Leo Martin
Consultant
Leo Martin is an experienced historian, with a strong background in research. In combination with his knowledge of urban planning and planning and property law, Leo is able to bring excellent analytical and writing skills to a wide range of projects. He is effective in tackling and communicating complex issues clearly.
Prior to joining Context, Leo Martin worked as a planning assistant at the City of Stonnington and as a lawyer within the property and planning group at Deacons in Melbourne. In his capacity as a planning assistant Leo developed a familiarity with the planning process, and the rights of both applicants and objectors under that process. As a lawyer Leo was responsible for the carriage of a number of significant property transactions. During his time as a lawyer he not only developed excellent technical and comprehension skills; he also learned how to explain complex legal ideas in simple and concise language.
In recent years Leo has been involved in a wide variety of projects, including a study of migrant communities in Kalgoorlie and an analysis of medieval forests in England. Leo is currently in the final stages of a PhD. His thesis involves a detailed assessment of the history and significance of the Castlemaine Market Square.
Since joining Context in mid 2009, Leo has worked on an assessment of wildflower aesthetics for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts as well as on Heritage Studies for the City of Banyule and the City of Whittlesea.
Leo is particularly interested in the mechanism through which the heritage value of a property is determined; and the responsibility that a heritage listing imposes upon both the owner and the responsible authority.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
- PhD in History (University of Melbourne) in progress
- Bachelor of Planning and Design (University of Melbourne)
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – History (University of Melbourne)
- Bachelor of Laws (Monash University)