Vanessa is an experienced strategist, program manager and academic. She is motivated by the imperative for impact and transformative change towards a resilient, just and prosperous future. Formally trained in urban geography, urban design and project management, and well-versed in landscape architecture, Vanessa fuses her trans-disciplinary knowledge for civic impact.
Working for over 20 years at the intersection of strategy, governance and advocacy, she is renowned for bringing together diverse and dynamic people, with curiosity and empathy. Vanessa has worked across the public, private and for-purpose sectors – leading civic infrastructure projects, delivering public space activations, teaching as a sessional academic and mentoring emerging leaders.
Peri Macdonald is a leading property executive in Australia having had over 25 years’ experience in funding, managing and delivering cutting edge property developments and investments across all real estate sectors. Peri is currently Chief Executive Officer of Ark Capital Funds Limited (Ark), a specialist property fund manager, investing and managing capital in the development phase of the real estate life cycle.
Prior to joining Ark, Peri was the Executive General Manger at Frasers Property Australia where he led the team responsible for the Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, the first retail development in the world to achieve Living Building Challenge Petal Certification.
Peri is the Deputy Chair of the Living Future Oceania having served as non-executive director since 2020 and non-executive director of the International Living Future Institute having been appointed to the board in 2025.
Ewan leads the Tennent Brown office on all VUW projects, some 100+ since 2003 and has a commitment to sustainability which is instilled in all our projects. He provides sustainability guidelines for Victoria University where he regularly lectures at the School of Architecture.
Ewan also places a great importance on design led projects combined with a rigorous management process, from strong design to clear documentation and through construction to completion. He enjoys working in a team environment combined with delivering on time and budget.
Dan is a Business Development Director at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Prior to joining ARENA in 2013, Dan worked in corporate finance in Australia and New York with Macquarie and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Dan has more than 20 years experience in the clean energy sector and completed the Centre of Sustainability Leadership course in 2009 and the AICD Company Directors course in 2017.
Kate has over 17 years’ experience working at Lendlease in property development across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Specialising in large scale mixed use urban regeneration projects with comprehensive sustainability, innovation and placemaking deliverables.
Kate has previously held roles in finance and sustainability and in her role as Development Director at Lendlease enjoys collaborating with and leading teams of diverse experience and expertise, utilising and promoting a values-based approach to leadership.
Katie is a National Sustainability Manager for Keyton, managing the sustainability direction and outcomes across new developments and property upgrades. Katie has over 20 years’ experience working in sustainability across consulting, local government, development and private industry, and she is passionate about implementing regenerative design in both new and renovation developments.
Her experience ranges from high-density, mixed use precincts, to small home renovations, advisory for code and planning and everything in between. This broad experience in sustainable design gives her a thorough understanding of the various options available for maximising environmental outcomes of a project.
Trish ia a sustainability consultant with 30+ years’ experience in mechanical services, regenerative design and Zero Energy/Carbon solutions. In addition to directing TLC, she performs audits for the Living Future Institute, and lectures at Unitec. She enjoys hovering at the 30,000 foot level and swooping in with an engineering mindset when required.
Scott Matyus-Flynn is a member of the LFIA Board and co-founder of start-up Site Cycle, which aims to create circular solutions for construction waste that saves on costs and brings transparency to recycling. He has worked in sustainability for over 15 years and has extensive experience developing and embedding sustainability strategies into businesses across Australia, including leading real estate companies. Passionate about inspiring businesses and people to embrace a sustainable future, he believes the built environment plays an important role in showcasing what’s possible. Scott is a strategic thinker and highly skilled at making sense of complexity and communicating social and environmental issues simply and effectively to different stakeholders.
Uma has over 25 years of industry experience at leading property groups Cbus Property, Mirvac and Lendlease. She has proven expertise, in her current role as Executive General Manager Development for Cbus Property, in strategic leadership, project management, financial analysis and stakeholder management. Uma has a proven track record in strategic leadership, project management, financial analysis, and stakeholder management. Her expertise spans large-scale urban renewal projects and the development of premium commercial and residential properties. Uma's extensive experience also encompasses design, construction, and sustainability management.
VALE HARIS MORIATIS
1971-2021
Haris Moriatis was a member of the LFIA Board and beloved sustainability professional. Please join us in remembering him here.
