About Us

As the leader of our close-knit team, Griff brings a hands-on, highly personal approach to every client project. A firm believer in thinking globally while acting locally, he integrates his passion for environmental sustainability into every aspect of his work. His commitment to the health and wellbeing of both people and the planet is reflected in his innovative design philosophy, establishing him as a leading authority in sustainable passive solar design. Since 1991, Griff has played a key role in the creation of numerous award-winning homes, recognised for their thoughtful design and exceptional functionality. Outside of work, Griff enjoys gardening, cooking organic meals, and prioritising his health and wellbeing. A dedicated philanthropist, he is also a long-time supporter and fundraiser for The Hunger Project.

Lisa brings over 25 years of experience in the residential building industry, with a career grounded in client-focused roles. She began as a Client Liaison and steadily progressed through positions including Prestart Consultant, Prestart Manager, and most recently Office Administration Manager—a role she has successfully held for the past 15 years. Throughout her career, Lisa has worked across businesses of varying sizes, building strong capabilities in leadership, team development, planning, organisation, process improvement, and stakeholder communication. Now part of the team, Lisa is excited to expand her knowledge of passive solar design and contribute her extensive experience in supporting clients through design decisions, product selections, and colour schemes. She is passionate about creating a positive and supportive experience for every client she works with. Outside of work, Lisa jokingly says she works to travel and shop. She also enjoys cooking, dining out, and spending quality time with her husband and their beloved fur babies.

With almost two decades of experience as a building designer, Gemma brings a rare blend of technical expertise, creative intuition, and genuine purpose to every project she touches. Her career has spanned boutique design studios, architectural practices specialising in commercial developments, and firms crafting luxury homes—each chapter refining her skills and deepening her understanding of how people truly live in the spaces they call home. No matter where her career has taken her, Gemma has always found her way back to Solar Dwellings. Drawn to the company’s ethos and its commitment to creating homes that genuinely improve lives, she sees it as the place where her values, her craft, and her belief in meaningful design align. Outside of work, Gemma’s creativity continues to flow through painting, gardening, and appreciating the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Much of her time, however, is happily spent on the sidelines of her children’s sporting games—a role she embraces wholeheartedly. Her passion for community also led her to co-found Riverside Netball Club, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both junior and senior players. The club reflects the same values that guide her design work: connection, care, and a belief that good things grow when people feel they belong. For Gemma, design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people, purpose, and creating spaces, and communities, that feel good to be part of.

Mandy is a draftsperson with over five years of experience in interior design, both overseas and in Australia. She is passionate about creating spaces that are practical, comfortable, and easy to live in. At Solar Dwellings, Mandy focuses on the drafting side of projects, working closely with Griff to translate ideas and concepts into clear, detailed plans. She enjoys being part of the full journey—from early design through to clients moving into their new homes—particularly when working on passive solar designs that respond naturally to the environment. Outside of work, Mandy is part of a young family with two children, giving her a strong appreciation for the importance of a home’s functionality in everyday life. This perspective shapes her approach to design, helping her create spaces that are not only sustainable, but also warm, practical, and tailored to real families.

Jodi is a qualified Building Designer who supports administration and marketing, bringing nearly 20 years of industry experience—much of it with Solar Dwellings. She is passionate about creating cost-effective homes that are energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable. She has also worked as an Events Manager at Renew in Melbourne, where she organised Sustainable House Day nationally and coordinated Speed Date a Sustainability Expert with councils across Australia. Through this work, she developed strong expertise in communications, operations, and customer service. With a deep commitment to social equality, Jodi often spends her holidays volunteering. She lived for six months in Ladakh, working at a sustainable school and witnessing firsthand the impacts of climate change in the Himalayas. More recently, she has volunteers with Days for Girls Australia, helping deliver reusable period kits and health education to women in rural villages throughout Indonesia.