Home - Essence Project Management

Who we are

Essence is a vibrant and energetic employee-owned and operated property & construction project management consultancy.

We have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Newcastle.

Our purpose is to create trusted partnerships to deliver enduring places where people and communities prosper, and sustainability is core.

We thrive on challenges, operate on trust, and leverage the diverse perspectives of the people on our team in everything we do.

Our people
are the core
of our success.

People are the foundation upon which our success is built.

We provide a collaborative culture and an outstanding working environment so that our people thrive and continue to develop professionally.

We hire, retain and promote employees with diverse attributes, backgrounds, experiences and skills who think differently and have varying perspectives, bringing forward unique ideas and points of view.

Explore life at Essence

What we do

Project success doesn’t just happen, it’s the outcome of well-defined briefs, thorough risk assessments, dedication, and hard work.

SECTORS >

Explore the sectors we work in.

SERVICES >

Explore the services we provide.

Station Square Development

PROJECTS

Chifley South

The Ribbon

Maroochy Private Hospital

Indi Footscray

Harbourside Redevelopment

Sydney Fish Market

Eastwood Private Hospital

The Sandstones Precinct

50 Queens Road Melbourne

Victorian Academy of Teaching & Leadership (VATL)

Box Hill Central

News & Insights

Build to Rent’s next chapter: From alternative asset class to housing system infrastructure | July 2026

Build to Rent’s next chapter: From alternative asset class to housing system infrastructure Australia’s Build to Rent sector is evolving from a niche investment strategy into a critical component of the nation’s housing system. Drawing on insights from leading housing researcher Emeritus Professor Hal Pawson, this article explores how institutional capital, supportive policy settings and changing rental market […]

Health Translation Hubs: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation & Patient Care | November 2025

Health Translation Hubs more than just buildings: catalysts for a healthier future Health Translation Hubs (HTHs) represent a bold reimagining of how healthcare, research, and education can intersect to deliver better outcomes. The recently completed UNSW Health Translation Hub exemplifies this vision, offering a blueprint as a pioneering model for integrated, innovative, and inclusive health […]

Designing the Future of Retirement Living: Flexible, Integrated, and Ready for Change | October, 2025

The retirement living sector is undergoing a significant transformation. What worked for yesterday’s residents no longer satisfies the expectations of today. Longer lifespans, higher expectations, and shifting care needs are transforming how we approach housing and services for older Australians. Communities must now be flexible, future-ready, and deeply connected to the people they serve. The […]

Back in the Hunter: Growth, Leadership and What Comes Next | July, 2025

Fifteen years ago, I left Newcastle to take on new challenges in Sydney. Like many in our industry, I was drawn to the energy, the complexity, and the pace of big-city projects. A year ago, I came back. Coming back to Newcastle isn’t just a return to my roots and family — it’s a return […]

Essence Announces Strategic Collaboration with Build Plus | February 2025

Essence Announces Strategic Collaboration with Build Plus We are excited to share that Essence Project Management has formalised a strategic collaboration with Build Plus, a respected Perth-based project management firm. This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional project management services and expands our capacity to support clients across Australia with greater regional expertise and […]

Can Modular Construction Solve Australia’s Housing Crisis? | November 2024

The housing affordability crisis in Australia is a growing concern, with escalating costs and demand outpacing supply. Traditional construction methods, hindered by high labour costs and prolonged timelines, struggle to meet this demand. Modular construction, a technique involving factory-produced building modules, offers an innovative solution. It promises cost efficiency, speed, sustainability, and quality—critical factors in […]

Is Private Health Sustainable in Australia? Exploring Challenges & Future Solutions | October 2024

Is Private Health Sustainable in Australia? Private health in Australia is facing critical questions about its future. With rising costs, changing patient preferences, and a strained workforce, the sustainability of private hospitals is under the spotlight. This article dives into the challenges and explores potential solutions for ensuring private healthcare remains a viable option for […]

Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia! | October 2024

We’re excited to share that our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been officially endorsed by Reconciliation Australia! As a proud member of the RAP network, this endorsement marks a significant step in our journey toward building stronger, more respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A Reflect RAP helps us lay the […]

Co-Living as a Solution: A “Back to the Future” Approach | September 2024

The concept of co-living, a contemporary twist on communal living, is gaining traction as a solution to the mounting housing affordability crisis. This approach isn’t entirely new; it’s an evolution of older living models like boarding houses and shared accommodation that continue to be components of urban living. Now, updated to fit today’s needs and […]

Are The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Planning Amendments the Silver Bullet to Unlock Much-Needed Affordable Housing? | August 2024

Affordable housing is of growing concern in the media.. With rising property prices and increasing demand, finding viable solutions is crucial. Recently, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s introduced planning amendments aimed at addressing this challenge. But are these changes the silver bullet we need? Let’s delve into the specifics and explore their potential […]

Evolution of the
composition of our Board | June 2024

The Essence Board recently unanimously endorsed a plan to evolve the composition of our Board. Our current Board comprising 3 executives and 3 non-executives has served the business well taking us through the inception phase, successfully navigating through the pandemic, stepping through the market challenges of the past 18 months whilst always growing and diversifying […]

De-institutionalising
the aged care model | September 2023

The current NCC falls short in guiding interior design and accessibility for aged care. New design standards will address this align to the Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring safe, welcoming environments for seniors.

Introducing our new
parental leave policy | February 2023

We have recently updated our Parental Leave Policy to provide parents with additional support after welcoming a new child into their family. Our new Parental Leave Policy provides the primary carer with 12 weeks of paid leave and 26 weeks of superannuation.

Project managing
heritage buildings | February 2023

Project Director Chris Callaghan was interviewed on his experience in the project management of heritage buildings and why this field is so unique. Chris has worked on numerous heritage projects, including the Locomotive Workshops in South Eveleigh, 5 Martin Place, 100 Harris Street in Pyrmont, and The Sandstones Precinct on Bridge Street. Chris is passionate about the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, and in this interview, he tells us why.

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Our Awards

Australian Business Awards - Employer of Choice 2025
PCA Innovation & Excellence Awards - Best Heritage Development
Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards - Award for Hospitality Development
UDIA Awards for Excellence in Retail Development
UDIA Awards for Excellence in Urban Renewal category
Urban Developer - Build to Rent - Hotels & Accommodation Winner
Kylie Bryan – 2023 NAWIC NSW Awards for Excellence | Ferrovial Project Manager of the Year
Stephanie Edmondson – Top 100 Women in Construction

Creating trusted partnerships to deliver enduring places

Who we are

Essence is a vibrant and energetic employee-owned and operated property & construction project management consultancy.

Our people
are the core
of our success.