Meet the Team
At iObject, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring that new developments do not negatively impact your home or community. With expert knowledge in town planning and a passion for protecting local neighbourhoods, we work tirelessly to safeguard your interests. Get to know the experts that seek to level the development playing field and preserve the unique qualities of your neighbourhood.
Matthew Powell
Founder & Principal Town Planner
BPlan (UNSW), RPIA
After extensive experience working within the public and private sectors as a town planner, Matthew founded a town planning consultancy in 2020, later to become known as ‘iObject’. Matthew is a qualified town planner with a bachelor’s degree in town planning (B. Planning 2010, UNSW). He maintains full membership as a registered town planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (RPIA) (Mem. No. 79157).
Matthew has broad experience obtaining successful development outcomes for neighbours of DA’s. His innovate design review technique developed in conjunction with highly regarded architects in the industry have led to numerous improvements in design quality among the DA’s he has scrutinised. Matthew has proven to be a strong communicator when appealing to council officers for better development outcomes. He has also proven an effective advocate representing clients before planning panels and the Land and Environment Court.
Ruth O’Neill
Client-Council Liaison
B.Ed. (DCU)
Ruth joined iObject in 2024 and is responsible for liaison between councils, clients and other relevant parties in seeking improved development outcomes. She also assists with the day-to-day business operations, including customer service, scheduling, marketing, and negotiating DA deadlines.
Ruth has extensive relationship management experience, being adept in communication and problem-solving. She is highly regarded for her dedication to client service. As the facilitator of iObject’s Phase B Monitoring and Accountability service, Ruth maintains a line of communication with the DA assessment officer, with the goal of ensuring clients’ objections receive the full consideration they deserve.
Sebastian Arnone
Town Planner
BPlan (UWS)
After working as a consultant town planner specialising in heritage conservation, Sebastian joined iObject to assist with the preparation of planning submissions and council engagement. His ability to navigate complex planning and heritage issues allows him to provide clients with well-informed strategies when proposing alternative design solutions for councils to consider.
By leveraging his experience in planning and heritage, Sebastian plays a key role in protecting community interests and ensures inappropriate developments are challenged. His ability to thoughtfully evaluate the potential impacts of developments on neighbours ensures his planning objections are logical, evidence-based and comprehensive.
Maria José Scheller
Administration Assistant
B.Arts (USYD), LLB (UTS)
Maria has a wide-ranging professional background, consisting of law, strategy, management and administration experience. Maria joined the business in 2022 to assist with marketing iObject’s new service offering at the time. Maria’s valuable contributions to community engagement and system improvements saw iObject grow into the trusted brand it is today.