15 years ago pen was put to paper and a design team was established that continues to shape the character and identity of the Sunshine Coast. This month PLACE Design Group’s Sunshine Coast office celebrates this 15 years of history, commemorating the work and the contribution of each of its team members to make iconic locations across the Sunshine Coast region thrive with the local character and charm that we all enjoy today.
What started as a two man team has grown into a multi-disciplined planning, urban design and landscape architecture practice that is part of a Queensland based award winning international operation. Mike Swanson first began the landscape architecture operation in 1999 based in Witta, North of Maleny. He was working out of his home office with one staff member on a range of small to mid-size projects. When PLACE Design Group was founded in 2001 they brought Mike into the fold and with his experience and expertise PLACE Design Group saw rapid growth on the Sunshine Coast, quickly establishing itself at the forefront of the industry.
The core value of PLACE Design Group’s brand philosophy is and has always been that of local vision; creating and developing locally responsive design. It is this philosophy which has seen PLACE Design Group establish itself over the last decade contributing to some of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic projects, including Pacific Harbour, Bulcock Beach, Maroochydore Town Centre, Mooloolaba Esplanade and Foreshore, Noosa Junction, and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Specifically through the Sunshine Coast University Hospital project PLACE Design Group has witnessed first-hand a solid and sustained injection into the local economy through employment of professional consultants, construction contractors and suppliers of materials and equipment.
Ben Stevens, PLACE Design Group Sunshine Coast Principal says, “The Sunshine Coast Hospital has given our team the opportunity to be involved in a long term project that offers sustainability for the region. The hospital is set to become part of a significant health precinct including the Oceanside Health Hub and Kawana Health Campus which aims to proactively address the challenge of growing demand for hospital services. We are honoured to have been part of this journey and look forward to see the further evolution of this landmark health project.”
With a team comprising of Sunshine Coast locals from Currimundi, Wurtulla, Brightwater, Witta to Noosa, PLACE Design Group brings a combination of local knowledge, history, and awareness which is critical when developing a personality for the region.
“We have a great history on the Sunshine Coast not only through our company but through our individual team members. Having a team who are locals, we are as much a part of the community that we are designing for which is extremely important to us”, says Ben.
This local knowledge will be invaluable as the region moves into its next phase. The much anticipated implementation of the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme will provide further confidence and certainty to the region and provides a clear direction forward for the Sunshine Coast.
Jamie Franklin, Place Coordinator of Sunshine Coast Council says “the recently released Planning Scheme will enable development growth that will not only see our economy thrive but will build on the Sunshine Coast’s local character. Having worked with PLACE Design Group on a myriad of projects over the years it is their ability to create and enhance the many great places we have across the region that make them a pleasure to work with. It is a testament to their dedication and attention to detail that they have reached such a milestone”.
The Sunshine Coast team of PLACE Design Group eagerly look forward to the next 15 years of design; applying the same strong, innovative and strategic vision that has kept them at the forefront of the industry.
