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.

Lauren Katz

Senior Interior Designer

Lauren 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 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. Outside of work, Dennis is embracing life as a first-time dad and enjoys spending his spare time tinkering around the house on a range of DIY projects.

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. Very proud of his reputation as the ‘family man’, Jesse can often be seen heading to the beach on his fully kitted E-bike carrying the whole family.

Tanya Poggo

Snr 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.

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.

Sina Karim

Snr 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.

Brendan Pilman

Snr Project Engineer

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.

Gustavo Douglas

Project Engineer

Having 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 Foreman

Having 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 Engineer

Surrounded 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/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.

Michelle Flekser

Marketing Manager / Interior Designer

Following 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 Coordinator

With 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.

Jess Tetlow

Project Coordinator

Having grown up around construction sites, Jess developed an early interest in the industry and has since completed a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours). She enjoys continuing to build her knowledge and experience while working across a diverse range of projects and environments. Outside of work, Jess enjoys staying active through the gym and soccer, as well as reading and spending time with friends. It can also be a bit dangerous when Jess uses the office team as her testing ground for a freshly baked cheesecake or new brownie recipe.

Angel Terrones

Project Coordinator

With a background in civil engineering and hands-on site experience, AJ moved to Australia two years ago and embraced the grass roots approach to creating a life for himself. Starting as a contract labourer, AJ has progressed both personally and professionally within Jensen Projects. AJ believes every challenge comes with an opportunity and approaches life with a positive mindset and a willingness to keep learning. Outside of work, AJ values faith and community, and you will often find him spending time with his church family.

Roy Kim

Project Coordinator

Roy graduated from UTS with a Bachelor of Construction Project Management. His currently supports projects success with a focus on contract administration, subcontractor management, documentation control and cost reporting. With a strong attention to detail and organised approach, he plays a key role in keeping projects running smoothly and efficiently. Before moving into construction, Roy spent several years as a musician and composer, a background that shaped his creativity, discipline, and problem-solving mindset. Outside of work, he continues to enjoy playing guitar and pursuing his interest in photography.

Jason Baranov

Project Coordinator

Having first started with Jensen Projects in 2019 as a labourer and returning in 2025 as a Project Coordinator, Jason brings a qualification in Construction Project Management from UTS. He enjoys being involved in the day-to-day details of each project and likes taking a hands-on approach onsite. Outside of work Jason enjoys staying active and trading in the stock and bitcoin market.

Tiffany Khuu

Interior Designer

Having graduated from Torrens University with a Bachelor in Interior Design, Tiffany supports the design team by consistently organising supplier presentations, researching industry trends and ensuring the team is on top of the latest products in the market. Outside of her professional work, Tiffany enjoys reading, watching crime shows, and exploring creative practices such as clay making, which continue to inform her design perspective. She also has a secret obsession with shopping and can often be seen looking after one of her younger siblings at the local shopping centre.