ASPECT Studios

In her keynote at the 2025 International Landscape Design Forum, Vivi Xie, Business Director of ASPECT Studios in Shanghai, shared ASPECT’s commitment to placemaking principles, ecological regenerative design, and our exploration of new global markets and the application of innovative design tools.     The forum, which took place on March 31, was well-attended and featured an engaging atmosphere. It brought together leading landscape design experts, representatives from cultural and tourism enterprises, and major real estate development groups from both China and international markets.     This year’s forum revolved around the theme "Boundary Breaking and Innovation," and Vivi contributed by sharing insights from several recent boundary-breaking projects from ASPECT Studios, including Ant A Space in Hangzhou, 80 Ann Street in Brisbane, Westpac Place in Sydney, and The Summit in Shanghai. 

Our leaders have been in Melbourne this week for our annual Strategy Workshop. As designers, landscape architects, and urbanists, we're united by our purpose: to create projects that challenge, delight, and enhance lives and natural systems for the long term. Our annual workshop brings our global leadership together to maintain our focus upon delivering our Purpose and to shape the future of ASPECT Studios.    We are delighted to leave our workshop with renewed energy, direction, and enthusiasm to continue evolving our practice.

The Guildford Grammar School Master Plan is a bold step forward — honouring the school's heritage while shaping a future of innovation, sustainability, and connection.   Developed through deep consultation with students, staff, and the wider community, the plan introduces three key concepts to enhance learning and strengthen campus life. The Third Classroom revitalizes the school’s wetlands and riverfront, transforming them into immersive, hands-on learning spaces that deepen students’ connection to nature. Connected Campus improves accessibility and movement between the Senior and Preparatory Schools, whilst enhancing the public realm and fostering stronger links between students of all ages. Campus Life integrates green infrastructure, native landscaping, and rewilding initiatives, enhancing biodiversity and creating environments that support student wellbeing, collaboration, and discovery.   By embedding landscape at the heart of the campus experience, the master plan ensures that outdoor spaces become a valuable extension of the classroom—supporting curiosity, exploration, and a deeper connection to place. Thanks to our collaborators With_Architecture Studio (Architecture) and TPM (Project Management)

The development of Bradfield Central Park will now move ahead following SSDA approval. Designed by an ASPECT Studios-led team, the two-hectare park will highlight the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plain. Key features include the reflective “sky ring” and immersive “interwoven heart,” a space for community, creativity, and connection. As the new city develops, this park will serve as its green heart, offering a place of respite and a deep connection to Country. We’re excited to be working with the NSW Government’s Bradfield Development Authority Development Authority to bring this project to life. Thanks to our team Collins and Turner Architects, cultural consultant and Baramadagal woman of Dharug Country Jayne Christian, curatorial collaborator Emily McDaniel from the Wiradjuri Nation, artist janet laurence, structural engineers Eckersley O'Callaghan and lighting designer Steensen Varming. Visualisations: Doug and Wolf

ASPECT Studios projects have been recognised in shortlist for the 2025 Australian Urban Design Awards, which celebrate the most impactful projects in Australian urban design. Shortlisted for the Research and Advocacy Award, Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 was a major collaboration between the National Gallery of Victoria and eight Victorian landscape architecture firms that presented a series of design provocations for the lands and waters of the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Melbourne. ASPECT Studios, Realm Studios, Openwork, OFFICE, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, Bush Projects Landscape Architecture, SBLA Studio, McGregor Coxall and baracco+wright contributed to the exhibition and the surrounding program of events and publications.   Elsewhere, Devonport Living City, by Lyons with Maddison Architects and Birelli, has been shortlisted in the Built Outcomes category. The Living City project has begun a process of economic and ecological rejuvenation for the Tasmanian city of Devonport. The recently opened Sydney Metro Stations have been recognised in the same category. The Sydney Metro project has, in the few months since it opened, already become a vital part of life for thousands of Sydneysiders. ASPECT Studios is proud to be helping to deliver the precincts surrounding Waterloo and Victoria Cross stations. We’re excited for the announcement of the winners in Sydney in April.

The new Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp will be fun, safe, and accessible for riders of all ages and abilities, while respecting the heritage and stature of the Harbour Bridge and Bradfield Park. It’s great to see this significant project taking shape. Jason Packenham, Integrated Transport Lead for ASPECT Studios in Sydney, said the NSW Government is “showing fantastic vision and tenacity in delivering high-quality cycling infrastructure for a Sydney icon. This project will connect the city to North Sydney in an equitable, accessible way.” We congratulate Transport for NSW, the NSW Government, and Anna Bradley, Executive Director Cities & Active Transport at Transport for NSW in particular for her advocacy on behalf of this project. ASPECT Studios, Arenco, Collins and Turner Architects, Design 5, Eckersley O'Callaghan, Yerrabingin Pty Ltd, Stantec, Electrolight, Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs Read more about the project in the Guardian Australia here: https://lnkd.in/gKGRVqMF

It’s always fantastic to see commitment to prioritising the human experience on streets from leaders at the highest level. That commitment was on display in the Committee for Sydney’s new guide to building a more walkable city—"Putting our best foot forward: a checklist for walkable density". To celebrate its publication last week, Bianca Pineda, Associate Studio Director, helped to lead a walking tour through Haymarket, one of Sydney’s most walkable neighbourhoods. The tour visited several ASPECT Studios-designed projects in Sydney, including Darling Square and The Goods Line, as well as the in-progress Dixon Street Landscape. It was a pleasure to set new goals for Sydney by looking at the work that has already been done to make its streets friendlier places to be. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the day: Marc Lane, Anna Bradley, Annie Tennant, Alexander Wendler, Estelle Grech, Bridget Smyth, Andrew Chappell, Matthew Proft, Grahame Edwards.   To read a full copy of the report here: https://lnkd.in/gD_w69a4

The Summit's landscape is a dynamic, evolving space, meticulously crafted to reflect Shanghai's vibrant urban life. Our design philosophy for this project centered on creating a landscape that seamlessly blends culture, community, and nature, offering adaptable spaces for connection and reflection. This collaboration extended to aligning the vision, concept, and resolution with architecture firm KPF, from urban landmark to human-scale landscape. Central to the design is the spatial sequencing, transitioning from grand public spaces to intimate retreats. The cultural performance plaza, anchored by the Shanghai Museum, serves as a focal point for gatherings, framed by a granite bench that fosters connection. The retail sunken plaza offers a vibrant, contrasting atmosphere, with bespoke timber terraces and stone balconies. At ground level, social benches under tree canopies provide spaces for dining and socializing. Office gardens feature serene reflection pools and artwork, offering secluded retreats. The Riverside Connective Park introduces a multi-level riparian corridor, integrating nature and recreation. Pathways and a cycleway encourage engagement with the waterway, while seasonal planting enhances biodiversity. The Summit effectively blends cultural, commercial, and natural elements, balancing energy with calm. From the lively civic spaces to the tranquil riverside gardens, it offers a microcosm of Shanghai’s urban life, fostering community engagement and providing spaces for both activity and reflection. Client: Poly Developments and Holdings Architecture and interior design: KPF Photography: RAWVison Studio

ASPECT Studios is an employee-owned business, and by welcoming new shareholders we enhance resilience, foster long-term commitment, and reward performance. We are pleased to welcome Matt Durning (Studio Director, Brisbane), Jason Geralis (Associate Studio Director, Melbourne) and Valter Vieira (Co-CEO) as new shareholders. Matthew, Jason and Valter each represent ASPECT at its best, and have contributed to the growth of the practice in unique ways. We're excited to welcome these talented individuals to our growing shareholder cohort. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gVaNUU9P

International Women’s Day, on 8 March , was a moment for our practice to celebrate the incredible achievements of women and reflect on how we can all contribute to positive change.    Our studios worldwide marked the occasion with meaningful events. In Sydney, our team came together to support the HappyBoxes Project, donating essential items and crafting handmade cards for women and girls in remote Australian communities.    Our Shanghai studio took inspiration from the "Women: Born to Shine" National Geographic exhibition, sparking a vibrant discussion about the diverse experiences of women throughout history. This exhibition, with its powerful images and stories, provided a poignant backdrop for reflection.    On Thursday 6 March , our Associate Studio Director, Cassandra Chilton, joined Common ground Ground for their IWD cross-disciplinary event hosted by EmAGN VIC and AILA Fresh VIC, acting as a mentor for young emerging professionals. Meanwhile, inspired by the www.findingher.org.au campaign "Put Her Name On It," our Melbourne team created humorous ‘memorial plaques’ to celebrate female team members’ contributions, from everyday placements like trees and seats, to major projects.    While we strive for equality daily, IWD offered a crucial moment to acknowledge the unique challenges women face, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries like ours. At ASPECT Studios, we are proud to have a majority female workforce, including at the board level. We've made significant progress in closing the Gender Pay Gap, as evidenced by the recent WGEA data. We are committed to ensuring pay equality based on role and contribution, and we are actively working to provide more leadership opportunities for women, fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.