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Ben Roberts
Senior
Design & Technical Facilitation
Ben is a landscape architect who thrives in the design process. Having worked with some of Australia’s most innovative designers and firms, Ben brings a diverse repertoire and unique understandings to each project. His inquisitive nature and appreciation for well curated moments drives his design process. His practice focuses on craft, construction and translating design concepts into carefully resolved landscapes. With vigilant attention to detail and composition, he is dedicated to producing timeless public landscapes that enrich life. His ability to understand complex technical circumstances and collaborate cleverly drives his enthusiasm for pushing exceptional outcomes.
His strong beliefs in landscape architecture are drawn from his connections to landscapes and a sensibility towards ‘nature’. This has driven his focus in equitable and environmentally conscious design, as he seeks to provide the best solutions for both user and natural systems. The effect of this understanding is evident in his ability to push memorable nuances into projects seen by carefully curated planting palettes and detailing. Ben’s passion for ‘nature’ and need to contextualise the site with its environmental intricacies has led to his distinct textural and material focused design language. This has been tested in past built projects, such as a memorial linear park and a nature based learning centre which are now thriving environments. His hands-on approach during construction has given him exceptional skills in project management, cost estimates, detailing and buildability.
Design & Technical Facilitation
Ben is a landscape architect who thrives in the design process. Having worked with some of Australia’s most innovative designers and firms, Ben brings a diverse repertoire and unique understandings to each project. His inquisitive nature and appreciation for well curated moments drives his design process. His practice focuses on craft, construction and translating design concepts into carefully resolved landscapes. With vigilant attention to detail and composition, he is dedicated to producing timeless public landscapes that enrich life. His ability to understand complex technical circumstances and collaborate cleverly drives his enthusiasm for pushing exceptional outcomes.
His strong beliefs in landscape architecture are drawn from his connections to landscapes and a sensibility towards ‘nature’. This has driven his focus in equitable and environmentally conscious design, as he seeks to provide the best solutions for both user and natural systems. The effect of this understanding is evident in his ability to push memorable nuances into projects seen by carefully curated planting palettes and detailing. Ben’s passion for ‘nature’ and need to contextualise the site with its environmental intricacies has led to his distinct textural and material focused design language. This has been tested in past built projects, such as a memorial linear park and a nature based learning centre which are now thriving environments. His hands-on approach during construction has given him exceptional skills in project management, cost estimates, detailing and buildability.
Cate Wallace
Principal
Sydney Studio
Cate is passionate about delivering equitable and sustainable public spaces that not only respond to their environmental and social context, but allow for long term community enjoyment and delight. Throughout her 20-year career, she has delivered a wide range of public domain and urban development projects of varying scales and typologies across Sydney and NSW. She has led and managed complex design teams from master planning to concept design through to construction, providing high quality service and design excellence outcomes.
Cate is committed to the deep practice of understanding place and respecting Country as a means of contributing to the social, cultural and environmental performance of communities and the built environment. Her ability to collaborate and knowledge of construction allows her to pursue effective and award-winning built outcomes.
Her previous experience in open space planning and policy at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment has given her an acute understanding of government process and the importance of how good planning and policy can create liveable and resilient urban environments. Throughout her career, Cate has enjoyed tutoring as a sessional academic at the University of New South Wales. She is also an active member of AILA and is currently serving on the NSW Executive Chapter.
Sydney Studio
Cate is passionate about delivering equitable and sustainable public spaces that not only respond to their environmental and social context, but allow for long term community enjoyment and delight. Throughout her 20-year career, she has delivered a wide range of public domain and urban development projects of varying scales and typologies across Sydney and NSW. She has led and managed complex design teams from master planning to concept design through to construction, providing high quality service and design excellence outcomes.
Cate is committed to the deep practice of understanding place and respecting Country as a means of contributing to the social, cultural and environmental performance of communities and the built environment. Her ability to collaborate and knowledge of construction allows her to pursue effective and award-winning built outcomes.
Her previous experience in open space planning and policy at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment has given her an acute understanding of government process and the importance of how good planning and policy can create liveable and resilient urban environments. Throughout her career, Cate has enjoyed tutoring as a sessional academic at the University of New South Wales. She is also an active member of AILA and is currently serving on the NSW Executive Chapter.
Fi Davidson
Strategic Planning & Design
Fiona arrives from a background in landscape architecture, construction project management and urban planning and with interests in the relationship between strategic planning theory, landscape architecture, and urban systems.
Since working at REALMstudios, she has worked to help deliver community and place focused projects that have a meaningful interaction between human and natural systems of governance, economy, transport, and urban ecologies. Her capabilities in GIS analysis, community engagement and research are strengths which bring richness to project processes and outcomes.
Fiona’s capabilities have been fostered through a diverse work experience. After completing her bachelor’s studies in Landscape Architecture, Fiona pursued a desire to understand how the built environment is constructed and worked as a project manager on several large projects in Melbourne and rural Victoria. Gaining onsite experience in project management, construction design and delivery. Exposure to the nexus between planning, architecture and construction led her to study Urban Planning. Through Masters studies Fiona gained a foundational understanding of planning theory with a focus on urban governance, integrated transport planning, urban ecology and GIS. In 2022 Fiona complete her Masters Thesis on the equity impacts of shared e-scooters in Australian cities, being awarded a high distinction for her work.
Fiona arrives from a background in landscape architecture, construction project management and urban planning and with interests in the relationship between strategic planning theory, landscape architecture, and urban systems.
Since working at REALMstudios, she has worked to help deliver community and place focused projects that have a meaningful interaction between human and natural systems of governance, economy, transport, and urban ecologies. Her capabilities in GIS analysis, community engagement and research are strengths which bring richness to project processes and outcomes.
Fiona’s capabilities have been fostered through a diverse work experience. After completing her bachelor’s studies in Landscape Architecture, Fiona pursued a desire to understand how the built environment is constructed and worked as a project manager on several large projects in Melbourne and rural Victoria. Gaining onsite experience in project management, construction design and delivery. Exposure to the nexus between planning, architecture and construction led her to study Urban Planning. Through Masters studies Fiona gained a foundational understanding of planning theory with a focus on urban governance, integrated transport planning, urban ecology and GIS. In 2022 Fiona complete her Masters Thesis on the equity impacts of shared e-scooters in Australian cities, being awarded a high distinction for her work.
Alaric Hellawell
Principal
Hobart Studio
Alaric has a landscape, urban design and planning mindset, specialising in climate resilience and natural system design. He works with cities, community advocates and landowners to reveal the immense ecological and cultural potential of public landscapes.
As Principal, Alaric translates research into practice, leading the design and implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder landscapes—including public waterfronts, regional systems, parks, plazas, streets and climate adaptation plans.
Working across a multitude of scales and typologies, Alaric leads firm-wide design standards, ensuring excellence from concept through construction, contributing sustainable design value to projects, both in Australia and internationally.
With a focus on social action and cyclical value, Alaric harness the resilient growth and adaptive qualities of natural systems. This has led him to deliver award winning interventions that solve a multitude of urban constraints and social issues. He is known for leading complex, creative and collaborative work processes that advance broad environmental and social prerogatives.
His previous experience in strategy at the City of Melbourne has given him an acute understanding of government process and the importance of city shaping to develop resilient and socially inclusive communities.
Hobart Studio
Alaric has a landscape, urban design and planning mindset, specialising in climate resilience and natural system design. He works with cities, community advocates and landowners to reveal the immense ecological and cultural potential of public landscapes.
As Principal, Alaric translates research into practice, leading the design and implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder landscapes—including public waterfronts, regional systems, parks, plazas, streets and climate adaptation plans.
Working across a multitude of scales and typologies, Alaric leads firm-wide design standards, ensuring excellence from concept through construction, contributing sustainable design value to projects, both in Australia and internationally.
With a focus on social action and cyclical value, Alaric harness the resilient growth and adaptive qualities of natural systems. This has led him to deliver award winning interventions that solve a multitude of urban constraints and social issues. He is known for leading complex, creative and collaborative work processes that advance broad environmental and social prerogatives.
His previous experience in strategy at the City of Melbourne has given him an acute understanding of government process and the importance of city shaping to develop resilient and socially inclusive communities.
Ann-Margaret Carroll
Business Management
As REALM’s Business Manager, Ann-Margaret oversees Finance and Operations nationally across REALM’s studios. Prior to joining REALMstudios Ann-Margaret has worked in finance, operations and project management roles for design studios, global media agencies and more recently the university sector. These roles have seen her work for several companies across Australia, Singapore and London.
She has gained strong financial, operational, risk and governance experience during this time, leading, implementing and reviewing quality systems and processes. With the ability to manage various segments of the business, including budgets, risk, facilities and human resources.
A member of Australian Institute of Project Management and a certified project manager, she plays a critical role in supporting REALMstudios' project teams with the resourcing and financial aspects of their role as well as overall business planning and monitoring.
As REALM’s Business Manager, Ann-Margaret oversees Finance and Operations nationally across REALM’s studios. Prior to joining REALMstudios Ann-Margaret has worked in finance, operations and project management roles for design studios, global media agencies and more recently the university sector. These roles have seen her work for several companies across Australia, Singapore and London.
She has gained strong financial, operational, risk and governance experience during this time, leading, implementing and reviewing quality systems and processes. With the ability to manage various segments of the business, including budgets, risk, facilities and human resources.
A member of Australian Institute of Project Management and a certified project manager, she plays a critical role in supporting REALMstudios' project teams with the resourcing and financial aspects of their role as well as overall business planning and monitoring.
Jon Shinkfield
Founding Director
Jon sees projects through a landscape architectural and urban design lens, viewing them as city making opportunities framed by his deep interest in the relationship between landscape systems, people and place. His work has been recognised through various awards, competition wins and publications, including significant master planning; E-Gate in Melbourne, Masdar Carbon Neutral City in Abu Dhabi and Seoul Grand Park in Korea.
Up until 2006 Jon was a founding partner of leading Sydney based design practice Pittendrigh Shinkfield Bruce; then through acquisition of PSB Jon was a Principal at EDAW responsible for Global Design Direction, and then from 2009 to 2012 the Director of Design and Planning AECOM Melbourne.
In 2013 he formed the practice of REALMstudios and in parallel works with Monash University’s Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities exploring the application of water based research through design. Through his work Jon maintains a passion for the expression of indigenous and landscape systems in design.
Jon sees projects through a landscape architectural and urban design lens, viewing them as city making opportunities framed by his deep interest in the relationship between landscape systems, people and place. His work has been recognised through various awards, competition wins and publications, including significant master planning; E-Gate in Melbourne, Masdar Carbon Neutral City in Abu Dhabi and Seoul Grand Park in Korea.
Up until 2006 Jon was a founding partner of leading Sydney based design practice Pittendrigh Shinkfield Bruce; then through acquisition of PSB Jon was a Principal at EDAW responsible for Global Design Direction, and then from 2009 to 2012 the Director of Design and Planning AECOM Melbourne.
In 2013 he formed the practice of REALMstudios and in parallel works with Monash University’s Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities exploring the application of water based research through design. Through his work Jon maintains a passion for the expression of indigenous and landscape systems in design.
Andrew Sicilia
Landscape Architecture
Andrew is a Graduate Landscape Architect with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from RMIT.
His final Masters design research thesis focused on the remediation and regeneration of chemically contaminated post-industrial brownfield sites. The thesis was driven by a systematic landscape design approach which employed the process of phytoremediation as a main driver in remediating contamination.
Andrew’s design philosophy centres on designing ecologically and socially sustainable landscapes, weaving land management strategies with educative and collaborative spaces to foster environmental awareness within communities.
He believes that Landscape Architecture is intrinsically embedded in the evolution of the urban landscape fabrics of cities while also recognising the value of using landscape architecture in improving people’s general wellbeing and mental health.
Andrew is a Graduate Landscape Architect with a Bachelor and Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from RMIT.
His final Masters design research thesis focused on the remediation and regeneration of chemically contaminated post-industrial brownfield sites. The thesis was driven by a systematic landscape design approach which employed the process of phytoremediation as a main driver in remediating contamination.
Andrew’s design philosophy centres on designing ecologically and socially sustainable landscapes, weaving land management strategies with educative and collaborative spaces to foster environmental awareness within communities.
He believes that Landscape Architecture is intrinsically embedded in the evolution of the urban landscape fabrics of cities while also recognising the value of using landscape architecture in improving people’s general wellbeing and mental health.
Michael Memeo
Associate
Michael is a landscape architect whose numerous transformative and creative projects reflect his progressive, engaging and innovative spirit. Michael’s design history has focused on providing landscapes that foster imagination, delight and wonder at a variety of scales; from activation programming to large urban redevelopment.
In his work Michael continues to develop his understanding of how landscape architecture can better engage and respond to the needs of an ever-increasing urban population whilst generating spaces that are unique, stimulating and activated. Micheal has applied this across numerous community activation and regeneration projects where his designs sensitively respond to the site and its social, historical and environmental context. Creating places that are both legible and functional, whilst playfully responding and engaging with the local culture and, are central to his design philosophy.
Michael is a landscape architect whose numerous transformative and creative projects reflect his progressive, engaging and innovative spirit. Michael’s design history has focused on providing landscapes that foster imagination, delight and wonder at a variety of scales; from activation programming to large urban redevelopment.
In his work Michael continues to develop his understanding of how landscape architecture can better engage and respond to the needs of an ever-increasing urban population whilst generating spaces that are unique, stimulating and activated. Micheal has applied this across numerous community activation and regeneration projects where his designs sensitively respond to the site and its social, historical and environmental context. Creating places that are both legible and functional, whilst playfully responding and engaging with the local culture and, are central to his design philosophy.
Emily Flanagan
Architecture & Urban Design
Emily Is a graduate architect and urban designer with keen strategic thinking and graphic skills. With years of experience crafting finely wrought residential projects, Emily brings an eye for detail, materiality and architectonic refinement to her work. Her understanding of the relationship between buildings and activities guides her process, contributing to complex urban projects with specificity of both place and purpose. With a focus on experience and legibility, Emily helps REALMstudios design and deliver rich responses to complex urban conditions.
Her deep understanding of architecture’s spatial possibilities comes from detail design of bespoke residences and an exemplary academic career integrating research, design thinking and a synthesis of place, concept and urban fabric. This reinforces her interests in community-based and socially responsive design, which extends across project scales and types to include outcomes as diverse as precinct planning for major transport infrastructure projects through to narrative and Country-based lyrical responses in intimate urban playspaces. This work is all supported by a range of sophisticated graphic and communications skills and aptitudes, across digital and hand-made media, adding depth and richness to REALM projects.
Emily Is a graduate architect and urban designer with keen strategic thinking and graphic skills. With years of experience crafting finely wrought residential projects, Emily brings an eye for detail, materiality and architectonic refinement to her work. Her understanding of the relationship between buildings and activities guides her process, contributing to complex urban projects with specificity of both place and purpose. With a focus on experience and legibility, Emily helps REALMstudios design and deliver rich responses to complex urban conditions.
Her deep understanding of architecture’s spatial possibilities comes from detail design of bespoke residences and an exemplary academic career integrating research, design thinking and a synthesis of place, concept and urban fabric. This reinforces her interests in community-based and socially responsive design, which extends across project scales and types to include outcomes as diverse as precinct planning for major transport infrastructure projects through to narrative and Country-based lyrical responses in intimate urban playspaces. This work is all supported by a range of sophisticated graphic and communications skills and aptitudes, across digital and hand-made media, adding depth and richness to REALM projects.
Damien Pericles
Founding Director
Damien is a Founding Director of REALMstudios, which recently celebrated 10 years of practice across five studios in Australia. He is an accomplished and award-winning designer, client manager, team and project leader with 25 years professional experience in design and delivery. He is a public realm design specialist and leads the Perth studio.
Damien has extensive experience in design review, with current membership on the WA State Design Review, DevelopmentWA and Vincent Design Review Panels. As a member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Executive and lead for Advocacy, he is active in promoting AILA values and objectives to influence State and Local Government policy. Demonstrated through his leadership and contribution, Damien provided critical landscape recommendations towards the Western Australian Planning Commission release of the DesignWA and the Apartment Design Guide.
He has led the design and delivery of high profile and bespoke projects, including; Hilton Park Master Plan, Exchange at Greater Curtin University including the Design and Built Environment Building, Bob Hawke College, Willetton Skate Plaza, Murdoch Student Hub Major Upgrade and Lathlain Precinct and Raine Square.
Damien is active in the negotiation of creative places that circulate ecology to community, community to poetics, and poetics back to ecology.
Damien is a Founding Director of REALMstudios, which recently celebrated 10 years of practice across five studios in Australia. He is an accomplished and award-winning designer, client manager, team and project leader with 25 years professional experience in design and delivery. He is a public realm design specialist and leads the Perth studio.
Damien has extensive experience in design review, with current membership on the WA State Design Review, DevelopmentWA and Vincent Design Review Panels. As a member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Executive and lead for Advocacy, he is active in promoting AILA values and objectives to influence State and Local Government policy. Demonstrated through his leadership and contribution, Damien provided critical landscape recommendations towards the Western Australian Planning Commission release of the DesignWA and the Apartment Design Guide.
He has led the design and delivery of high profile and bespoke projects, including; Hilton Park Master Plan, Exchange at Greater Curtin University including the Design and Built Environment Building, Bob Hawke College, Willetton Skate Plaza, Murdoch Student Hub Major Upgrade and Lathlain Precinct and Raine Square.
Damien is active in the negotiation of creative places that circulate ecology to community, community to poetics, and poetics back to ecology.
Amalie Wright
Principal
Brisbane Studio
Amalie is a landscape architect and architect whose work focuses on collaboratively created, regenerative urban waterways. She has recently joined REALMstudios after more than a decade running her own design practice.
Her work on channel naturalisation projects include the multi-award winning Small Creek in Ipswich, which transformed nearly a kilometre of concrete drain into a healthy, functioning waterway with demonstrated flood resilience and ecological recruitment. From 2018 Amalie spent a number of years based at Monash University in Melbourne, working on the RISE action-research program, which is working at the intersections of health, environment, and water and sanitation, trialling a new water sensitive approach to water and sanitation management in 24 informal settlements across Indonesia and Fiji.
In addition to her practice Amalie has served as AILA Queensland President and National Board member. In 2018 she was elected a Fellow. She has tutored frequently in both landscape and architecture at Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle. She is the author of Future Park: imagining tomorrow’s urban parks, commissioned by CSIRO Publishing, and is a regular conference speaker on the subject of parks and integrated water management.
Brisbane Studio
Amalie is a landscape architect and architect whose work focuses on collaboratively created, regenerative urban waterways. She has recently joined REALMstudios after more than a decade running her own design practice.
Her work on channel naturalisation projects include the multi-award winning Small Creek in Ipswich, which transformed nearly a kilometre of concrete drain into a healthy, functioning waterway with demonstrated flood resilience and ecological recruitment. From 2018 Amalie spent a number of years based at Monash University in Melbourne, working on the RISE action-research program, which is working at the intersections of health, environment, and water and sanitation, trialling a new water sensitive approach to water and sanitation management in 24 informal settlements across Indonesia and Fiji.
In addition to her practice Amalie has served as AILA Queensland President and National Board member. In 2018 she was elected a Fellow. She has tutored frequently in both landscape and architecture at Queensland University of Technology, the University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle. She is the author of Future Park: imagining tomorrow’s urban parks, commissioned by CSIRO Publishing, and is a regular conference speaker on the subject of parks and integrated water management.
Alexander Maxwell-Anderson
Landscape Architecture
Alexander has experience working in design publishing and communications, with former roles as Assistant Editor of Foreground and Co-Editor of Kerb Journal #28.
He has recently completed his Master’s of Landscape Architecture at RMIT, where his research focuses on challenging conventions of play typologies and engaging their potential to reshape urban environments to address converging impacts of ecological degradation and urban densification.
Alexander’s practice is grounded in an engagement with environmental research and discourse that seeks to deepen understanding and connection to sustainable land management systems. His passion for landscape draws from the intersection of urban and ecological systems and the socio-environmental relationships of the spaces we share.
Alexander has experience working in design publishing and communications, with former roles as Assistant Editor of Foreground and Co-Editor of Kerb Journal #28.
He has recently completed his Master’s of Landscape Architecture at RMIT, where his research focuses on challenging conventions of play typologies and engaging their potential to reshape urban environments to address converging impacts of ecological degradation and urban densification.
Alexander’s practice is grounded in an engagement with environmental research and discourse that seeks to deepen understanding and connection to sustainable land management systems. His passion for landscape draws from the intersection of urban and ecological systems and the socio-environmental relationships of the spaces we share.
Saki White-Sugito
Student
Landscape Architecture
Saki is a student currently undertaking Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Western Australia. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments at the University of Tasmania, the decision to enter landscape architecture was driven by a desire to address ecological concerns and be a catalyst for positive environmental change.
Growing up surrounded by Tasmania’s natural landscapes and developing a deep fondness for gardening at a young age, Saki’s appreciation of the environment, sustainability and conservation has evolved.
Saki is motivated by landscape architecture’s multifaceted practice that brings together activism and design to regenerate; socially, culturally, and environmentally.
Landscape Architecture
Saki is a student currently undertaking Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Western Australia. After completing a Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments at the University of Tasmania, the decision to enter landscape architecture was driven by a desire to address ecological concerns and be a catalyst for positive environmental change.
Growing up surrounded by Tasmania’s natural landscapes and developing a deep fondness for gardening at a young age, Saki’s appreciation of the environment, sustainability and conservation has evolved.
Saki is motivated by landscape architecture’s multifaceted practice that brings together activism and design to regenerate; socially, culturally, and environmentally.
Serena Salvi
Practitioner
Serena is a landscape and urban designer with experience working in France, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
Educated as an architect and later as an urban designer, she has developed a passion for public spaces and landscape design throughout her early career. In her later experience she has learnt the importance of biodiversity and ecology and the integrating of natural environments within the city. In an ever-changing world she believes that design professionals must help cities and communities mitigate and adapt to the disrupting effects of climate change, by combining resilient design with nature-based solutions.
Serena is a resourceful and enthusiastic designer who integrates her international background with experimenting and adapting strategies for liveable cities. As a designer and an individual, she feels responsible for the translation of the potentials of the site while exploring community needs. Serena believes that cities and landscapes need to be reimagined with a new care for people, giving then the space to adapt to the ever-changing environmental scenarios and not to challenge them.
Serena is a landscape and urban designer with experience working in France, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
Educated as an architect and later as an urban designer, she has developed a passion for public spaces and landscape design throughout her early career. In her later experience she has learnt the importance of biodiversity and ecology and the integrating of natural environments within the city. In an ever-changing world she believes that design professionals must help cities and communities mitigate and adapt to the disrupting effects of climate change, by combining resilient design with nature-based solutions.
Serena is a resourceful and enthusiastic designer who integrates her international background with experimenting and adapting strategies for liveable cities. As a designer and an individual, she feels responsible for the translation of the potentials of the site while exploring community needs. Serena believes that cities and landscapes need to be reimagined with a new care for people, giving then the space to adapt to the ever-changing environmental scenarios and not to challenge them.
Holly McElhenny
Landscape Architecture
Holly is a landscape architect with a strong graphic and technical skillset. She is committed to forming a deep understanding of place and respecting Country as a means of creating meaningful public spaces.
While undertaking her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) at the University of Technology Sydney, Holly focused on integrating more-than-human systems with the urban realm. Holly's design philosophy draws upon care as maintenance, reciprocity between ecological and cultural systems and soil regeneration. Holly carries these interests into her practice, expressing them across a range of scales from master planning, public domain plans, planning and policy, strategic planning and open space design.
Holly is a landscape architect with a strong graphic and technical skillset. She is committed to forming a deep understanding of place and respecting Country as a means of creating meaningful public spaces.
While undertaking her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons) at the University of Technology Sydney, Holly focused on integrating more-than-human systems with the urban realm. Holly's design philosophy draws upon care as maintenance, reciprocity between ecological and cultural systems and soil regeneration. Holly carries these interests into her practice, expressing them across a range of scales from master planning, public domain plans, planning and policy, strategic planning and open space design.
Tom Rivard
Urban Futures
Tom is an urbanist, artist and educator, engaged in speculative city making, re-imagining the productive relationships between cultural acts and the environments in which they thrive.
He has recently delivered a series of strategic urban projects across Sydney and NSW for state agencies, local councils and private enterprise combining the disciplines of environmental city-making, urbanism, landscape and architecture.
Working across the disciplines of architecture, urban design, academia and art in the US, Europe and Australia, he directed Lean Productions, a multi-disciplinary creative practice. He led urban design and cities research for McGregor Coxall, integrating habitats, communities and infrastructure.
Tom is one of the founders of Urban Islands, a global cities workshop convening leading global urbanists to workshop contemporary urban issues and solutions. He teaches and lectures regularly in Australia and internationally. He is currently conducting PhD research exploring interactions between civic space and urban society through narratives of interdependence.
His diverse interests in global cities, culture and environment unite in pursuit of a new radical co-existence, combining sustainable systems, cultural diversity and the re-integration of natural and man-made ecologies, remaking our cities and the ways in which we choose to live in them, together.
Tom is an urbanist, artist and educator, engaged in speculative city making, re-imagining the productive relationships between cultural acts and the environments in which they thrive.
He has recently delivered a series of strategic urban projects across Sydney and NSW for state agencies, local councils and private enterprise combining the disciplines of environmental city-making, urbanism, landscape and architecture.
Working across the disciplines of architecture, urban design, academia and art in the US, Europe and Australia, he directed Lean Productions, a multi-disciplinary creative practice. He led urban design and cities research for McGregor Coxall, integrating habitats, communities and infrastructure.
Tom is one of the founders of Urban Islands, a global cities workshop convening leading global urbanists to workshop contemporary urban issues and solutions. He teaches and lectures regularly in Australia and internationally. He is currently conducting PhD research exploring interactions between civic space and urban society through narratives of interdependence.
His diverse interests in global cities, culture and environment unite in pursuit of a new radical co-existence, combining sustainable systems, cultural diversity and the re-integration of natural and man-made ecologies, remaking our cities and the ways in which we choose to live in them, together.
Hana Nara
Graduate
Landscape Architecture
Hana graduated from QUT in 2023 with a Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture) and a Bachelor of Science (Environmental). This combination of degrees has given her an optimistic view of the opportunities which lie within the intersection of these fields to produce evidence-based, thorough and holistic outcomes. Her belief is that by considering environmental systems and all users - both human and non-human – spaces can be created for all living organisms to thrive.
Within the extensive field of environmental science Hana has been exposed to the world of soil science, groundwater systems, plant ecology, water and air pollution and geology, among other things. In her final year of study, she travelled to Malaysia alongside peers to study the function and composition of a lowland dipterocarp forest. From this trip, the importance of management regimes and the coordination with the local people in promoting and maintaining forest health was highlighted. The need to not only protect but to enhance our natural systems and promote environmental stewardship is something which she is passionate about and believes can be achieved through thoughtful design of the built environment.
Landscape Architecture
Hana graduated from QUT in 2023 with a Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture) and a Bachelor of Science (Environmental). This combination of degrees has given her an optimistic view of the opportunities which lie within the intersection of these fields to produce evidence-based, thorough and holistic outcomes. Her belief is that by considering environmental systems and all users - both human and non-human – spaces can be created for all living organisms to thrive.
Within the extensive field of environmental science Hana has been exposed to the world of soil science, groundwater systems, plant ecology, water and air pollution and geology, among other things. In her final year of study, she travelled to Malaysia alongside peers to study the function and composition of a lowland dipterocarp forest. From this trip, the importance of management regimes and the coordination with the local people in promoting and maintaining forest health was highlighted. The need to not only protect but to enhance our natural systems and promote environmental stewardship is something which she is passionate about and believes can be achieved through thoughtful design of the built environment.
Ali Doody-Burras
Student
Architecture
Ali is a student at Curtin University, currently studying a Bachelor of Architectural Science, having discovered an appreciation for the field in the latter years of her schooling.
With a wide range of interest in the arts including free hand drawings, modelling and graphic design, Ali is excited to bring her individualism and enthusiasm to her work, while strengthening her understanding of the importance of design with consideration for the future communities.
Ali is focused on incorporating her studies into her work to support the wider goals of sustainability, ecological design and urbanisation, to address the evolving challenges of our rapidly expanding and modernising society.
Architecture
Ali is a student at Curtin University, currently studying a Bachelor of Architectural Science, having discovered an appreciation for the field in the latter years of her schooling.
With a wide range of interest in the arts including free hand drawings, modelling and graphic design, Ali is excited to bring her individualism and enthusiasm to her work, while strengthening her understanding of the importance of design with consideration for the future communities.
Ali is focused on incorporating her studies into her work to support the wider goals of sustainability, ecological design and urbanisation, to address the evolving challenges of our rapidly expanding and modernising society.
Maximiliano Olivares Croxatto
Student
Architecture
Maximiliano is a registered architect in Chile and currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He brings a strong academic background and practical experience to his work, particularly from his time at Mathias Klotz Architects. Here, Maximiliano honed his skills in different design stages like construction documentation, and project management, always with a focus on concept design and visualisation.
Maximiliano strives to improve the relationships between the built and unbuilt environments, seeking a deeper connection between architecture and the landscape from both sustainable and aesthetic perspectives. He views architecture as a profound art form, whereby using the design process to evoke emotions and aims to create spaces that spark profound connections between people and their environment.
Architecture
Maximiliano is a registered architect in Chile and currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He brings a strong academic background and practical experience to his work, particularly from his time at Mathias Klotz Architects. Here, Maximiliano honed his skills in different design stages like construction documentation, and project management, always with a focus on concept design and visualisation.
Maximiliano strives to improve the relationships between the built and unbuilt environments, seeking a deeper connection between architecture and the landscape from both sustainable and aesthetic perspectives. He views architecture as a profound art form, whereby using the design process to evoke emotions and aims to create spaces that spark profound connections between people and their environment.
Emma Maher
Graduate
Landscape Architecture
Emma joins as a recent graduate in the Perth studio, currently completing her Master of Landscape Architecture at UWA. Her interests lie with the integration of environmental design and accessible public spaces and is eager to dive into projects that enhance this.
In late 2023 she completed her design by dissertation with a focus area of Autism Positive Landscape Architecture, focusing on creating frameworks to make spaces more inclusive for the neurodiverse community. Emma believes that cities and landscapes can be reimagined with new ideas for accessibility and inclusiveness, while grounding her practice with ecological lead thinking to support natural systems. Emma's vision is to create inclusive spaces that cater to all abilities, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Emma also leads REALMstudios national marketing and communications, having previous experience in a marketing career prior to re-training within landscape architecture.
Landscape Architecture
Emma joins as a recent graduate in the Perth studio, currently completing her Master of Landscape Architecture at UWA. Her interests lie with the integration of environmental design and accessible public spaces and is eager to dive into projects that enhance this.
In late 2023 she completed her design by dissertation with a focus area of Autism Positive Landscape Architecture, focusing on creating frameworks to make spaces more inclusive for the neurodiverse community. Emma believes that cities and landscapes can be reimagined with new ideas for accessibility and inclusiveness, while grounding her practice with ecological lead thinking to support natural systems. Emma's vision is to create inclusive spaces that cater to all abilities, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Emma also leads REALMstudios national marketing and communications, having previous experience in a marketing career prior to re-training within landscape architecture.
Jasmin Pericles
Landscape Architecture
Jasmin is a landscape architect who studied in Germany and completed work experience with a leading Swiss practice, Raderschall Landscape Architects, during which time they won the ‘Allmend Brunau’ competition. She wrote her Diploma Thesis on ‘City Living Space: Interaction with Rivers as a Mirror of Society’ which explored two rivers in Zurich, Switzerland. This focus continues to drive her professional interests.
After moving to Australia Jasmin was involved in several Sydney projects including the winning competition for ‘East Darling Harbour Headland Park’ at Barangaroo with Hill Thallis & JILA. Jasmin was also involved in a number of private residential gardens during this time.
In Perth, whilst working for EDAW/AECOM and Mary Jeavons, Jasmin worked on the award winning ‘Yokine Playspace’, a regional scale all-abilities nature-based playground.
With REALMstudios Jasmin has worked on the Highgate Primary school Seniors Hub and West Coast Steiner School Hub projects. Most recently was instrumental in designing the landscape component for the new Waldorf high school campus in Perth Hills.
Jasmin balances her professional development and career with busy family commitments.
Jasmin is a landscape architect who studied in Germany and completed work experience with a leading Swiss practice, Raderschall Landscape Architects, during which time they won the ‘Allmend Brunau’ competition. She wrote her Diploma Thesis on ‘City Living Space: Interaction with Rivers as a Mirror of Society’ which explored two rivers in Zurich, Switzerland. This focus continues to drive her professional interests.
After moving to Australia Jasmin was involved in several Sydney projects including the winning competition for ‘East Darling Harbour Headland Park’ at Barangaroo with Hill Thallis & JILA. Jasmin was also involved in a number of private residential gardens during this time.
In Perth, whilst working for EDAW/AECOM and Mary Jeavons, Jasmin worked on the award winning ‘Yokine Playspace’, a regional scale all-abilities nature-based playground.
With REALMstudios Jasmin has worked on the Highgate Primary school Seniors Hub and West Coast Steiner School Hub projects. Most recently was instrumental in designing the landscape component for the new Waldorf high school campus in Perth Hills.
Jasmin balances her professional development and career with busy family commitments.
Angus Ianni
Senior
Landscape Architecture
Angus is a highly accomplished and dedicated senior landscape architect, boasting more than 8 years of experience in the design field. His deep understanding of project briefs and site contexts allows him to create innovative and captivating design solutions that resonate with the communities they serve. His work consistently yields evocative results, positively impacting how people experience and engage with their surroundings.
One of Angus’ defining qualities is his passion for collaboration. He enjoys working closely with fellow practitioners, such as architects, urban planners, and environmental experts, to bring innovative projects to life.
Angus aims to develop designs that not only meet the needs of the community but also address environmental sustainability and the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and social change.
Environmental sustainability is a cause close to Angus’ heart. He actively incorporates principles of sustainability into his projects, ensuring that they are environmentally responsible and leave a positive impact on the ecosystem. Additionally, Angus has a keen eye for creating artful landscapes that not only provide functional spaces but also have aesthetic value, enhancing the overall experience of the users.
Landscape Architecture
Angus is a highly accomplished and dedicated senior landscape architect, boasting more than 8 years of experience in the design field. His deep understanding of project briefs and site contexts allows him to create innovative and captivating design solutions that resonate with the communities they serve. His work consistently yields evocative results, positively impacting how people experience and engage with their surroundings.
One of Angus’ defining qualities is his passion for collaboration. He enjoys working closely with fellow practitioners, such as architects, urban planners, and environmental experts, to bring innovative projects to life.
Angus aims to develop designs that not only meet the needs of the community but also address environmental sustainability and the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and social change.
Environmental sustainability is a cause close to Angus’ heart. He actively incorporates principles of sustainability into his projects, ensuring that they are environmentally responsible and leave a positive impact on the ecosystem. Additionally, Angus has a keen eye for creating artful landscapes that not only provide functional spaces but also have aesthetic value, enhancing the overall experience of the users.
Rocio Cribari
Business Support Administrator
As a Business Support Administrator, Rocio delivers essential day-to-day administrative assistance and collaborates closely with the leadership team and project managers. Before joining REALMstudios, she accumulated extensive experience in finance and operations across multinational corporations, recruitment agencies, and most recently, a tech startup. Hailing from Argentina, Rocio holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and brings a rich background in accounting, finance, operations, and administration, with experience extending across both Argentina and Australia.
As a Business Support Administrator, Rocio delivers essential day-to-day administrative assistance and collaborates closely with the leadership team and project managers. Before joining REALMstudios, she accumulated extensive experience in finance and operations across multinational corporations, recruitment agencies, and most recently, a tech startup. Hailing from Argentina, Rocio holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and brings a rich background in accounting, finance, operations, and administration, with experience extending across both Argentina and Australia.
Chris Tankard
Graduate
Landscape Architecture
Chris is currently completing his Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He is a motivated and forward-thinking individual who draws from his prior academic background: Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Political Economy from The University of Sydney and a Master of Marketing from RMIT. Chris’ earlier study provides a nuanced understanding of the complex socio-economic forces shaping our urban environments.
Consequently, Chris’ studies focus on enhancing the resilience and character of civic spaces in an urban future of greater density and a changing climate. They have included research in Sweden and Japan, the latter as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Steve Calhoun Scholarship. In Japan, Chris studied historic food markets, helping him develop key strategies for his thesis project which examines the unique contributions of landscape architecture to the resilience and evolution of Melbourne’s cultural civic spaces.
Landscape Architecture
Chris is currently completing his Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He is a motivated and forward-thinking individual who draws from his prior academic background: Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Political Economy from The University of Sydney and a Master of Marketing from RMIT. Chris’ earlier study provides a nuanced understanding of the complex socio-economic forces shaping our urban environments.
Consequently, Chris’ studies focus on enhancing the resilience and character of civic spaces in an urban future of greater density and a changing climate. They have included research in Sweden and Japan, the latter as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Steve Calhoun Scholarship. In Japan, Chris studied historic food markets, helping him develop key strategies for his thesis project which examines the unique contributions of landscape architecture to the resilience and evolution of Melbourne’s cultural civic spaces.
Meg Varley
Urban Design
Meg is an Urban Designer and graduate of Architecture with over eight years of experience in both private practice and local government. Through her diverse background, she has developed a strong understanding of the interconnectedness of our social, built, and natural environments.
With a foundation in environmental studies, governance, and planning from the Bachelor of Environments (majoring in Architecture), the Masters of Architecture, and student roles in architectural practice, further honed Meg's graphic sensibilities and deepened her appreciation for the role environments play in shaping human lives.
Meg is particularly drawn to the macro scale of enquiry and graduated with a curiosity to explore urban design. During her time in Local Government in Melbourne, Meg has built a solid understanding of how governance and public policy influence both ecological and built form outcomes. Notably, during the 2021 pandemic lockdowns, Meg managed the expansion of Merri-bek's Parklet Program, a key initiative that supported local businesses and the democratisation of public space.
Throughout her time at Merri-bek, Meg has provided Urban Design recommendations that have played a pivotal role in securing positive design outcomes for a diverse range of development proposals. She is also known for her strong interpersonal skills, having led efforts to improve engagement strategies and communication accessibility. Prioritising human connection and active listening, Meg ensures that these values form the foundation of every project she undertakes.
With experience across all design scales—from detailed construction to local-level strategy—Meg brings a holistic approach that is both pragmatic and empathetic.
Meg is an Urban Designer and graduate of Architecture with over eight years of experience in both private practice and local government. Through her diverse background, she has developed a strong understanding of the interconnectedness of our social, built, and natural environments.
With a foundation in environmental studies, governance, and planning from the Bachelor of Environments (majoring in Architecture), the Masters of Architecture, and student roles in architectural practice, further honed Meg's graphic sensibilities and deepened her appreciation for the role environments play in shaping human lives.
Meg is particularly drawn to the macro scale of enquiry and graduated with a curiosity to explore urban design. During her time in Local Government in Melbourne, Meg has built a solid understanding of how governance and public policy influence both ecological and built form outcomes. Notably, during the 2021 pandemic lockdowns, Meg managed the expansion of Merri-bek's Parklet Program, a key initiative that supported local businesses and the democratisation of public space.
Throughout her time at Merri-bek, Meg has provided Urban Design recommendations that have played a pivotal role in securing positive design outcomes for a diverse range of development proposals. She is also known for her strong interpersonal skills, having led efforts to improve engagement strategies and communication accessibility. Prioritising human connection and active listening, Meg ensures that these values form the foundation of every project she undertakes.
With experience across all design scales—from detailed construction to local-level strategy—Meg brings a holistic approach that is both pragmatic and empathetic.
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