Five minutes with Pat
At the end of January, highly experienced town planner and urban designer Pat Iwanyshyn joined the Jensen PLUS team.
Having relocated back to South Australia after 13 years in Melbourne, Pat’s multidisciplinary background and broad experience across public and private sectors further enhances the already strong service offering and capabilities of Jensen PLUS.
Pat took five to share his career journey so far, what he is most passionate about when it comes to urban design and town planning, and what led him back to South Australia and Jensen PLUS.
What ignited your passion for a career as an urban designer and planner?
My background and interest ultimately started in town planning which I studied at the University of South Australia.
After graduating and working for a few years on the larger scale issues in planning, I developed a keen interest in the details of how to design to create meaningful spaces.
Following a move to Melbourne, I pursued further study in urban design at Melbourne University.
Since then my passion for planning and urban design has flourished, and I’m incredibly excited to be back in Adelaide to do what I enjoy!
Which projects have you worked on that you would consider to be career highlights so far?
I’ve been extremely lucky to have worked for Hansen Partnership in Melbourne where I had the opportunity to contribute to and lead some amazing projects.
I’d say the stand out projects were working on Urban Design Frameworks and Neighbourhood Character Studies for six regional towns in Hepburn Shire, Bentleigh Activity Centre Built Form and Public Realm Framework, and the Frankston Social Housing and Investment Planning (SHIP) project.
All had very different contexts, but each aiming to shape a sustainable future for the community.
What do you consider to be the most valuable qualities that you bring to the Jensen PLUS team and our clients?
With my experience across planning and urban design, I am able to contribute and add value to projects of all scales.
This ranges from strategic planning such as structure planning, neighbourhood character studies and major infrastructure projects to more detailed concept designs and providing design advice on development applications.
I believe this affords me the ability to see the ‘big picture’ — and at the same time, know what its like on the ground.
In addition, I have a sound technical background in digital software, which includes 3D modelling, GIS and graphic visualisations. This skillset means that I can effectively analyse, test and communicate ideas for our projects.
Meaningful client and community engagement is a vital component of delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. How will you support these essential activities as part of your projects?
I firmly believe that communities shape where they live — they know their community, the built form, the natural environment and the social fabric, better than I do.
Approaching projects with an open-mind and giving people opportunities to contribute and be heard adds significant value to any project.
I have extensive experience in community consultation having worked in both the public and private sectors, from pop up engagement stalls at local markets, to co-design and elected member workshops.
I am looking forward to facilitating plenty of these engagement activities and more with Jensen PLUS — and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients and communities.
What appealed to you most about joining the Jensen PLUS team?
Following my decision to return to Adelaide, I set a goal to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that aligns with my values and passion for creating successful places.
Jensen PLUS is a perfect match, offering a dynamic workplace where I can contribute to projects that positively shape urban environments in South Australia and further afield.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy being able to make valuable contributions to a variety of projects; projects that truly make a difference.
I believe planners and urban designers are all-rounders, and being able to work at different scales allows me to work on projects with tangible outcomes that directly address critical issues that are important to me, such as housing affordability and sustainability.
What are you feeling most inspired about for the next few years?
I’m looking forward to kick-starting my career back in Adelaide — and having the opportunity to work on some exceptional projects in my hometown.
