We’re always up front with you. We value your opinions and what you’re looking to achieve, but will also share our professional opinion on what we think will work best. We’ll be transparent and explain things clearly all the way through the process.
We think imagination and creativity are more precious than gold. But we don’t want your ideas to exist only in your head. So we use cutting-edge, innovative technology, including 3D rendering, walk throughs, and even virtual reality(!) to help you visualise what your home will look like. Then we use every tool at our disposal[…]
We’re not mind readers, but it’s our job to be! So we ask questions, we listen, we research, and we don’t stop until we’ve understood exactly what you’re picturing in your mind. Not just the style and the basic details, but even your personal take on the style, and what it is you love about[…]
We know building or renovating can be stressful, so we do everything we can to avoid nasty surprises for you, and keep the project flowing as smoothly as possible.Before we even meet with you, we’ll research the site and find out any constraints. We’ll work out what other consultants you’re likely to need, and[…]
If you start with inaccurate or unclear plans, you’ll have issues leading to poor construction or the need for redesign work.We don’t rely on existing plans, or anyone else’s accuracy—we do our own measuring. You know the saying, “Measure twice, cut once”? We take it seriously.We make the plans clear and easy to[…]
You’d think we wouldn’t have to say this, but unfortunately, it’s not always true. We don’t settle for second-rate design. We don’t cut corners. We take all aspects of design into consideration, including form and proportion, energy efficiency and sustainability. Everything we do is done for a reason and with a purpose. We strive to[…]
The UDS Team
Dave Russell – Director / Head Honcho
Dave’s passion for architecture and design began in high school, when he had to design a house as a school project. After the project was over, Dave continued to spend hours sketching home designs in his spare time. When he finished school, he went straight into the industry, working and studying simultaneously.
The experience and mentorship Dave received over 15 years helped shape his philosophy of design, and he started Urban Design Solutions with a vision of producing high quality designs and documentation while focusing on the individual needs and lifestyles of each client.
Dave enjoys watching clients’ faces when he presents their design to them, and they visualise themselves living in their new home. He truly cares about the outcomes he and his team achieve for their clients, and about bringing their ideas to life.
He loves spending time with his family, and watching his two young kids grow. He’s interested in property investing and development, and in sport… but guess which he spends more time on?
Tim Glass – Design Manager
Tim was surrounded by drawings from an early age, and was fascinated by design and how you could help give others a better environment to live in. After graduating from the University of Adelaide School of Architecture with First Class Honours, he spent over 20 years in South East Asia and the Middle East designing resorts and spas, as well as bespoke houses for individual clients.
The best part of his job is helping others realise their dream of a home designed just for them—and that it doesn’t stay on paper, but becomes a home for them to experience.
Matthew Southee – Architectural Technician
Matthew’s been working in architecture since he finished school. He’s thorough in producing the best possible drawings and designs to present to the client and relevant consultants, and loves that he has a job he actually enjoys doing.
He enjoys sports and other manly things.
Sarah-Jane Butt – Architectural Designer
Sarah-Jane loves the experience of getting to know clients and their specific brief. To her, designing and modelling buildings is meaningful because she can envisage how each person will live in and interact with the space, which is particularly important when it comes to people’s homes.
She’s constantly striving to learn more about architecture and design, soaking up all she can from her colleagues and from each project, while also completing her Master’s degree in Architecture.
During the week, she’s working, studying, and following design companies on social media (not part of her job—she just loves design!). On the weekends, she’s outside with her friends, family, and her dog Satchmo.
Shari Hope – Junior Building Designer
Shari has a background in interior design, but after completing renovations on her own home, she knew she wanted to be a building designer.
Her passion is solving problems—she’s constantly meeting challenges head-on, overcoming design obstacles whenever they present themselves (which is often in our line of work!). Every time she finds solutions that make homes more liveable and workable, she’s reminded again how much she loves her job.
