Approach.

—
WUNGGURRWIL DHURRUNG / DESIGN BY GRESLEY ABAS (WITH GROUNDED STUDIOS TEAM AS EMPLOYEES OF GRESLEY ABAS) IN COLLABORATION WITH GREGORY BURGESS AND REALMSTUDIOS.

At Grounded Studios,
we create places that
imbue belonging,
connection and
relevance through
time.

—
WUNGGURRWIL DHURRUNG / DESIGN BY GRESLEY ABAS (WITH GROUNDED STUDIOS TEAM AS EMPLOYEES OF GRESLEY ABAS) IN COLLABORATION WITH GREGORY BURGESS AND REALMSTUDIOS.

Champion.

At the heart of every successful project is a Champion. An individual who provides a lens into the client organisation and the deeper stakeholder needs that often sit beyond a formal brief. We recognise that prior to our engagement, often much work and consultation has already occurred. Our goal here is to supplement and enhance this, ultimately giving a project momentum with the Champion at the helm.

—
LITTLE YARRA STEINER SCHOOL MASTER PLAN / BY GROUNDED STUDIOS WITH REALMSTUDIOS

Engage.

We adopt a sensitive and comprehensive approach to engagement. It is an ongoing priority, never an addendum. We believe deep listening is crucial to unfurling a client's genuine needs and wants, both near and long term. An emphasis here enables us to de-risk projects, in terms of time, capital and outcome.

Design.

Working alongside the client, we weave and carefully balance the functional, environmental and physical considerations we have heard and studied. This is a dynamic process anchored by the client's genuine needs. We achieve this whilst creating a design outcome that is both viable and sustainable.

—
MOONDANI BALLUK / DESIGN BY GRESLEY ABAS (WITH GROUNDED STUDIOS TEAM AS EMPLOYEES OF GRESLEY ABAS) IN COLLABORATION WITH GREGORY BURGESS, REALMSTUDIOS, ARTISTIC MERIT AND ARTIST PAOLA BALLA

Outcome.

The measure of success? When a client enters a new space and immediately feels a sense of safety, belonging and warmth. The place seems like it has always been there as they move through, indoor and outdoor, with ease and lightness. They almost feel at one with place.

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What others say.

  • The team at Grounded Studios and their professional partners can be relied upon to deliver a personalised approach to each project that is sensitive to the needs of the client, responsive to the elements of the site and delivered to a high standard, in budget and on time.

    John Stewart, Principal
    Little Yarra Steiner School

  • The way you talk about place and Indigenous connections and belonging and understanding how important that is for us. Those conversations were really important for us because you were talking with us, you weren't talking at us. Aboriginal Elders just say how warm and comfortable [it is] and how they just love it. They feel so warm and connected and belonging in here. And to me that blows my mind.

    KJ
    Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Moondani Balluk

  • We are incredibly grateful to have worked with you on the design of our Aboriginal Cultural Gathering Place. From the outset, you demonstrated a profound commitment to cultural safety, engaging in deep listening and respectful consultation every step of the way. Your approach was not just professional but also deeply ethical, recognising the importance of honouring our communities’ voices and preserving Aboriginal culture throughout the project. You took the time to understand our community's needs, traditions, and values, ensuring that the final design truly reflected our identity and aspirations.

    Deb Mellet
    Nairm Marr Djambana

  • Working with Ahmad and Emily on the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre has been an exceptional experience. Their dedication to fostering a collaborative environment and their commitment to excellence was evident throughout the project. Ahmad's strategic vision combined with Emily's meticulous attention to detail created a synergy that drove the project to success. Their ability to balance professionalism with personal engagement made working with them both rewarding and enjoyable.

    Francis Yon

    Contract Administrator