Combining advanced analytics and research with a holistic design approach, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide reliable, innovative solutions that are tailored to each project.
With a head office in Mount Beauty Victoria and offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, KUSCH is made up of a diverse team of clever individuals from all walks of life, all with a common mission - to enhance the lives of our team, partners, clients and the community in all that we do.
Adelaide
Matt Thomson
Matt is a certified Lead Structural Engineer at KUSCH with a focus on seismic, civil, industrial, commercial, and residential structures. Having over two decades of industry experience, Matt has substantial expertise in structural steelwork, post tensioned and reinforced concrete, masonry, aluminum, glass, timber, and facade design. Beyond his engineering proficiency, Matt has effectively overseen numerous significant domestic and international projects from inception to conclusion.
Outside of his professional life, Matt is passionate about music. Whether it’s attending live gigs or dedicating his leisure time to playing the piano and guitar. Matt is also a passionate sport enthusiast who takes great pleasure in watching and playing all types of sports.
Joseph Mildren
Since joining KUSCH in 2021, Joe has become an integral part of the seismic design division, demonstrating exceptional skill and foresight in structural engineering. With a keen focus on Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Joe has tackled some of the most complex seismic design projects, particularly within Adelaide’s rigorous and involved government sector, including defence projects, public hospitals, and schools. His experience working on projects across the country, including an extensive number of projects under the review of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport – South Australia (DIT) showcases his ability to understand and ensure clients meet the stringent requirements for non-structural components and services across all regulatory environments.
Jordan James
Jordan James, a Structural Engineer at KUSCH, brings a wealth of experience from both fieldwork and engineering design. His expertise, gained over 6 years, includes 3.5 years as a field worker, where he was involved in soil testing, surveying, and writing insurance reports, among other tasks. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in his transition to structural and seismic engineering roles.
Brisbane
Majella Cassidy
Majella Cassidy serves as a Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH, where her role is marked by versatility and a keen aptitude for tackling diverse engineering challenges. Since embarking on her journey with KUSCH, Majella has rapidly adapted to the multifaceted nature of her work, skillfully navigating through a spectrum of responsibilities from detailed technical designs and calculations to proactive client engagement.
Keith Algar
Keith Algar, a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH, has quickly established himself as a capable and enthusiastic member of the team. His work primarily focuses on seismic bracing and non-structural elements like ceilings and partitions. Keith’s days are mostly filled with design work and learning, with about an hour each day dedicated to client communication. He enjoys working through 3D modelling software, like SolidWorks and Space Gass, finding the process of building models and solving problems through these platforms particularly engaging.
Jean-Pierre Jooste
Jean-Pierre Jooste is a Structural Engineer with several years of experience in residential and commercial sectors, specializing in reinforced concrete, masonry, and hot-rolled structural steel. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Engineering (Civil) and has worked in South Africa and Queensland, Australia. At KUSCH, Jean-Pierre focuses on designing restraints and supports for building services with a commitment to cost-effectiveness, practicality, and public safety.
Jean-Pierre finds fulfillment in tackling diverse challenges and gaining expertise in a variety of building materials. He is motivated to produce environmentally conscious designs through efficient use of materials and is aided by his interest in programming and automation.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places and gardening.
Melbourne
Richard Faulkner
Richard is a Senior Structural Engineer who brings over 7 years of industry experience to the KUSCH team since joining in 2023. His expertise spans structural engineering in both residential and commercial domains.
Beyond his professional life, Richard channels his passion into skating and playing guitar, both hobbies that he cherishes and has been doing for over two decades. Originally from Tasmania, Richard also has a background in surfing and gemstone prospecting.
Edson Beiza
Edson, a Structural Engineer at KUSCH, has made significant strides in the seismic engineering division since joining in 2019. His influential paper on seismic design in Australia, in comparison to international codes, has become an integral part of KUSCH’s training for new employees. Additionally, Edson has developed a new seismic calculator and has been instrumental in standardising seismic markups across the company.
Edson has played a pivotal role in complex projects such as the Cherry Creek Youth Justice facility and Chisholm Road Prison Precinct. In these projects, he was responsible for handling all trades and conducting site inspections across a network of 60 buildings. His involvement extended to various trades, including mechanical (seismic bracing of ductwork, pipework, and units), electrical (cable trays, electrical boards, and cabinets), fire protection (sprinkler pipework), and hydraulics (drainage/water pipework and plant units).
Elie Saade
Elie is a Structural Engineer with a focus on seismic design and has been an integral part of KUSCH since 2018. With a background in Aerospace Engineering, Elie brings a diverse range of experiences to his role. His passion extends beyond technical expertise, as he is dedicated to cultivating a positive relationship with clients and contractors.
Outside of his professional life, Elie finds joy in gardening and cooking during his spare time. Influenced by his upbringing, where he observed his mother’s culinary skills, he has developed a keen interest in experimenting in the kitchen over the years. Additionally, his culinary experiences have been enhanced by his family’s involvement in the food industry over the years.
Joel Pinxt
Joel has been a valuable member of the KUSCH team since 2021, equipped with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His prior experience encompasses steel design for both structural and mechanical equipment, particularly for mining applications. At KUSCH, Joel focuses on mechanical engineering, engaging in tasks such as examining pipe risers, contributing to the structural design of residential buildings and implementing seismic design.
Beyond his core responsibilities, Joel actively participates in mentoring graduates and new starter engineers, sharing his wealth of knowledge. Outside of the professional realm, he has strong interests in various outdoor activities, including camping, surfing, and snowboarding.
David Hendy
David became part of KUSCH in 2022 as a graduate and is now a Structural Engineer. Possessing a master’s degree in civil engineering and a background in Project Management, David specialises in seismic design for non-structural building services and is actively involved in third-party structural certifications, collaborating closely with Senior Engineers on various projects.
Beyond his professional life, he is passionate about outdoor activities, particularly mountain biking and skiing. He has previously engaged in adventure racing in Mount Beauty, showcasing his enthusiasm for adventurous pursuits.
Ben Ritson
Ben is employed as a Cadet Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH while pursuing his Mechanical Engineering degree at RMIT Melbourne. Prior to embarking on his academic journey, Ben has accumulated several years of experience as an Operations Supervisor in the skiing industry. Despite the career transition, his passion for skiing remains a significant hobby in his personal life.
With a longstanding interest in Maths and Physics during his high school years, Ben found the opportune moment to begin his studies in this field when COVID hit. With two years remaining in his academic pursuits, Ben hopes to transition into a full-time role as a graduate engineer upon completion of his degree.
Ruby McNally
Ruby, the Administration Officer at KUSCH, brings a versatile and rich background to her role. Ruby embarked on a career journey that led her through various industries, from insurance to solar energy startups. Her experience in these diverse fields has equipped her with a broad skill set and an understanding of different business operations.
Alongside her career, Ruby has been actively involved in sustainable projects, such as her business, Save for the Planet, which focused on rehabilitating farmland by planting native trees. She also runs a dog collar business, Black Collar Co., showing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Angus McLay
Angus McLay is a Structural Engineer at KUSCH, with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) and a Bachelor of Business (Management). With over four years of experience across undergraduate and graduate roles, Angus has developed expertise in the design and analysis of steel structures, delivering structural and seismic solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
His experience includes small-scale structural design, particularly commercial signage, and assessing structures for additional loads. Angus’s academic work also reflects his commitment to sustainability, with his thesis on improving the environmental performance of Australian cold storage facilities published in the Sustainability Journal.
Based in Melbourne, Angus enjoys building strong client relationships and values the ongoing learning that comes with each project. Outside of work, Angus is a long-suffering Bombers fan, a keen amateur golfer, and a guitarist—a passion that began in childhood and continues today.
Mt Beauty
Martin Kusz
Martin is a Chartered Structural and Mechanical engineer with 20 years of industry experience. With a background in Design & Construction projects, and experience within a multinational, multi-discipline consultancy, Martin founded KUSCH in 2013.
Martin is passionate about developing efficient ways to build better-performing buildings and developing the next generation of engineers who will help make this happen.
Jarrod Vanderree
Jarrod Vanderree is our Business Manager at KUSCH with over 8 years of industry experience and dual qualifications in Mechanical Engineering and Business (Finance). Beginning his career in HVAC and power station design, Jarrod transitioned to structural engineering, specializing in the structural support of pipework, seismic design, and risk assessment for non-structural services.
Jarrod has contributed to prominent projects, including designing structural supports for pipe risers at Sydney’s Quay Quarter Tower, where he optimized designs to save cost and complexity, and developing custom sheave blocks for the Velocity Valley Vertigo ride in New Zealand.
At KUSCH, Jarrod is dedicated to supporting his team and implementing efficient systems and processes to help the business achieve its objectives. He finds fulfillment in empowering colleagues and creating streamlined workflows.
Outside work, Jarrod enjoys mountain biking, a passion that combines travel, social connections, and adventure. He also loves DIY building projects, appreciating the challenge and satisfaction of completing tasks himself.
Michael Dayment
Michael Dayment, a Chartered Senior Structural Engineer, has been a driving force behind KUSCH’s success in commercial and residential building work since 2017. Specialising in local projects, Michael’s portfolio boasts significant achievements, including the high-profile Cloud 9 redevelopment. His expertise extends to architecturally designed houses, passive house projects, commercial & industrial projects along with prefabrication. Based in Mount Beauty, Michael enjoys the additional challenges that construction in the alpine area provides.
From project concept to completion, Michael appreciates the importance of detailed coordination with clients and architects. His practical application of engineering shines through in collaboration with his clients and bringing their project vision to life.
Luke White
Since joining KUSCH in 2020, Luke White has distinguished himself as a pivotal force within the structural engineering team. His involvement in the Cloud 9 redevelopment at Falls Creek exemplifies his expertise in structural design, marking a significant contribution to the resort’s expansion. Luke’s ability to navigate the intricacies of structural engineering shines through his work on various high-end architectural projects, showcasing innovative solutions tailored to challenging terrains and environmental conditions.
Mitch Smith
Mitch Smith, a dedicated Digital Design Team Lead, has been an integral part of the team at KUSCH since commencing in 2019. His unique journey in the industry began with a solid background as a boilermaker, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Design. Before joining KUSCH, Mitch honed his skills in IT, engineering, and quality management, working within the automotive manufacturing industry.
Mitch’s role as a Digital Design Team Lead is the modern incarnation of drafting. He specialises in creating Revit families for engineering solutions like seismic bracing and framing. His expertise lies in making these models parametric, efficient, and user-friendly. Mitch takes pride in his distinctive role at KUSCH, where he supervises a small team and continually innovates in his field.
James Meunier
James Meunier is a Structural Engineer at KUSCH with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and a Bachelor of Architectural Design. Since graduating in 2021, he has gained expertise in designing residential and low-rise structures, including steel, timber, and concrete designs. James works extensively in regional Victoria, including alpine areas like Falls Creek, contributing to renovations, extensions, and new builds.
James finds fulfillment in collaborating with local architects and homeowners to bring their visions to life, while witnessing the impact of his work within the community. His background also includes local government engineering and architectural drafting, enhancing his well-rounded approach to design.
Outside of work, James enjoys adventure sports such as rock climbing and skiing, inspired by his regional location and great access to the outdoors.
Matt Richardson
Matt, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, began his career in 2016 with a background in both the automotive industry and mechanical engineering. He has been an integral part of KUSCH for the past 3 years, specialising in Mechanical, Structural and Seismic Engineering. Additionally, Matt works as a supervisor, collaborating closely with Engineers in both Mount Beauty and Sydney.
Matt has a strong passion for working closely with contractors and making substantial contributions to ensure the successful outcomes of significant projects. The satisfaction of training new engineers and sharing the knowledge acquired over the years is particularly rewarding for him.
Ben Mcilroy
Ben, is a Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH, specialising in seismic design solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) and began his journey with KUSCH in 2022 while completing his studies, officially joining the team full-time after graduating in 2024.
In addition to his engineering role, Ben works as a professional ski patroller at Falls Creek during the winter months—a reflection of his passion for the outdoors and adventure. With previous projects in Victoria and New South Wales, Ben is known for his hands-on approach, often consulting directly with tradespeople to ensure seismic compliance and certification.
Outside of work, Ben is an avid skier, mountain biker, and runner. His love for these pursuits was shaped by growing up in Mt Beauty, where mountain sports are a way of life. A former competitive mountain bike racer, Benjamin has travelled both Australia and the world for his sport, and continues to enjoy riding and racing with friends.
Joel Anley
Joel Anley is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technician at KUSCH, with a background in plumbing and nearly two years of experience in BIM. Holding an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architecture), Joel specialises in 3D modelling and coordination, transforming complex engineering designs into detailed digital models to ensure seamless project delivery.
Based in Victoria, Joel has contributed to projects across NSW, SA, QLD, and VIC. His standout work includes the Boggo Road Electrical project, where the quality of his drafting and modelling received company-wide recognition and contributed to new business opportunities.
Passionate about improving processes, Joel develops scripts and workflows that enhance efficiency, including automating seismic bracing placement directly into Revit models. He finds reward in the clarity and impact of well-organised documentation and engaging visual renders that support both technical delivery and marketing.
Outside of work, Joel’s creativity continues through hands-on building projects, tech exploration, video gaming, and Poi. A keen follower of astronomy and space exploration, he is always curious and driven to learn, continually expanding both his technical and creative horizons.
Sydney
Matt Richardson
Matt, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, began his career in 2016 with a background in both the automotive industry and mechanical engineering. He has been an integral part of KUSCH for the past 3 years, specialising in Mechanical, Structural and Seismic Engineering. Additionally, Matt works as a supervisor, collaborating closely with Engineers in both Mount Beauty and Sydney.
Matt has a strong passion for working closely with contractors and making substantial contributions to ensure the successful outcomes of significant projects. The satisfaction of training new engineers and sharing the knowledge acquired over the years is particularly rewarding for him.
Jordan Nadalin
Since 2021, Jordan has been a valued member of the KUSCH team, contributing as a Structural Engineer. With a background in Fire & Safety Engineering, he brings considerable experience collaborating closely with builders, architects and project managers on various projects.
Outside of the professional realm, soccer takes centre stage as Jordan’s main hobby. Prior to embracing his engineering role, he showcased his skills at a professional level overseas.
Gianni Leonello
Gianni Leonello, a dynamic Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH, specializes in seismic, structural, and mechanical projects. With a career that began in a machine shop and extended to fire truck manufacturing, Gianni’s 2 years of practical experience in drafting and manufacturing adds significant value to his role. He possesses a robust skill set, particularly in reviewing thermal expansion of pipework over large runs and pipe anchor design.
Gianni’s journey at KUSCH has been marked by notable projects like the innovative seismic design for the mechanical plant room in Chifley Square’s basement, showcasing his proficiency in dynamic frequency analysis and spectral response modelling in Space Gass.
Joel Pinxt
Joel has been a valuable member of the KUSCH team since 2021, equipped with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. His prior experience encompasses steel design for both structural and mechanical equipment, particularly for mining applications. At KUSCH, Joel focuses on mechanical engineering, engaging in tasks such as examining pipe risers, contributing to the structural design of residential buildings and implementing seismic design.
Beyond his core responsibilities, Joel actively participates in mentoring graduates and new starter engineers, sharing his wealth of knowledge. Outside of the professional realm, he has strong interests in various outdoor activities, including camping, surfing, and snowboarding.
Theo Verhoeven
In 2023, Theo joined the KUSCH team as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer. As part of his role, he delves into the fields of structural, seismic and mechanical engineering, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Outside of work, Theo enjoys restoring vintage cars. He credits his enthusiasm for engineering to this pastime, which stems from a lasting curiosity about unraveling the inner workings of mechanisms and the satisfaction of problem solving.
Nichole Downer
Nichole Downer, a seasoned HSEQ and Systems Administrator, brings over 20 years of experience in mining and civil construction. Based in New South Wales, Nichole has worked across the Central West and Hunter Valley regions, focusing on business administration, document control, reporting and systems management. She holds a Certificate IV in Business Services – Frontline Management, equipping her with strong skills in process optimization and maintaining organizational compliance.
At KUSCH, Nichole takes pride in streamlining workflows and supporting the business with effective administration. Her dedication ensures operational efficiency, assisting her team to achieve their goals seamlessly.
Outside of work, Nichole enjoys spending time with her family, including her children and grandchildren. Her hobbies and passions enrich her life, with a strong focus on creating meaningful moments with loved ones.
Isaac Taylor
Isaac Taylor is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at KUSCH, having joined the team in 2023 after completing his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at Monash University. Since then, he’s developed expertise in the seismic design of non-structural services and custom pre-fabricated steel frameworks.
Isaac has contributed to notable projects including the acoustic panel framing at a data centre in Sydney, and the seismic design for building services at a Mars pet food production facility. His work spans Victoria and beyond, helping ensure safety and performance in varied environments.
He finds fulfilment in working across a wide range of projects and growing professionally alongside experienced colleagues and clients. Outside of work, Isaac enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, rock climbing, and brewing his own beer — passions sparked by a love for the outdoors and a good drink with friends.
