R | Talk: A Place for Design

Name: R | Talk: A Place for Design
Start: 2026-05-27T18:00:00+1000
End: 2026-05-27T20:00:00+1000
Location: WOTSO Sunshine Coast

Wed, 27 May, 6pm - 8pm AEST

WOTSO Sunshine Coast

Sippy Downs QLD, Australia

SCCA

170 followers · Contact host

Description

A Place for Design is a panel conversation exploring how spaces create a sense of belonging. The session uncovers how this sense of connection is actively shaped through design and realised in the fabric of a place. Bringing together voices from multiple disciplines, it highlights the role of designers as both problem solvers and translators—bridging ideas, people, and processes to reveal how collaborative practice creates environments that resonate, connect, and thrive.

Presented by SCCA through The Refinery in partnership with the Design Institute of Australia, this event provides an opportunity to connect, collaborate and build community.

Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
Time: 5:30pm for 6pm start
Venue: WOTSO Event Space, 1/30 Chancellor Village Boulevard, Sippy Downs
Cost: $15 SCCA/DIA members & UniSC students, $20 non-members

The Refinery is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC and Sunshine Coast Council through the Creative Industries Investment Program.

MEET THE PANEL

Stephen Burton – POMO

Stephen Burton is a creative placemaking strategist and founder of POMO. He is also the host of Spotify’s only dedicated Placemaking podcast: The Placemakers. He works at the intersection of urban narrative, community co-design, and built infrastructure. His work helps cities and regional centres transform functional spaces into places people genuinely value, by embedding history, ecology, and culture creatively and directly into the public realm. Unlike traditional consultants, Stephen bridges strategy and delivery, ensuring that big ideas survive procurement and are realised on the ground. He has led award-winning projects across Australia and is a recognised voice on creative placemaking.
Lachlan Johnstone – Stone Media

Lachlan Johnstone is a Sunshine Coast-based architectural and property photographer and videographer with over 20 years of experience capturing the relationship between light, space, and place. As the principal photographer behind Stone Media, Lachlan brings a calm, considered eye to every project, one attuned to the textures, rhythms, and atmosphere that make a built environment feel genuinely inhabited. His work is shaped by a deep sensitivity to the coast itself, and a belief that great photography doesn't simply document a space, but reveals how it feels to be inside one. Rooted in the local landscape and community he calls home, Lachlan understands that the most resonant spaces are those designed to be experienced, not just seen, and his imagery reflects that conviction with every frame.
Barbie Payton – Onyx Studio

Barbie Payton is an award-winning Commercial Interior Designer known for creating meaningful, human-centred spaces that are both strategic and emotionally engaging. Her work has been recognised through multiple industry awards, including the Torrens University Excellence Award and consecutive BDQ Regional Commercial Interior Design Awards. Specialising in retail, hospitality, hotel, and entertainment spaces, Barbie brings an empathetic, research-led approach to design and regularly contributes to the profession as a speaker, panellist, and design judge.
Sally Stent – Eco Interiors Studio

Sally Stent is the founder and Creative Director of Eco Interiors. With a Master's Degree in Design Futures and a background in gallery curation, Sally brings a thoughtful, nature-informed approach to residential design. Her work is grounded in biophilic principles, focusing on natural materials, local craftspersonship, and personalised, enduring spaces. Sally has collaborated with award-winning architects and her work has been featured in The Design Files, Green Magazine and Sanctuary. She leads each project with attention and care, delivering spaces that support well-being and reflect a strong connection to place. She is also an active contributor to the Sunshine Coast design community through her involvement with Sunshine Coast Open Home.
Dr Natalie Wright – Facilitator

An award-winning interior designer, academic, design advocate, and Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia, Natalie has made a significant contribution to Australian design through practice, research, education, and leadership. With more than two decades in professional practice and over 30 years in tertiary interior design education, her work focuses on design-led innovation, inclusion, and community impact across education, health, and public life. She is also a strong advocate for children’s play and the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.