Our Story

In 2021, after returning to Australia, Rhys Uhlich set out to build a home for his family, only to discover he’d been priced out of the market. Looking for a smarter, more cost effective solution, he turned to the humble Australian shed and began exploring how this approach could help more Australians build differently. His resourceful response to the affordability challenge ultimately earned him a feature on the cover of Domain.

Rhys was soon introduced to Katie Penfold and Dave Penfold, experienced property developers with more than 40 years of combined expertise across property development, engineering and construction. Recognising the potential of the idea, Katie and Dave joined Rhys in shaping the vision and building Shed House Australia into a scalable national business.

Together, they have evolved Shed House Australia from an innovative idea into a new approach to Australian housing, combining great architectural design, intelligent engineering and a smarter, simpler way for Australians to design and build their homes.

At the heart of it is a simple belief. Great design and home ownership should be within reach of more Australians. We’re challenging the way homes have traditionally been built and creating a smarter way to make The Good Years possible.

Our People

Shed House Australia is a team united by a shared passion for doing things differently. We believe in what we’re building and why it matters. Together, we’re challenging convention, sharing ideas and creating a smarter, simpler way for Australians to design and build their homes.

Rhys Uhlich

Owner, Head of Brand & Marketing

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Rhys holds the vision for Shed House Australia, with a drive to change the way we build in Australia for years to come. His original Shed House on Phillip Island received national acclaim and built the backbone of enquiry and demand we have today.

Rhys' focus at Shed House Australia is to engage with the market and individual clients whilst also collaborating with the team on design.

Katie Penfold

Owner, Head of Operations

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With more than a decade of experience at one of Australia’s most renowned property developers, Mirvac, and as Co-Founder of residential property group Penfold - Katie brings an exceptional level of experience to Shed House Australia.

Katie's role is focused on business development, implementation & execution, along with design & product development.

Dave Penfold

Owner, Head of Finance & Commerical

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Former Acquisitions and Delivery Director at Mirvac and Milieu, and Co-Founder of residential property developer Penfold, Dave brings extensive experience and market knowledge to Shed House Australia.

Daves background in construction, development and design brings certainty in outcomes for our Shed House clients.

Kade Hancock

Technical Operations Manager

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Kade brings more than 20 years of experience across construction, building surveying and project delivery. With a strong understanding of both the technical and commercial sides of the industry, he has led complex building projects and construction businesses, including as CEO of Simba Build. Kade is particularly passionate about using technology and AI to simplify construction, improve project delivery and create smarter ways of working.

Brittany Corr

National Design Manager

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With decades of experience across commercial, corporate, and residential property, Brittany brings a balanced and deeply informed perspective to every project.

Joining the Shed team has allowed Brittany to combine her commercial insight with her love of client care and her passion for creating considered, meaningful spaces. She works closely with clients to understand how they live, what they value, and how their home can support both the everyday and the extraordinary.

Brad Ward

Logistics & Procurement Manager

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Brad brings extensive experience across the building products and steel industries, having previously worked with Steelforce and Stramit. With a strong background in building product sales, procurement and logistics, Brad combines deep industry knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach to delivering great outcomes for our customers.

Carey Watkins

Sales Team
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Carey has built a reputation for excellent customer service, accelerating sales and scaling brands. From overseeing large development projects in Los Angeles to leading sales for its fastest-growing craft beer, he now drives national growth with a sharp commercial mindset and results-first approach.

Claire Uhlich

Sales Team

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Claire has been part of Shed House Australia since the beginning and plays a key role in supporting both client enquiries and internal sales operations. With a comprehensive understanding of our processes, products, and day-to-day workflow, she ensures communication is seamless and clients feel supported from their first interaction through to the later stages of their journey.