Meet Joe Ballester

Coming from a role as National Sales Manager for an innovative architectural solutions company, Joe’s passion for architecture and building and his rich engineering background has set him in good stead for his work at Abodo, which sees him lead all aspects of the business in Australia.

This familiarity is a great benefit, as Joe is in day-to-day contact with various Abodo divisions, distributors, architects, builders and industry groups. Through these interactions, he sees evidence of an increasing appetite in the market for sustainably sourced and manufactured feature timbers, which he is excited to fulfil through Abodo’s product range.

With three teenage children, Joe’s home life is just as bustling as his work. “We have two sons who are very active in sport, and a daughter who loves to get out in nature, which is an interest we share.” Like many Australians, he also has a great affinity for the beach and gets out in the surf whenever he can.

In terms of his passion for architecture, the redeveloped Eco Centre in St Kilda by Bourke & Bouteloup Architects is a particular favourite. This project is due to be finished in 2024 and uses Abodo timbers for the external facade.

“I think there is a lot of alignment with the objectives of that community building and our Abodo brand around sustainable design and creating a building with a comforting and natural feel.” says Joe. The work of Melbourne practice B.E Architecture, Joe admires in their use of a natural palette both of colours and materials, juxtaposing timber, brick and concrete. His all-time favourite building is the Welsh Assembly Building in Cardiff, UK by Richard Rogers Architects, for its “bold use of timber in an important cultural building.”

This clear passion and eye for detail provides an authentic drive for his day-to-day work. “I have a strong interest in energy efficient design and sustainability, especially design that takes into account embodied energy,” he says. “So, the really cool thing is that my interests and strengths are met here at Abodo. I feel I'm in the right place.”