SAMA Design prepared the masterplan, urban design report and planning proposal for the redevelopment of a 2000sqm site with a 7 storey mixed-use development. The combination of quality public spaces, active street frontages and simple yet effective building proportions has been supported by the Council and has received Gateway Determination to proceed.

The Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project, spanning a total of 90km. In response to the NSW government’s proposal for an above ground Metro line at Bankstown, SAMA Design was engaged by Canterbury-Bankstown Council to prepare an alternative vision and concept design. With an underground station, new town square, reconnected streets and significant redevelopment opportunities, the proposed concept could transform and enhance the area.

The vision and virtual fly-through was presented to a summit of State and Federal MPs and has resulted in state planning and transport authorities initiating a strategic review of the Bankstown Station Precinct in collaboration with Council to investigate the concept further.

SAMA Design has designed and constructed a number of parklets, which are small public spaces for socialising, greening the street and enhancing the use of valuable street space. As well as providing instant benefits to communities and businesses, parklets can be used as demonstration and engagement projects to generate momentum for permanent streetscape enhancement.

Made from recycled shipping containers and quality timbers, the parklets are engineer certified and are easily transported enabling them to be trialled in various locations. Sam has managed the approvals and installation of parklets in over 14 locations throughout Sydney including Waverley Council, Randwick Council, the City of Sydney and Inner West Council.

Their success in Waverley Council was recognised at the 2015 PIA NSW Awards (Best Planning Ideas Small Project), the 2016 PIA National Awards (Commendation for Best Planning Ideas Small Project) and the 2018 Place Leaders Award for Place Leadership.

SAMA Design has created a unique pop-up space to bring local art and activity to public spaces. The versatile converted shipping container has been used as a gallery, information stall, shop and performance venue in 15 locations throughout Sydney including Martin Place, Taylor Square, Bondi Beach. The space has showcased over 150 local artists with clients including Sydney Fringe, UNSW, LOCO Project, Bayside Council, Glebe Chamber of Commerce and Cirque du Soleil.

SAMA Design manages all site installation logistics and also manages the events in some locations. The space is loved by Councils, universities and festival organisers for bringing activity and culture to their spaces. 

SAMA Design was engaged to facilitate an apartment development on a 5,550sqm site next to the first stage of Parramatta Light Rail.

The masterplan will enhance the established garden character of Carlingford with deep soil landscaped setbacks and spaces and a boulevard streetscape, while also achieving the density targets of the client and state government.

The urban design report and planning proposal demonstrated the both the strategic and site merit and are currently in the assessment phase.

SAMA Design prepared the $10 million streetscape upgrade for Campbell Parade - the gateway and urban edge to the world-famous Bondi Beach. The project included urban design analysis; streetscape concept design; visualisations; community engagement; stakeholder coordination; and reporting for final approval.

Despite the high-profile location and diverse opinions, the concept plan received such broad support it was approved by both major parties of Council and is currently undergoing detailed design for construction to commence in 2019. 

SAMA Design provided urban design services for the NSW state government's rail station upgrade program, including 7 Sydney metro stations and 5 regional stations. In collaboration with Cardno and CCG Architects, design options were prepared and workshopped with numerous stakeholders in order to develop a preferred option and business case that improved accessibility, customer experience and integration.

Sam has been commissioned by Canterbury-Bankstown Council to project manage the Bankstown Complete Streets Project, drawing on his experience from the successful Bondi Junction Complete Streets Project.

Bankstown has a number of great streets and a unique cultural diversity, but suffers from areas with poor amenity, safety and congestion. The CBD is also under growing pressure from a forecast doubling of population and jobs and planning is underway for several major development sites.

In the face of these changes, Council requires a robust vision and integrated framework for transport and the public domain.

The Complete Streets approach aims to cater for all people, all transport modes and all uses of the street (movement, socialising, business and recreation). This requires integrating place design with transport decisions, close collaboration between various departments and support from the community and businesses.

Sam’s role is to navigate through this process including managing the consultant team, stakeholder workshops, community engagement, developing short term urban activations and reporting to Council.

Sam co-organised Clovelly Road Better Block in 2014, a community-led initiative to make the street greener, safer and more social. For one day trees, parklets, music, art, stalls and traffic calming created a family friendly environment to demonstrate what could be achieved longer term. Surveys undertaken at the event found overwhelming community support for the initiatives and the community association has continued dialogue with the Council to achieve permanent improvements. See the website and facebook.