We help mission-led organisations develop public places to foster connection, reduce inequality and improve wellbeing.

Place is never neutral.

about us

Your life is shaped by the built environment - where you go, how you feel, where you belong.

We believe that place is never neutral.

It is either actively supporting your organisation’s strategy and culture or it is getting in the way. (And it can really get in the way)

You’re tackling health, housing and social inequality that is a legacy of yesterday’s approach to the built environment.

We offer a new way of understanding and creating places.

By joining the dots between strategy, culture and place we create settings where your people thrive.

Select Projects

 By joining the dots between strategy, culture, and place we create settings where your people thrive. 

WHAT WE DO

We provide end-to-end services to mission-led organisations.

From long before ‘design’ starts to well after the ribbon-cutting.

  • Do you really know what matters most to your people - staff, clients, stakeholders?

    Our consultation and engagement services unearth wisdom from within your communities to increase impact, streamline decision making and promote buy-in.

  • Property is your second largest organisational cost following your staff. 

    We describe how your physical environments must reflect who you are and optimally support your communities so these major investments help you deliver on your mission and vision. 

  • Your property portfolio is a patchwork quilt of sites donated, acquired and altered over many years. During this time your service delivery model, client needs, technology and policy context have changed significantly.

    Our infrastructure plans identify the facilities you actually need to deliver on your strategic goals now and into the future. 

  • Someone has had a great idea - to activate under-used land, to bring together services the community needs, to increase tourism... but will it work?

    Our masterplans and feasibility studies provide the evidence and insights you need to champion successful precincts and projects.

  • Streets, parks and squares are the connective tissue of our towns.

    They are where we encounter others, learn what we share and where we differ. They are the basis for public life (and therefore, democracy). 

    We weave together the technical, social and environmental aspects to enrich public life for your community.

  • Our built environments reflect our values and impact our wellbeing every single day.

    We join the dots between organisational strategy, culture and design so every aspect of your building is adding value, everyday.

    Our expertise in sustainability, design, project management and delivery means seamless, strategic advice from start to finish.

  • So much of our cities feel like places to pass through, rather than places to linger.

    Placemaking and activation focuses on human activity, comfort and connection to transform empty space into cherished places.

  • You know how to help your community and clients, you just need money, land, political will and partnerships!

    Reaching your audience is hard. When you do, you have minutes to win hearts and minds, prove the averted cost and get commitment. 

    With over 20 years experience leading transformative place-based projects, we know what your audience needs to hear to get to yes. 

Testimonials

  • “Powerhouse Place has been a resounding success since it was completed late last year, delivering everything it promised in terms of creating an attractive space offering opportunities for increased activation and new experiences along our iconic riverfront.”

    Councillor Liam Wood,
    Former Mayor
    Mildura

  • "Public Realm Lab has captured a complex environment in a manifesto that will be both a guide and inspiration for any capital development at the Berry Street school for many years to come. The manifesto captures who we are and who we want to be with consideration to our values, purpose and practice."

    Joanne Alford,
    Berry Street School Principal
    Berry Street

  • “PRL collaborated to deliver a feasible, sustainable and robust business case and master plan aligned with the strategic future of the Macedon Ranges Region. PRL worked respectfully and consultatively and were able to bring the Community Reference Group as a whole on board - no easy feat!”

    Danielle Findlay
    Economic Development Coordinator
    Macedon Ranges Shire Council

  • "The Rutherglen Place Plan is a 30-year plan, guiding infrastructure development, supporting community advocacy and, critically, provides support for future funding success. The plan that PRL developed along with a highly engaged Steering Committee of broad community representation, is concise, communicates effectively, enhances advocacy and supports Council’s funding progress."

    Susannah Doyle
    Manager Tourism
    Indigo Shire Council

Latest News

  • Make Room is Open!

    How our lived experience engagement + design advisory services enhanced City of Melbourne’s transitional accommodation.

  • National Awards

    Powerhouse Place received awards for Sustainability and Urban Design at the National Architecture Awards in Adelaide last night.

  • Future Forum Presenter

    Anna will be in Adelaide in early November unpacking strategies to help adapt cities in response to accelerating issues.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

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“A very important and meaningful piece Anna. This is an excellent communication.” — Sally Hirst, Director Hirst Projects

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