Meet the new faces at Jasmax

International design practice Jasmax has appointed two highly accomplished Australian-based women to senior leadership and governance roles.

Minnie Cade joins as a Principal in Jasmax’s Sydney studio, whilst Leslie Butterfield has been appointed as an Independent Board Director.

The strategic appointments build on the momentum of Jasmax’s Australian business. The Sydney studio opened in 2022, and a studio in Melbourne followed in February 2025.

Cade has over 25 years' experience leading the master planning, design and delivery of major public and private projects, most recently as Principal and Project Director at Wardle.  Her portfolio spans the education, life sciences, commercial, culture and community, retail and multi-residential sectors.

An MBA enhances Cade's leadership, business and financial acumen and ability to navigate the increasingly complex construction industry.

Key projects at Wardle include the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk Campus Transformation project; the University of Melbourne’s Australian Institute for Infectious Disease; the construction phase of the Ian Potter Southbank Centre; and the Monarch Residences on the Brisbane River. She serves on the City of Melbourne and Victorian Government Architect Design Review Panels.

Cade will work closely with Chris Rogers, Jasmax’s Sydney Studio Lead, to expand the practice’s Sydney portfolio while leading projects.

“I was drawn to Jasmax as a talented, collaborative and thoughtful design collective that cares deeply about communities, Indigenous design and a sustainable future that puts nature first. I’m very excited to be joining such a long-established and successful practice and be part of Jasmax’s growth in Australia,” Cade says.

Butterfield has extensive business and governance expertise and knowledge in the property, infrastructure and technology sectors in Australia and the US. She has over 20 years’ experience in non-executive director roles and is a past Telstra NSW Businesswoman of the Year.

She was CEO of management consultancy and project management firm McLachlan Lister, then Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director for Hill International following the merger of the two companies. 

Butterfield has a deep understanding of cultural, legal and commercial contexts in each Australian state. As a Board member, she will provide governance and strategic oversight, playing a critical role in steering the practice’s growth trajectory.

“I am honoured to have been selected to act as Jasmax's Australian-based Independent Director. Jasmax’s focus on sustainability, inclusion and respect, combined with an open and honest approach, is admirable and compelling,” Butterfield says.

Jasmax CEO Matthew Glubb welcomes the new appointments.

"Minnie and Leslie are two excellent leaders who bring invaluable insights, connections and talent to the practice. Minnie’s design expertise and Leslie’s commercial insight will play a transformative role in realising Jasmax's growth strategy in Australia and elevating the level of service we provide to our clients,” he says.

Image: Matthew Glubb, Minnie Cade, Karen Price and Leslie Butterfield.