PALM IS BORN... The start of something special
- Lynsey Woods
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Humble beginnings, the meaning behind the name, and a bright future.
In a world turned upside down by lockdowns and shifting priorities, it was 2021 when Matt Woods started to re-evaluate what really mattered – in life and in work.
With two decades of experience behind him, Matt had worked with some of the biggest design and construction firms across Perth and Sydney. But he had more to give – a different way of doing things. A desire to build something better – for clients, his family, and himself.
So, in the middle of a global shake-up and a steak sandwich, an idea was born.
Over a barbecue with mates, Matt floated a vision (and a name) for a business that did things differently. That challenged the status quo. That proved good people, quality work, and transparency could lead the way. That idea grew legs – and before long, PALM Projects was no longer just a dream. With the seal of approval from his nearest and dearest, it became something real.
The start of something special
We sat down with PALM Projects’ founder and director, Matt Woods, to hear what it means to do business differently.
What led you to start PALM Projects?
“I’d spent years working in D&C firms – successful, high-performing ones – and I learned a lot. But over time, I saw the gaps: the breakdown in communication, the missed opportunities to collaborate, the disconnect from pitch to delivery, and the race to the bottom on price over quality.
I wanted to build a business that clients could trust – with continuity, care, and the same point of contact from start to finish. That was going to be our difference".
“I didn’t want PALM to be just another design and construction firm. I wanted PALM to deliver better.”
What makes PALM… PALM?
“We’re small and intentional by design.
We show up with a clear head, a steady hand, and a long-term view.
We care – and our clients can feel it”, Matt says.
PALM’s point of difference:
Continuity: One point of contact from first conversation to final delivery
Small and mighty: A nimble, senior-led team that delivers without the overheads
Big-picture thinkers: Strategic, transparent, and always planning for what’s next
Genuinely human: Good people who treat every project like it’s personal
What’s in a name?
"PALM is more than a logo or a monogram – it’s a part of us. Literally" - Matt Woods.
The name represents the initials of Matt and Lynsey’s family – a team of their own:
P is for Phoenix – playful and full of life. Like Phoenix, we keep things light where we can, because we’re not saving lives — and work should be enjoyable.
A is for Archer – determined, focused, and outcome-driven. We share that drive to get things right and go the extra mile.
L is for Lynsey – holistic and big-picture. We step back to see the whole, to make a meaningful impact.
M is for Matthew – grounded, respectful, and built on trust. We’re genuine, like Matt.
That’s PALM.
And if you look closely at the PALM brandmark, you’ll see the letters P, A, L, and M subtly formed in the icon – a quiet nod to the PALM people, their values, and their story.
When baby Ivy arrived in 2023, we asked Matt the question – will you add an “I” and become PALMI?
The answer? "We’d rather a parmi than a rebrand" 😉
Matt's vision for the future...
PALM Projects has come a long way from backyard brainstorms and first pitches.
“We’re proud of what we’ve built so far,” says Matt, “but this is just the beginning.”
As the business grows – expanding our project footprint across Sydney and the eastern seaboard, building new partnerships, and investing in our people – the focus remains the same:
Designing workplaces that work for people
Building trust with every client and collaborator
Delivering smart, buildable, cost-effective solutions
Being the steady, strategic, human voice on every project".
“We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re focused on being the most trusted, most respected, and most recommended.
We’ve had incredible clients and partners back us so far, and I’m excited for what’s next. Because when you’re building something that lasts, integrity comes first.” – MATT WOODS, PALM Founder & Head of Operations.
Want to see MORE of what PALM is made of?
Explore PALM's latest projects or get in touch.
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