Jensen Projects
Our Team

Meet the Jensen Team

Rael Shakenovsky

Director

Rael is the Founder and Managing Director of Jensen Projects. He brings over 20 years' industry experience, gained at luxury residential builders and a large Tier 2 construction firm. A passionate advocate for men's mental health, he is also a qualified yoga instructor.

Dennis Safonov

Senior Project Manager

Dennis is qualified as a Civil Engineer but first and foremost is a people person. His people management and client service focus are an asset on all of his construction sites, as are his detailed planning and problem solving skills.

Jesse Turner

Senior Project Manager

Jesse brings a range of experience from large scale construction projects through to high-end fast track fitouts, as well detailed estimating and tendering. His enthusiasm and attention to detail bolster his collaborative approach to delivering results within the parameters of time, cost and quality.

Daniel Nunez

Project Manager

Daniel found his passion for construction a little later in life after being a teacher for several years. Now fully qualified as a Carpenter and a Construction Management graduate, Daniel brings a unique set of experience to the Jensen team. Daniel describes himself as a fitness enthusiast, which is a bit of an understatement when he runs laps around us at our weekly gym sessions.

Michael Paradise

Senior Project Manager

Mikey recently graduated with first class honours from UTS with a Bachelor of Construction Project Management. He pursued his Cadetship with Jensen 3 years ago and has progressed into the role of Project Engineer. Mikey focuses on resolving and delivering high-end details and quality workmanship whilst also having a huge passion for delivering an exceptional client experience. After work, Mikey kicks off the steel caps and slips on the climbing shoes to conquer the rock climbing wall.

Tanya Poggo

Interior Designer

Tanya's unique style, creative vision, and reliable nature infuses her design management. Tanya has a Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree and 20 years industry experience in interiors. She is a mother of three and works part time at Jensen, balancing her professional responsibilities and her family.

Victoria Panourakis

Senior Interior Designer

Victoria has a bachelor of Interior Architecture and brings 8 years of industry experience to Jensen as an Interior Designer. She is passionate about the overall atmosphere of interior spaces and intricate design details. Victoria's friendly and vibrant nature is a delight to be around and when it's time to get work done her ability to focus is truly a sight to behold. Outside of work, Victoria loves to experiment with new recipes as well as keep her weekends jam packed with all the latest bars and restaurants that Sydney has to offer.

Sina Karim

Project Engineer

Sina, a qualified Hydraulic Engineer joined the Jensen team in 2021. After immigrating from Iran in 2019, Sina has been keen to establish himself in Australia through hard work and building strong relationships. Sina's patience and attention to detail have made him a favourite amongst our clients and tradesmen. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time cooking. However, the meals come out a bit more charred than he would like.

Rafael Ginges

Project Administrator

Raf is currently working as a Building Cadet whilst studying a Bachelor of Construction & Property Management at the University of NSW. Raf is eager to continue expanding his knowledge by learning from Jensen's experienced team during his Cadet programme. In his spare time, Raf loves to take surf trips down the coast and spend quality time with his friends and family.

Brendan Pilman

Project Administrator

Brendan is fast becoming a valuable asset to the team. With his tenacius and can do attitude, he was invited to join our cadet programme. Brendan is currently studying Construction & Property Management at UNSW and is looking forward to continuing to grow and expand his knowledge. Brendan is a passionate and fierce footy player. When off the field, his aproachable and happy demeanour is expressed through his big smile and contagious laugh.

Sam Gianopoulis

Foreman/Carpenter

With over two decades of experience in construction Jensen were lucky enough to have Sam join as Foreman/Carpenter in 2021. Sam successfully ran his own carpentry company for 6 years before moving in to a Foreman role in 2014. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, spending time with his family, hosting epic greek BBQ’s usually involving skewers over a massive bed of coals and supporting the Parramatta Eels.

Gustavo Douglas

Project Coordinator

Having recently moved to Australia from Brazil, Gustavo (Gus) brings with him a background in Civil Engineering and five years experience in the construction field. He continually seeks challenges, even when situations become tough, which is what led him to relocate to a different country. He is extremely dedicated, responsible, and meticulous by nature, all assets we are thrilled to have at Jensen Projects. Outside of work, dancing is his other passion as well as playing the guitar, singing, and music. He is highly communicative, loves meeting new people, and enjoy forming interesting friendships.

Lucy Bowman

Junior Interior Designer

Lucy’s passion for design and style led her to complete a Visual Communications degree. However, after 5 years at Qantas, Lucy’s appreciation for great spaces and the feelings they evoke, sparked a desire to study Interior Design. When not immersed in creative projects, you'll find her globe-trotting, chilling by the beach with her sidekick spaniel, Sage, or exploring local markets.