The Office of the Government Architect (OGA) has joined the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage from the Department of Finance, to create a closer working relationship across the state’s design projects.

The Government Architect provides leadership and independent advice to State Government to improve the design of public buildings and spaces, including the Better Places and Spaces policy.

Department of Planning Director General, Gail McGowan, says the work undertaken by the office complemented the direction of the department.

“The department, alongside the WA Planning Commission, plays a key role in encouraging and guiding quality design, particularly as we move towards a more consolidated city.

“The decision to move Government Architect Geoff Warn and his team to the department will facilitate an even closer working relationship between allied disciplines.

The move will also see the OGA’s partnership with the department grow further as it continues to collaborate on projects including the draft Design WA suite of policies, METRONET, the Shenton Park Hospital redevelopment and the New Museum project.

Warn says that he is keen to maximise the opportunities of the move to deliver better design outcomes.

“The key purpose of my role as Government Architect is to ensure that good design benefits all Western Australians. The evidence is now well known; good design improves the efficiency and productivity of work places, the health and wellbeing of our living environments, and the liveability and vitality of our city.

“This move will provide a greater opportunity to work even closer with Gail and her team to deliver positive outcomes for our built environment and the community.”