The Team

At Syntropic Solutions, we're all about getting back to nature and making things grow. We love turning spaces into thriving gardens and lush forests that are packed with food, biodiversity and natural beauty.

Hailing from various corners of the globe, our team is an eclectic blend of engineers, architects, designers, and nature stewards.

Proudly, our portfolio includes over 100 meticulously designed landscapes worldwide, culminating in the rejuvenation of more than 200,000 square meters of terrain in over 10 countries.

Dive deeper to meet some of the brilliant minds behind our projects and discover the unique talents that each of them brings to the table.

  • Sandara Passos - Lead Landscape Architect

    Experience in Landscape Architecture, featuring both architectural elements and a strong focus on graphic representation and sensory plant selection. Passionate about seeking innovative and sensitive architectural solutions that respond to human needs.

    With over seven years of experience in Landscape Architecture, featuring both architectural elements and a strong focus on native plant selection, her keen eye for detail and precision has enabled her to work alongside one of Melbourne’s most renowned landscape and horticulture firms.

    Her work is rooted in the connection of people, places and nature and she has a strong interest in environmental planning and sustainability.

  • Marina Manrique - Landscape Architect Assistant

    Marina graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University in Brazil in 2013. She furthered her expertise with an MBA in Construction Technology in 2014. With over a decade of experience, Marina has been instrumental in enhancing residential and landscaping projects.

    In 2021, she deepened her knowledge by undertaking a technical course in Syntropic Agroforestry, focusing on intricate planting processes and mechanisms.

    Guided by Vitruvius' principles of Beauty, Durability, and Functionality, Marina believes in crafting projects that resonate both internally and externally. She is passionate about creating a better world through sustainable projects that embody these core principles.

  • Mauricio Vigano - Food Forest Designer

    Mauricio is a mechanical engineering graduate with 11 years of experience in the oilfield and electrical component industries. He discovered a passion for agriculture in 2017 after attending a course by Ernst Gotsch. Since then, he has immersed himself in learning and practicing organic agriculture, syntropic agroforestry, and biodynamic agriculture.

    Mauricio strives to create ever-improving food forest designs, combining plants with different functions and growth habits to foster a rich and diverse environment. Each project receives his dedicated attention on selecting plants and arrangements to best suit the site’s location and the client's preferences.

    Besides his work at Syntropic Solutions, Mauricio contributes to the annual edition of the biodynamic astronomical calendar used by farmers throughout Brazil and Latin America. He also enjoys tending to his agroforestry paddock and working at nearby farms during winter pruning, sowing time, or harvesting season.

  • Thiago Barbosa - Co Founder and Director

    Thiago is an Syntropic Agroforestry pioneer in Australia who for the past 10 years has been spreading the knowledge of this unique food production and land management technique.

    Driven by a deep respect for the natural world, Thiago has guided countless individuals, from backyard gardeners to farmers to transition from conventional to more ecologically sound practices.

    Beyond his practical expertise, Thiago is also a gifted teacher and communicator. His engaging workshops and talks have inspired audiences across Australia and around the world. His enthusiasm is contagious, and he encourages everyone around him to take action toward a brighter, greener future.

  • Gabriel Gianolla - BDM & Project Manager/ Australia

    Gabriel has always been immersed in sales, customer services, and business development. His innate ability to swiftly establish rapport with individuals has enabled him to excel in a wide variety of teams and settings.

    Transitioning from maintenance to sustainable development has instilled in Gabriel a profound respect for the significance of conserving nature's core essence while advancing toward a more eco-friendly future.

    With Syntropic Solutions, Gabriel adopts a comprehensive approach to each project, emphasizing not just aesthetics but also the enduring effects on the environment and communities.

  • Rodrigo Pierini - Syntropic Agroforestry Expert

    With certifications in Agriculture and Horticulture and over nine years of hands-on farming experience, Rodrigo stands as a distinguished figure in the field, particularly recognised for his efforts in Syntropic Agroforestry.

    His expertise and dedication to regenerative agriculture have not only ensured a continuous supply of fresh, organic produce for local communities but have also sparked a ripple effect of empowerment among fellow farmers.

    Rodrigo Pierini's legacy lies in his vision of a harmonious relationship between farming and nature, inspiring a new generation of agriculturalists to embrace innovation and sustainability for a healthier planet.