From Little Things Big Things Grow

Chi & Jeremy

Positive Footprints is driven by two directors, a husband and wife team, Jeremy Spencer and Chi Lu. 

Prior to 2000, Chi was working in law and business, while Jeremy was a primary school grade teacher with a background in environmental geography and woodwork.  Both had an opportunity to work abroad for a couple of years, and the overseas experience allowed them to appreciate various cultural perspectives and global concerns.  Principally among them was the seeming disconnect between our society’s voracious resource use, throw away mentality and pollution-generating energy sources, and the way natural eco-systems recycled resources and made efficient use of available energy.  They resolved that learning from nature was a way forward for both environmental and social benefit.

Moving back to Australia, and developing an interest in housing and passive solar design and sustainability more broadly, Jeremy & Chi decided that they could direct their energies to become part of the solution.  This culminated in a change in career direction and a return to study for both of them, Chi to become a Designer and Jeremy a Builder and Energy Rater, and Positive Footprints was formed. 

The aim of Positive Footprints is to:

• Build beautiful houses that are as low impact as possible and make sustainable housing mainstream in the building industry, and
• Make owning a high performing house easy, by combining Environmentally Sustainable Design and Construction within the one company, to close the disconnect that often exists between the design and the implementation on site.

Since 2006, Positive Footprints has been building and perfecting our sustainable practice.  Our business has grown over the years and now boasts a family of passionate employees who share the vision, and day by day make it a reality for our lovely clients.

Sarah

Sarah, our architect, joined us with experience from commercial architecture firms specialising in retail, education, mixed use and multi-residential projects, from concept through to construction & project management with a focus on sustainable design.  What she loves doing at PF, is designing buildings to tread more lightly on the planet and creating personalised spaces that are healthy, comforting & welcoming ("hyggelig" in Danish).  Her passion is to make the world a better place including tackling climate change, learning and sharing to live sustainably and with little impact, and volunteering (check out climateforcharge.org.au)

Oisín

Coming from a long line of trades people, Oisin feels he has construction in his blood.  Before dedicating himself to carpentry, he worked and trained in several other trades giving him a broad view of the buidling process.  His 15 years of experience in building now serves him well in his role as Project manager.

Oisin is grateful to be part of a team that shares his ambition to create well-made and beautiful sustainble homes.  He believes in making enviromentally conscious homes achievable for everyone and strives to ensure the process is inclusive and meaningful for both clients and colleagues.

Outside of his profession he is an ardent contributor and supporter within the Melbourne music scene and a loyal follower of the Melbourne Football Club. 

Philip

Philip is another of our highly qualified Carpenters/Leading hand.  Prior to joining Positive Footprints, he operated his own business subcontracting and working on period style houses.  His ambition has always been to build homes in a more eco-friendly manner. At Positive Footprints, Philip finds himself within a team that share the same dedication to building more eco-friendly houses.   He believes that it is everyone's responsibility to preserve the planet for the future generations to come, and that by choosing to build one's dream house the Positive Footprints way, is doing one's part for the environment.

Jez

Under the meticulous tutelage of Oisin and Phil, Jeremy (Jez) our apprentice carpenter is passionate about working with the utmost care and consideration for the earth, and the generations of people who will live in the homes he helps build.  Jez is the youngest person on our team, but he is a quick learner and brings with him a great deal of positive energy in his sunny attitude.

Beyond carpentry, Jez is passionate about permaculture landscaping and architecture, which has led to the study and qualifications in both areas.  Alongside this, Jez is devoted to practising martial arts and mindfulness, and is training to compete in multiple half and full Ironman Triathlons, in an effort to raise awareness and funding for the NINDS.