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Mark Sheppard
Principal
Julia Bell
Principal
Annette Toussas
General Manager
Keith Brown
Associate
Jane Witham
Associate
Jess Jones
Associate
Danielle Cull
Senior Consulant
David Ferris
Junior Consultant
Jacky Cashman
PA – Mark Sheppard
Mark Sheppard
Principal
I am an urban designer with 30 years’ consultancy experience. I specialise in leading large-scale master planning and urban renewal projects, and providing urban design advice. My expertise is recognised by frequent engagements to give evidence in relation to development proposals and planning scheme amendments.
My passion is improving the liveability, sustainability and resilience of urban areas.
I am the author of Essentials of Urban Design (CSIRO Publishing, 2015) and a contributor to Urban Design Practice – An International Review (RIBA Publishing, 2012). The Urban Design Group (UK) has awarded me Recognised Urban Design Practitioner status.
Specialties: Large-scale spatial planning and urban renewal, urban design review and expert evidence
contact: marks@kinetica.net.au
Julia Bell
Principal
I am an urban designer and strategic planner with more than 12 years’ experience in private and public practice in Melbourne and Sydney. I specialise in preparing built form frameworks, urban design frameworks, structure plans, master plans and urban design guidelines for activity centres, transport infrastructure and urban renewal precincts.
As a recognised expert, I regularly provide independent urban design advice and evidence in relation to planning scheme amendments and site-specific development proposals.
I am driven by a desire to create interesting and engaging streets and cities that are inclusive and resilient in the face of a changing climate.
Specialties: built form frameworks, urban design frameworks, structure plans, master plans, urban design review and expert evidence
contact: juliab@kinetica.net.au
Annette Toussas
General Manager
I have over 20 years general management and finance experience in professional services which has allowed me to build and grow the kinetica business model.
Having full oversight of the internal operations and a strong focus on change management, I am passionate and committed to future proofing the business by exceeding client expectations and retaining the best industry professionals.
A key role is working closely with the Principals and Board in setting the strategic plan, directing the implementation and confirming alignment with our values resulting in a relevant and successful business.
contact: annettet@kinetica.net.au
Keith Brown
Associate
I am an urban designer with over seventeen years’ experience of diverse urban design projects, for public and private sector clients. My project experience includes strategic urban design guidance and master planning for new communities, urban extensions, and urban design advice for finer grain urban renewal locations.
With a passion for promoting good urban design, I have worked on innovative projects including active design guidance to promote the creation of healthy communities, built environments and active transport.
I have worked for private sector consultancy, not-for profit sector and public sector, and have qualifications including a master’s degree in Urban Design and a postgraduate diploma in Urban Planning Studies.
contact: keithb@kinetica.net.au
Jane Witham
Associate
I am an urban planner with a strong background in local government planning. My experience stems from development assessment which has led to a strong understanding in the field.
My skill set is proficient across all business streams at Kinetica, including statutory urban design, statutory planning, strategic urban design and strategic planning.
The creative side of my role has led to a keen interest in urban design, whereby my ability for creative thinking coupled with extensive statutory planning experience provides for high quality development outcomes.
I hold a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning (hons) from the University of Queensland and a Graduate Certificate in Art in Public Spaces from RMIT, Melbourne.
contact: janew@kinetica.net.au
Jess Jones
Associate
I am an urban designer with experience in both the public and private sectors of urban design, landscape architecture and strategic planning. I have a detailed understanding of urban scales and the relationship between built form outcomes, streetscapes, and landscape details.
My variety of experience has strengthened my interest in major infrastructure projects as a catalyst for urban regeneration and the unique infill development challenges experienced within Australia’s cities and towns.
My skill set is shaped by my enthusiasm to bring together theoretical concepts, stakeholder inputs and technical experience to create locally relevant, implementable and community focussed outcomes.
contact: jessj@kinetica.net.au
Danielle Cull
Senior Consultant
I am an urban designer with a background in cartography and graphic design. I have broad experience in the private sector, providing advice and professional services to both private and public clients in a statutory and strategic urban design capacity.
My specialisations include preparing VCAT evidence and providing urban design guidance to create better public realm outcomes.
I am passionate about influencing cities to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
contact: daniellec@kinetica.net.au
David Ferris
Junior Associate
I am a graphic designer and landscape architect, with a focus on urban design for it’s systems thinking and organisational approach.
I’m interested in the tension between universal urban design principles and site-specific challenges; finding the best way to communicate complex projects spatially.
contact: davidf@kinetica.net.au
Jacky Cashman
PA to Mark Sheppard and
Rob Milner
I am the PA to Mark Sheppard and Rob Milner – Principals of Kinetica.
My key responsibility is to manage two busy schedules with an efficiency and thoroughness which enables the Principals maximum time with clients and driving the strategy of Kinetica.
Having been with Kinetica for 9 years, I have an excellent understanding of the business, its objectives and the loyal client base.
Liaising with clients and stakeholders, on behalf of Mark and Rob, is enjoyable for me and I deal with a myriad of issues with a calm and professional manner.
contact: jackyc@kinetica.net.au
kinetica was formerly known as David Lock Associates (DLA).
David Lock Associates (Australia) Pty Ltd changed its name to Kinetica Studio Pty Ltd on 21 February 2020 to reflect the significant reinvention of the business.
Starting with the crystallisation of our vision and values, continuing with a transformation of our planning offer, and culminating in our move to a ‘grown up’ office in the CBD, we are no longer the business we were.
Paralleling these changes, we agreed with David Lock Associates Limited (the English business which gave birth to DLA Australia) that it is time to undo our formal corporate ties, while retaining a strong informal relationship.
This reinvention of the business needed to be expressed outwardly and we began the process of refreshing our graphic identity. DLA has been predominantly known for urban design expertise, and the name reflects our history as a satellite of an English business. A new name offered the opportunity to establish a refined brand, based on a home-grown organisation featuring planners and urban designers trusted for their expertise and independence.
Our new company name, kinetica, reflects our passion for change. We facilitate and shape changes in the use, ownership and development of land to create a better lived experience.
kinetica retains the best of DLA—highly regarded independent urban design expertise—and combines it with highly regarded independent planning expertise.