REALMstudios

Meet the presenters behind Everywhen: Environmental Sensing and the Songs, Shape and Intelligence of Water hosted by @groundedstudios + @REALMstudios as part of Melbourne Design Week 2026! Water, as a material, medium, and intelligence, is the focus of this panel exploring environmental sensing, intelligence systems, and spatial design. Beginning with a multisensory spatial experience of sound, scent and taste, we reflect on how design may flow, always in relation to water: adaptive, resonant and deeply interconnected. Emily Cox Co-founder of Grounded Studios, Emily centres relational knowledges and lived experience in design. She co-chairs the Architecture & Design Reconciliation Industry Network, and is a fierce advocate for truth-telling through practice. Jon Shinkfield Founding Director of REALMstudios. Landscape architect, researcher and author of the acclaimed 'Decolonising the Garden.' From water-sensitive cities to the Victorian coast, his work rewrites the relationship between landscape, people and Country. Dr Caroline McMillan Researcher, artist and technologist at the intersection of science, art and human-computer interaction. Her work spans sensory and experiential languages for design, robotics, and the ethics of how beings meet machines. Currently heads Innovation at Space Sensory Lab. Prof. Angie Abdilla Founder and director of Old Ways, New. A strategic designer, she created the Country Centred Design methodology, leading projects for the public and private sectors over the past decade. Her published research interrogates the praxis of Indigenous deeptime technologies and Artificial Intelligence, which continue to be informed by the Indigenous Protocols and AI working group (IP//AI). A globally recognised voice on the cultural ethics of automated futures. Join us Mon 18 May, 6–8pm at @groundedstudiosdesign , Brunswick. Link in bio to book. 🎟️ Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Explore the full program at designweek.melbourne #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV @ngvmelbourne

COMING SOON! We are delighted to announce our upcoming event ‘Everywhen: Environmental Sensing and the Songs, Shape and Intelligence of Water’ as part of Melbourne Design Week 2026. Monday May 18 2026 Presented by REALMstudios and @groundedstudios at our Brunswick studio. Water, as a material and medium, guides a discussion among Emily Cox and Ahmad Abas of Grounded Studios, Jon Shinkfield (REALMstudios), Caroline McMillan (Space Sensory Lab), and our very special guest, Professor Angie Abdilla of Old Ways, New. We reflect on practices that span immersive environments and landscape design, through speculative robotics and space habitats, to critically explore environmental sensing and sensory data to understand life-dependent watery systems and the intelligence of water in design. From works that weave Indigenous Sky Knowledge with Western astrophysics for technologies as cultural practice, alongside restorative architectural practices, robotics designed for river health and the dynamics of water in spaceflight. To navigate the relationships between people and places, often in tension with notions of design futures that may never arrive, we explore ‘Everywhen’ temporalities. In this context, Everywhen describes a condition in which past, present and future meet at once and interweave notions of justice, sovereignty and care for Country. A spatial design experience engages the senses through sounds, scents and tastes to immerse in the landscape of water. We invite you to yarn with us and reflect on how design may flow, always in relation to water: adaptive, resonant and deeply interconnected. Tickets available now via the link in bio Image by REALMstudios. Postcards from the Future, National Gallery of Victoria as part of the Birrarung 2070 exhibit 2024. Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Explore the full program at designweek.melbourne @NGVMelbourne #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #EnvironmentalSensing #WaterIntelligence #EcologicalDesign #SpeculativeDesign #DesignFutures #CaringForCountry #LandscapeArchitecture #ImmersiveExperience #ArtAndScience #MelbourneEvents

The Crendon Street Park stormwater quality improvement project is an award-winning example of sustainable stormwater management. The existing 400-metre straight concrete channel through the park was effective at conveying stormwater but it offered little in terms of ecological benefit, water filtration, or amenity to residents. Now, flows are diverted into a thriving naturalised waterway that connects a series of habitat ponds as it meanders between existing mature trees. Filtration provided by the new planting will improve water quality and reduce urban pollutants flowing through the Burpengary Creek catchment and eventually out to Moreton Bay. The waterway system also provides flood risk mitigation. Birdlife, frogs, insects and other native fauna will find new, natural habitats, while the local community can enjoy an enhanced local park with sustainable green infrastructure and urban cooling benefits. REALMstudios collaborated with project leaders @e2designlab and @landscapology Construction was by @tlcc_aus , and we acknowledge our client, @cityofmoretonbay City and their ongoing commitment to innovative nature-based solutions. Location: Kabi Kabi Country, Burpengary, City of Moreton Bay Council. This project won the Excellence in Infrastructure award at the 2025 Stormwater Queensland Awards. #landscapearchitecture #urbandesign #regenerativedesign #wsud #rewilding

After several exciting project wins, REALM is growing. We are currently hiring for opportunities across both our design and operations teams. *** Role 1: Landscape Architect / Designer REALM is seeking someone who can design thoughtfully and embed regenerative systems with places for life. You’ll work across a growing pipeline of projects spanning NSW and QLD, contributing to landscape-driven master planning, waterways and resilient systems, and design for the public realm. This is an east coast role, with the opportunity to work across multiple studios and contexts. This role can be based in either Sydney or Brisbane. APPLY: Send a cover letter, CV and portfolio to [email protected] *** Role 2: Project Operations & Systems Lead We’re looking for an operations-focused thinker, who brings clarity, rigour, and structure to how projects are set up, tracked, and delivered. This is a part-time role (0.6 FTE). You’ll work closely with the Business Manager to support project systems, financial oversight, and reporting across a growing multi-studio practice. Ideally you will have a background in professional services, and an understanding of design, architecture, built environment and engineering practices. APPLY: Get in touch for a detailed role description or send through your cover letter and CV to [email protected] *** First Slide: Wagonga Inlet Living Foreshore, Yuin Country, Narooma NSW Last slide: Crendon Street Park Naturalisation, Kabi Kabi and Turrbal Country, Burpengary QLD *** #sydneyjobs #brisbanejobs #melbournejobs #designjobs #designcareers #australiandesign #landscapearchitecture #urbandesign #urbanplanning #masterplanning #placemaking #publicrealm #regenerativedesign #resilientdesign #builtenvironment #multidisciplinarydesign #designpractice #projectmanagement #projectoperations #designoperations #professionalservices #operationscareers

The Curtin University HV Substation B153 project delivers a highly functional and practical replacement HV/LV substation while simultaneously transforming the existing campus forecourt between the nursing and business precincts. The project was CAA’s first collaboration with Curtin University and responds to the need to replace an ageing substation that could no longer meet the campus’ growing power demands. Recognising an opportunity beyond purely utilitarian infrastructure, the design reimagines the substation as an integrated piece of campus architecture and landscape. A terrace roof is incorporated over the facility, accessed via landscaped embankments, creating an inviting space for staff, students, and visitors to relax, study and gather. Perforated metal artwork screens, designed by CAA, envelop the substation, recasting a typically utilitarian structure as a crafted piece of campus infrastructure. The patterning references the movement and energy of electrical flow, establishing a clear conceptual link to the building’s function, while carefully integrated backlighting brings the façade to life at night, creating a welcoming and visually engaging presence within the precinct. Designed in close collaboration with REALMstudios, BG&E, NDY, Hallmark Plumbing & Hydraulic Consultancy, JMG Building Surveyors and Aria Project Developments, the coordinated and holistic design response ensured architecture, landscape and engineering were carefully integrated. A high degree of technical coordination was required, both in relation to a concurrently delivered major mechanical services upgrade (including underground chilled water infrastructure) and extensive existing below-ground services. These complex interfaces demanded careful planning to minimise disruption to students and staff, and to ensure continuity of critical university services throughout construction. The project was delivered by National Projects WA, who carefully managed the logistical and staging complexities of the site, ensuring a successful outcome within a highly constrained and operational campus environment. Photography by Dion Robeson.

We’re looking for a strategic thinker. REALM is seeking someone who can connect big ideas with real-world outcomes, who sees beyond the brief and helps shape it. You’ll work across a growing pipeline of projects spanning Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW, contributing to structure planning, urban design, and landscape-led strategies. This is an east coast role, with the opportunity to work across multiple studios and contexts. This role can be based in either Hobart or Melbourne. If this sounds like you, send an introduction, CV and portfolio to [email protected] #hobartjobs #tasmaniajobs #melbournedesign #melbournejobs #urbandesign #urbanplanning #landscapearchitecture #masterplanning #placemaking #builtenvironment #designstrategy #strategicthinking #multidisciplinarydesign #designjobs #planningjobs #designcareers #australiandesign

Once part of the ancient chain of lakes linking Njookenbooro (Herdsman Lake) to Lake Gwelup through to Goongoongup (Claisebrook Cove), the existing City of Stirling Forecourt bore little trace of the wetland ecologies and cultural histories that shaped this Country for thousands of years. The new design reveals and re-establishes these local ecologies through strategic cuts in the existing concrete grid, allowing rain gardens, Tuart trees, and Melaleuca groves to re-emerge. Vegetation once again acts as a filter, as it had done for thousands of years when the site was a dampland. This is a landscape of healing and repair. The design prioritises shaded pedestrian movement and creates opportunities for gathering by removing parking from the forecourt. The existing structural grid is respected and informs orthogonal geometries of new planter beds and seats. The enhanced wayfinding and greener spatial structure helps visitors navigate the administrative precinct with ease and comfort. A traditional yarning circle is a prominent symbol of the City's commitment to reconciliation and pride in its Whadjuk Noongar heritage. Material re-use is central to the project’s sustainability approach. Concrete slabs removed to make way for new planting were not discarded; instead, they were reused as stacked seating plinths placed adjacent their original locations. This approach reduced waste, preserved embodied energy, and created visible “truth windows” by peeling back the landscape to reveal Country. The resulting aesthetic, of exposed and raw concrete, draws from a history of post-industrial design in which completely new ways of seeing and experiencing infrastructure can be created through minimal interventions. Photography - @lukecarterwilton #LandscapeArchitecture #PublicRealm #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #CivicDesign #CommunitySpace #DesignWithCountry #UrbanEcology #SustainableDesign #MaterialReuse #GreenerCities #PublicSpaceDesign #AustralianDesign #CityOfStirling #REALMstudios

Our Brunswick micro-swamp experiment is close to one year old! While the original prediction was a turf war between Dichondra and Microlaena, the reality was a bit more... complex. In the spirit of true ecological inquiry, we have spent the last 12 months in "Test & Learn" mode. Here is the field report: The Soil Science: Monthly lab techs (a.k.a. our team) have been monitoring pH levels and moisture gradients. We discovered that indoor wicking beds are dynamic beasts, and soil settlement led to compaction that challenged our original root-zone oxygen levels. The Biological Boost: To fight the slump, we called in the heavy hitters: Worms. We’ve introduced a subterranean workforce to naturally aerate the mix and keep the system breathing. The Pivot: Ecology is about listening to the site. Realising our studio light was a better match for a forest floor than a sun-drenched wetland, we have adjusted our roster. The New Guard: We are officially embracing the darkness. We have introduced a series of native ferns, specialists in low-light, high-moisture living, to take the lead. Thank you to @fernacresnursery for the excellent plant stock and nursery tour! 🌿 The experiment continues... 📸 @andrew.sicilia - REALMstudios #LandscapeArchitecture #DesignResearch #UrbanEcology #LivingSystems #TestAndLearn #SoilScience #NativePlants #ferngarden #ExperimentalLandscape #StudioEcology #Brunswickdesign

REALMstudios wraps up 2025 and looks forward to the year ahead! On the last day of work in 2025, we celebrated an exceptional year of projects, collaborations, and teamwork and connected over lunches, outings and adventures. As a national studio with small teams spread Australia-wide, we share studio space and celebrate wins and opportunities with co-located practices JILA and Grounded Studio, with whom we often collaborate. REALMstudios farewelled 2025 by fly-fishing in the Derwent River, riding roller coasters at Millers Point, nurturing our artistic side in Brunswick, having our fortunes read Perth, and long lunching in Brisbane. This sense of adventure, curiosity, and openness is reflected in all projects and design collaborations we undertake, and are values we take care to cultivate and nurture within our team. We are excited for the year ahead. Happy 2026!

We are delighted to announce the promotion of Emma Maher from Graduate to Practitioner of Landscape Architecture. This promotion reflects Emma’s commitment to design excellence, her collaborative and creative approach, and her contributions to REALMstudios. Emma joined the team in 2024 after completing her Master of Landscape Architecture at UWA. Her passion for accessible and inclusive design is consistently reflected in her work, where she champions landscapes that foster belonging and express care for both people and natural systems. Based in Perth, her cross-studio experience has seen her contribute to national projects of varying scale and complexity, including the SHE Wellness Cancer Centre and the Kangaroo Bay Hotel in Tasmania. One of Emma’s earliest REALMstudios projects, the ReWild Perth Demonstration Garden, has recently been completed and opened. Seeing this project move from concept to a thriving planted landscape has provided a meaningful early milestone in her career. A true member of the ‘many hats club’, Emma has also contributed to REALMstudios’ national marketing and communications activities, drawing on her previous qualifications and experience in the sector. She is now transitioning out of this role to focus solely on her landscape architecture practice. We couldn’t be happier to have Emma as part of the team and congratulate her again on this well-deserved promotion and recognition of her talent.

Last week we had a rewarding evening hosting a session as part of Brunswick Design District’s Open Studio Series. REALM's Jon Shinkfield and Emily Cox of @groundedstudiosdesign presented some insights about recent Country-led projects that prioritised de-colonialisation, deep listening to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal project partners, and design to support thriving native ecosystems and endemic species. As co-located studios, REALM and Grounded collaborate often on projects, with both practices enriched by cross-disciplinary inquiry and by the diverse experience of our people. Thank you to @rmituniversity , @merri_bekcitycouncil and @creative_vic for recognising and celebrating the depth of creative talent and knowledge found within Brunswick! 📸 slides 1, 2, 3, 8 @andrew.sicilia slides 5, 6 @arorygardiner slide 7 @peterbbennetts #CountryLedDesign #HealingCountry #DecolonisingDesign #CaringForCountry #RegenerativeDesign #NativeEcosystems #LandscapeArchitecture #UrbanEcology #SustainableDesign #CoDesign #AustralianDesign #BrunswickDesignDistrict #CreativeVictoria

Planning for Place and Resilience: Tasman Region Structure Plan Shortlisted for PIA TAS Awards 2025 The Tasman Peninsula is a place of extraordinary beauty and complexity, where World Heritage landscapes, dramatic coastlines, rich Aboriginal cultural history, and colonial sites converge. Working closely with the local community and the Tasman Council, Our team helped develop the Tasman Region Structure Plan – an integrated, long-term framework to guide resilient and adaptive development across the region. We were privileged to extend and develop the brief in an iterative process through meaningful listening and engagement with the local community. The Tasman Peninsula faces a unique mix of challenges and opportunities – including bushfire risk and water security in a changing climate, limited infrastructure, and one-road access. It needed to balance seasonal tourism requirements with the needs of the local community – many of whom live off-grid. The plan responds to these priorities and integrates regional land use strategies and community-driven actions to position the Tasman as a place where people, landscapes, and opportunities coexist in harmony. Each settlement, from Nubeena and White Beach to Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck, plays a distinct role in the region’s future. Together, they form a resilient and connected network of places that reflect the Tasman’s identity and community values. Delivered in partnership with Tasman Council, @SGSEconomics & Planning, and @ireneinc_planning , we’re proud to see this work nominated for Planning Excellence at the 2025 PIA Tasmania Awards. Location images courtesy of Tasman Council. #TasmanPeninsula #RegionalPlanning #ClimateResilience #CommunityLed #SustainableGrowth #TasmanCouncil #REALMstudios #SGSEconomics #Ireneinc #PlanningExcellence #PIAAwards2025