20 Nov 2019

Congratulations to the Urbis #cityshaper team including Cassie Barrow, Ray Haeren and Chris Tobin for their achievements at the recent Planning Institute of Australia’s (PIA) State Awards for Planning Excellence 2019.

Met with standing-ovations, the #cityshaper duo from WA did themselves and Urbis proud. A highly competitive award process with a number of impressive projects and planners nominated, winning is an exceptional achievement. With an immense passion for planning, Cassie and Ray are highly deserving of the recognition.

Cassie Barrow won the award for Outstanding Student Project.
Cassie Barlow took home the accolade for Outstanding Student Project, an award that recognised the outstanding planning work by a tertiary student.

This award is in recognition of a substantial project which makes a significant contribution to planning and development outcomes. Cassie’s project, ‘How can urban design create a viable and liveable off-world city? A city on Mars.’ received glowing reviews.

The judges comments included: “Cassie’s project demonstrated excellence in project methodology and quality, with a three-phased qualitative approach, combining academic research with extensive multi-disciplinary stakeholder engagement, including an Enquiry by Design process.”

“Cassie used an impressive methodology of establishing a set of design principles from initial engagement and research; and then using experts in a wide range of fields including urban planning and design, housing, psychology, science, engineering and climate to apply the principles to design.”

“The design principles and challenge of achieving a viable and liveable off-world city can be applied to life on earth, particularly the high sustainability standards required, making a significant transferrable contribution to high quality development outcomes.”

Ray Haeren was elevated to Fellow status.
Perth Regional Director Ray Haeren was elevated to Fellow status for his significant contributions to planning in Western Australia.

A well deserved elevation, the status of Fellow is awarded to long-standing Full Members in recognition of the Member’s conspicuous service to the profession. Nominees must:

  • Have been a Full Member for at least minimum 10 years (not necessarily consecutive);
  • Have held a senior professional or senior academic position for a minimum of three (3) years;
  • Have demonstrated significant commitment to PIA and/or the profession, by having shown leadership within industry or profession beyond their individual organisation’s interests.

Ray’s passion for planning in Western Australia translates into the exceptional outcomes for both the state and industry, evident by his long list of project achievements. He is truly deserving of this recognition. 

Chris Tobin’s project, The Dynamic Memorial: Proposal for The Ballarat Botanical Garden.

A special mention also to Chris Tobin from our Melbourne office who received a Commendation for his student project The Dynamic Memorial: Proposal for The Ballarat Botanical Gardens  at the PIA Victoria Awards.

Congratulations, all!