About Us
We are an energetic and innovative company founded on the need for independent professionals to provide sound cost advice before, during and after construction. MQS make a conscious effort to challenge conventional quantity surveying services to ensure we add value to every project.
To mitigate anxiety associated with uncertainty, we build confidence through conventional quantity surveying methods in a personal and intimate service. We listen to our clients to understand their objectives, tailoring our service to suit each project’s needs.
We provide much more than just numbers. At MQS we focus on:
-
Providing expert construction guidance, knowledge, advice and budget management in a timely and efficient manner
-
Utilising strong risk management processes
-
Delivering exemplary customer service
-
Sustainable, efficiently run buildings
-
Minimising environmental impacts
​
With 80% of our team comprising of women, we are committed to supporting and encouraging equal opportunities for women to forge exciting careers within the construction industry.
Our Team
Nathan Grimes
When I first started working as a Quantity Surveyor in 2007, I completed a Character Strengths test as part of a team-building exercise. My results came back and my top 5 strengths were Love, Bravery, Social Intelligence, Creativity and Justice. When I compared this to the leaders in the company whom I looked up and aspired to, my strengths weren’t what most would think typical of a Quantity Surveyor.
​
In 2015 I took extended leave and I spent the best part of a year in the remote parts of the Sierra Mountain range in Califonia, USA, working as a guide for Golden Trout Wilderness Pack Trains. They are a small family-owned horseback outfitter who transport fishermen and hunters into remote areas only accessible via foot or horseback. During this time, I travelled over 5,500kms (think Hobart to Darwin) on a horse named Cocoa. With long periods in solitary and isolation, it gave me time to think about my strengths, my career and my prospects for when I returned home. It took some months for me to realise my ‘character strengths’ – although atypical for a Quantity Surveyor – were not failings, but strengths that would differentiate and allow me to challenge what makes a Quantity Surveyor, the value they bring to a project and service they provide.
With this newfound invigoration and determination, I returned home to Melbourne and in time, established Melbourne Quantity Surveyors. With over 15 years in Quantity Surveying and Construction on in excess of 1,100 completed projects ranging from $15,000 to in excess of $ 50 million in all corners of Victoria, from small bathroom renovations to the recent façade restoration at the Royal Exhibition Building. Australia’s only World Heritage-listed building. With this experience, I now have a diverse range of experience that sees me well positioned to offer tailored advice on even the most complex of projects.
Alex Grimes
With her 12+ years experience in Quantity Surveying and property development Alex thoroughly understands the nuances of the construction industry. Her incredible attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects and the abundance of transferable skills will see your project through to a successful conclusion.
Alex compliments the MQS team with her operational management and team leadership experience and pays particular focus to client relationships and company processes. Her ability to communicate clearly, give considered guidance and focus on the client relationship are all key elements that we look for in our team at MQS.
In her downtime, Alex loves cooking, camping, travel and spending time with friends and family over a wine or two.
Rachel Haines
With over 11 years of experience working in the construction industry, Rachel brings in-depth knowledge in measurement, estimating and construction detailing across residential and commercial projects. Her experience extends to managing a team, overseeing onsite installations and liaising with all Stakeholders.
Rachel has strong attention to detail and values client relationships, effective communication and successful project completion. Rachel’s love of learning and enthusiasm for all things construction is always evident.
Outside of MQS, Rachel is busy with a young family. She has a love for coffee, running and enjoys getting away from it all, taking her family camping and exploring.
Alisha Cavallaro
With over 10 years experience in real estate and multiple renovations under her belt, for Alisha, the transition into the building and construction industry has been a welcome and enthusiastic one.
Alisha’s strengths of attention to detail and processes, exceptional organisation and care for client relationships are just some of her key professional qualities which carry over to achieve that high level of customer service.
In her own time, Alisha loves to design, spend time with friends and family, experience new places and educate herself further in subjects of interest.
Elle Brown
Elle has over 11 years’ experience in the Building & Construction industry across residential and commercial projects - with a multifaceted interest, she approaches all areas with enthusiasm.
Elle’s genuine and direct communication style helps her build and maintain strong relationships – this combined with her pragmatic nature, keen eye for detail and commitment to continuous improvement ensures she achieves the best outcomes.
Her background includes new home sales, medium density developments, civil infrastructure, management of project quality systems as well as defect and rectification work management.
Outside of work Elle loves spending time with her daughter, partner, friends, and family. She also enjoys walking, hiking, biking, exploring new towns, listening to podcasts, and working on personal projects.
Lynsey Billings
Lynsey is a highly accomplished Executive Assistant and administration professional with 16 years of experience across the medical, urban planning, business consulting, engineering and education sectors. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, professionalism and a results focused mindset.
​
Lynsey’s genuine, empathetic and direct communication style, combined with strong listening and negotiation skills, enables her to build and maintain trusted relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. She is valued for her problem solving abilities, using initiative and clarity to address challenges efficiently and effectively.
​
Outside of work, Lynsey is an art gallery tour guide, enjoys creative writing to enhance communication and storytelling and studies Gaelic (Irish) to expand her cultural knowledge and cognitive skills. She also actively pursues professional development through courses in project management, executive support and leadership.