DR’s urban designers offer trusted expertise and a pragmatic approach to problem solving for our clients. The team is particularly sought after for its collaborative approach to complex stakeholder and community consultation.
Our urban design services include:
- Master planning
- Structure plans and planning for growth
- Design review and technical advisory services
- Development assessment advice
- Built form guidelines and codes
- Enquiry by design
- Expert witness services
Master Planning
The practice has developed award winning master plans for many priority urban development areas in Brisbane and SEQ. We’ve contributed to significant health precincts including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Health City, Springfield’s ambitious precinct for health and aged care. Our master planning services are also used by clients in education and by both public and private sector clients to plan emerging centres, and for residential and tourism developments.
Urban renewal
DR contributes significantly to urban renewal. In these projects, the realisation of planning intentions can take a decade or more to evolve. For example, we were part of the team which developed the master plan for the Bowen Hills area in 2008 for the Queensland Government. This area is still developing, but significant renewal outcomes have become visible in recent years with the RNA’s regeneration and the contemporary development of King Street with its mix of dining, retail and commercial uses and landscaped public realm.
Structure plans and planning for growth
A significant part of our work involves the design of new settlements. We work with our clients to evolve these places using structure plans and growth management strategies. Alongside housing diversity and affordability, the challenges include catalysing social and economic activity and establishing local character which is relevant to the environment and context. We’ve contributed to local area planning and urban design initiatives for local authorities in Mackay, Gladstone, the Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Toowoomba, Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast.
Design review and technical advisory services
DR regularly provides design review services to Economic Development Queensland and other government agencies. We lead the technical advice services (urban design and heritage) to the Queensland Government on the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development and we’re part of the consultant team providing technical advice on the Herston Quarter development.
Development assessment advice
The practice has experience in providing development assessment advice to local and state authorities, especially around complex projects with passionate stakeholders. We also provide design review of commercial developments in Priority Development Areas, as well as policy review for these areas. The review process considers building provisions, the current development climate, and local, national and international benchmarks.
Built form guidelines and codes
The team has provided advice, illustrations and facilitated workshops towards a new statewide housing code. We contributed to the award-winning Next Generation Planning handbook, which continues to provide valued guidance for housing diversity and affordability in Queensland.
Enquiry by design
Our enquiry by design services assist clients to collaboratively consult and engage stakeholders, to develop and test design options, and to build consensus and understanding around complex projects.
To discuss our urban design services, contact us on (07) 3852 8700.