Designing

Integrated, Connected & Sustainable Communities

At Thomas Adsett, we believe that architecture should serve not just a single purpose, but an entire community. Our practice is built on the core principle of Design for Communities, ensuring every environment we create is integrated, resilient, and inclusive. This is the value we bring to every project: a unique approach that places people at the heart of everything we do.

Architecture

Across 50 years of practice, we have built a diverse portfolio of projects encompassing living, health, education, retail, mixed use neighbourhoods, workplace, hospitality & tourism, sports & leisure, industrial.

Learn more

Masterplanning

Over the last 20 years ThomsonAdsett has developed specialised Urban Design and Masterplanning expertise across projects in Australia and Asia. Our capability covers large and small scaled work, from new city master plans to detailed design of public realm elements.

Learn more

Interior Design

Interior design shapes our experience of space. ThomsonAdsett’s talented interior design team works within both new builds and refurbishments to enrich the way we live, work, shop, play and learn.

Learn more

“Our work is grounded in the belief that architecture shapes the experiences of the people who use, visit, and live within these spaces. Wherever a community already exists, we honor its history and context; where none does yet, we create it.”

We Design for Communities

We Design For Shopping Communities

Vibrant retail communities that engage and bring people together.

We Design For Learning Communities

Inspiring education spaces that foster growth and collaboration.

We Design For Fun Communities

Dynamic cultural, leisure, and hospitality venues that spark joy.

We Design For Caring Communities

Compassionate living environments that prioritize well-being and dignity.

We Design For Healthy Communities

Innovative health facilities that nurture wellness and community care.

Thinking & Background

Thomas Adsett has a rich history in living, education, health, and retail. As market trends move toward mixed-use developments, we see an opportunity to combine these four sectors to form vibrant, integrated “micro-communities.” By blending our deep expertise across each area, we design projects that serve their immediate purpose and contribute to the broader social fabric.

Our Design Philosophy

Integration of Expertise

We tap into our extensive knowledge of living, health, education, and retail to create holistic, micro-communities that reflect and respect the broader environment around them.

Micro to Macro Community Focus

Our designs fulfill immediate needs while also considering the impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. We prioritize connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability to ensure every project benefits the wider macro-community.

Understanding User Experience

From the largest master plan down to the smallest interior detail, we design with all users in mind—residents, students, patients, staff, shoppers, and visitors—creating welcoming, efficient, and meaningful experiences.

Environmental Interaction

Sustainability is woven into every project. We use eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and green spaces that promote well-being, reduce environmental impact, and support community resilience.

Maximising Economic Viability

Successful communities are economically robust. By integrating commercial and communal offerings in a single project—such as retail, education, health, and living—we help you develop multiple revenue streams for long-term sustainability.

Putting Principles into Practice

Design Principles & Review

Develop a reverse brief to benchmark each design against integration, connectivity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Gather continuous client and stakeholder feedback to refine the design at every phase.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Hold regular workshops with experts from retail, education, health, and living to brainstorm integrated solutions. Share knowledge and best practices across teams.

Sustainability & Inclusivity Audits

Train staff in sustainable and inclusive design strategies. Partner with third-party experts for optional, cost-transparent audits to continuously improve our approach.

Stakeholder Engagement

Host think-tank sessions with clients, local communities, and urban designers to envision future-focused solutions. Integrate feedback loops so communities can shape and evolve the project.

Training & Development

Provide ongoing education in emerging technologies, sustainable design, and inclusive planning. Encourage professional development and mentorship to keep our teams at the cutting edge.

Strategic Partnerships & Recruitment

Collaborate with specialized consultants and sector-specific experts. Leverage joint ventures to grow our pool of knowledge and capabilities.

Technology Integration

Use BIM, advanced visualization, and data analytics for more accurate designs and faster iterations. Adopt user-friendly digital platforms to gather stakeholder input efficiently.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Regularly measure each project’s progress, outcomes, and alignment with our value proposition. Enhance our Quality Management System to incorporate lessons learned and client feedback.