Aspect Architects and Project Managers (Aspect) celebrated a significant milestone—30 years in business and five years on the Sunshine Coast—with a community morning tea at their Buderim office on Friday, 23 May.
Far from a traditional business birthday, the celebration highlighted Aspect’s role not only in shaping some of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognisable buildings, but also in contributing—quietly and consistently—to the strength and wellbeing of local communities. Through thoughtful design and meaningful partnerships, the team continues to explore how architecture can support social connection and positive change.
Having been at the helm for nine years, Aspect’s Chief Operating Officer, Caroline Dann says that the company is passionate about good design going beyond aesthetics.
“While our work is grounded in bricks and mortar, we’re always mindful of the broader role design can play in strengthening communities – it’s about improving lives and every project whether it is a fire station or a performing arts centre provides an opportunity to create spaces where people can thrive,” Ms Dann said.
Keeping to this charter, the morning tea hosted national not-for-profit, Global Sisters’ Sustainable Housing Lead, Joeline Hackman speaking about the Little Green Houses initiative and how partnering with Aspect’s strength in sustainable design is helping break new ground in Queensland.
“The Little Green Houses initiative is helping women at risk of homelessness secure home ownership and safe permanent long-term housing and is a brilliant example of how the built environment can drive social change,” Ms Hackman said.
“Aspect is the first architecture firm in Queensland to partner with us, developing a prototype of small sustainable modular homes that have been designed for micro-communities. These aren’t just houses, they are safe and beautiful homes creating a pathway out of poverty and into economic security.”
“Global Sisters has already empowered 7000 women on their journey to financial independence with a number of wraparound services enabling self-employment and the Little Green Houses project is now an opportunity for vulnerable women such as single mothers and women over 50 to build an asset and buy their own home.”
“Aspect’s support is already having national impact and provides a great example of the kind of change that can happen when business and community organisations collaborate with purpose.”
Fiona Simpson MP praised the firm’s commitment to regional growth and social progress.
“It is great to see local business as not only an integral part of the Sunshine Coast’s major projects, but also contributing to their local community in such a positive way.”
“Aspect exemplifies how local businesses can lead the way in building stronger, more connected communities and their work is laying both literal and symbolic foundations for a thriving Sunshine Coast.”
“The support for Global Sisters’ work is so important given that females account for 58.9% of people accessing government-funded specialist homelessness services and one in seven females in all age groups are living under the poverty line in Australia.”
“As the Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, I am passionate about providing solutions going forward and proud to be the driver of the first ever Women’s Economic Security Strategy to be integrated across Government. The Strategy will address the barriers that women face and work towards a prosperous future for all women in Queensland.”
Over the past five years, Aspect has contributed to more than 20 major projects across the region, including:
- Thompson Institute for Mind and Neuroscience
- Sunshine Coast Sports and Recreation Centre, Currimundi
- Buderim Mountain State School Hall
- Gympie Emergency Housing
“With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, infrastructure investment and population growth are driving change. Aspect’s focus remains firmly set on sustainable and inclusive design that supports this growth while keeping community at the centre,” Ms Dann said.
“Aspect has always been a committed advocate for smarter planning, more diverse housing options, and stronger investment in social and civic infrastructure. With challenges such as housing affordability and climate resilience, strategic design thinking and collaboration is required and we’re committed to being part of those solutions.”
The milestone morning tea brought together clients, collaborators, and community leaders, with special guest The Honourable Fiona Simpson MP in attendance. Whilst it was a celebration of past successes, it more importantly was a conversation about the future, and how the built environment can help shape a better, fairer tomorrow.
“We’re proud of the positive influences we’ve made over the last five years here on the Coast—and we’re just getting started,” Ms Dann said.
For more information, visit: https://aspectapm.net/
For more information on Global Sisters, visit https://globalsisters.org/
//ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Helen Perry | helen@freshprm.com.au | 0431 065 964
