Place Design Group was honoured to be a gold sponsor of this year's Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Queensland State Conference, held on the picturesque K'gari. The conference brought together some of the brightest minds in the planning industry to explore new ideas, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the future of Queensland's urban landscapes.
Building Connections and Sharing Insights
As a practice rooted in innovative thinking and community-focused design, Place Design Group was thrilled to be part of the conversations and knowledge-sharing at this year’s event. Our team engaged in discussions on the evolving role of digital experiences in planning, and how future leaders can continue to pioneer innovative solutions in the field.
Pioneering Digital Experiences
A highlight of the conference was the insightful presentation by our very own Maddy Mengel, Senior Visual Designer, and Alyce Keen, Associate Town Planner, on the topic: “Creating with People: Leveraging Digital Experiences to Engage.”
Maddy and Alyce explored how digital tools, when integrated with human-centred approaches, can create richer, more accessible, and dynamic experiences. Their presentation delved into how these tools can help planners and designers not only engage with communities more effectively but also create spaces that are truly reflective of the people who use them.
With a diverse background in graphic, digital, and environmental design, Maddy brings a unique perspective to experience design, combining physical and digital mediums to tell compelling visual stories. Alyce, with over a decade of urban planning experience, emphasised the importance of community and stakeholder engagement, using digital tools to facilitate meaningful connections and achieve positive outcomes for communities.
Emerging Leaders: A Glimpse into the Future of Planning
Our Planning Director, Amanda Taylor, took to the stage as the facilitator of the “Emerging Leaders: Pioneering the Future of Planning” keynote panel. Amanda, with her vast experience across both public and private sectors, guided a thought-provoking discussion with rising stars in the industry.
The panel discussed the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that new leaders in planning are likely to face, and how they are preparing to navigate these while shaping a future focused on sustainability, community, and innovative solutions.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of the contributions made by our team and the insights shared at the conference. It was a privilege for our team to collaborate with peers and thought leaders, discussing the future of planning in Queensland and beyond.
We extend our thanks to the PIA and everyone involved in organising such a successful event. The ideas and connections fostered on K’gari will no doubt influence our work moving forward, as we continue to push boundaries and lead meaningful change in planning and design.
We look forward to building on the foundations laid at this event and continuing our journey towards shaping vibrant, resilient, and people-focused places.
