SJB

We are proud to celebrate the recognition of three projects at the 2025 Planning Institute Awards, highlighting the impact of collaborative, community focused planning and urban design across NSW. In the Great Place category, the Cobar Ward Oval Precinct in collaboration with DunnHillam received a Commendation for its role in revitalising a rural community hub. In the Strategic Planning Project category, Ku-ring-gai Council’s Transport Oriented Development Alternative Preferred Scenario was awarded for its evidence based, place sensitive approach to housing. The Strategic Planning Project category also recognised Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050 with a Commendation for its visionary framework balancing urban growth, ecological protection and First Nations perspectives. Congratulations to all project partners and teams involved! DunnHillam  Sydney Olympic Park Authority  Ku-ring-gai Council  Photo by Kat Lu.  Sydney Olympic Park illustration by Mark Gerada.  #sjbplanning #planning #urbandesign #urban

We're pleased to share three appointments from SJB to the NSW State Design Review Panel program, Partners Frankie Layson and Emily Wombwell, and Associate and First Nations Lead, Jack Gillmer-Lilley.  All designers who champion community, social sustainability and quality design, Frankie, Emily and Jack will be joining a panel of fellow built-environment design experts led by the Government Architect NSW, providing independent evaluation and advice on the design quality of projects across NSW.  #sydney #gooddesign #architecture #urbandesign #design

Sitting within Wunderlich Lane at the entry to The EVE Hotel Sydney, Bar Julius layers classic materials with a playful, modern twist, creating a colourful, kaleidoscopic space that feels both timeless and full of energy. Defined by a formal dado and a vaulted ceiling, the interior balances order and lightness. The ceiling, featuring Still Life by artist Louise Olsen, brings a sense of fun and movement, forming a bold statement piece that celebrates Australian art. Rich Australian timbers, including Jarrah and Ironbark, combine with layered marbles, deep blue-grey accents and warm backlighting to evoke the warmth of classic bistros. Inspired by Grace Cossington Smith’s artwork, The Lacquer Room, the space is cozy, uplifting and full of personality. Bar Julius has been recognised internationally, winning at both the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in Dubai and the Australian 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards. Liquid & Larder  TFE Hotels  #award #restaurantdesign  #sydney #aboutsjb #interiordesign

SJB has played a leading role in shaping the future of Sydney’s Metro station precincts, helping to transform redundant state-owned land into vibrant, connected and sustainable urban communities. Working alongside government agencies including Landcom, DPHI and Sydney Metro, SJB worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team to create high quality public spaces, diverse housing opportunities and strengthening links between transport, community facilities and the green spaces.  Our work has spanned multiple precincts along the Sydney Metro Northwest corridor, including Kellyville and Cherrybrook. At Kellyville, we supported the rezoning and redevelopment process by preparing a comprehensive urban design framework that addressed land use, open space and density, and established design guidelines to ensure cohesive and enduring outcomes. At Cherrybrook, we led the master planning process for a mixed-use precinct that integrates community facilities, housing, retail, and generous open space within a challenging site context, with a strong focus on blending the natural landscape and tree canopy into the precinct identity. Across both projects, and others like them, our work has been defined by a balance between strategic planning and detailed design thinking. We seek to create precincts that not only support the growth of Sydney’s population, but also provide distinctive local character, resilience, and lasting community benefit. Client: Landcom  #aboutsjb #urbandesign #urban #metro

With its bold geometric form, Botanical Turner Place establishes a strong presence that resonates with its site and its proximity to Parliament. The building’s material palette uses clay and warm greys, earthy brick tones and crisp white highlights reaching skyward, to capture the natural colours of the Australian landscape. Along Northbourne Avenue, the façade embraces the avenue’s civic character while carefully responding to its consistent scale, proportion, and symmetry. Two passageways open into a central courtyard, seamlessly linking the residential community with Northbourne Avenue and nearby public transport. Formal gardens, complemented by raised landscaped plinths, create versatile spaces for picnics, children’s play and quiet relaxation. Botanical Turner continues the legacy of Northbourne Avenue, creating long term liveability and a strong sense of community. With the vision now taking shape, construction has begun on site, marking the exciting next stage of the project’s journey. Client: Amalgamated Property Group  #canberra #architecture #australiandesign

How can architecture and art truly work together? For ArchitectureAU’s Asks series, SJB Partner, Emily Wombwell, reflects on when collaboration flourishes, and when it slips into ‘artwashing’. She shares why trust, early involvement and creative tension are essential to meaningful outcomes. Read her response in full here: https://lnkd.in/gTWFkEkj #architectureauasks #architecture #art #publicart

In his recent research and practice, Associate and First Nations Lead Jack Gillmer-Lilley critically interrogates museum institutions, exposing how they reproduce coloniality across experiential, architectural, and systemic levels. Drawing from his experiences through the Galang Residency Program, the Australia Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, and his role on the Cultural Council of the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford (UK), where he contributes to rethinking institutional practice and reimagining the museum’s 150th anniversary rehang in 2034, Jack explores new models for Indigenising cultural spaces. His exhibitions and architectural works extend this inquiry, asking: how might museums shift from sites of possession to places of cultural practice, story, and living knowledge—where First Nations peoples are given agency, authority, and access to their cultural materials? Listen to him talk at Being Collected 2025 on the 23rd October, tickets available via the link below. https://lnkd.in/gUJkaRuG

The Level 5 workplace at Cremorne House, designed for Wilmac , reflects a clear brief: to create a refined, welcoming office that feels more like a sophisticated residence than a conventional commercial interior. Building on the base building’s modernist, industrial bones, the fitout evokes a mid-century aesthetic, introducing warm and more tactile layering—composed of patinaed metals, deep green tones, and a generous use of natural materials. The palette is intentionally luxurious yet grounded. European oak chevron flooring anchors the space, chosen not only for its classic elegance but also for its ability to bring warmth and a sense of movement. Paired with plush carpets, bronze detailing, and richly textured finishes, the result is a layered environment that evokes calm, craft, and permanence. Exposed concrete and metal elements from the base build are retained and elevated, creating a sophisticated dialogue between rough and refined materials. #aboutsjb #melbournedesign #architecture #interiordesign #workplace

Our design for Kingsford Green reimagines the Kingsford Triangle as a connected and vibrant urban precinct. Aligned with Randwick Council’s long-term vision, the project delivers a considered architectural response that enhances community amenity and reinforces the sites civic and cultural role. Opposite Juniors Kingsford Light Rail and close to UNSW, the site’s high accessibility supports active transport and integration. The retained and revitalised Kingsford Church of Christ anchors the mixed-use scheme with cultural and social significance. Following Avenor's successful amalgamation of 35 titles across seven buildings, the design responds to the area’s complexity and fine grain character. A new pedestrian link activates the site, improving connectivity to the light rail and surrounding retail. At street level, new retail and community uses are framed by finely detailed facades. Above, 674 student accommodation and co-living homes are expressed through a modulated built form that balances density, scale and amenity. Client: Avenor  #studenthousing #coliving #sydney #housing #architecture

Set within the leafy streets of Ivanhoe, this collection of five townhouses is a refined approach to medium-density living in a well-established suburban context. The design responds thoughtfully to the area’s heritage and landscape character, integrating with the surrounding built fabric while asserting a contemporary identity. A restrained palette of pale brick, bronze-toned steel and textured concrete evokes warmth and permanence. Upper-level forms are articulated in shingled cladding and softened by lush planting, which along with the open front landscape at ground level, creates a tactile interface with the street. Sustainability is embedded through passive design strategies, high-performance glazing, solar energy integration, and water-sensitive landscaping. Each dwelling maximises natural light and cross ventilation, balancing environmental responsibility with occupant comfort.  Internally, spatial layouts are designed for modern lifestyles, offering flexible living zones, generous outdoor connections, and refined interior finishes. Carefully framed views and layered planting contribute to a sense of seclusion and tranquility. This project offers a considered response to the challenges of increasing density in established suburbs, delivering a high level of amenity, privacy, and architectural distinction. #aboutsjb #architecture #victoria #residential #australianarchitecture