About us

Due to our size and longevity, we have the capability to explore ideas and drive innovation in a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Our decision-making process is viewed through the lenses of environmental sustainability and social responsibility, which guides our future-driven direction. These core pillars form our considered approach and support the legacy of the spaces we create for people to meet, interact and live for generations to come.

This is what makes ULS different — Transforming Landscapes Together.

Client satisfaction
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Trees planted per annum
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Landscapes delivered to the community
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Tonnes of coal saved through renewable energy production
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Our values

Progressive

We stay ahead of the industry curve by embracing a progressive vision driven by insightful ideas, scalable innovation and future-focused performance.

Considered

We operate with a considered approach and an inclusive mindset when delivering our environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

Trusted

We ground everything we do in trust, transparency and integrity, built on a foundation of mutual respect and universal equality.

Our team

At ULS, our team is our company. We’re dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, open collaboration and universal respect for all, reflected in our equal opportunity practices. This inclusive approach has a positive impact on the communities we serve, creating an enduring legacy of purposeful work that’s built for tomorrow and beyond.

Giles Hoy

Managing Director

Julie Watkins

Chief executive officer

Lee Prior

Construction Manager

Nathan Dokos

Maintenance Manager

Leon Sablinskis

Senior Project Manager
& Business Development Manager

David Gardiner

Irrigation Manager

Striving for a greener and cleaner future

Together, we are proactively:
– Upgrading our fleet to electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
– Limiting travel kilometres where viable.
– Swapping over to electric machinery.
– Optimising HQ power through solar panels.
– Becoming a paperless office.
– Recycling single-use items and green waste.
– Repurposing products to extend their life.
– Reducing our HQ and onsite water usage.

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ISO Accredited

Giles Hoy

Managing Director

Giles Hoy founded ULS Group in 2001, driven by his passion for horticulture and a vision to deliver exceptional outdoor spaces. Over more than three decades, his strategic leadership and deep industry expertise have transformed ULS Group into one of Melbourne’s most trusted providers of commercial landscaping, irrigation, and maintenance services.

With extensive experience in public open space development, landscape construction, and project management, Giles remains actively involved across all major facets of the business. His strong commercial acumen, governance knowledge, and commitment to excellence ensure operational performance and sustainable growth. Known for his approachable leadership style and focus on innovation, Giles continues to set new benchmarks for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility—shaping ULS Group’s reputation for excellence.

Julie Watkins

Chief executive officer

Julie has been an integral part of ULS Group for over 12 years, with more than a decade in senior management driving strategic growth and transformation. Under her leadership, ULS Group has quadrupled in size, growth fuelled by her ability to cut through complexity, lead change, and implement strategies that deliver measurable results across the company’s three core pillars: Landscape, Maintenance, and Irrigation. With over 25 years of experience in business management and senior roles in manufacturing, construction, and IT, Julie combines strategic vision with practical execution to ensure operational excellence and long-term sustainability.

Julie is known for her financial acumen, competitive nature, and forward-thinking approach to leadership. Her ability to champion innovation, maintain strong governance, and build meaningful stakeholder relationships has earned her recognition as a progressive leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and driving performance, Julie continues to shape ULS Group’s future with a focus on agility, sustainability, and excellence.

Lee Prior

Construction Manager

With over 25 years of experience in public open space development, landscape construction, and project management, Lee brings extensive knowledge and practical expertise to his role as Construction Manager. His deep understanding of construction processes and the commercial landscape industry ensures projects are delivered to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Lee is a passionate, hands-on leader who excels in project planning, resource management, safety compliance, and quality control. Committed to driving innovation through change management, he focuses on improving construction methodology and resource allocation while fostering strong client relationships. Known for his ability to troubleshoot complex challenges and maintain clear communication, Lee’s leadership inspires teams to perform at their best and consistently achieve outstanding results.

Nathan Dokos

Maintenance Manager

Nathan’s career spans more than two decades in public open space development, with more than 15 years in horticulture, Nathan brings deep expertise in landscape maintenance. His knowledge of tree establishment and management ensures parks, gardens, wetlands, and large-scale environments are maintained to the highest standards of care and sustainability.

Nathan is a hands-on leader recognized for precision, safety, and quality. Dedicated to building strong client relationships, he provides expert advice on horticultural and commercial landscaping issues while overseeing project planning, resource management, and compliance. His ability to troubleshoot challenges and deliver practical solutions makes him an invaluable asset to the ULS Group team.

Leon Sablinskis

Senior Project Manager & Business Development Manager

Leon is a results-driven leader with over a decade of experience in landscape construction and public open space project management. Beginning his career through an apprenticeship and hands-on industry work, he has built a reputation for clear communication, structured planning, and delivering projects to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Since joining ULS Group more than five years ago, Leon has played a key role in shaping project delivery and client outcomes.
In his dual role, Leon combines technical expertise with strategic thinking to manage marquee projects such as Mt Atkinson Stage 7 and Arbor Estate while driving business development initiatives. His collaborative approach, focus on innovation, and ability to identify growth opportunities make him a trusted partner for clients and a valued leader within ULS Group. Leon’s commitment to excellence ensures every project is delivered with precision, safety, and long-term value.

David Gardiner

Irrigation Manager

As Irrigation Manager, David brings more than 15 years of experience in public open space and oval development, backed by deep technical expertise in irrigation construction and project management. His knowledge of irrigation systems and design ensures every project is delivered with precision, efficiency, and sustainability.

David leads all aspects of irrigation planning and execution—from tendering and design through to quality control and stakeholder communication. Known for his ability to manage complex projects while maintaining compliance and high standards, he combines practical experience with innovative thinking. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and accountability, ensuring teams perform at their best and clients receive reliable, high-performing irrigation solutions.