Experienced transport and public realm Principal joins DesignInc Sydney

Culture / News / Media 1 August 2024 Share

Experienced transport and public realm designer, Jamie Kemp, has joined DesignInc Sydney as the studio’s newest Principal.

Experienced transport and public realm designer, Jamie Kemp, has joined DesignInc Sydney as the studio’s newest Principal.

Jamie’s appointment reflects DesignInc’s continued success within transport and placemaking sectors, including recent award wins for Redfern Station Upgrade—part of the Transport Access Program (TAP) rail initiative by Transport for New South Wales and the Novo Rail Alliance.

The appointment echoes trends in Australia’s transport and infrastructure design generally, following greater emphasis on integrations with active transport networks—a concept well within Jamie’s wheelhouse.

‘My interest lies with public transport and the movement of people and how transport hubs integrate—seamlessly—with the city environment and its immediate context.

‘How we create high quality streets and public spaces for all users, particularly pedestrians and prioritise active transport—above car-orientated design—is a key driver for me. I believe we can make a real difference to cities and how people move around them, how they enjoy spaces and make connections, overall improving liveability on many levels.’

DesignInc Sydney - Byron Bay Bus Interchange

Pictured: Byron Bay Transport Interchange (top) and Redfern Station TAP Upgrade (bottom).

Transport Orientated Developments (TODs) are continuing to be a central focus for government, specific project typologies which have the capability to help decarbonise Sydney while creating more jobs, homes and opportunities for community uplift.

‘Transport orientated developments are not a new concept but are definitely a step in the right direction over low density sprawl. However, we should tread with caution,’ said Jamie.

‘You have to consider creating quality public spaces at ground level. You can’t just create high density and hope for the best. You have to consider cause and effect, for instance, high density done in the wrong way causes wind tunnels and inhospitable environments which make for a bad user experience. Creating vibrant spaces, with medium to high density around transport hubs, is key to success and creating suburbs and developments that people want to live in.’

It begs the question: do you built out, or up?

‘There are arguments for both. The best approach is establishing a mix of scales, buildings and connections where form meets the ground plane—all in pursuit of activation. That’s where my urban design skills come in. You can’t have a quality public open space that has no activation around its edges, it’s just not going to be successful.’

Jamie’s most experience has seen him work on a number of award winning, large-scale infrastructure and public domain projects including Sydney CBD to South East Light Rail, Metro West Station precinct reference designs including Westmead, North Strathfield and The Bays, Waterloo Metro Station public domain and active transport projects including The Greenway (in corridor works) for Inner West Council and Kleins Road Corridor Study for City of Parramatta Council (all with ASPECT Studios).

‘I’m excited to be at DesignInc, it’s a great fit,’ said Jamie. ‘I’m really looking forward to bring my expertise on transport and city shaping to the team.’

‘I know a number of the people here already and I’m very familiar with the work they’ve done in the past. Everything I’ve seen has been done well and to a high standard—it’s a high-performance team which is continuing to grow sustainably, and I look forward to being part of that development.’