

Favourite pastime

On weekends you’ll find Simon in the great outdoors hiking with his dog Nikki.

adriana mansur
head of design

Every morning Adriana is working on exceptional designs for people and the planet. Function and sustainability is not just her passion, but her lifestyle. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture & Urban Design, as well as qualifications in building and construction.

Favourite pastime

Backyard barbecues, gardening, bush walks and some impressive DIY projects.

mike carson
site manager

Mike brings solid attention to detail to every project, humorously exemplified by his ability to peel individual segments of a mandarin—a trait our team won't let him live down.

Favourite pastime

Off site, Mike's endurance continues to grow—he's training for a 10km swim and managing his son's basketball team.

Ash Pollard
Estimator

Ash, like all our crew, loves nothing more than watching a run-down shack transform into a high-end airtight home.

Favourite pastime

Having visited 60 countries, it’s fair to assume Ash spends a fair bit of his pastime handling long-haul flights. He also plays the guitar, but we’re not sure if he sings.

Taylor Bjarnoe
Lead Carpenter

If you hear laughter on site, we’re probably having a laugh at one of Taylor’s jokes. His ability to crack them is about on par with his carpentry. He’s also not bad at the sandwich press and regularly impresses the team with his lunch break creations.

Favourite pastime

When Taylor’s not entertaining us on-site, he’s exploring Melbourne with his young family or brewing a craft beer.

David Nicholson
Architect

Our resident jungle boy, having grown up in the jungles of Sarawak, David’s now at home creating designs to transform your home into a beautiful, comfortable, sustainable home. David’s ambitious goal is to plant 1,000 trees for Koala habitat before he turns 50 – We’re all rooting for him!

Favourite pastime

Eating Ramen after midnight or drinking ‘Loose leaf’ tea before breakfast.

toby kolenaty wills
project manager

Is something broken? Fix it. Problem-solving comes naturally to Toby, who is quick to deploy solutions across projects.

Favourite pastime

On weekends you'll find Toby either revelling in the great outdoors or restoring old furniture. Nothing stays broken around Toby.

Derek Swift
Qualified Carpenter

Derek enjoys the satisfaction of working with his hands and has been in the trade since he left school a staggering 25 years ago. Unfortunately, the dedication this man has can also bring on tendinitis but he says it’s worth it.

Favourite pastime

Outside of work Derek is nursing his hands over a Guinness… he's Irish.

neasha patel
design & client consultant

Neasha's focus is on making client dreams come true from start to finish. A proud Kiwi, she loves unwinding with a glass of Marlborough sav after a rewarding day with a dedicated team.

Favourite pastime

Off the clock, Neasha's on a mission to create an urban jungle, with 76 thriving houseplants and counting.

franca abbenante
architectural draftsperson

Franca's passion for sustainable design grew during her thesis studies in Denmark and Germany, where she developed a deep commitment to eco-friendly architecture.

Favourite pastime

Off-duty, Franca may be found crocheting dog coats for our four-legged team members, in AFL club colours.

Nikki the kelpie
site Assistant

Nikki is our best customer greeter, she’s there to answer any knock at the office door long before anyone else. Very fond of a belly rub or back scratch she loves to lay on her back with legs in the air and have a snooze on the cold office floor.

Favourite pastime

Chasing birds and sniffing around power poles.

daisy the terrier
office assistant

Daisy may be small, but she brings a big dose of love and happiness to our workdays. She’s always ready to lend a paw or just be there for moral support during the ups and downs of home renovations. Just like your dream home, Daisy is a labour of love.

Favourite pastime

Cuddle time.