Guymer Bailey

10/06/2026

In conversations about the future of correctional environments, attention often gravitates towards large scale reform: new facilities, major capital works, whole of system change. These conversations are important, but they can also obscure a quieter truth.

Real change does not always start with big moves. Often, it starts with the small, deliberate design decisions that shape daily experience. This was the central premise of “The 1% Things: Why Small Design Decisions Matter More Than We Think”, presented by Director, Kavan Applegate and authored by Associate Director Craig Blewitt, at the Prison Design and Technology Conference (PDTC) 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.

The session resonated strongly not because it promised sweeping transformation, but because it focused on what is practical, achievable, and immediately impactful within the realities of existing correctional systems.

Read more >

How small design decisions improve correctional facilities. Insights from global prison design on dignity, wellbeing and evidence-based outcomes.

08/06/2026

Our Melbourne Studio celebrated Patrick Smardon’s 10-year anniversary with the practice.

As Associate and Practice Defence Lead, Patrick has made a significant contribution to the growth of our defence sector work and the strength of our national team. Known for his attention to detail and supportive approach, he plays an important role in mentoring others across the practice.

Thank you, Patrick, for your leadership and contribution, we’re proud to have you as part of the team.

05/06/2026

Designing for the senses isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s fundamental to creating inclusive environments. Landscape architecture plays a critical role in supporting sensory comfort, regulation and wellbeing, particularly for neurodiverse users.

From reducing visual overload and filtering sound, to enabling clear movement and gentle transitions, sensory-led design can transform how outdoor environments are experienced.

In our latest article, Senior Landscape Architect and Melbourne Studio Landscape Lead, Srivani Manchala explores how a multi-sensory approach to landscape design can support:
- Improved wellbeing outcomes
- Greater independence and confidence
- More legible and inclusive public spaces

Read more > https://gb-a.au/designing-for-the-senses-a-sensory-landscape-design-approach-to-supporting-neurodiversity/

Explore how sensory landscape design supports neurodiversity, improves wellbeing, and creates inclusive, accessible outdoor environments.

03/06/2026

At GB‑A, we are proud to engage in National Reconciliation Week.

Yoshi, Michael and Callum from our Brisbane Studio attended the Walking Breakfast at Birrunga Gallery (sponsored by ARUP), hearing from Birrunga Wiradyuri on the power of art as a platform for storytelling, cultural expression and connection.

They also heard from emerging First Nations artists in the Cultural Creative Development Program (CCDP), sharing their work on display.

Key reflections:
- Art is a powerful voice for personal, cultural and social narratives
- It is important to work across “both worlds”
- More cultural artwork should be brought into commercial spaces
- Emerging First Nations artists can be supported through CCDP

It was a valuable and inspiring morning, reinforced through live music by Ben Barker and shared conversation.

02/06/2026

Biscuit Wars: Brisbane Edition 🍪

There’s been some spirited debate in the Brisbane studio recently…And it turns out, not all biscuits are created equal.

Orange Creams?
Let’s just say…they’re not winning any popularity contests. 👀

A few questions for the floor:
- What’s your go-to office biscuit?
- Are there any that should be retired immediately?
- And most importantly…who keeps ordering the orange creams?

27/05/2026

It's been 15 years since we designed the North Shore Community Centre in Mudjimba, but it continues to demonstrate how thoughtful, sustainable design can support long-term community use. Positioned alongside expansive sporting fields, the centre was designed for Sunshine Coast Council as a flexible, contemporary facility supporting a wide range of community activities and events.

Delivered by GB-Architects in collaboration with GB-Landscape, the project brought together passive design principles and place-based planning. Thermal chimneys drive natural ventilation, while glazed entrances maximise natural light to internal spaces. These initiatives are supported by solar power and water-sensitive urban design, contributing to the building’s ongoing environmental performance.

The building’s management system, connected to an onsite weather station, monitors power and water usage in real time, with data shared both with Council and visitors, making sustainability visible and educational. Fifteen years on, the centre remains a well-used, flexible and enduring asset for the Mudjimba community.

26/05/2026

Recently, our Brisbane Team had the pleasure of celebrating David Reasbeck's five year anniversary with GB-A.

As a Senior Architectural Technician, David brings decades of experience across multiple sectors, a deep knowledge of BIM, and a great sense of humour, supporting team collaboration and quality design outcomes across our projects.

Thank you for your continued commitment and contribution to the team, David, we’re grateful to have you!

22/05/2026

It’s been a month since our last update and the McKinnon Sports Park Clubhouse is really starting to take shape. Located centrally within the sporting precinct, the new pavilion-style clubhouse is coming together to create a highly connected hub for both sport and community use.

As the structure emerges, the scale and intent of the design are becoming increasingly visible on site. The project brings together a central club room, commercial kitchen and flexible change facilities - all designed to support a growing and active community, while maintaining clear sightlines across the park.

We’re looking forward to sharing more as it continues to progress.

20/05/2026

Today we’re celebrating the quiet workers in our own backyard - including our native hive here at the office. World Bee Day is a global reminder of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining biodiversity, ecosystem health and food security.

Here in Australia, we’re home to around 2,000 species of native bees, many of them perfectly adapted to pollinate our unique landscapes. At GB-A, our native hive is a small but meaningful step, creating habitat, supporting pollinators, and keeping us connected to the ecosystems we help shape.

Bee together for people and the planet. 🐝🌿

11/05/2026

Associate, Alexandra Kennedy, and Architect, Joelle Samaan were invited by Weathertex to attend the recent Housing Industry Association - HIA (HIA) Women’s Lunch, featuring a keynote address by respected sports broadcaster and AFLW premiership player, Abbey Holmes.

Abbey shared powerful insights on brand, mindset, and high performance. From building a genuine personal brand and nurturing meaningful connections, to reframing failure as learning and focusing on progress over perfection, Abbey’s story was a great reminder of what it takes to grow with confidence and purpose.

You can read more about the motivating afternoon in our latest Informed article.

Insights from the HIA Women’s Lunch with Abbey Holmes, sharing lessons on resilience, leadership, personal branding, and high performance.