Design Consultation
The Third Place Design collaboration process.
At Third Place Design, we work alongside landscape architects, councils, and communities to bring exceptional recreational spaces to life—spaces that aren’t just functional, but deeply meaningful. Increasingly, our clients are looking beyond standard or catalogue solutions. They want something distinctive, immersive and responsive to local identity; a space that becomes a true third place.
We’ve built a process that embraces big ideas, combining your imagination with our expertise and technical capability to deliver bold, buildable outcomes. Whether your vision is a sculptural landmark, a nature-based play space or an intergenerational hub for connection, we’re here to guide every step of the way.
Step 1: Visioning and Discovery
We begin by listening. In this phase, we explore the project brief through client consultation, site analysis and stakeholder engagement. We seek to understand not just what needs to be built, but why—what the community values, who the space will serve, and the kind of experience you want to create.
We’ll review any existing plans, studies or reports, and bring specialist collaborators into early conversations if needed (e.g. inclusion consultants, landscape architects or play researchers). This is where we co-create a shared vision.
Step 2: Conceptual Design
This is where the magic begins. Using the insights gathered, we create immersive 3D concept designs that bring your vision to life. Our work is never based on loose sketches—each concept is crafted in advanced 3D design software, allowing us to resolve structure, scale, safety and experience from the outset. Engineering requirements, Australian Standards compliance and material selections are all factored in early. Nothing is left to chance.
Our concept designs typically include:
- Preliminary play narratives and theming
- Functional zoning for different user groups
- 3D models and visual renders for real-time feedback
- Initial materials and colour palettes
- Budget estimates
We refine concepts through open dialogue and live feedback sessions. Together, we evolve the design until it meets both the creative brief and the practical needs of the site. The final concept is packaged to support development applications or council approvals.
A Note on Fees
Our conceptual design service is offered as a professional, fee-for-service engagement. This allows us to dedicate the full expertise of our team to your project—investing time in thoughtful collaboration and concept development to ensure an exceptional outcome with buildability front of mind.
Step 3: Detailed Design and Documentation
With the concept endorsed, our delivery partner PARX takes the lead on technical detailing. This includes structural engineering, circulation and fall zone planning, Safety in Design documentation, and preparation of Form 15 certification.
This phase often transitions into tender or delivery processes. This helps to avoid over-investing in a detailed design that may later be altered or cost managed. It also ensures all manufacturing risk remains with the supplier, not the client. Issuing a fully detailed design at tender stage can create risk if the contractor who wins the job does not intend (or have the expertise) to deliver the original concept.
By retaining flexibility and clear design intent through documentation, we ensure your vision is protected while managing cost and risk appropriately.
Step 4: Fabrication
Our fabrication partner PARX brings the design to life, using robust, locally sourced materials and controlled production processes. Throughout fabrication, we maintain close collaboration between designers, engineers and production teams to preserve every detail of the original design.
This phase includes:
- Final fabrication drawings and engineering checks
- Fabrication in our specialist, controlled facilities
- Compliance audits (e.g. wind loading, structural certification)
- WHS documentation (where required) and construction methodology
- Coordination of key program dates
- Issuance of warranties
For large structures, we prefer to design and fabricate structural elements in one piece, which are delivered on site, craned into place and secured to pre-prepared mass pour footings—minimising on-site complexity and ensuring quality control.
Step 5: Installation and Handover
Installation is managed and executed with precision by our professional, experienced PARX Build team (QBCC License 1141852). The structure is craned into position and secured. Final play elements and facades are added where required, and the site is certified for compliance. We provide:
- Independent third-party certification
- Issuance of Form 12
- Handover documentation and training (as needed)
You’ll also receive a tailored Management and Maintenance Guide, with optional post-installation services such as quarterly and yearly inspections, maintenance and support.
Beyond Delivery
Throughout every stage, the Third Place Design process is built on trust, clarity and collaboration. We’re not just here to deliver a structure—we’re here to co-create a third place —a space remembered not just for what it is, but for how it makes people feel.
Let us help you build something truly special.
Discover More About How We Can Bring Your Vision to Life
No matter if you’re envisioning a sculptural landmark, an inclusive playground, or a community hub, we’re here to make it a reality.