Our Team
Meet the Jensen Team
Rael Shakenovsky
DirectorRael 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.
Lauren Katz
Senior Interior DesignerLauren brings over a decade of experience in commercial design and workplace strategy. Known for her collaborative approach and her ability to translate client needs into practical, well-resolved design outcomes, she has lead projects for clients such as the Reserve Bank of Australia and NBN. Outside of work, Lauren is embracing the new challenge of balancing her career with life as a mum to Olivia. She also enjoys expressing her creativity beyond the workplace, with a love of photography and jewellery making.
Dennis Safonov
Senior Project ManagerDennis 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 ManagerJesse 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.
Tanya Poggo
Snr Interior DesignerTanya'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.
Daniel Nunez
Project ManagerDaniel 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.
Sina Karim
Snr Project EngineerSina, 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.
Brendan Pilman
Snr Project EngineerBrendan 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.
Gustavo Douglas
Project EngineerHaving 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.
Anthony Hayek
Site ForemanHaving graduated from UTS with a Bachelor of Civil (Structural) Engineering, Anthony brings a strong grounding in residential construction experience and a passion for being hands on amongst the crew onsite. Outside of work he is a huge foodie and loves travelling with friends. On weekends he loves to get on the charcoal BBQ and cook up a storm for his entire family at Tayta's (Grandma's) house.
Mark Filler
Project EngineerSurrounded by family in the industry, construction and property has always been a huge passion of Mark’s. After studying property economics and working as a client side project manager he decided he wanted to be closer to the coal face and joined the Jensen crew. If he isn’t at Bondi for a swim, he is kicking back with some friends, watching or playing soccer.
Sam Gianopoulis
Foreman/CarpenterWith 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.
Michelle Flekser
Marketing Manager / Jnr Interior DesignerFollowing 15 years of marketing experience at major Australian corporations like Westfield, Sheridan, and Affinity Diamonds, Michelle decided to pursue a new career direction and study Interior Design. Using both sets of skills at Jensen she is our marketing manager and junior interior designer. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys hosting family celebrations, exercising with friends, and planning family travel adventures.
Adam Amoils
Project CoordinatorWith a keen interest in residential property development, we are delighted to invite Adam to join the Jensen cadet programme. He is currently studying civil engineering, graduating at the end of 2025. In his down time Adam loves playing rugby, going to the gym, surfing at Bondi and adding to his record collection.