Our people

We are immensely proud of our team, who come from a wide range of industry backgrounds and offer an exceptional range of skills and expertise to our clients. While our differences allow for versatility in the projects we undertake, our shared values and close working relationships have given us a reputation for consistency and continuity across all of our projects.

  • Matt is a co-founder of Broadleaf Projects and has over 14 years of experience in construction and facilities management. Matt has an impressive track record, having delivered a wide range of projects including large-scale retail, high-rise residential, commercial office, television and radio studios, tertiary and education sectors.

    Matt is passionate about engaging with end users and key stakeholders to inform fit-for-purpose project outcomes. His skillset is centred on problem-solving: working dynamically to find unique project solutions that often bear savings in time and cost.

    Matt holds a double Bachelor of Construction Management and Facilities Management (Honours) [Deakin University].

  • Another co-founder of Broadleaf Projects, Sebastian brings with him over 14 years of experience in the construction industry. Sebastian has extensive experience in site and project management across a broad range of industries including commercial (retail and office), tertiary, educational and civil sectors.

    He brings strong leadership and technical skills to all projects and can effectively lead a team to deliver the desired result. Sebastian’s technical background is complemented by a strong emphasis on stakeholder management and a commitment to results-oriented outcomes for clients.

    Sebastian holds a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) [Deakin University].

  • Like his fellow co-founders at Broadleaf Projects, Justin is highly experienced within the architecture/construction industry. Justin began his career as an architect with the internationally renowned Cox Architecture. Following a transition into construction management, Justin spent four years in London managing high-end commercial and retail projects, including some of considerable heritage significance.

    Since returning to Australia, Justin has worked in Tier 1 construction delivering a wide range of large and complex commercial, public and educational projects.

    Justin holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) [Deakin University].

  • Ruth spent over a decade in the real estate sector with a focus on sustainable building and urban design. Her background in asset and investment management, coupled with her current work retrofitting for improved sustainability, has spanned educational facilities, shopping centres, offices and more. She is our expert in Australian energy markets and carbon certification (procurement and best practice).

    Ruth specialises in program development/delivery, stakeholder engagement/management, financial modelling, process drafting/implementation, and the development of analyst talent.

    Ruth holds a BSc (Honours) in Economics [University of Warwick], MSc in Real Estate Economics and Finance [London School of Economics], and Master of Environment [University of Melbourne].

  • Matt McDonnell is a seasoned project manager with a strong background in high-rise commercial and infrastructure projects. At Architectus, he led the 600 Collins Street project, a 48-story premium-grade office tower, overseeing stakeholder management, contract administration, and leading a large team of architects and sub-consultants. Matt also spearheaded a strategic initiative to optimise resource allocation and project timelines across the Commercial Office portfolio, significantly improving efficiency and on-time delivery.  

    With international experience at Grimshaw in London, Matt led major projects such as the Heathrow Expansion and Zurich Dock A. In Melbourne, he played a central role in the award-winning Olderfleet project, a 42-story commercial office tower. Additionally, Matt served as the design technology lead, influencing global policies on technology use in workflows. His expertise is supported by a Master of Project Management and a Master of Architecture, both earned with distinction from RMIT University. 

  • Kristan has 16 years’ experience in the construction industry working in contractor and management roles across multiple sectors including civil, medium-rise residential, commercial/office and landscape disciplines.

    Kristan matches excellent technical knowledge of the entire construction process with a strong project management and contract administration background. He offers expertise in stakeholder, consultant and design management, and detailed cost reporting and forecasting using various financial reporting tools. Kristan also has extensive experience in contract management.

    Kristan holds a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) [Deakin University].

  • Daniel has over 30 years’ industry experience in both the design and project management components of construction. His work has included educational, residential, mixed use and commercial builds up to $65M. Daniel is a Registered Building Practitioner with over 7 years’ experience as a Senior Associate for one of Australia’s most prominent architecture firms, Clarke Hopkins Clarke.

    Daniel excels in managing tender submissions, fee proposals, feasibility reviews, office/team management, stakeholder engagement, superintendent administration and contract administration. His ability to work under pressure, applying his lifelong experience while thinking creatively, makes him an incredible asset.

    Daniel holds an Associate Diploma of Architectural Drafting [Box Hill College].

  • John is a construction professional with over 25 years of construction management experience. He specialises in heritage and conservation projects, having worked on some of Melbourne’s most revered heritage buildings and precincts.

    John is highly accomplished in contract administration, excelling in a wide range of project management, procurement, site management and OHSEQ roles. He understands the importance of connecting with experienced consultants and contractors who can provide specialist skillsets for specialist projects. He appreciates the big picture and can consolidate projects into logical work packages that garner savings in cost and time.

    John’s on-site experience has provided him with a very strong technical knowledge base, making him our subject matter expert on everything relating to heritage and conservation.

  • Ben is a construction professional with extensive client-side project management experience within the health and education sectors. His project experience includes management of design and construction phases of health facilities, operating theatres, hospitals, sporting facilities and school/education buildings.

    Ben specialises in stakeholder engagement/management, superintendency, procurement and contract administration. He has a thorough understanding of how large organisations operate and of the importance of integrating within established processes and procedures to drive key project deliverables and timeframes.

    Ben holds a Master of Project Management [RMIT].

  • Patrick is a seasoned project management professional with a background in architecture and construction management. His expertise extends across heritage, aged care, education, civil, hospitality and retail.

    With an acute understanding of finance, Patrick ensures that budgets are meticulously maintained, and cost reporting and forecasting are conducted with precision. He excels at stakeholder engagement, and his extensive site-based experience, coupled with a profound understanding of design intricacies, enables Patrick to tackle complex challenges effectively. He is known for establishing lasting client relationships, contributing to improved outcomes and spearheading value management initiatives.

    Patrick holds a Master of Architecture [RMIT] and bachelor’s degrees in Construction Management [Deakin].

  • Ruby is a qualified lawyer with broad experience within the business/commerce sector. She first encountered the construction industry through conveyancing, revealing an affinity and passion for project management. Naturally, Ruby excels in contract administration and stakeholder engagement. She is precise, process-driven and self-motivated, with the ability to coordinate and deliver projects with complex designs.

    Ruby is an excellent communicator, able to articulate complex issues and provide efficient project management outcomes. Her refreshing project management style ensures issues are resolved efficiently and collaboratively, keeping all stakeholders well informed.

    Ruby holds a Bachelor of Law (Honours) [Deakin University] and a Bachelor of Arts/ Media & Communications [Deakin].

  • Phil is an accomplished project manager with over 8 years of industry experience. He has worked in several industry-relevant roles from engineering, to design and project management. Phil has worked on a variety of large-scale projects with two of Australia’s most prominent Tier 1 construction companies: Brookfield Multiplex and John Holland. His specific project experience ranges from shopping centres to the healthcare/hospital and civil sectors.

    Phil has a proven track record of facilitating design and project coordination from inception to completion between a diverse set of stakeholders. He has strong communication skills and is adept at maintaining productive and effective working relationships.

    Phil holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering/Commerce (Finance) [Deakin University].

  • Tom’s experience extends over multiple specialist fields. This includes nine years’ experience in technical project management of services, specifically electrical/BMS and mechanical electrical. During his career, Tom has worked on projects in high-rise residential, data centres, large-scale infrastructure, commercial and educational sectors.

    Tom’s skills bolster Broadleaf’s ability to deliver a diverse range of service-related projects. His project management experience allows him to liaise with a broad range of professional and academic stakeholders involved in the University of Melbourne’s research and infrastructure activities.

    Tom holds a degree in Project Management [University of South Australia].

  • Mitch is a construction professional with extensive engineering and project management experience. As a qualified civil engineer with a passion for project management, Mitch has worked for civil contractors, privately as a consulting engineer, and in the public sector for local Government and the Department of Transport.

    Mitch has proven to be a reliable, hardworking, well-rounded employee with a keen interest in all aspects of design, engineering, construction, and project management. With a keen eye for engineering detail and a reliable, friendly, considerate manner, Mitch is very well suited to client-side project management and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

    Mitch holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science (Civil Engineering) [Federation University].

  • Will is an enthusiastic and accomplished engineer with over 6 years of industry experience. He prides himself on effective and efficient communication while working in teams to achieve a common goal between all stakeholders. Will has both educational and technical backgrounds in planning and development, which provide the basis for a deep understanding of a project lifecycle.

    Will has an exemplary set of skills in planning and engineering matched with strong analytical abilities, offering our clients detailed and thoughtful scoping, value engineering and innovative solutions to complex problems. Will also has a great knowledge base in transport networks, engineering and planning.

    Will holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) [Deakin University].

  • Tom is an experienced contract administrator. Originally from a trade background he eventually began managing projects for Simpson York Limited in the UK. He transitioned to project management and eventually contract administration in Australia, joining Harris HMC Interiors.

    Over five years he excelled in project coordination, financial management and team leadership, contributing to the success of projects such as the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne and the 530 Collins Street redevelopment.

    Tom’s commitment to learning, coupled with a proven track record in profit-driven results, effective communication and strong negotiation skills, are major assets to Broadleaf Project and its clients.

    Tom holds a Bachelor of Construction
    Project Management (Honours) [Sheffield
    Hallam University].

  • Simon is a multi-skilled project lead in the architectural field with a career spanning 15+ years in a variety of project types. Simon has experience across all project phases, from concept and feasibility through to tender and project delivery, often as Superintendent. Simon is proficient in various software applications, including AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp, and possesses strong skills in project management, team leadership, and client communication.

    Simon is a great asset to the Broadleaf team, having spent the last 8+ years working up to the position of associate at one of Melbourne’s award-winning architecture firms. He has a proven track record of project delivery within the education and commercial sectors. His expertise in project planning, cost estimation, and contract administration ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget. Simon’s dedication and comprehensive skill set make him an invaluable member of the team.

    Simon holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (ARA) NZ

  • David is an accomplished project manager with over eight years of experience in project management and contract administration. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Construction Management from Deakin University. David possesses a diverse skill set that makes him an integral and effective member of any project team. In recent years, he has worked at Brompton Construction on design and construct projects valued up to $10 million. His expertise includes financial forecasting, budget analysis, and variation management. Additionally, David excels in communicating and liaising with stakeholders, ensuring smooth project progression.

    David’s proficiency extends to design review and the approval of shop drawings, adding significant value to his role. Notable recent projects include the $9.5 million SDA Altona low-rise apartments and the $9.3 million Salt Townhouses in Brighton. Beyond residential projects, David has experience in government and commercial sectors, demonstrating his versatility. His strong timeline management skills ensure projects are completed efficiently and effectively. David’s broad-ranging expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset to Broadleaf Projects.

  • Martin Syawish is an accomplished civil engineer with a strong track record in the construction industry. With five years of professional experience, he is a proud member of
    Engineers Australia. 

    Martin’s extensive experience in procurement, QA documentation, and permits, along with his knack for problem-solving, makes him a valuable asset to any project. He also served as a Graduate Project Engineer at Engineering Directions, where he assisted project management for Tier 1 builders and managed tasks such as drafting, survey works, and engineering design. Martin Syawish’s extensive experience, combined with his educational background positions him as a highly skilled Assistant Project Manager.

    Martin holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Infrastructure) (Honours) [RMIT].

  • Jonathan is a recent graduate with a deep-rooted passion for energy, renewables and emissions management. He aims to drive impactful change in the transition to cleaner energy.

    Jonathan’s practical experience includes working at BayWa r.e., where he played a central role in the operations team. He actively contributed to the ongoing management of solar and wind farms, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of renewable energy projects.

    With a solid academic foundation and practical expertise, he is well prepared to tackle the complex issues associated with reducing carbon emissions and establishing a sustainable energy landscape.

    Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering: Resources Engineering (Honours) [Monash University].

  • Theodore has a dynamic skillset forged over seventeen years working in finance and property redevelopment in the US and informed by two science degrees. He brings a unique and pragmatic perspective to our team, along with a passion for the environment and sustainability, and a fascination with the way people and health are influenced by the built environment.

    Theodore’s skills encompass critical thinking, customer service, multitasking, cross-discipline communication, budget control, time management, conflict resolution and risk mitigation.

    Theodore holds a Bachelor Science Biology [San Diego State University] and is pursuing a Masters in Business Analytics [Kaplan Business School in Melbourne].