Policy, Engagement and Research Projects

Our Approach

We offer an exceptional understanding and strategic approach to the complex social, economic, environmental, cultural, and spatial context of cities, which contributes to strategic frameworks that achieve their purpose by responding thoughtfully to opportunities and challenges.

The Planning Studio’s approach to strategy development and engagement is structured around 3 key elements:

Using this approach results in policy making, engagement and research that is strategic, intelligent, practical, and impactful. This allows for the production of relevant quantitative and qualitative data that informs good planning outcomes.

Combined with our technical expertise, extensive experience and working knowledge of government processes, we are also able to optimise opportunities and minimise project risk to achieve quality urban planning policies that guide quality and transparent decision making about the future of cities, regions and places across NSW and Australia.

Policy Experts and Strategists

Our experienced team are well regarded for their skills and abilities in the development of policies and strategies that are well researched and provide intelligent analysis that connects the dots between places and people.

We prepare policy and strategic advice across a broad portfolio including housing strategies, place plans, social infrastructure strategies, library strategies, cultural policies, arts plans, facilities plans, community strategic plans, community development plans, Disability Inclusion Action Plans, gender, multicultural and LGBTIQA+ policies and plans.

Our team coordinate major precinct planning projects and have delivered successful outcomes by leading multi-disciplinary project teams through the structure planning, and plan making process through to the drafting of statutory development controls and guidelines.

Engagement Specialists

Effective engagement builds trust and understanding. We understand that every community is different and policy making and planning solutions are strengthened by diverse representation and informed participation in decision making.

We design and deliver engagement from the knowledge that people want to engage and communicate in different ways, have varying levels of confidence, access and agency to be an active participants in their local places.

Our team are industry leaders and experienced facilitators. We are storytellers and have extensive experience working alongside local councils, state government departments and agencies, elected officials, industry experts and groups, business and community organisations, local groups and the community across metro and regional Australia.

Curious Researchers and Creative Thinkers

Our team have experience undertaking leading research and providing trusted advice that shapes improved approaches and decision making. We support government and communities with advocacy and research on various issues such as housing, gender, social cohesion and social justice issues, urban planning, social infrastructure and design research.

We undertake strategic reviews of planning policy and legislative frameworks, planning process and governance reviews and provide strategic advice and policy peer reviews for government and private clients on a range of topics and issues. We seek out creative, practical solutions backed by strategic and thoughtful research.