About us

For much of the 20th century, South Australia followed a global trend that separated decisions made at the design stage from the planning process. Industry practice and government policy have compounded the problem by isolating development as a separate exercise again.

The Integrated Design Commission is founded on the belief that decisions we make at the design stage, and in planning, impact on the opportunity for development to contribute positively. And expertise from all these phases should be allowed to inform the other. New construction practice can drive new design technologies. Design tools like visualization and simulation allow more effective, participatory planning. And engaging communities through design always leads to better outcomes. We see design as a process of enquiry, planning as a process of defining, and development as a means of delivery.

The Integrated Design Commission supports the delivery of the targets and objectives of South Australian’s Strategic Plan and The 30 year plan for Greater Adelaide. It also contributes to the State Reform Agenda, in particular Vibrant Adelaide, Transit Oriented Developments and Green SA.

The Commission’s role will be to provide leadership, independent expert advice and strategic direction to:

• ensure the quality and sustainability of publicly funded buildings, infrastructure programs, urban design and public realm place-making
• maximise the potential of the built environment to contribute to the health, safety, wellbeing, prosperity and lifestyle of South Australia and the creation of a vibrant identity
• maximise opportunities for good design to contribute to the State Government’s commitment to sustainability
• support the State Government’s aim to reduce greenhouse emissions and the life-cycle costs of buildings and infrastructure
• model and promote an integrated approach to design
• work across government to develop guidelines for good design policy, processes and practices based on evidence and best practice
• provide advice on legislation and regulation that will influence good design practice
• raise community awareness of the value of good design and a more sustainable built environment
• foster collaboration between government, industry and local government to achieve best practice in the built environment
• develop a partnership with the tertiary sector and professional associations to advocate for appropriate curricula, qualifications and continuing professional development
• ensure delivery of value for money and cost effectiveness by undertaking leading design research that will reduce capital costs of projects, reduce the operating and resource cost of assets and define optimal delivery systems.