Melbourne talk—City Living: Neometro Residents and Works

Join us for the launch of City Living: Neometro Residents and Works and a conversation about the role of design in shaping more liveable cities.

For four decades, Melbourne’s longest standing design-focused and socially led development group, Neometro, has been instrumental in shaping the way people live in this city. 

The group’s new book, City Living: Neometro Residents and Works, explores what it means to live well in higher-density urban environments and how design impacts our health and wellbeing.  

Join BKK Architects’ Simon Knott in conversation with Neometro co-directors Jeff Provan and James Tutton as they reflect on changing attitudes to density, the evolution of apartment living and what makes for a good life in the city.

Complimentary refreshments will be available on the night.

When: 6pm Thursday 2 October 2025

Where: Bookshop by Uro, 5/30 Perry Street, Collingwood (Collingwood Yards)

Tickets: $7-Ticket price redeemable as a discount from book purchases

About the speakers:

Jeff Provan

Since he established Neometro in 1985, Jeff has become an active and integral figure in Melbourne’s design community. Neometro’s many awards are the result of Jeff’s approach to design, construction and sustainable development. Outside of Neometro, Jeff is a valued mentor and contributor to cultural and community-focused projects, alongside patronage for great architecture—such as Aires Mateus’ Mt Martha House. Jeff is also on the board at Gertrude Contemporary and was an advisor to the board for Collingwood Yards from onset to handover. 

James Tutton

Passionate about the built environment, design and wellbeing, James has been a director of Neometro for 15 years, driving the commercial side of the business while supporting its strong design integrity. In 2012, a deep commitment to mental health led James to co-found not-for-profit organisation Smiling Mind. With more than 8 million downloads of its app, Smiling Mind is one of the world’s leading digital mental health platforms and Australia’s go-to organisation for preventative mental health resources tailored for young people. James is also the creator of Moonlight Cinema. Established in 1996 while he was in his final year of university, the cinema remains an iconic fixture of Australian summer and a symbol of James’ entrepreneurial legacy. James was also on the Collingwood Yards board from onset to handover. 

Simon Knott

Simon is the founding Principal of BKK Architects. As an advocate for design, he has promoted architecture to broader audiences through teaching at universities, contributing to the Australian Institute of Architects and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect, and serving on design review panels. Simon was also the co-host of The Architects radio show on 3RRR for a decade.