Role: Associate, Remedial
Location: Melbourne, VIC
From iconic heritage landmarks to critical infrastructure, Michael McLean is driven by one objective: helping ageing structures continue to perform for generations to come. As an Associate in Partridge’s Melbourne Remedial team, he enjoys unravelling the story behind a building or structure, identifying why it has deteriorated and developing practical, long-term solutions that restore performance while respecting the original asset.
Heritage conservation is a particular passion. Michael has worked on the preservation of some of Australia’s most recognised landmarks, applying detailed investigation and materials expertise to understand how these buildings have weathered decades of use and exposure.
At Melbourne’s iconic Palais Theatre, he developed remediation strategies for the ageing concrete façade, while at the Old Treasury Building in Western Australia he investigated structural deterioration to inform sensitive repair works. He has also provided remedial engineering for Melbourne’s Billilla and Kamesburgh mansions, developing repair strategies that respected the buildings’ historic character while addressing deterioration in concrete and masonry. At the remote Cape Don Lighthouse in the Northern Territory, he designed corrosion mitigation measures to protect the exposed reinforced concrete structure from the harsh marine environment.
Michael’s experience extends well beyond heritage. Across infrastructure, industrial and marine projects, he has led bridge remediation programs, managed cathodic protection assets for Melbourne Water and undertaken condition assessments for key facilities at the Port of Melbourne. Clients value his ability to combine rigorous technical investigation with practical, buildable solutions that balance performance, durability and cost.
Specialising in corrosion engineering, concrete durability and service life assessment, Michael is at his best solving complex problems that are rarely visible on the surface. From the first site inspection through to repair design, quality assurance and construction support, he works closely with clients and project teams to ensure remediation projects deliver lasting outcomes rather than short-term fixes.
Michael is a Chartered Professional Engineer and an active member of both the Australasian Corrosion Association and the Australian Concrete Repair Association, reflecting his commitment to advancing best practice in remediation engineering.
