15 Jun 2023

A fusion of creative nous and evidence-based urban solutions. On 1 July 2023, two firms advocating for good design in cities are set to collide. Building on a relationship spanning over 20 years, industry leading urban design firm, kinetica, will join Urbis.

This acquisition takes Urbis’ Melbourne Design Studio to 33 specialists across urban design, landscape architecture and expert evidence, as part of the larger 120+ strong national design practice – one of the largest in Australia. 

The kinetica team: Mark Sheppard, Julia Bell, David Ferris, Jane Witham, Danielle Cull, Jacky Cashman (Not pictured: Jess Jones – parental leave)

Together we can provide the industry with a strong Melbourne-based team of multidisciplinary experts

Natalie Hoitz View Profile

Led by Mark Sheppard and Julia Bell, kinetica brings independent, bespoke urban design expertise to Urbis’ growing Melbourne Design Studio.

“Together we can provide the industry with a strong Melbourne-based team of multidisciplinary experts spanning landscape architecture, economics, property, and planning. We have the people and the infrastructure to solve some of the most complex urban challenges.” – Natalie Hoitz, Group Director, National Design, Urbis.

kinetica is an established and well-respected urban design firm in Melbourne whose strengths can be amplified by the diversity of thinking and data-driven solutions of Urbis.

Paul Hardyman View Profile

Mark Sheppard and Julia Bell are trusted experts and advocates for good design in cities, leveraging private sector insights and public sector objectives.

Mark Sheppard is the President of VPELA and an industry thought leader specialising in large-scale master planning and urban renewal projects.

While Julia Bell boasts over 12 years’ experience across urban design and strategic planning in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Backed by a larger team, we’re excited to have greater capacity for complex, time sensitive projects, while still providing our clients with the same independent, expert advice they have come to expect from us.

Mark Sheppard, Principal, kinetica

“kinetica is an established and well-respected urban design firm in Melbourne whose strengths can be amplified by the diversity of thinking and data-driven solutions of Urbis.” – Paul Hardyman, Director – QLD Design Studio Lead, Urbis.

“Backed by a larger team, we’re excited to have greater capacity for complex, time sensitive projects, while still providing our clients with the same independent, expert advice they have come to expect from us.” – Mark Sheppard, Principal, kinetica.

Natalie Hoitz View Profile
Paul Hardyman View Profile
Julie Slifirski View Profile
Chrissy Carter View Profile