People Oriented Design

30/05/2026

Last night’s FNQ Regional Architecture Awards were a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people, partnerships and communities behind the projects we are fortunate to be part of.

We are incredibly grateful to have received two Project Commendations for Wanggulay Boys Boarding at Djarragun College and Gindaja Training and Accommodation at Yarrabah.

These projects were shaped by a shared commitment to creating places that support opportunity, wellbeing and connection. They reflect the aspirations of the communities they serve and the dedication of the many people who contributed their knowledge, experience and hard work along the way.

We are especially honoured that Gindaja Training and Accommodation was also awarded the People’s Choice Award. To be recognised by the community in this way is particularly meaningful and reinforces the importance of listening, collaborating and designing with people at the centre of the process.

Our sincere thanks to our clients, community representatives, consultants, contractors and project teams whose passion and commitment made these projects possible. We also thank the Australian Institute of Architects and the awards jury for this recognition.

Architecture is always a collective endeavour, and we are proud to have worked alongside so many dedicated people to create places that support learning, growth, cultural connection and community outcomes across Far North Queensland.

28/04/2026

We can’t get enough of the incredible spaces coming to life through the 326 Pallas Street project in collaboration with Maryborough Aboriginal Corporation. 🖤💛❤️

This project is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when cultural respect, strong relationships, and thoughtful design come together. 😍

We’re deeply grateful for the trust and partnership behind this work. As shared by Martine Britton, Manager, Maryborough Aboriginal Corporation:

“I can say without hesitation that I would recommend Allison and POD. All stakeholders working on our current project appreciate the knowledge, attention to detail and problem solving skills that Allison has shown on many occasions. Allison has a warm and generous spirit and is always approachable, responsive and thorough. From our dealings, it is clear that Allison has had extensive experience working with First Nations people and cultural project design which, as a First Nations client, makes working with her a pleasure. I have found her knowledge, experience and respect for the cultural element in both the design and project management very reassuring and Allison has kept me informed and explained things along the way in a clear manner that I am able to understand. In summary, I would recommend Allison based on her cultural respect and experience, her exemplary communication and her excellent professional ability.”

We’re proud to be part of a project that centres culture, community, and care at every step.

24/04/2026

‘Sometimes we spend more time with people at work than we do at home, so it’s important we take time to connect and be kind to each other’. We couldn’t agree more with the words of talented Yalanji artist as she facilitated a beautiful weaving and yarning workshop for our team this afternoon. Stories wove and flowed. Memory and mindfulness were stitched into every coil. It was so good to slow down, listen, share, and weave together.

22/04/2026

🌱 Designing with People and Place in Mind 🌱
On Earth Day 2026, our People Oriented Design team rolled up their sleeves to care for the community spaces around our office: cleaning, restoring, and giving a little love back to the public places we all share.
We’re also excited to be planting the seeds of our new food production garden. 🍅🌿 It’s a hands‑on step toward sustainability, connection, and designing environments that nourish people beyond the drawing board.
Because great design isn’t just about what we create, it’s about how we show up for our community and our environment.

10/04/2026

We were proud to stand alongside two incredible clients yesterday — Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Centre and DjarragunCollege — presenting their projects to the AIA State and Regional Jury.

Both organisations embody strength, purpose and deep community impact, and it was a privilege to help share their stories, vision and architectural outcomes with the jury. These projects are driven by culture, care and education, and reflect the powerful role that design can play in supporting healing, identity and future opportunity.

We extend our sincere thanks to our specialist consultants and to the previous staff members whose expertise, commitment and hard work were instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Your contributions continue to resonate through the outcomes we celebrate today.

A big congratulations to everyone involved — we’re honoured to be part of the journey.
Photography by People Oriented Design pty Ltd

18/02/2026

The annual IWD breakfast by the Queensland Chapter of the AIA has become a calendar highlight in recent years. Featuring uplifting stories from courageous and inspiring women, it always sells out.

Belinda is looking forward to joining Karen and Kavita on March 9th to reflect on the 2026 theme: “Balance the Scales". This theme highlights the urgent need to address entrenched barriers to justice, safety, and equality for all women and girls.

A big shout out to the QEDIC committee for hosting this successful event over many years.
Qld Chapter - Australian Institute of Architects

Join us on Monday 9 March at The Calile Hotel as we come together for International Women’s Day 2026 and explore the UN theme “Balance the Scales.”

Hosted by the AIA Qld Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, this event brings together architects and collaborators who contribute to a more equitable and inclusive built environment—one where women and girls are supported, protected and empowered.

Hear from leading voices, engage in thoughtful discussion, and be part of a morning dedicated to equity, dignity and meaningful change.

For tickets head to the link in bio

Proudly supported by:


https://members.architecture.com.au/EventDetail?EventKey=QLD260309&utm_content=sked_699402fa0b0c1ce9c7568d8d&utm_medium=social&utm_name=sked&utm_source=qldfacebook

17/02/2026

Without a doubt, the most beautiful commute to work. Orpheus Island sliding by to port. 🏝️🐬

16/02/2026

A day in the life of a regional architect, Far North Queensland. Loading the barge, Lucinda sugar terminal. Air is heavy with monsoon and molasses. Bound for Palm Island. ⛴️🌴🌴

15/02/2026

Touchdown in Townsville 🌴
Our crew of five powerhouse women arrived yesterday, ready for a big week ahead. Today, four of them are heading across to Palm Island by boat, and I’ll follow with the POD truck on the barge.
We’re spending the week working on a housing project on Palm Island — partnering with community, rolling up our sleeves, and doing the work that matters.
So proud to work alongside women who show up with heart, grit, and deep respect for the communities we work with.
Let’s get to it 🏠✨

24/12/2025

✨As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year filled with purpose, partnership, and place.


🌏This year, our team at People Oriented Design had the privilege of working alongside remote communities across Gimuy, Mission Beach, Yarrabah, Injinoo, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Maryborough, and Boulia. Each project has deepened our understanding of Country, strengthened our relationships, and reminded us why community‑led design matters.

🤝We’re continually humbled by the trust placed in us by our clients and partners. The opportunity to contribute to projects that hold such cultural, social, and environmental significance is something we never take for granted. To everyone who welcomed us, collaborated with us, challenged us, and shared their stories with us — thank you.

🌿Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue this journey in 2026, with Palm Island joining our growing list of remote community projects. We can’t wait to listen, learn, and co‑design with you.

💛To our incredible team — your dedication, curiosity, and heart are what make this work meaningful. None of this happens without you.

🎉Here’s to another year of designing with people, for people, and always with purpose.

🌟Happy holidays from the POD team.