Meet our
Queerleaders
What’s a Queerleader?
(NOUN), A queer person who is a champion of change within the property industry.
At our core, we are a community of queerleaders. Become a part of our network to stay up to date on events and news.
Join usNational board
Drawn to the intersection of policy and design, Adriano is an Associate Town Planner at Tract who’s passionate about how these forces shape the places we live, work, and play. He’s especially focused on how spaces bring people together (or don’t!) and how better policy can build stronger, more inclusive communities. At QIP, Adriano channels his love of design into advocacy, championing policies that create places welcoming, connected, and built for everyone, including queer folk.
What makes Ben Rowe tick, you ask? Efficiency and humanity in our built environments – without the hyperbole. Ben is so much to so many, striving for inclusiveness, innovation and excellence in all his projects as a Project Director at Riverlee. He’s driven, motivated and exudes a natural can-do attitude, there is nothing this maestro of property cannot do. Ben is a man of few words but they are all the right ones
Bill Patten is our savvy and sustainable Marketing Manager from Riverlee who has successfully rebranded to just Billy – a one-name wonder human who doesn’t need any introductions. Billy, and all their non-binary finery is committed to cultivating inclusive spaces that help empower our queer community through design, culture, and free expression.
With a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, Dayle is focused on creating space for people to share their stories and building more diverse visibility within the property industry.
More than just matching CVs to roles, Leo, Associate Director at Planned Resources, is paving the way for future leaders to thrive, belong, and be seen. Alongside his work in recruitment, he leads a mission at QIP to create a space where queer professionals can connect, feel empowered, and show up fully as themselves. For Leo, diversity isn’t a checkbox, it’s the spark that turns good workplaces into exceptional ones.
As a queer person in the property space, I want to help make visibility the norm — not the exception. Through digital platforms and community, I’m here to help champion a future where diversity isn’t just acknowledged, it’s embedded in the foundations of our industry.
Don’t let that stunning smile fool you, Paul Borella is no light weight. Paul is a digital master, running a digital agency that covers strategy, engagement and development. There isn’t anything this professional power house can’t do. When he is not winning at work, he’s winning at life. You can catch him travelling to ski destinations with family and friends, enjoying a cheeky chocolate eclair or a champagne.
Rossco is a typical property industry brat, kicking off his career as a marketer for a heavyweight in the development world, then moving to a global sales agency before founding Studio White Noise. Rossco has been part of some of the most iconic projects in Australia, whilst maintaining his humble demeanour and stunning good looks. You will definitely hear Rossco before you see him.
NSW Committee
With a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, Dayle is focused on creating space for people to share their stories and building more diverse visibility within the property industry.
Arash is a registered architect and associate at Smart Design Studio in Sydney, specializing in residential, heritage, and hospitality projects. He is dedicated to amplifying queer voices in architecture through his previous roles in the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network and the Practice of Architecture Committee at the Australian Institute of Architecture. Arash’s design work centres on enhancing the human experience, and creating spaces that are joyful and rewarding for people to visit, live, and work.
Bradford is an experienced branding, communications and media management professional. He has worked to develop, promote and refine the brand of numerous Australian and global architecture practices and align their communications to their business development priorities. He leads Grimshaw’s global LGBTQ+ working groups across the eight studios and has been active in the foundation and development of Architecture With Pride across Grimshaw’s Australian and NZ studios.
Dami is a Contracts Pro with 7+ years of experience in commercial and property law. She moved to Australia in 2022 and quickly adapted her skills to the exciting world of construction. As a queer professional in the industry, Dami is passionate about creating a welcoming space for everyone. She understands the challenges and opportunities that LGBTQ+ individuals face in business and is committed to making a positive impact.
Jayden is an enthusiastic planner who appreciates the importance of social and infrastructure planning and impactful engagement with communities. His Master's research report focused on the role of Oxford Street as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and how its inclusivity can be further enhanced. Throughout his career, he has been developing a strong passion in working within the diversity and inclusion space and engaging with diverse communities and those harder to reach voices.
Lemuel is an exceptional interior designer. With an innate ability to create spaces that tell a story, Lemuel brings a distinctive blend of analytical creativity and functionality to every project he undertakes. Driven by a deep passion for the human experience in design, Lemuel always leaves a lasting impression through his projects and the lives of those who experience his work.
With over a decade of experience in architecture, Lizzie is deeply passionate about fostering inclusion within the industry and through the spaces we create. Her approach goes beyond crafting vibrant, expressive environments; Lizzie is committed to designing spaces that honour and reflect the rich diversity of our communities. However, her collaborative nature truly sets her apart—Lizzie, fuelled by some strong cups of tea, gets things done! She thrives on partnering with diverse contributors, a quality evident in the thoughtfully designed buildings she brings to life.
Mark is passionate about intersectionality, elevating queer voice, visibility and vibrancy within the industry. As a lead designer and mentor, Mark plays a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape, guiding teams to deliver groundbreaking design solutions to set new standards of excellence in the field.
VIC Committee
More than just matching CVs to roles, Leo, Associate Director at Planned Resources, is paving the way for future leaders to thrive, belong, and be seen. Alongside his work in recruitment, he leads a mission at QIP to create a space where queer professionals can connect, feel empowered, and show up fully as themselves. For Leo, diversity isn’t a checkbox, it’s the spark that turns good workplaces into exceptional ones.
Drawn to the intersection of policy and design, Adriano is an Associate Town Planner at Tract who’s passionate about how these forces shape the places we live, work, and play. He’s especially focused on how spaces bring people together (or don’t!) and how better policy can build stronger, more inclusive communities. At QIP, Adriano channels his love of design into advocacy, championing policies that create places welcoming, connected, and built for everyone, including queer folk.
Mira grew up in a neighbourhood with no footpaths and no buses, and now she’s on a mission to change that. With a background in Middle Eastern Studies and Urban Planning, she brings cultural nuance, curiosity and a fierce sense of justice to every conversation about place. Whether organising events or building communities, Mira’s all about connection with purpose. As Industry Officer for the University of Melbourne’s Urban Collective, she brings students, academics and industry together to break down barriers and open doors. Now at QIP, she’s championing equity not just as the goal, but as the starting point.
With bold ideas, razor-sharp instincts and a flair for storytelling, Brodie brings heart, edge and unapologetic authenticity to every brief. From boutique luxury to cultural landmarks, he’s partnered with some of Australia’s leading developers, architects and creatives to craft campaigns that resonate and inspire. Now at Fortis, he’s turning blueprints into buzz and transforming projects into places people feel. For Brodie, visibility isn’t optional - it’s essential. Every voice deserves space, and every story? It’s worth shouting from the rooftop, babes!
Emerald is a visionary urban planner and creative strategist at SPIIRE, shaping sustainable, community-first developments across Greater Melbourne. More than just technical know-how, she believes planning is about crafting experiences that boost liveability and connection. Known for bringing bold ideas to life through collaboration, Emerald ensures every project honours its environmental and cultural roots. A proud member of the LGBTIQ+ community in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Emerald brings a vital perspective to urban planning. For her, inclusive spaces begin with inclusive voices, and her lived experience fuels a fierce commitment to designing places that welcome and respect all identities.
Creative, curious, and always considered, Fraser knows it’s not about how many stories you tell—it’s about the ones that stick. With a love for all things housing and urbanism, Fraser leads Assemble’s brand storytelling —sharing how the team is creating fresh solutions for Australia's investment and housing future. At QIP, Fraser wants to amplify community voices and introduce more people to the game-changing queers who are redefining the property game.
Curious, collaborative, and fiercely community-driven, Freya Robinson is an interior designer who’s rewriting the rules on equity in the built environment. At Fender Katsalidis and through her podcast If These Walls (co-created with fellow QIP legend Marti Fooks), she dives headfirst into the juicy intersections of queerness, identity, and spatial design. At QIP, Freya’s here to ignite brave, joyful conversations about the cities we live in—and the ones we’re yet to imagine.
Hans brings the perfect blend mix of ambition, creativity, and commercial savvy to Queers in Property. As Senior Sales Consultant at Lemon Baxter and Head of the Asian Desk, Hans is a key player in Melbourne’s commercial real estate scene, closing complex deals and working with high-net-worth clients like a pro. But Hans isn’t just about the boardroom hustle—he’s driven to build real connections and boost visibility for queer folk in property. With a sharp strategic mind and a forward-thinking edge, he’s here to help shape a more inclusive, empowered future for LGBTQIA+ leaders in real estate.
A true master of his own destiny, Jacob is a trailblazer who has set himself a high bar to not just be the best, but to innovate along the way. There is nothing this superstar marketer can’t do. Well connected, suave and legendary, Jacob takes it all in his stride, currently leading the Salta Properties brand into the future of property marketing.
Jess is a queer town planner passionate about creating walkable, safe, and green neighbourhoods that work for everyone. By day, she’s driving change within local council; by night, she’s building community through her own Disabled and Neurodiverse Urbanists Network and getting stuck into grassroots activism and volunteering. For Jess, planning is nothing if not intersectional- it’s about designing cities that are inclusive, accessible, and deeply human. At QIP, she’s bringing her lived experience and bold ideas to help shape events that are as welcoming as they are impactful.
Jess is a non-binary transmasculine architectural draftsperson superstar and the Drafting & Design Technical Lead at a_space, proudly living and working on Bunurong Land. With over 16 years’ experience, Jess specialises in designing prefabricated playgrounds and outdoor gyms for public spaces and schools—bringing safe, fun, and functional spaces to life with meticulous detail. Recently, they boosted their expertise with Sustainable Building Design studies at RMIT, because building for the future means building sustainably. Beyond the drawing board, Jess volunteers with The Victorian Pride Centre and spent three years on the judging panel for the Victorian Pride Awards. For Jess, creating and championing spaces where everyone can belong, play, and thrive isn’t just a job, it’s a true commitment.
Kate is an urban planner with a soft spot for active transport and a big love for building better cities - especially for the queers. She’s all about amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and creating space for community to thrive. Whether she’s weaving through town on her bike, chasing footy goals, or stitching up a storm with mates, Kate brings joy, energy, and a deep belief in cities that reflect the people who live in them.
Paul joined Queers in Property to connect with a community that shares his passion for the built environment and his belief in inclusive leadership. For him, QIP is a space to contribute, collaborate, and be inspired by others driving real change across the industry. As a founding member of the Purple Bombers, Paul knows the power of visibility and what it means to create space for others to feel seen and supported. Now, he’s bringing that same spirit into property, championing a future where everyone feels empowered to lead, thrive, and belong
Vitto is a curious creative fuelled by a love of architecture, musical theatre, and video games. With a sharp eye for storytelling through design, Vitto is fascinated by the way spaces, real or imagined, shape how we feel, move, and connect. Whether sketching, gaming, or soaking up the drama of a live performance, Vitto is always exploring the power of built and digital worlds to spark emotion, build identity, and reimagine what’s possible.