Our Team

As an apprentice carpenter for a staircase designer, the young Mat Dale quickly learned the importance of millimetre-perfect accuracy: to clients, and his own professional pride. Those lessons would become the cornerstone of his subsequent success as a master builder where, as founder of MPD Constructions Group, he built a singular reputation for exacting quality through exceptionally built residential, commercial, industrial, education and aged care sector projects. The establishment of Cove completes the circle for Mat, as he returns to bespoke residential projects, working alongside a handpicked team of like-minded professionals with similarly uncompromising standards.

A year after graduating as an architect from the Unitec, Auckland, Nicola crossed the Tasman with plans to stay for a short while, while gaining experience in her chosen profession. Still here a decade and half later, New Zealand’s loss is very much our clients’ gain. Having worked over that period for large and small firms across a range of sectors—in architecture and interior design roles—Nicola is now focused on her first love: high-end residential projects, working with clients who are as passionate as she about every detail of their homes.

Registered Architect & Interior Designer (NSW Reg. 8692)

Mel brings to her role two highly complementary skillsets. As a registered psychologist focused on organisational behaviour, she knows how to foster individual and team performance, effectiveness and wellbeing. Having married Cove Owner and Founder, Mat Dale, almost 15 years ago, she is also extremely well versed in the building industry. The type of energetic and intuitive individual you find at the heart of every successful small business, Mel is across every aspect of the firm’s systems and processes, and its every project. She is also our ‘first responder’, ready to pitch in whenever, wherever and however needed to support her Cove colleagues.

Alison’s warm and positive personality is infectious as she brings many important skills and interests to her role at Covemade. With a creative background in Marketing and Design and a keen interest in organising, systems and scheduling, she is the perfect fit for the Covemade team to assist in the smooth running of our projects. Extremely well versed in the building industry she has hands-on experience as a seasoned renovator herself. Currently studying Interior Design, Alison has passion for colour, styling and creating homely spaces around her and her input is highly valued in the Covemade team. Alison is a keen gardener, fitness inspiration, creative cook/baker, and eco-warrior.