
Our Heritage
We're country builders at heart
Our Heritage
Since 1992, The Rural Building Co. has been building beautiful country homes for people across Western Australia.
Over the years, we’ve built more than 6,000 homes, cementing our reputation as the homebuilder of choice in regional WA.
1992
1994
1995
1997
2003
2008
2009
2018
Today
Where it all began
The Rural Building Co. is established by Julian Walter at the beginning of the ‘tree change’ movement. The company’s philosophy is founded on a deep understanding of what people need – and want – when they’re building in regional Western Australia.


First expansion
The company opens an office in Bunbury.
Growth continues
The company’s presence in the regions grows, with the opening of offices in Busselton and Geraldton.


Ongoing expansion
An office is opened in Bridgetown to further expand the company’s involvement in regional building.
More new offices
Offices open in Albany and Avon as demand for The Rural Building Co.’s designs continues to grow.


Building charity support
As part of the JWH Group, The Rural Building Co. becomes a major supporter of the Regional Telethon Home. Today, the JWH Group supports a variety of causes, including The Bridge Project, the Guide Dog Association, the Variety of Choice Home Lottery and the Metropolitan Telethon Home.
JWH Group formed
Julian Walter brings together The Rural Building Co., WA Country Builders and Oswald Homes to form the JWH Group, a family-run, family-owned Western Australian business.


Next generation – Jay
Jay Walter, Julian Walter’s son, joins the family business in a business development role.
Next generation – Alicia
Alicia Kelly, Julian Walter’s daughter, joins the family business as a management accountant.


Hall of Fame honours
Recognised for its outstanding efforts in home building, the JWH Group is inducted into the National Family Business Australia (FBA) Hall of Fame.
Future direction
The Rural Building Co. continues to stay true to its original philosophy, offering a range of home designs for both rural and urban settings. Clients know their new-home project is in safe hands because they’ve chosen a builder that is part of the JWH Group, Western Australia’s third-largest building company. Today, the JWH Group is also one of Australia’s top 10 largest building companies.


Meet the Team
When you partner with The Rural Building Co. to build your new home, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from our team members. They will work with you to incorporate your ideas, who you are, and how you want to live. With innovation and design at the forefront, our award-winning team will reflect the very essence of your own personal lifestyle.


Tony Harvie
General Manager
Our General Manager, Tony, grew up in regional Victoria, making him a country boy, born and bred. He joined the military at the age of 17, where he worked for an extensive period before transitioning into the construction industry. Tony initially worked for JWH Group, in the residential building division, before moving into the land development industry as General Manager of Sales and Marketing, at one of Australia’s largest and most successful Perth-based developers. From here, Tony made the move to a Group General Manager position, before rejoining the JWH Group in 2018. Today, Tony is the General Manager of The Rural Building Co. and WA Country Builders.

Peter Chellew
Sales Manager
A seasoned and experienced sales professional, with a career spanning more than two decades, Peter is The Rural Building Co.’s Sales Manager. Peter loves navigating the challenges that come with building on a rural site, and working with the team to find solutions. Peter enjoys keeping busy and active, using his leisure time to play touch rugby, golf, squash and water sports.

Manny De Brito
Regional Manager - South West
Manny has been working with the JWH Group since 1999, across a variety of roles within the business, such as estimating, scheduling and as Regional Manager in 2020. Manny currently leads our South-West team, who are extremely passionate about helping and supporting local families as they build their new homes throughout the region. Manny enjoys the entire building process, from start to finish. He says there is nothing more satisfying than helping people build their dream home. When Manny isn't at work, you'll find him on the golf course or supporting his daughters on the sidelines at their horse show-jumping competitions.

Levi Evans
Regional Manager Perth and Avon Region
Narrogin-born and Albany-raised, country boy Levi is perfectly suited to his Regional Manager Role at The Rural Building Co. Levi values longevity and takes inspiration from the calibre of the people he is connected to in both his working life and at home with his young family. He enjoys the diverse nature of building and construction and loves seeing homes built in the bush, a place he still feels a strong connection to.

Rob Kirkovski
Designer Manager
Design Manager Rob has spent more than three decades immersed in architecture, interior design and construction. For the first decade of his career, Rob honed his skills at various architectural firms in Perth, specialising in luxury housing projects. After gaining valuable experience, he transitioned to working as an interior designer. After this, Rob joined the JWH Group. Over the course of the last two decades, his career has taken him across the vast expanse of Western Australia. From bustling urban centres to remote coastal towns, he’s had the opportunity to work on a wide range of housing typologies. Each project has presented its own unique challenges and rewards, shaping Rob into the versatile professional he is today.

Michael Brackenreg
Building Manager
Born and raised in Geraldton, our Building Manager, Mike, is a second-generation builder. Starting as a plumbing apprentice, and then working through the supervisory and construction manager ranks, Mike has worked across an extremely broad range of construction projects in his rich career. A registered builder, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge of construction methodologies and building practices. When not at work, Mike unwinds on the golf course, at the Eagles, or on his Sunday morning bike rides with mates.

Eshan Soleymani
Estimating and Cost Control Manager
A registered builder from Iran, Ehsan moved to Australia in 2013 and commenced his career in the residential building industry with JWH Group. Extending his quest beyond commercial projects and apartment buildings, Ehsan has also worked in a diverse range of roles including scheduling, estimating and office administration management. Ehsan’s analytical skills and process-orientated mindset form the base of his proficiency in process and performance management, showcasing his strength to driving continuous improvements in the business.

Daniel Bruyninckx
Drafting Manager
A draftsman for 25 years, Drafting Manager Daniel Bruyninckx is an experienced and passionate part of the Rural Building Co team. He’s been with the JWH Group since 2002, making him the seasoned expert in drafting management, construction documentation, and client relationship management. Daniel’s passion for the residential construction industry is in his blood; his grandfather was a bricklayer, coming to Australia after the war as a Dutch immigrant. Daniel grew up in the Perth hills, and has recently moved to suburbia, where his young daughter keeps him on his toes! For Daniel, it’s the diversity and quality of the product at the Rural Building Co. that keeps every day interesting. “We’re not like every other builder, we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach,” he says. “It relates to growing up in the hills, and appreciating the awesome product at the end.”

Clint Swift
Construction Manager
Clint started his building career as a framing carpenter, before hanging up his tool belt and taking on the role of construction supervisor for various building companies. Clint leads his team closely, with weekly meetings, assisting them to achieve their targets by offering support and resolution to any queries they have. Clint likes to get involved on sites to resolve issues first-hand. Clint unwinds by playing his guitar with his band mates or playing golf fishing or camping.

Bonnie Muccilli
Administration Team Lead
Bonnie joined JWH Group in 1998 and has held a number of roles during her time with the company. Bonnie says it’s a privilege to be a part of what can be a life-changing experience for our clients. Most of all, Bonnie enjoys reviewing, advising, planning and choosing selections with the clients and watching their excitement grow through each phase – admin, construction and key handover.

Todd Knuiman
Construction Supervisor
A carpenter by trade, Construction Supervisor Todd Knuiman completed his apprenticeship in 2009. While running his own carpentry business, Todd spent 10 years subcontracting to the JWH Group, before taking on a role as a construction manager at a building company. In November 2021, Todd returned to JWH Group. In 2023, Todd completed his Diploma in Building and Construction, and has since gained his Building Practitioner’s Licence.

Todd Branson
New Home Consultant
Todd joined the Rural Building Co. south-west division in 2008, after a much-needed sea change to beautiful Dunsborough. With over 17 years’ experience in the building industry, Todd’s knowledge and passion for new homes continues to grow year after year. Todd’s commitment to helping his clients build their dream homes means that he will be right beside them every step of the way. When he’s not working, Todd loves scouring our spectacular coast for the perfect wave, supporting the Fremantle Dockers and spending quality time with his family.

Ryan Seppala
New Home Consultant
Ryan, a proud Geraldton local, boasts an intimate understanding of the mid-west region and its lifestyle. He takes pride in guiding his clients towards realising their dream homes, leveraging his personal touch and meticulous attention to detail to streamline the building journey into a stress-free experience. With over a decade of industry experience and a family background steeped in 40 years of local building expertise, Ryan offers trustworthy advice tailored to each client's needs. Whether assisting first-time homeowners, those settling into their forever abode, or facilitating house and land packages, Ryan finds fulfillment in helping clients discover homes perfectly suited to their circumstances. During his leisure hours, Ryan relishes moments with loved ones, hits the gym, explores the outdoors on his bike, embarks on travels, and savors the quintessential mid-west lifestyle.

Peter Bilston
New Home Consultant
Peter joined JWH Group in 1992 in Perth and made the move to the South-West in 1999. Peter has worked in the building industry for over 25 years and has gained extensive knowledge across the board including two storey, rural properties and coastal designs to suit all different types of clients and requirements. When not at work, Peter can be found socialising with friends and enjoying time with his two boys.

Josh Lindsay
New Home Consultant
A south-west local, Josh has been working in the property industry for over 12 years, specialising in off the plan sales. During this time, he has developed a great understanding of market trends and conditions, with comprehensive knowledge of the West Australian property market. Josh has a passion for helping people on their property journey by building their property portfolios, with a proven track record in exceeding client’s expectations and delivering results of the highest standard. When he’s not working, Josh enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time with his family and chasing waves.

Jason Seppala
New Home Consultant
Jason prides himself on creating dream homes while guiding clients with honest and friendly advice. Jason believes in always taking an intellectual and flexible approach from design to construction, as it results in the ultimate outcome and the happiest clients. Having lived in Geraldton his entire life, Jason has a great understanding of the local area and has received numerous customer service awards as an individual along with the team at the Rural Building Co. Geraldton.

Jason Riedyk
Construction Manager
Jason qualified as a carpenter in 1992 and ran his own carpentry business in Albany for eight years before joining the Rural Building Co. team in 2000. He became a Construction Supervisor in 2009 before being promoted to Construction Manager role in 2013. A tradesman at heart, Jason’s skills, knowledge and industry experience are extensive, and he has a passion for working together with clients to build their perfect homes. In his spare time, Jason loves to get outdoors; racing go karts with his son, or riding dirt bikes.

Jason Anderson
Construction Manager
With over 30 years in the building industry, Jason heads up our construction team in the mid-west region. A Registered Building Practitioner with a background in carpentry, Jason has expertise in all aspects of construction, from hands-on work to sales and management. He ran his own company for five years, focusing on bespoke homes and large renovations, earning awards from the Housing Industry Australia and Master Builders Association, including the Silver Trowel Award for bricklaying. In his spare time, Jason enjoys the beach, travelling, BBQs and following sports like boxing, AFL, and NBA.

Ian Johnston
Construction Supervisor
Construction Supervisor Ian Johnston has spent the last two decades working in the industry, beginning his career as a carpenter, and later obtaining both his Builder’s Registration, and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management and Leadership. Ian has spent many years living on the east coast of Australia, in a bid to experience as much of the country as he can. Now settled back in WA, Ian spends as much of his spare time as he can surfing, sailing, and at the beach with his partner Hanna, and their dog.

Giles Lilley
Regional Manager
Building runs in the family for Regional Manager, Giles. Growing up, he was surrounded by bricks and mortar with his father and grandfather operating a building company from the late 1960s. Raised in the south-west, Giles shares sense of community and connectedness with the residents. He understands the importance of living in a safe place that contributes to a positive lifestyle and wellbeing. Joining the JWH Group in 2004, Giles has spent the last two decades working for various divisions in the Group, with a high level of experience in sales and managerial roles. When he's not working, Giles enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son on their small farm, and riding his vintage motorcycles.

Darren Welshman
New Home Consultant
Darren has lived in Albany all his life and has worked in the building industry for over 26 years. Darren has built several new homes in Albany and uses his experience to assist clients with every aspect of the building process. Darren is married with two children and loves surfing, fishing and camping and spending time with family.

Corinna Hipper
Regional Manager
Corinna has been with the Rural Building Co. since 2013 and has held multiple roles including scheduler and a brief stint as an estimator. She now keeps the mid-west region in check as our Regional Manager. Having cherished her own upbringing in regional WA, Corinna brings that special touch to her role and is passionate about ensuring our clients have an enjoyable experience. When not at work, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and photography, as well as spending time with her family and loyal four-legged friend.

Brook Leber
New Home Consultant
Born and raised in the Pilbara before moving to Bunbury and finally Perth, Brook is passionate about rural building, environmental design and nature. Prior to joining The Rural Building Co., Brook spent 14 years as an award-winning designer at Oswald Homes and Residential Attitudes. He ensures the process of designing and building their dream home is a “no-nonsense” positive and rewarding experience. When he is not working you will find Brook exploring WA with his family.

Gavin Turner
New Home Consultant
Born and raised in the WA Goldfields, Gavin had a long career in horticulture and landscaping before moving to the Avon Valley and joining The Rural Building Co. in 2009. Thanks to his many years in country WA, Gavin has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the complexity of building on rural properties. Gavin enjoys nothing more than guiding clients through their building journey, and watching fantastic homes be built throughout the Perth and Avon regions.

Carrie Anderson
Special Projects Manager
Carrie started working with the JWH Group in 2005 as a Construction Clerk and Trainee Scheduler Estimator. She quickly became a very valuable member of the Busselton division and within a year, was promoted to an Estimator. Being a working mum, Carrie had little time to waste and after four years in estimating, Carrie was promoted to Divisional Administration Manager. Carrie quickly moved up the career ladder, progressing to Office Manager, Process and Cost Control Manager, Regional Manager and now, Carrie oversees special projects in the project development division of the business. A fitness fanatic and loving mum of two daughters, Carrie loves to spoil her team with baked cakes.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re looking to browse our range of beautiful home designs, view our inspirational display homes, or build a custom home, contact us today and discover Rural Building Co.’s better building experience.