PEOPLE SBE is made up of a diverse range of people with architectural, engineering and environmental experience. The faces and experience of SBE are laid out below with short staff CV’s.
Jane Toner B Arch. RAIA Position in firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: Project Team Leader / ESD Consultant Professional Memberships: RAIA (since 1996) ARBV Registered Architect Green Star Accredited Professional LEED Accredited Professional Architects Without Frontiers Jane Toner is a registered architect with ability to assess and identify ESD opportunities in a broad range of building types. Since joining SBE in 2003 Jane has provided innovative and practical ESD advice for leisure and aquatic centres, residential projects, ecotourism, hotels, offices, healthcare and retail. She has also contributed to the development of ESD Guidelines, such as the DEH ESD Operations Guide. As a GreenStar Accredited Professional and LEED Accredited Professional she has provided ESD advice for tourism projects across Australia and South-East Asia. Jane’s expertise in Ecotourism guided the project team for Alila Villas Uluwatu Resort in Bali to achieve the first Green Globe 21 Design and Construct Certification in Indonesia. Jane is passionate about sustainability and maintains advocacy for it through her activities that include: presenting at the Sustainable Living Festival and International Green Building Forums. She is also an editorial advisor for Green Magazine and has adjudicated for a range of competitions for organisations such as the Student Organised Network for Architecture (SONA) and the National Australian Women in Construction (NAWIC). Prior to joining SBE, Jane ran her own architectural practice where she honed her skills in the integration of practical passive design solutions for residential projects.
Sean McArdle B.A. (Arch), B Arch (Hons) Position in firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: ESD Consultant Professional memberships: Green Star Accredited Professional Sean McArdle is a registered Architect with a significant background in tertiary facilities development as a senior project architect. Sean has had first hand experience at briefing and designing academic facilities that embrace ESD principles. His project experience has been tempered by the rigour of tight budgets and high expectations. He has learnt how to prioritise and justify ESD initiatives and ensure their implementation is managed successfully through to project completion and beyond. ESD buildings must be fit for purpose for both the users and those that manage and operate the facility. A thorough consideration of the full life cycle cost of the building during design will deliver optimised, beneficial and lasting environmental outcomes. Sean is a firm believer in the contribution indoor environment quality (IEQ) can make towards increased productivity and improved learning outcomes. A good ESD building will embrace IEQ as a fundamental design influence.
Danielle McCartney MPhil (Env. Design) Cambridge University, UK BArch (UNSW) Position in firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: Sydney Office Manager Professional memberships: Green Star Accredited Professional Australian Green Development Forum (2008- ) Alternative Technology Association (2008 - ) Danielle McCartney manages the Sydney office of SBE. She has a strong technical background in architecture and specialises in integrating sustainability into the built environment. Danielle has provided ESD advice and direction for a range of new buildings, fit-outs and refurbishments, including commercial, residential, education, aged care, community and public buildings as well as mixed-use, master planning and Defence projects. Danielle has been involved in the development of ESD strategies, with this work including the development of design briefs, target setting, recommendations for sustainability initiatives, implementation advice, and performance measuring. She has further project experience in materials selection, “greening” specifications, feasibility studies, research and development, building thermal modelling and project management. Danielle has authored content for the Australian Government’s Your Building and Your Development websites and is on the steering committee for the Your Home publication. Danielle’s area of specialist expertise is sustainable master planning. Danielle firmly believes that the collaborative integration of architectural and engineering services from the earliest concept design stage and the establishment of a framework for embedding sustainability into each stage of the planning, design, construction, operation and management process will optimise the sustainability performance of buildings and developments in operation. Danielle previously held the position of Senior Sustainability Consultant with Maunsell Australia and gained invaluable experience on innovative European projects whilst acting as an Environmental Consultant with FaberMaunsell’s Sustainable Development Group in London. Danielle has a strong technical background in architecture, having worked with Romandi and De Luis Architects in Sydney, as well as Deffet Architectes et Partenaires in Belgium.
Nicki Taylor B. Env. Eng (Hons), B Arts (Asian Studies) Position in Firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: ESD Consultant Professional memberships: Society of Environmental Engineers, Australia (2006-) Australian Water Association Young Professional (2007-) Green Star Accredited Professional (2006) MUSIC – Integrated Stormwater Treatment Trained (2007) Alternative Technology Association Member (2007-) Nicki Taylor is an Environmental Engineer and Senior Associate of Sustainable Built Environments which has offices in Melbourne and Sydney and associated offices in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and London. She has a strong technical background in the development, review and use of assessments tools to measure building performance. Nicki has provided ESD input and direction in over 200 projects. Nicki has been an ESD consultant to integrated design teams in based in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Tasmania. She has provided ESD advice on commercial, residential, aquatic and public buildings being either new building designs, refurbishments or fit-out. Notable projects include the 500 Collins Street refurbishment, Northbank, Lacrosse and the Carlton Housing Redevelopment. Nicki has worked with both state and local government bodies on the regulation and adoption of ESD principles in the building industry, and involves herself in research projects on a continual basis to ensure that her knowledge is current. Recent research and development projects have included; the development of Class 2 benchmarks, Planning and ESD, and cost benefits analysis of 6 star HERS dwellings. Nicki has been involved in the training of professionals in all of her professional roles and strongly believes that communication and the translation of theory is the key to better environmental outcomes. She has published papers on embodied energy, building modelling validation post-construction, and the autonomous home.
Steve Moller B.E. (Mech) M. AIRAH; M. ANZSES Qualifications: Accredited Green Star professional and NABERS Assessor Position in Firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: Engineering Team Leader Professional memberships: Australian Institution of Refrigeration Air conditioning and Heating (1982-) Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (1982-) Facilities Management Association (2007-) Steve Moller is an energy specialist with significant experience in the development and application of energy modelling tools for commercial buildings. In his current role at SBE, Steve has proposed and evaluated many measures for improving sustainability in many new and existing buildings, including the Dandenong Educational Precinct and the refurbishment of an historic hotel in Castlemaine. In many cases VE computer modelling has been used to test energy, ventilation and daylight strategies. Steve has also provided technical input to industry resources such as Your Building, City of Melbourne “Greening your building” and DEWHA ESD Operations Guide. In his previous role with CSIRO, Steve was instrumental in the design and implementation of building simulation programs including Energy Express, Accurate and NATHERS. Steve also provided specialist ESD advice on a range of projects including the Sydney Olympic village, St James Theatre in Wellington, Gosnells Civic Centre in Perth and BlueScope Steel headquarters in Lonsdale St, Melbourne. For more than 25 years, Steve has coordinated the implementation of building energy efficiency measures across the globe. He has been instrumental in producing valuable guidelines on energy efficiency and associated budget implications for a range of building typologies. In addition to his energy efficiency specialisation, Steve has also designed mechanical services and conducted building energy audits for a range of commercial, institutional, health and educational projects. This has provided him with in-depth knowledge of the implications of energy efficiency measures in building design and operation. Steve’s knowledge and experience adds valuable energy efficiency expertise to the SBE team.
Karen Hovenga B.Eng. (Mech) M. AIRAH Position in Firm: Senior Associate Primary role at SBE: Senior ESD Engineer Professional Associations: Registered Building Professional Green Star Accredited Professional NABERS Accredited Assessor 2009 AIRAH Energy Auditing Course Karen Hovenga is part of the Management Team at SBE. She has extensive background in the design of Mechanical and Fire services within buildings and the incorporation of sustainability measures in many different types of buildings. Her project experience includes aged care facilities, schools, community facilities, apartments, offices and warehouses. Karen is a Green Star Professional and has been assessing buildings using the Green Star tools since 2004. At SBE Karen coordinates and prepares Green Star submissions, including the preparation of modelling reports for Energy, Daylight and Thermal Comfort, using the simulation tool “IES Virtual Environment”. Karen's recent projects include the 5 star certified Linfox Group Head Office and the tenancy fitout for the Building Commission's new premises at the Goods Shed North, also a 5 star certified building. Karen is an accredited NABERS Assessor and has experience in building audits for a range of commercial, institutional and educational projects, recently completing audits for lawyers Herbertgeer as part of the CitySwitch project. Karen’s building services experience is used at SBE to translate innovative environmental ideas into efficient and practical real world solutions. Her knowledge is backed by her ability to balance the economic and environmental impacts of services design.
Chris Begert MEng (Sustainable Energy) Position in Firm: Associate Primary Role at SBE: ESD Engineer Professional memberships: Alternative Technology Association German Engineering Association Green Star Professional After studying mechanical engineering in Germany, Chris obtained his Masters Degree in Sustainability from RMIT. This dual qualification enables him to approach design opportunities from a wider perspective and to foster collaboration between disciplines. He has worked on a large range of projects as an ESD and Mechanical Engineer as well as a Green Star Professional. Chris has a keen interest in the built environment and believes that applying ESD practices enhances, not only the energy performance of buildings, but can also improve the tenants’ productivity and well-being. He promotes implementing ESD measures at an early stage to ensure that these benefits can be maximised.
Chew Cheng Imm BPD (Arch), B Arch (Hons) Position in firm: Graduate Architect Primary role at SBE: ESD Consultant Professional memberships: Green Star Accredited Professional ABSA Imm is a graduate architect from the University of Melbourne with experience in architectural projects through her previous work. She has a keen interest in the practical application of ESD principles, particularly in the early integration of ESD initiatives at the initial planning level. She believes in the involvement of people in the whole process and is thus, developing the necessary communication skills in order to achieve the environmental objectives. With an accreditation in ABSA’s FirstRate 5, Imm is able to provide residential energy assessments. She is also capable of energy and ESD assessments of large scale projects using environmental assessment tools such as Docklands ESD, Moreland STEPS and Sustainable Design Scorecard. Imm is responsible for the materials research portfolio at SBE. She undertakes on-going research into the environmental impact of materials and the specification of sustainable products in the built environment. She has worked with a range of architects, clients and product manufacturers and suppliers to establish the improved environmental outcomes through precise materials selection.
Anetta Pizag B Architecture and Building Engineering Position in Firm: ESD Project Architect Primary role at SBE: Project Architect / ESD Consultant Professional memberships: Green Star Accredited Professional Anetta graduated from Technical University of Budapest, Hungary, and worked in The Netherlands, Belgium and New Zealand prior to her arrival in Melbourne, in 2005. She has a strong commitment to sustainable architecture, from the initial concept through to the technical design details that ensure aesthetically, ecologically and economically sustainable solutions. Anetta's design philosophy is to consider the physical and social contexts of the project through a holistic design approach and integrated construction methods. In addition to her international design experience, Anetta is skilled in the application of residential and commercial ESD rating tools and is an accredited Green Star Professional. Anetta is committed to making a positive contribution to the built and social environment and to helping others understand the broader environmental consequences of their design and construction decisions. She recognises the power of the natural and built environment on the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and is particularly concerned with its impact on work performance, health and quality of life. Her vision is to contribute to the design of architectural places that are beautiful, environmentally sustainable and have positive energies that ensure inhabitants feel great and empowered.
Bernardo Cuter BPD (Arch) B Arch (Hons) Position in firm: Graduate Architect Primary role at SBE: ESD Architect Professional Membership: Alternative Technology Association Ben is a graduate architect from Deakin University. He has experience in a number of architectural projects through his previous work. He brings a depth of environmental understanding to SBE, and continues to develop this interest in both his personal and working environment. He is currently furthering his knowledge by undertaking a Masters degree at Deakin University researching how sustainable urban water infrastructure theory can be used to frame policy development within strategic planning at local government level. Ben has significant experience working with Energy assessment tools, particularly in STEPS / SDS. In addition to working at SBE, he is currently working part-time with the City of Darebin as the ESD officer in the Urban Development Branch. Ben has extensive experience in sustainability both in Melbourne and overseas in Swaziland and Sweden.
Pratik Pinakin Shah M. Design Science (Sustainable Design) and (Building) University of Sydney B. Architecture, India Position in Firm: Graduate Architect / ESD Consultant Primary Role at SBE: ESD Consultant Affiliations: Council of Architecture (Licensed Architect – CA/2005/36961, India) Green Star Accredited Professional (2009) Alternative Technology Association (2009) ANZSES [Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society] (2009) Building on his architectural degree, Pratik sought to deepen his understanding of sustainability in the built environment and graduated from The University of Sydney with Double Masters in Sustainable Design and Building in 2008. He also acquired a certificate for Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings for Building Code of Australia Section J (2006) during his Australian education. For several years before his post-graduate education, Pratik worked in India on a wide range of architectural, interior design and documentation projects including residential and retail developments. He also did the graphic design, coordinating project publication and branding. Pratik advocates low-tech solutions and asserts that these lead to deeper reductions in energy and water usage. The benefits of natural ventilation lead him to research the natural ventilation possibilities for thermal comfort in high rise buildings. On an urban level, Pratik developed a rating tool encompassing the sustainability indicators and environmental attributes for precinct design as part of his education in Australia. His love for landscape design has led to ongoing research on green roof technologies. His ideas on facade design have led him to study and design exotic as well as functional shading devices based on solar geometry. Pratik believes in reducing the ecological footprint of the built environment by carefully considering the resource cycle based on a cradle to cradle approach. With appropriate integration of innovative architectural details and clever engineering services a more sustainable built environment can be achieved.
Nicholas Bishop BEng Hons (Elec) Position in Firm: Graduate ESD Engineer Primary role at SBE: ESD Consultant Nick is a qualified Electrical Engineer with several years experience both within Australia and overseas in the areas of building services, residential energy auditing, and electronics. He has had experience in the electrical design of large educational and residential projects. Nick has a keen passion for sustainability, with a personal interest in energy efficiency measures that lower energy usage whilst providing better end-use services, which he believes is a crucial component of a low carbon future. Nick has a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Engineering in Sustainable Energy at RMIT.
Jessica Town B. Contemporary Arts (Major in Dance), Deakin University Dip. Classical Yoga, Australian College of Classical Yoga Position in Firm: Business Manager Primary Role at SBE: Everything Professional Memberships: Alternative Technology Association Bicycle Victoria After graduating from Deakin with a degree in Contemporary Dance, plus a lifetime dedicated to prancing around, Jessica spent a number of years walking on her toes. During these years she led a double life as a publicist for semi-professional performance artists in addition to working as an administrator in “the real world”. Adding to this contradictory life, she also teaches yoga. Her “real jobs” for RTO’s, NGO’s and now in the ESD sector, have taken her to interesting places and as the resident whip cracker for SBE, she enjoys working alongside the great people mentioned above. As Business Manager at SBE Jess is responsible for all administration, finances, team co-ordination, marketing, our website and PR.