Background

The Doorstep Agency is run by urban designer and UK registered architect Jane Threlfall.

 

The positive impact that architecture can have on our physical and mental well-being was my driving factor to study architecture, commencing at University of NSW in 1994 and completing at the University of Technology, Sydney in 2000. Urban design very quickly became a focus. This grew with an interest to look beyond the building to the broader settlement and place, to respond to changing conditions, aspirations, whilst addressing health of environments, cultures, economies, communities and people. At a simple level, I am interested in the human everyday experience, and how to ensure comfort for all.

 

I have over 25 years experience, and have worked with and for highly experienced and skilled people in organisations both in Sydney, and in London and Manchester, UK. They have all shaped the way I approach built environment problem solving. With an urban design focus, working in inter-disciplinary practices and organisations has helped me focus on an integrated approach, and the bringing together of many strands to help reach a shared vision from the outset. My background in architecture gives me an understanding of how the built form influences a place. And working with landscape architects, I appreciate the importance of landscape and open space in taking a leading role. Specialists in heritage, sustainability and engagement contribute to richness of the outcome.

    

I have developed a broad skill set over the years, from government policy and advisory, through to strategic design and delivery of new or renewed neighbourhoods, campuses, research of housing typologies and genuine mixed uses. I gravitate towards early project stages, to help the client define what they are trying to achieve, and have expertise in managing projects with complex requirements and multiple stakeholder groups. I am in interested in testing alternative typologies which may result in more resilient and functional outcomes. More recently I have worked in the infrastructure sector - transport, public space and blue/green infrastructure, which form the foundation for good urban systems.

 

I have a strong interest in community and stakeholder engagement, and developed these skills with UK design consultancies who lead in this space. And recently I have worked with Indigenous cultural advisors and custodians in Australia and New Zealand to ensure respectful responses. This is an area that I will continue to pursue and where I am continuing to learn.