The Planning Institute of Australia WA Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of the urban and regional planning sector and allow the industry to reflect on the meaningful role the profession plays in the fabric of Western Australian cities and communities.

At last week’s 2024 awards, Hames Sharley founder and Chairman, William Hames, was elevated to PIA Fellow status, recognising his significant contributions to urban design, architecture, and planning throughout his career.

An active member of the Planning Institute of Australia for 40 years, Bill has served on numerous committees, panels, and advisory groups. The fellowship is a testament to Bill’s dedication to integrating architecture and urban planning that informed Hames Sharley’s origins as a collaborative, interdisciplinary practice.

The City of Vincent ‘Link and Place’ Guidelines project received two PIA commendations in association with UDLA, ARUP, and the City of Vincent.

Judges for the Community Wellbeing & Diversity commendation noted that the team’s considered adaptation of an international framework to the local context emphasises that streets should not only facilitate movement but also serve as destinations for residents, employees, and visitors.

In the Climate Change & Resilience commendation, they added that the project reaffirms the City of Vincent’s leadership in people-focused, climate-responsive planning, by challenging vehicle-dominated streetscapes, prioritising design, safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

“The Guidelines establish tailored responses by street type to increase tree coverage and promote traffic calming. By creating liveable streets, the Guidelines support infill development and foster vibrant, sustainable communities for the local area,” the judges cited.

“Practical, people-focused design is at the heart of this work,” said Hames Sharley Associate Director Nicholas Temov. “Hames Sharley, ARUP and UDLA enjoyed working with Vincent on the Guidelines because we share a commitment to creating streets where the community feels comfortable to walk, cycle and connect.”

“The guidelines focus on improving safety and amenity, which makes economic and environmental sense. They include easy-to-follow tips for works upgrades and private development that brings public life out onto the street,” said Senior Associate Rebecca Spencer.

Hames Sharley's work was also recognised by the PIA in association with the City of Subiaco and Blackburne Group, with ONE Subiaco winning the Performance & Innovation in Development Award and a Ministers Commendation.

The judge’s citation recognised how the project delivers much-needed inner-city density, and how collaborating with the City of Subiaco on community benefits has resulted in high-density living done well, and ultimately resulted in the revitalisation of the Market Pavilion site.

In the Minister’s Commendation, the judges acknowledged the ONE Subiaco development as a leading example of high-density infill development in Perth, providing more housing choice and vibrancy to the Subiaco town centre and station precinct.

“Through the renewal of a prominent site in Subiaco, the project has made an exceptional contribution to Perth’s urban landscape and has positively shifted common misconceptions of higher-density infill development,” the citation reads.

We’re incredibly proud of Bill and everyone that was involved in these collaborations and processes, leading to innovative ‘people first’ urban planning outcomes that truly enable their communities to flourish. Congratulations on your stellar achievements!