At the September 2019 climate strike in Melbourne, Founder & CEO Matt Sykes was frustrated about the reluctance of established leaders to take decisive action on systemic issues. He saw the same emotions on the faces of over 100,000 people who also took to the streets. From that time, Matt made a commitment to be different, for his nine nephews and nieces, and for future generations.

Throughout his career he has invested in world class education – a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Melbourne, a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship from the University of Cambridge and ‘Bush University’ experiences with First Nations Elders – BUT this called for more.

A month later Matt quit his full-time job and flew to California to meet the former head of environmental initiatives at Patagonia, Rick Ridgeway. Matt describes it as like meeting Yoda. “I was looking for answers and Rick just put a mirror right in front of me.” During that 2-hour lunch Rick challenged Matt to create a consultancy for purpose-driven businesses. “Initially, the context was ecotourism but I felt the need to support leaders across different industries and sectors.” 

Fast forward and Regen Projects emerged from the 2020/21 COVID-19 Lockdowns with like-minded collaborators around the Earth – from Naarm / Melbourne to Manna-hata / New York, Oslo to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland and even the Amazon.

Our strategic and action-focused approach brings great value to organisations ready to challenge the status quo and invest in the planet.

Located within 5 minutes walk of Nairm / Port Phillip Bay on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, Regenhaus is our HQ . During lockdowns Matt would regularly mix up intensive screen time with short walks (and swims) along the nearby coastline. And he still does!

The name Regenhaus combines the stem of the word ‘regeneneration’ in English, Norwegian and German (reflecting Matt’s ancestry), with ‘haus’ connecting specifically to his Austrian roots.

Matt’s professional background includes business consultancy, landscape architecture, environmental advocacy and tourism development. He grew up at the intersection of Boonwurrung and Gunaikurnai Country in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.

Learning from First Nations Elders as well as western Eco-pioneers has shaped Matt’s unique approach to business. He has an ability to move between big systems-level thinking and grassroots localised action, always looking for a practical starting point and clearly communicating the steps forward.

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Nora’s professional background includes a potent mix of sustainable tourism, mining and storytelling. She grew up on the lands of the Nawat people in Mexico, Latin America.

With a Masters of Environment from the University of Melbourne and Bachelor of Tourism Management from Universidad de Colima (Mexico), Nora brings strong project management skills to signature projects like the Fire Circle. Nora is also the Founder of her own platform, Regenerated. 

She is now based on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country, Melbourne, Australia.

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Our Purpose

Our purpose

We’re realigning the economy to our Planet – by building partnerships between Business, Ecosystems & First Nations.

Our vision

A diverse and resilient generation of purpose-driven leaders, equipped with resources to care for Earth’s wellbeing during the decade of action and beyond.

Our values

• Unapologetically Bold – The time to adapt and act is Now.
• Collaboration – Innovation emerges at Intersections.
• Deep Listening – To Planet Earth, each other and ourselves.
• Compassion – For All living things.
• Simplicity – In action, communication and impact.

Our Impact

Five Capitals Model

To tackle the urgent and systemic issues of our time, we’ve designed wholistic growth into the DNA of our business. The Five Capitals cycle of regeneration is a framework that underpins our long-term strategy, day to day operations and annual performance measurement. It is same model that we use in our work with client and we know the impact it can create.

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