Founder of HIP V. HYPE and Managing Director of HIP V. HYPE Projects, Liam is a creative entrepreneur who believes in the power of design thinking to resolve intuitive solutions to project delivery and value creation. He is passionate about cities and is driven by a desire to achieve better outcomes. Since establishing HIP V. HYPE in 2002, Liam has refined a design led approach to business that seeks to shape and enhance the social, environmental and economic fabric of our cities through informed, responsive and collaborative design and development solutions.

Liam Wallis founded HIP V. HYPE whilst studying Architecture + Property & Construction at the University of Melbourne. The business became a lens through which he began to explore the relationship between design, sustainability and commercial value.

Taking a less conventional route, Liam worked for the likes of Six Degrees Architects and Casandra Fehey Architects, not in the office, but on site with tools in hand. The experience and relationships formed with passionate trades was a strong compliment to theoretical study, and provided the practical understanding of the intersection between design & construction that has assisted HIP V. HYPE deliver numerous construction projects of notable design.

Whilst studying Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Liam took a course under the world renowned Urban Planner and Architect, Jan Gehl. This learning and time in Europe combined with study in Japan has come to shape the fundamental approach and ideas of HIP V. HYPE. Whilst maintaining a passion for Architecture and design, Liam saw an opportunity to move into development as a tool to more effectively implement strong ideas regarding the importance of great design.

Over a 10-year period working with renowned Melbourne developers including Red.C, Michael Yates & Co, John Gibson, Hamton and Kalex, Liam has gained a strong understanding of the professional property development process and how design and a considered approach can be used as a tool to mitigate risk and achieve elevated outcomes. In addition to Development Management work, Liam has maintained continued involvement in Architectural, Town Planning, Construction, Business Strategy and Branding activity which has lead to the growth of a dynamic, integrated skill set focused on maximising both commercial value and cultural capital.

Away from the office, Liam finds active pursuit the most effective form of relaxation and inspiration. Liam has a background as an elite level sprint hurdler having won the Pan Pacific Games in the 110m hurdles at age 18. Through his twenties Liam skied professionally as a freeski athlete and later ran the freestyle skiing program known as Team Buller with good mates Andrew Pattison and Peter McNeil. The program has successfully provided a pathway for multiple World Cup, World Championship, X-Games and Olympic medal winning athletes.

These days you’ll find Liam and his partner Katya out on their bikes in the bush or on their boards in the surf chasing connection to nature and continuing to push their limits; finding inspiration to progress HIP V. HYPE to achieve its aim of influencing and building the safe, sustainable and inspirational future city we deserve.

E. liam@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Strategy
• Governance
• Finance
• Development Management
• Design Management
• Project Management
• Risk Management

Director of Projects and Head of Sales, Katya enjoys working with people. Building genuine relationships and taking people on a journey from first introduction through to handing over the keys to a new HIP V. HYPE home is what she enjoys most.

Having studied Architecture and a Masters of Property at the University of Melbourne, Katya understands the benefits of good design and is committed to creating exceptional homes with the HIP V. HYPE Projects team.

Before beginning her career in the built environment, Katya spent 10 years as an elite athlete on the Australian National Ski Team, and represented Australia twice at the Winter Olympics in Ski Cross (Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014). She remains connected to her previous life in sport, as a current Director on the Snow Australia Board, and a Board Member of the Victorian Olympic Committee.

Katya is a third-generation member of the 65-year-old Crema property and construction family business. Formerly an Associate Director at Crema Group, Katya worked across a number of significant multi-residential projects, including the successful Derby Place project in Kew (Wurundjeri Country), designed by FKA.

Prior to joining HIP V. HYPE, Katya was a member of PwC’s Real Estate Advisory team.

Actively supporting women in the Property and Construction industry, Katya co-founded the Women of Architecture, Building & Planning (ABP) in 2016, a women’s networking group supported by the University of Melbourne, designed to support females in the industry through multiple networking events held annually. Katya also supports the Social & Affordable Housing industry as a Director on the Womens Property Initiatives (WPI) Real Estate Board.

E. katya@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Apartment & Townhouse Off The Plan Sales
• Sales & Leasing Management
• Property Market Analysis
• Customer Relationship Management

As Head of Operations with HIP V. HYPE, Sara works across the Group. She develops and implements systems and processes, develops revenue forecasts and manages budgets and supports collaboration across the Group.

Gaining extensive experience managing several businesses since graduating from university, Sara has an eye for detail and an understanding of what it takes to run a business smoothly and effectively.

Sara’s perspective is shaped by her experience working across business, civil society and local government. This experience has given her clear understanding of the tensions that exist between the three sectors and the importance of collaboration in dealing with the major social, economic and environmental challenges.

Growing up in Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania, Sara was exposed to extreme poverty from an early age. Witnessing the destruction of beautiful and vital natural habitats, she is acutely aware of the complexity that exists between economic development and environmental stewardship. These early experiences drive Sara to take a balanced approach to people, planet and prosperity in her role as Head of Operations.

When not in the studio, Sara enjoys camping away from the crowds and exploring the trails and cities of the beautiful country she now calls home.

E. sara@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• System & Process Optimisation
• Budget & Forecast Development
• Business Compliance
• Reporting & Analysis

Alice sees brand as an absolute imperative of business. As Head of Marketing & Communications at HIP V. HYPE, Alice's diversified background across strategy, design and writing enables her to develop complete and considered marketing and communication strategies.

A practicing designer, Alice brings an intimate knowledge of the art and design landscape to her role. Shaped by her experience working in boutique scale creative agencies, Alice has used brand-led thinking to grow businesses big and small across a range of industries. From the built environment to hospitality and retail, Alice exhibits a genuine commitment to authentic storytelling.

Alice is a firm believer in the positive impact of good design and communications. She sees it as central to how we experience the world, and finds reward in the role it can play in improving the future of our planet.

In her spare time, you'll find Alice at a gallery, rolling out her pilates mat, or — true to being a born and bred Melburnian (Woiwurrung country) — donning a beanie to watch the AFL. For Alice, all of them are made better with a glass of Pinot in hand.

E. alice@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Brand Management
• Brand Strategy
• Communications Strategy
• Content Creation & Production
• Art Direction

As Head of Better Cities & Regions, Gavin provides project leadership across a range of projects with a key focus on the integration between sustainability and climate response with strategic planning processes. He leads the technical delivery of climate mitigation and adaptation planning for a range of clients including education providers and local government.

Gavin brings 16 years of experience in urban development and sustainability across the private, non-profit and public sectors and has an extensive stakeholder network in these industries.

Gavin is passionate about working with partners that embed principles and commitment to sustainability at the outset, where they have the most impact and are commercially justifiable. He acutely understands that the key to this is clearly communicating value, including financial and social benefit.

Gavin grew up in rural Western Australia (South West Boojarah Country), which embedded in him an appreciation for the natural environment. His early career work as a town planner and more recently for Australian Energy Foundation and City of Melbourne, refined his thinking about what delivers community benefit, and how the planning process can be used to drive sustainability outcomes.

Outside of work Gavin enjoys an escape from the city to reconnect with nature and his family camping in the bush. Gavin spends time building community gardens and running social sports – the planner in him just can’t resist the temptation to organise space and activity in the pursuit of community!

E. gavin@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Net Zero Emissions Strategy
• Climate Resilience Planning
  
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Precinct Sustainability Integration
• Built Environment Policy Analysis and Development
• Technical Communication

Professional Affiliations:

• Bioregional Australia - One Planet Integrator
• Green Star Accredited Professional (Green Star Communities)

As Head of Better Buildings, Dave leads the technical delivery of environmental and health-based outcomes across buildings and infrastructure. He brings 10 years of technical expertise and deep passion to his role.

Dave takes a design-led, evidence based approach to his work, combining his practical and commercial mindset to meet client expectations while elevating project outcomes. He takes pride in working together with clients and collaborators to create innovative and truly impactful solutions.

Spending 9 years at the Reece Group managing several building services divisions throughout Australia and establishing the technical area of the business, Dave gained both a technical and practical understanding of the building industry, business management and project delivery.

While at AECOM, Dave established his deep technical knowledge in building physics, climate and carbon while working on highly complex buildings and precinct developments and frameworks in the university, public and private sectors.

Before moving to HV.H, Dave led a team of 9 at ADP Consulting, establishing a high-performing, technically proficient sustainability team. Working on precinct defining developments with international architects and developers, Dave’s team led the net zero carbon agenda across Australian developments.

In his spare time, Dave enjoys seeing live music and supporting local bands. He also enjoys playing records to his daughter Margaux, who has an early penchant for Tom Waits. As often as possible, Dave likes to be near the ocean, spending time with his family on the Bellarine Peninsula.

E. david@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Strategic Building & Infrastructure Technical Analysis
• Zero Carbon and Energy Strategy & Assessment
• Bioclimatic Design Assessment
• Climate, Community & Infrastructure
• Resilience Planning

Professional Affiliations:

• Green Building Council of Australia Expert Reference Panel - Energy and Carbon
• Green Star Accredited Professional

With a background in energy efficiency modelling and implementation, Roberto is passionate about delivering high-performance buildings. He takes a holistic approach to project delivery, working collaboratively with the design team to ensure sustainability initiatives are accurately designed and documented.

Roberto has a particular interest in building science, focusing on building envelopes. For Roberto, a successful building must be designed and constructed to physically separate air, water, heat, light and noise transfer between the outdoor environment and the indoor spaces of a building, while also maximising occupants’ comfort and health.

Over the past 10+ years in the industry, Roberto has worked for building services engineering firms, specialist Environmentally Sustainable Design consultancies and local government authorities advising on and delivering projects across the private, government, health care and education sectors. Roberto is also active within academia, lecturing on complex building energy modelling and assisting with research activities on a casual basis.

Outside of the Collective, Roberto loves spending time with his family, focusing on creating positive memories of place, heritage and culture for his two kids. This often revolves around food, with weekly market trips and by tending to the backyard veggie garden, fruit trees and chickens. With his deep appreciation for good food, Roberto also enjoys cooking for family and friends — sourdough and pastries are a favourite.

E. roberto@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Complex Energy Modelling
• Thermal Comfort Modelling
• Building Enclosure Analysis/Consulting (Thermal Bridge and Hygrothermal Modelling)
• ESD Policy and Assessment
• Systems Thinking

Professional Affiliations:

• NatHERS Assessor, Design Matters National
• Certified Passivhaus Designer, Australian & International Passivhaus Association
• Green Star Accredited Professional, Green Building Council of Australia
• Advanced WUFI Analysis, Proclima Australia
• Building Envelope Certified Level 2 (BEC-2); Building Envelope Performance and Forensic Investigation

With a background in sustainability, urban planning and architecture, Alex is an Associate within HIP V. HYPE's Better Cities and Regions Team.

Known for her dedication and project management skills, Alex thrives in complex environments and collaborating with clients and industry peers to guide exceptional outcomes. She brings a wealth of knowledge across strategic and statutory planning, built environment policy analysis and reform, sustainable urban renewal, and climate resilience and adaptation planning.

Alex has always been very active in environmental and social resilience, the Right-to-the-City, gender and equity. This is perhaps best reflected through her work with the Women’s Planning Network, the Sustainable Living Foundation, the National Climate Emergency Summit and Planners Declare, which she co-founded in 2020.

Outside of the Collective, Alex immerses herself in nature, culture and community. You'll likely find her at a local gig, music and arts festival or exploring regional Victoria.

E. alexandra@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Built Environment Policy Analysis and Reform
• Strategic Planning and Sustainable Urban Renewal
• Climate Resilience and Adaptation Planning
• Communication and Engagement
• Project Coordination and Management

Marcus seeks to develop the potential positive impacts in each project that he undertakes at HIP V. HYPE. He does this by augmenting the technical capabilities of the Better Buildings team, through his specialisation in ultra-low energy building design, which he sees as a fundamental step for progressing towards net-zero carbon emission society.

His approach when providing sustainability advice and technical analysis is to first start with the client: to understand the client's main sustainability drivers for their project. This stems from Marcus strong sense of stewardship for the natural environment.

Marcus spent his childhood years in his parents permaculture garden. While a number of experiences during his university study exchange in Germany were a strong influence on him. These included WWOOFing on a farm in Denmark, partaking in a Solar Decathlon competition, assisting in an Earthship construction, and touring a number of sustainable housing model districts.

These interests developed into a need to further disseminate the field of sustainability. This led to becoming a Passivhaus Certifier and a PhD candidate researching solutions for net-zero energy mass timber building in Australian climates.

When not at the desk, Marcus enjoys getting out of the city hiking and cycling. Over the weekends, you might spot him at a rock-climbing gym or barrelling down a mountain bike trail.

E. marcus@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Heat flow modelling for thermal envelope design
• Whole building energy performance and compliance
• Hygrothermal modelling for interstitial and surface condensation
• Specialist modelling for thermal comfort, daylighting, and environmental analysis

Professional Affiliations:

• Certified Passive House Designer
• Green Star Accredited Professional
• AIRAH Affiliate Member

Agata is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at HIP V. HYPE, working with both the Better Buildings and Better Cities & Regions teams. A global thinker, Agata is passionate about driving for a sustainable future. She believes empowering cities and corporations to shift to more sustainable designs and processes is essential towards creating meaningful change in our communities.

Agata’s previous experience as a Building Science Consultant in Toronto, Canada saw her apply engineering and technology solutions to improve the buildings we live and work in. Prior, she gained end-to-end project management and engineering experience working on construction sites for a multitude of residential, commercial, civil and transport projects. Whilst in Canada, Agata volunteered her skills as a web designer for the Community Climate Council, a nonprofit advocating for local climate action in the Region of Peel.

During her exchange semester at EPFL in Switzerland, Agata furthered her interest in the highly-efficient Passivhaus standard, and regenerative architecture utilising local timber. Agata brings this well-rounded, global perspective from Europe and North America to Australian design and policy.

In her spare time, Agata enjoys anything art and design-related, running her own art business specialising in pen and ink, pencil and watercolour. She splits her weekends between exercising outdoors, reading and spending several hours in her kitchen making a meal from scratch.

E. agata@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Building science and restoration
• Urban decarbonisation strategy
• Green infrastructure design
• Sustainable framework implementation and delivery
• Climate resilience and adaptation planning

As a Senior Consultant, Nick is driven by his desire to balance the preservation of the natural environment with the needs of a growing population. Nick brings a unique skillset to his work, having studied ecology, and sustainable building design and environmental policy.

Nick has developed a broad knowledge base relating to sustainability. From working and volunteering across local government, the private sector and not-for-profit organisations, Nick has been exposed to a range of organisational structures, gaining insight into their unique processes and priorities. Nick aims to use this experience to facilitate better outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders.

Nick has developed a broad knowledge base relating to sustainability. Combining his passion for environmental sustainability with his experience in community engagement, policy development and ESD assessment, Nick understands what it takes to put theory into practice.

Feeling most refreshed after time outdoors, Nick loves to explore Victoria’s hiking trails, seeking a change of pace away from the city. Closer to home in Melbourne (Bunurong Country), Nick can be found swimming or settling in with a good book.

E. nick@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Built Environment Policy Analysis and Development
• Sustainability Opportunities Assessment
• Green Infrastructure
• Communication and Engagement
• Project Coordination and Management

Josh joins HIP V. HYPE as a senior consultant for the Better Cities and Regions Team. With a background in environmental planning, Josh’s experience is centred on the interaction between land use, ecology, cultural heritage and secondary climate hazards, such as bushfire. He brings a deep understanding of environmental impacts across statutory and strategic planning projects.

Josh believes that long term sustainability and climate resilience in our cities and regions requires ongoing collaboration to drive positive outcomes for people and the environment. His commitment to transparency in environmental impact evaluation, coupled with his willingness to obtain buy-in from stakeholders to create greater ownership to project solutions, exemplifies his collaborative approach.

Seeking and implementing practical solutions for complex projects is a particular focus for Josh. He is also interested in improving the way environmental benefits are evaluated and communicated as a way to strengthen evidence-based decision making.

Growing up on farmland west of Melbourne (Wadawurrung & Bunurong Country), Josh continues to hold a particular appreciation for biodiversity of the Victorian Volcanic Plains. Outside of the Collective, Josh takes time to unwind through reading, running and escaping the city – headed for the plains, bush or the beach.

E. joshua@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Statutory and Strategic Planning
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Communication and Engagement
• Project Coordination and Management

Professional Affiliations:

• VPELA YPG Committee Member

Sabrina joins HIP V. HYPE as a senior consultant for the Better Cities and Regions team. With a background in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sabrina is a firm believer in cross-disciplinary solutions regardless of project scale, and believes that the early stages of a project are particularly crucial in planning for a better built environment.

Sabrina sees a challenging brief as not just a problem to be solved, but as an opportunity for creation and collaboration. She specialises in pre-disaster adjustment strategies to natural hazards as well as sustainable reconstruction approaches, linking post-disaster recovery with long-term risk reduction to reduce future vulnerability.

In her previous role in international development, Sabrina worked on construction projects in highly challenging risk and conflict settings. Her interest in seeking out new technological solutions is balanced by a strong focus on natural systems and materials, and the complementary roles they can play in the built environment.

Growing up in southern rural Germany close to the Alps, Sabrina has been a hiker and lover of the outdoors since her first steps. Preserving the beauty of these environments for everyone to enjoy motivates her to push towards a more sustainable future. In her free time, she can be found in any corner of the world with her hiking boots on, or strolling through a local crafts and farmers' market... always outside in nature.

E. sabrina@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Climate Impact Reduction and Disaster Recovery
• Analytical Risks, Needs and Vulnerability Frameworks
• Systems Thinking
• Life Cycle Material Approaches
• Quality Control and Project Management 

Professional Affiliations:

• Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) Certificate, United Nations
• Academy for Spatial Research and Planning, ARL Germany
• Building with Earth Certificate, BASEhabitat, University of Art and Design Linz
  

As a Senior Consultant for the Better Buildings Team, Tushara works to enhance building performance through consideration of energy efficiency, functionality, and socially responsible design. Tushara uses her creativity and experience in innovative energy management to promote continuous progress for clients and the wider sustainability sector.

Big-picture thinking and problem-solving are at the heart of Tushara’s approach. She has experience leading major, multi-site, sustainable building strategies from concept stage through to implementation, informing actionable insights for her clients. In her previous role leading a team of energy engineers, Tushara was involved in multi-campus carbon neutral strategies, innovative solar designs such as carports and floating pontoons, and the creation of a framework under which all public school buildings in Victoria will achieve Net Zero emissions.

Tushara was first curious about sustainable buildings as she witnessed the ongoing development of her hometown: London, United Kingdom. During her study abroad year at the University of Melbourne (Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country), she took interest in the urban design and energy systems in Australia, and decided it was the sector she would work in and the place she would make home.

Outside of the office, Tushara is a musician and songwriter, and regularly plays gigs around Melbourne. She is a lover of nature and travel, with a particular penchant for very high, very remote mountains.

E. tushara@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Carbon Neutral Strategy and Delivery
• Energy Efficient Building Services Design
• Large-Scale and Multi-Functional Solar Design
• Energy Auditing and Usage Analysis
• Energy Conservation Measurement and Verification

Professional Affiliations:

• Certified Energy Manager
• Grid-Connect Photovoltaics Design Accreditation

As a consultant working within the Better Buildings team, Julie is fuelled by her desire to seamlessly integrate engineering principles and human-centred design approaches to create buildings that will last for decades. Although technical in her approach, Julie believes that effective engineering also considers social and ecological context and reflects this balance through her work.

During a Humanitarian Design Summit in Timor Leste with Engineers Without Borders, Julie gained practical insight into designing in resource constrained environments and the ramifications on vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.

Taking a role with the City of Melbourne (Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country), Julie delivered projects including the transition to outdoor dining for cafes and restaurants, and safer bike routes. Her experience in Timor Leste showed her the value of engaging closely with the community, learnings she applied to support the successful delivery of these projects.

Before joining HV.H, Julie led the implementation of sustainability initiatives on a range of large scale projects at ADP Consulting. Working with multi-disciplinary engineering teams, Julie has developed a more holistic approach to project delivery.

Julie enjoys being surrounded by nature, often at the beach or seeking new hiking trails. On the weekends, she can be found with a book in hand or spending time with family and friends. Julie’s latest hobby is making jewellery, starting off with a collection of hand-painted earrings.

E. julie@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Health & Wellbeing Building Design Strategy
• Sustainable Transport
• ESD Policy and Assessment (SDAPP)
• Energy/Thermal/Occupant Comfort Modelling
• Sustainability Compliance Reporting

Sujan is a Graduate Consultant at HIP V. HYPE, working within the Better Buildings team. With a background in architecture, Sujan is passionate about creating sustainable and healthy built environments.

A strong focus on achieving a net-zero carbon emission society motivated Sujan to participate in various post-graduate research projects with RMIT University, providing indepth understanding of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) applications and their benefits.

His recent work includes improving the energy performance of a building using a Kinetic PV façade, conducting PV energy yield assessments of an office building to optimize energy production, and exploring the potential benefits of a Heat Recovery System in residential buildings to reduce energy consumption.

In addition to his research projects, Sujan is an active member of the built environment industry. He views opportunities to connect and collaborate with other professionals as integral to furthering the creation of a sustainable and healthy future.

In his spare time, Sujan enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations, experimenting with diverse cooking recipes and pursuing photography as a hobby. Whether it's bungee jumping or skydiving, Sujan is also a thrill-seeker — always ready for the next challenge.

E. sujan@hipvhype.com

Technical Skills:

• Energy, Thermal & Daylight Modelling
• Renewable Energy
• ESD Policy & Assessment (SDAPP)
• Health & Wellbeing Building Strategy
• Sustainability Compliance Reporting

Maxine provides recruitment support across the Group, working closely with the Head of Operations to manage incoming enquiries, completing candidate evaluations and reference checks.

Maxine brings broad exposure and a wealth of knowledge across the corporate sustainability, built environment and engineering sectors. This is backed by over a decade of agency recruitment for the architectural industry in London and Building Services and Corporate Sustainability sectors in Melbourne, together with recent work in human resources for Local and Federal Government and the corporate space.

Maxine's work with HIP V. HYPE couples depth of experience with a passion for sustainability, enabling her to deliver effective recruitment support that is tailored to the requirements of each role at HIP V. HYPE, whether existing or yet to be created.

Maxine has an inate appreciation for our natural world, originally from the Latrobe Valley (Kunai country). Now living near the Surf Coast on Wathaurong country, Maxine has consciously slowed down from city life to be closer to nature. She enjoys going on tree hugging walks with her daughter Delfina and little brother Sebastian in the carrier, while Papa and their Border Collie, Poncho, go surfing.

E. ourpeople@hipvhype.com

Technical skills:

• Recruitment Consulting
• Candidate Evaluations
• Reference Checks