Ecological Design
info@ecologicaldesign.com.au
0418 262 706
​​​Helping you help the planet​
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    • Rainwater Harvesting Workshop
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OUR TEAM

Our team of John Caley, David Winterton and Matilde Martin have over two decades of experience in residential environmentally sustainable design covering assessment, design, specification and training.  
We use in-house skills and knowledge along with computer modelling to provide detailed assessment of the energy and water efficiency of proposed designs. We work with designers, builders and clients to develop cost-effective sustainable solutions. We pride ourselves on maintaining our independence from all suppliers of products and services.

We walk the walk. In our own homes we have implemented rain harvesting systems, solar power systems, solar hot water and  heat pumps. We are progressively improving the thermal performance of our homes through improved building sealing insulation and upgraded glazing.  We minimise waste with composting, worm farming and bulk food shopping, and grow some of our own food in community and verge gardens. We use public transport or bicycles where feasible. John uses biodiesel to fuel the family car and David and Matilde rent their cars through Car Next Door.

John Caley

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Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) & Master of Engineering Studies (Environmental)
MIEAust CPEng


John launched Ecological Design in 2004 as a consultancy providing sustainable design services including residential building thermal modelling, BASIX assessments, water balance modelling and design of rainwater harvesting systems. Since then, he has expanded the service to consult on all aspects of residential building sustainability and has provided assessments and designs for hundreds of residential building projects.

His professional career began as a Mechanical Engineer after graduating with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Queensland in 1986. He went on to complete his Master in Environmental Engineering studying part-time at the University of Sydney while working as an acoustical consulting engineer, landscaper and rainwater tank installer.

John has a passion for a more ecological approach to water which has led to research of wastewater reuse systems and the development of water balance modelling tools that accurately simulate the water flows within a residential site.  He is regularly employed as an expert consultant in the field of rainwater harvesting. He is experienced in stormwater drainage analysis and has designed numerous stormwater drainage systems across Sydney and nearby regions.  His designs continue to evolve along with new technology and in response to diverse clients and projects.

John has developed and presented workshops for local councils, the Alternative Technology Association and the Australian Solar Council on diverse sustainability topics including; rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, glazing performance and energy efficiency.  In 2012, he rewrote the rainwater harvesting section of the Your Home technical manual.

He is active in the local community as the president of Bike Marrickville, working to make the local area a better place for people to get around by bicycle.

Call John on 0418 262 706 
email john@ecologicaldesign.com.au

David Winterton

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Bachelor of Arts (Communications) & Master of Environment)

David has wide-ranging expertise in sustainability, education, permaculture and environment.   David joined Ecological Design in 2011 and brings deep analytical and practical skills to support individuals, households and community organisations to lighten their environmental footprint and achieve meaningful environmental outcomes.

In energy efficiency, David has undertaken more than 150 household energy assessments and convenes the Sydney Central Branch of the Alternative Technology Association. In community gardening, he has led the permaculture design process for Sydney’s much-loved Charlie’s Garden in Darlington, which produces an abundance of fruits, vegetables and herbs for nearby residents.

Working in sustainable urban water cycle management David has supported communities to reclaim responsibility for catchment care as well as developing considerable expertise in urban rainwater tank installations. He was an invited presenter at Grand Designs Live in 2013 and has facilitated successful workshops for Waverley, Marrickville, Rockdale, Ashfield, Ryde and City of Sydney Councils.  in 2015 he worked as a contractor for the Cooks River Alliance.

With a Master of Environment specialising in integrated water management from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Newcastle, Permaculture Design Certificates from Crystal Waters and Bendigo, a Certificate IV in Business Sustainability Assessment, extensive project management expertise and a lifetime of intrepid world travel, David adds depth and breadth to projects in energy, water and garden design.

Call David on 0403 911 083 
email david@ecologicaldesign.com.au

Matilde Martin

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Bachelor of Applied Science
​(Interior Architecture with Honours)
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Matilde is originally from Denmark and has always been passionate about the environment and sustainable practices.

With an extensive career in customer service, Matilde decided to combine her love for helping people with her fascination for the built environment and studied Interior Architecture.

Matilde has a deep interest in human behaviour and environmental responsibility and focuses on helping people realise the potential of their projects and designs.

Matilde has a dream to save the world and strongly believes that it starts in your own home.

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Email Matilde matilde@ecologicaldesign.com.au

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