Joining the dots between policy, people and projects to achieve equitable, connected, sustainable and generous places.

 
[Anthea Hewett Photography]

About Us

Kate Bartlett and April McCabe started The Planning Studio in 2021, connected by their passion for all things planning, places and communities.

The Planning Studio is built on a collective curiosity about the complex social, cultural, economic and spatial context of cities and how to strategically and practically respond.

To support this, The Planning Studio has also established successful partnerships with like-minded consultancies. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures the right skills and best minds are around the table to drive creative, practical and effective solutions that meet the needs of our clients and communities.

The Planning Studio have built a reputation for delivering high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice, impactful policies and strategies, with practical solutions and strategic engagement that build capacity.

Our Services

 
North Sydney Voices of Young People Workshop [source: North Sydney Council]

The TPS team are well regarded for their skills and abilities across a broad portfolio of expertise.

  • We can prepare SEEs for a range of projects including low, medium and high density residential, and non-residential developments. Check out our project experience for more information.

  • TPS has PIA certified planners who can prepare EIS for State Significant Development and Infrastructure projects, or undertake an EIS certification process for clients.

  • TPS has detailed experience managing Council and State-led Design Competitions and Design Excellence processes, including for State and Local Design Review Panels.

  • TPS can assist local and state government bodies to undertake independent assessment or peer reviews for development applications or planning proposals.

  • TPS has in-depth experience preparing SIA’s for DAs and SSDAs.

  • Kate Bartlett is an experienced and sought after LEC planning expert. Get in contact for planning court work.

  • TPS can prepare Part 5 Assessments on behalf of government bodies including a Review of Environmental Factors (REF).

  • TPS can prepare preliminary planning and due diligence assessments to assist with determining future planning pathways and feasibility analysis.

Projects

 
93-97 Macquarie Street, Sydney [source: BVN]

For all projects we identify a shared purpose, understand the issues and develop solutions that are responsive to the local planning, social, cultural, environmental and economic context.

Statutory Planning

  • Mixed Use and High Density Residential

  • Commercial, Hotels + Industrial Development

  • Co-living and student Accommodation

  • State Significant Development (SSDA)

  • Seniors Living + Affordable Housing

  • Child Care, community and cultural facilities

  • Low and medium density residential

  • Part 5 Assessments

  • Planning Proposals

Policy, Engagement and Research

  • Policy and Strategy

  • Engagement

  • Social Infrastructure Planning

  • Social Impact Assessments

  • Community Development

  • Strategic Precinct Planning

  • Planning Policy and Process Review