Stitching together multidisciplinary knowledge

Our urban designers are committed to leveraging the expert knowledge across Spiire’s range of technical disciplines to deliver creative and forward-thinking solutions.

Urban designers Luke Panoutsos and Emily Robson at Spiire's Melbourne office.

The team works closely with other disciplines on projects spanning Spiire’s ten office locations across VIC, QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT. This integrated approach is part of Spiire’s core value of working together as one team, to enrich outcomes for clients and communities.

Luke Panoutsos joined Spiire as a Professional in the Urban Design team in June 2021. After studying Landscape Architecture at university, Luke initially worked for a small design and planning firm, where he discovered his passion for design.

“We were one small part of a project team and I wanted to understand the full project lifecycle,” says Luke. “Spiire stood out as an integrated multidisciplinary business where I could learn about all aspects of a project and develop my skills in project management.”

Since joining Spiire, Luke has enjoyed opportunities to increase his knowledge, technical proficiency and project management skills, identified through conversations sparked by Spiire’s structured career development planning.

“I sit in on a lot of meetings run by the engineering teams to see the inner workings of projects and get a better understanding of all aspects,” he says.

“It’s great to have a close working relationship with so many other disciplines. I can chat to an engineer or landscape architect who can quickly explain something on the spot. With this understanding of other teams’ needs, we can improve our designs by considering their requirements.”

Another benefit of this integration, Luke says, is the efficiencies it creates.

“You’re not sending an email to other project consultants and waiting two weeks for someone to respond. It literally takes a 10-minute conversation with a colleague in another discipline to resolve.”

Luke is also enjoying the chance to socialise with a diverse range of people as part of a larger organisation.

“From Friday night happy hour in the office to the social club and other social events, there are plenty of opportunities to talk to everyone – and it makes the whole vibe really friendly and approachable,” he says.

Luke’s broad project experience has included regional work, building on his greenfield and infill experience.

“I have really loved the connection with regional projects and teams – that’s been a huge win for me,” he says. “Being rewarded and appreciated for your hard work is what I find the most fulfilling. There is nothing boring about being an urban designer at Spiire. I’m really excited about all the opportunities and my long-term development.”

Trust and support key to success

Senior Associate Emily Robson started with Spiire as an Associate in 2017.

“I did my Masters in Architecture and worked in that field for five years before gravitating to subdivision design. I found myself drawn to the larger scale and the planning scheme, rather than construction detail,” she says.

“What I love is starting from scratch with developments. The relationships and trust we have with our clients enable me to really take ownership of projects. I can tap into my creativity and design communities that are both future-centric and sustainable while also achieving client outcomes.”

Now working part time after returning from maternity leave for the second time, Emily says the flexibility and support from the Urban Design team and wider business enables her to thrive.

“I progressed to Senior Associate while on maternity leave having achieved all the necessary criteria for the role working part time between children. The team have been super supportive in whatever flexible arrangement works for me,” she says.