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.

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.

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.

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.

Michael Paradise

Project Manager

Mikey graduated with first class honours from UTS with a Bachelor of Construction Project Management. He pursued his Cadetship with Jensen 5 years ago and has progressed into the role of Project Manager. 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.

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

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

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.

Chris Bacon

Project Engineer

Originally from the UK with a degree in Sports Science, Chris spent a year as a strength and conditioning coach with the Leicester Tigers before deciding to go back and get his Masters Degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management from Oxford Brookes University. Bringing with him experience in residential, fit-out, and remediation projects from across Australia and the UK, Chris joined the Jensen Team with a strong background in contract administration and commercial management. Now embracing life in Australia, Chris makes the most of the great weather—you’ll often find him at the beach or the gym on weekends and even before or after work.

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.

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 Coordinator

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.

Jonah Miller

Cadet

Following his high school graduation in 2021, Jonah enlisted and completed training with the Australian Defence Force. Whilst maintaining his status as an army reservist Jonah enrolled in a Bachelor of Construction Project Management in order to pursue his aspirations in the construction industry. Beyond the confines of work, Jonah loves practicing martial arts and taking long hikes in nature.

Michelle Flekser

Marketing Manager / Jnr 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

Cadet

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.