About Us

Since 2019 we have been creating considered and functional homes that put an emphasis on sustainability, timber crafting, and high-performance design.

Directors and founders Tom Shaw, Sam Foutoulis, and Ben Kernahan are all carpenters by trade and came together with a vision to collaborate at the crossroads of exquisite design, high performance and unmatched craftsmanship.

We place collaboration at the heart of our work - both on site and with our clients. This means when you start a project with us, you can be certain we are as invested in the final result as you are. From the first meeting all the way through to completion. We want you to be as proud of the final result as we are.

We take great pride in thoughtfully building homes on our beautiful Fleurieu landscape. It is a role we take seriously, which is why we are meticulous at every stage of the build - guaranteeing the highest level of quality.

Ben (Sticks) Kernahan - Director, Contract and Business Management

Ok, hold onto your hats for Ben - AKA Sticks, Krackers or cheeky, crazy obsessive, analytical guy.
If you’ve got a building idea and he loves it, he’s known to research the pants off it.
Mr Dependable, honourable and reliable are all of his traits - which is practical really as he is known to be adventurous - and not just with his mechanical mind. So adventurous that being a part of an Aviation team took him to new heights in his career and countries like France, where he was able to develop his technical skill of traditional French carpentry. Yes Sticks is very accomplished. We dare you to find a broad based and experienced builder who can weld 30 feet under water – that and more stories you’ll hear when you ask him about his deep sea building work adventures.
Sam Foutoulis - Director, Estimating and Project Management

Our Sincere Sam.
The heart and soul of this dynamic 35 South trio. One of the most approachable builders you’ll come across.
His love for sustainability and his imagination ensures he is always invested in you and your build. Always looking for the better way in any project and consistently compassionate in ensuring you are heard in what you want. He’ll come up with new trends and ideas that will work for you or will work on a grand community scale. He’s all about how people resonate with their build and their project. Sam has completed Passivhaus Tradesperson training and is always keen to nerd out on new building science and performance detailing.
Relatable, empathetic and idealistic in all that he does, it’s not hard to respect the man who is amazingly centred and a lover of his craft.
Tom Shaw - Director, Site Operations

Meet trusted yet relaxed Tom.
We’re even tempted to call him the lifestyle building coach. Why? Because the way you value and define what your lifestyle looks like, are all the questions that make up his DNA. It also makes him one of the most productive guys you’ll meet on site.
Super efficient, he can pull the decisive trigger when needed with agility to boot. He rarely stresses out - so he’ll balance any questions you have in your build and make sure there’s an efficient and easy solution… otherwise how else has he got time to surf, work on his own house and get stuck into his veggie garden?
Lifestyle is key.
Rose Perea - Business and Finance Manager

Meet Rose, our Business & Finance Manager. She's the true backbone of our business, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed. Rose's incredible work ethic and unwavering dedication are the driving forces behind our success. Just as she expertly balances our accounts, she knows how to savour the finer things in life, especially when it comes to Lebanese cuisine. Rose doesn't just keep our office running smoothly; she adds flavour to our team, just like her favourite dishes. We're fortunate to have Rose's expertise and passion in our corner.
Clare Conroy - Client Engagement and Operations Manager

Clare’s connection with 35 South began as a client. While working together on her new build project Clare was impressed with our quality craftsmanship and collaborative approach and we were impressed by her communication skills, organisation and geeky spreadsheets - so of course we wanted to continue our work together! Clare now manages the project systems and processes to make the building experience as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
With a professional background in executive coaching, Clare excels at asking the right questions, reframing challenges, and finding effective solutions. She is passionate about supporting people to build intentional, values-aligned homes.