Consultation
fjcplace integrates stakeholder engagement into fjcstudio’s design methodology wherever possible. From developing the vision and brief through to post-occupancy feedback, we offer clients and the wider stakeholder group an engaging and transparent process, working with community representatives, user groups and clients to understand each place and shape a design that reflects its people.
Our engagement practice is built on the principle that the people who use, operate and manage a building bring knowledge essential to its design. Engagement is not a single consultation exercise but a continuous process, with methodologies tailored to each stakeholder group and design stage.
Through fjcplace, fjcstudio brings dedicated expertise in stakeholder and community engagement, cultural research and Connecting with Country, ensuring the right people are involved at the right time and through the most appropriate means.
Our experience ranges from whole-of-university masterplans involving more than 1,000 participants to school communities, various scales of civic projects to complex statutory stakeholder frameworks and even donor programmes. This breadth of experience reflects our approach to consultation as a design discipline in its own right.
Our Approach
Tailored to the Project
Our approach to engagement is tailored to the scope, scale and complexity of each project. We consider the project typology, programme, stakeholder and user group profiles, governance requirements and the potential impact of the proposed development to determine the most appropriate level and method of consultation. This ensures engagement is purposeful and proportionate, with resources directed towards the stakeholders and decisions where input can have the greatest influence. By establishing clear objectives, identifying the right participants and selecting appropriate engagement methods at each design stage, we provide a process that is efficient, inclusive and responsive to the specific needs of the project.
Design-led consultation
When the design team manages or co-manages consultation, the people most affected by a project have a direct influence on its design. We integrate engagement throughout the design process, from initial visioning and briefing to design development and post-occupancy evaluation.
Specific to each site
Our consultation methods start from a desire to understand and embrace the specificity of each site. A history of significant public projects has allowed us to develop proven consultation and user group management strategies across a wide range of project types. For each project, we develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan that aligns methodologies, scale of the project, timing and reporting with the project’s governance structure and the needs of each stakeholder group.
Complex stakeholder environments
Many of fjcstudio’s most successful projects have involved complex and sometimes conflicting user requirements, large numbers of stakeholders and politically sensitive environments. Our approach recognises these complexities, tailoring engagement methods to ensure the scope of consultation is appropriate to the project and the needs of its participants.
Outcomes shaped by community
The needs and aspirations of communities are embedded in our projects. Effective consultation shapes the final outcome, creating places people are proud of, with opportunities for innovation and improved functionality. A clear feedback loop ensures participants understand how their contributions have informed the design, including where input has not been adopted.
Consultation Projects
For further information about consultation, please enquire by email. You can also explore our placemaking.