Leadership Capability Strengthened with Dr Nathan Kotlarewski

Dr Nathan Kotlarewski joined the Hydrowood team as full time as Project and Compliance Coordinator in May 2025, bringing a blend of design intelligence, deep timber industry knowledge and a track record of hands-on innovation.  

Nathan’s skills and experience align powerfully with Hydrowood’s mission to deliver premium, story-rich timber to the market. 

With a PhD in Industrial Design from Swinburne University of Technology and more than a decade work across academia, applied research and timber manufacturing, Nathan is highly regarded across the Australian timber industry.  

He has played a leading role in advancing timber product innovation and commercialisation, with particular strengths in mass timber production, digital fabrication and sustainable timber design.  

Nathan’s research has helped shape emerging markets for plantation hardwoods like Eucalyptus nitens and his collaborative work with leading processors, including Neville Smith Forest Products, Timberlink and Porta, demonstrates his ability to drive real-world impact. 

Most recently a Research Fellow at the University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood and formerly Production Manager at CLTP Tasmania, Nathan understands both the theoretical frameworks and operational realities of bringing new timber products to life.  

His unique perspective as both an academic and industry practitioner has made him a key connector between design and production. 

Nathan’s appointment is a strategic investment in Hydrowood’s future and strengthens our ability to navigate regulatory environments, optimise timber production and accelerate innovation.  

His role will be central in coordinating our project pipeline, supporting compliance and certifications and ensuring our timber is always at the forefront of specification for architects, designers and builders. 

Awarded the 2023 Emerging Leader in the Tasmanian Timber Industry, Nathan is not only a respected figure today but a future leader in the national timber landscape.  

Please join us in welcoming Nathan to the team.  

His appointment signals not only Hydrowood’s growth and maturity, but also our commitment to leading the industry in product integrity, innovation and environmental stewardship.