Our Team

OUR PEOPLE

Our success comes from the strength of our people, and this is how our collaborative approach to business came to be.

McCorkell is the sum of its people. As our most important resource, we aim to nurture their growth and development within the company. We utilise a flat management structure to create a collective experience. This means our senior management and directors work side-by-side with the team, passing on their industry lessons and knowledge. We’ve spent years developing a supportive company culture so our team can connect, learn and grow. After all, our industry isn’t just about the buildings – it’s also about the people who create them.

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Chief Financial Officer – VIC & WA
Nicholas Lee

Business & HSEQ Administrator – WA
Madeleine Venter

Estimating Manager & Business Development – WA
Steve Ireland

People & Culture Manager – VIC
Rochelle McGrath

Senior Design Manager – VIC
Amanda Calvert

Director – VIC & WA

Howard McCorkell

Howard got his first taste for building in 1986, working on Rex’s construction sites during the school holidays. After entering the family business full-time in 1997, he worked his way up the ladder and became a Director of McCorkell Constructions at the turn of the millennium. Now, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, Howard lives and breathes construction. To this day, Howard still practices a hands-on approach, and his unrivalled experience and practical knowledge is an invaluable resource for our project delivery teams.

Howard’s favourite project: St Kilda Pier Kiosk

Director – VIC & WA

Damien Newton-Brown

After working in a variety of senior management roles throughout the 90’s, we were lucky to have Damien join the McCorkell ranks in 2001 as Commercial Director. Working on a number of Tier 1 projects over his career, he fully understands not just the intricate mechanics behind each of our projects but just as importantly, the significance of both attracting and retaining great people for McCorkell. With his experience in developing business strategies, knowledge of industrial relations, and mentoring capabilities – Damien’s a top-notch foundation to our team of Directors.

Damien’s favourite project: State Library of Victoria Wheeler Centre

Director – WA

Mark Nyaanga

Relationship building is absolutely essential for the Managing Director of our Perth operations, Mark Nyaanga – and as he manages a team of 20, it’s no surprise that people skills are his key to success. With 20 years of experience in the industry and 10 with McCorkell, Mark uses his expertise to inform decision-making, lead project delivery, and foster a great team culture that reflects not only Mark’s core values but McCorkell’s. With years of experience in project management, including several in our Melbourne office, Mark understands the importance of providing consistent quality with every project, irrespective of scale.

Mark’s favourite project: Corpus Christi College Theatre

Director – VIC

Dean Robbins

Not long after beginning his journey in construction in 2006, Dean found his passion for estimating and continued to hone his skills over the next ten years. His vast experience in cost planning and design management led Dean into our business as the manager of our Victorian estimating team, becoming the Director of Pre-Construction shortly after. Dean uses his skills to find cost and design solutions for our clients, ensuring that budget objectives are met. Pivotal to Dean’s role is also understanding the design intent of a project and identifying issues before they arise.

Dean’s favourite project: Penleigh & Essendon Grammar School Gym

Director – VIC

Dale Lyons

A genuine team player and problem-solver, Dale joined McCorkell as a graduate in 2009, immersing himself in projects across all major industry sectors for the next decade. His exceptional stakeholder management abilities and calm, considered approach ushered Dale into a Construction Manager position at our Victorian business, followed shortly after by a Directorship in 2019. Dale now oversees the performance of our delivery teams across Victoria, with his eyes on every project.

Dale’s favourite project: Star of the Sea College Heritage Wing

Chief Financial Officer – VIC & WA

Nicholas Lee

A chartered accountant with over 18 years of experience in finance, property, and construction, Nicholas joined our team in 2024 to support our continued growth and development. Renowned for his financial prudence, his appointment enhances our strategic planning and decision-making. Commercially focused and diligent, Nicholas oversees our accounting, treasury, and financial operations.

Nicholas’ favourite project: Berninneit Cultural & Community Centre

Business & HSEQ Administrator – WA

Madeleine Venter

Commencing her journey in the construction industry in 2011, Madeleine honed her skills as a Contract Administrator for four years before joining our Perth team as our Business & Compliance Administrator. With an innate capacity for organisation and a good eye for detail, Maddie is responsible for a range of administrative functions that support the day-to-day business operations, including our HSEQ compliance needs.

Madeleine’s favourite project: Perth Zoo Lion Exhibit

Estimating Manager & Business Development – WA

Steve Ireland

After 30 years in Western Australia’s commercial construction industry, Steve made the leap to join McCorkell as Estimating & Business Development Manager for our Perth office. Offering a unique blend of procurement and project delivery experience, Steve leads our estimating team where his knowledge can be shared and applied. His outside-the-box thinking and considered approach to cost planning ensures comprehensive and highly competitive tendering.

Steve’s favourite project: Warders Hotel & Restaurant

People & Culture Manager – VIC

Rochelle McGrath

Combining a previous background as a registered architect, and more recent HR and recruitment experience, Rochelle’s role offers broad support and engagement to allow our team to do what they do best. With a focus on building and nurturing McCorkell’s culture and talent, Rochelle is invested in the development and connectivity of our people whilst also ensuring the smooth delivery of our day-to-day office operations, procedures and events.

Rochelle’s favourite project: Melbourne Holocaust Museum

HSEQ Manager – VIC

Brett Armfield

With 25 years of experience in systems management, Brett brings unparalleled expertise to his role as our HSEQ Manager. A highly skilled leader with deep knowledge of health, safety, quality, and environmental management systems – along with auditing and training tailored to commercial construction – he oversees all HSEQ administration and ensures compliance with our Integrated Management System.

Brett’s favourite project: Eva & Marc Besen Centre

Senior Design Manager – VIC

Amanda Calvert

Amanda joined us with an abundance of experience and wisdom collected over more than 20 years of working as a highly successful architect in some of Melbourne’s leading firms. She revels in the opportunity to work first-hand with clients, apply her skills and knowledge, and foster a supportive team ethic to achieve the best project outcomes. Amanda’s extensive background and meticulous attention to detail play a pivotal role in our capacity to achieve design-driven results. Collaborating closely with our Directors and delivery teams, Amanda oversees the design phase of projects and assists in smoothly transitioning them into construction.

Amanda’s favourite project: Springvale Town Hall