Developer and contractor Freecity has appointed Filomena Beshara as Development Manager – ESG and Innovation Lead.
Filomena will lead sustainability, innovation and technology initiatives across Freecity’s development portfolio, while spearheading research and new approaches that deliver long-term commercial, social and environmental value.
Before joining Freecity, Filomena spent four years as Sustainability Manager at Built Australia, where she delivered market-leading sustainability outcomes for major projects such as Parramatta Square and WSU Bankstown City Campus, and helped shape industry practice through research collaborations, design-for-disassembly frameworks and white papers on sustainable construction.
She brings a multidisciplinary background spanning architecture, sustainability, and hands-on project delivery, with experience leading high-rise for residential, commercial and community sector developments across all stages of design and delivery.
“I am thrilled to join Freecity Group to help shape the future of the living sector. I have been inspired by their vision to design smarter, human-centred, sustainable homes and communities – it was a key contributor to my decision to join their team.”
Filomena Beshara, Development Manager –ESG and Innovation Lead, Freecity
Filomena regularly tutors and lectures at UNSW’s School of Built Environment, mentoring emerging architects and designers and contributing to the university’s design education programs. This complements Freecity’s three-year Research Hub agreement with UNSW, focused on engineering, ESG and AI innovation.
She also serves as Co-Chair of NAWIC NSW’s Education Committee, supporting industry capability building and expanding pathways for women in property.
Her achievements have been recognised with major industry honours, including finalist for the Property Council of Australia’s Future Leader of the Year (2025) and IWBI’s Next Frontier of Design Award (2025).
She is a WELL AP, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Designer, and Green Star Accredited Professional and holds a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a Master of Architecture from Politecnico di Milano.
“Sustainability is fundamental to how Freecity designs, builds and delivers projects and our leadership in Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC) allows us to significantly reduce waste, improve material efficiency and lower embodied carbon across the project lifecycle.
“Filomena’s appointment reflects both the depth of her expertise and the direction Freecity is heading as a business, pursuing the inherent advantages which can be delivered through VMC for the Living Sector.
“She brings a rare combination of hands-on development experience, sustainability leadership and research-led thinking, which is exactly what we need as we continue to embed ESG across every stage of our projects.”
Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO, Freecity Group
Freecity’s ESG approach is already being delivered on major projects, including its Herring Road student accommodation development at Macquarie Park, set to be Australia’s tallest Volumetric Modular Construction project at 20 storeys.
Once operational, the scheme is targeting both a 5 Star Green Star and a WELL Residential accreditation; a global standard designed for residential developments that prioritises occupant health and wellbeing. Grounded in scientific research and independently verified, it focuses on areas such as air and water quality, light, thermal comfort, materials and community.
