Our Team

Dani Eastwood

Head of Brand

With experience partnering with councils, developers and architects, Dani champions evidence-based design that enriches communities and empowers meaningful human connection.

Dani is a passionate advocate for community connection, inclusive design and the transformative power of nature-based experiences. With six years’ experience in the recreational design industry, she partners with landscape architects, councils and developers to create public spaces that meet the real and evolving needs of children, families and communities.

As Head of Brand for Third Place Design, Dani focuses on environments that support child-led exploration, intergenerational interaction and holistic wellbeing, evolving far beyond standard playground design. Drawing on principles of biophilic and third place design, her work seeks to create spaces that are as emotionally and socially enriching as they are physically engaging.

Called ‘Mum’ by four incredible humans, Dani’s deep commitment to supporting childhood development fuels her mission to leave a positive legacy for future generations, at a time when technology too often disconnects us from each other. Known for creatively navigating risk while working within compliance frameworks, she sparks meaningful conversations and empowers professionals to design with evidence, empathy and imagination, ensuring every project leaves
a lasting impact.

Whether you’re in early planning or ready to brief, connect with Dani to explore how Third Place Design can help bring your next play destination to life.

Peter Koch

Head Designer

With more than 25 years’ experience in playspace design and delivery, Peter is the creative mind behind Australia’s most iconic custom play environments.

As Head Designer for Third Place Design, Peter brings a relentless drive to reimagine what play can be. With a career spanning award-winning, multi-million-dollar projects, he has earned a reputation for challenging the status quo and creating spaces that surprise and inspire.

With an industrial design background, Peter looks beyond the immediate brief to uncover the deeper purpose of every project. His ability to identify hidden patterns, features, and opportunities transforms early ideas into concepts that are both visionary and grounded in community needs.

Every design Peter creates is developed in 3D, allowing clients to see their vision evolve in real time. This approach ensures every detail is resolved from the outset and seamlessly supports engineering, fabrication, and construction—providing greater certainty around budgets, timelines, and deliverability.

Known for his bold ideas, technical mastery, and unwavering commitment to design excellence, Peter plays a central role in driving innovation at Third Place Design. His portfolio spans dynamic play, immersive art, and community-driven placemaking—each project redefining what’s possible and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Ara Buddle

Designer

As an emerging designer with experience in landscape architecture, Ara brings a thoughtful and people-centred approach to shaping public spaces.

Her work focuses on inclusive design and creative approaches to addressing project vision, ensuring ideas are translated into environments that are welcoming, functional and responsive to diverse users.

At Third Place Design, Ara contributes across concept development, master planning and documentation—supporting the development of clear, well-resolved design outcomes. She is particularly interested in how landscapes can support connection, wellbeing and everyday use, balancing creativity with practical delivery.

Known for her collaborative mindset and strong attention to detail, Ara works closely with multidisciplinary teams to help carry design intent through each stage of a project. Driven by a genuine interest in how people experience place, she is motivated to help create environments that feel considered, inclusive and meaningful for the communities they serve.