30+ Years in Architecture – Time to Reflect

Whilst Arqus Design celebrates 15 years, we highlight Scott Peabody’s 30+ years industry experience, offering clients unparalleled expertise and insight. His diversity and depth of knowledge accumulated from over three decades is what benefits our clients, with his proven ability to deliver exceptional value. During his formative years as a student and graduate, Scott gained experience at DBI (formerly Media 5), Gold Coast; DJAS Architecture (formerly Darly Jackson Architects), Canberra; and Greenway Architects, Gold Coast / Brisbane, before conceiving and initiating a business concept which led to the establishment and growth of Planit Architects in 1998 (later rebranded to Ellivo Architects).

Over these years, Scott has been fortunate to design and deliver projects across diverse sectors, working with some of the industry’s most respected teams, both nationally and internationally.

We outline some of his experience and typology of work below:

Residential + Multi-Residential

Scott’s work within the residential sector extends from bespoke houses, townhouses and high-rise apartments to master-planned communities, and mixed-use developments. His expertise in apartment design, with a portfolio spanning over 7,500 apartments across 120 completed buildings, brings extensive experience in designing high-quality, meaningful and liveable spaces for all demographics.

When it comes to innovative residential, Jade, located on the beachfront, Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast), is a distinguished architectural development known for its sculptural form and refined, bespoke design features. Each ‘skyhome’ occupies an entire floor, features their own glass-fronted private swimming pool, unparalleled privacy and uninterrupted panoramic ocean views. Designed for 100+ year life cycle, Jade includes a select palette of enduring materials, including the sandstone and copper/aluminium alloy cladding featured on the 15 storey blade elements.

Master Planning

Beyond residential, Scott’s depth of experience in master planning precincts and communities requires a deep understanding of creating places that adapt to evolving market conditions, while prioritizing lifestyle and a sense of community.

Scott’s role in shaping the master plan for Frasers’ Yungaba Precinct, Kangaroo Point, (Brisbane), blended conservation with modern urban design. His vision extended to creating a cohesive community integrating thoughtfully designed residences, green spaces, and cultural amenities while acknowledging Yungaba’s building and landscape heritage significance.

In addition to Yungaba, Scott’s master plan for Hamilton Reach established the framework for this multi-staged residential community that provided for flexibility in development deliverables in response to market influences. Seamlessly integrating residential, recreational, and permeable open spaces along the Brisbane River, Hamilton Reach focuses on fostering diverse housing options and activated public spaces that encourage connection, wellbeing, and a quality lifestyle.

Internationally, Scott led the master planning of a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood in Chanchun, the capital of Jilin Province, China. This development envisaged an integrated housing, social, recreational, and retail environment to support the unique needs of an emerging ex-pat community within the city.

Heritage and Adaptive Reuse:

A standout area of expertise is heritage and adaptive reuse, where the cultural conservation and preservation of architecture meets innovative design solutions.

Scott worked on the adaptive reuse of Yungaba House, the first building recognised on the Queensland Heritage Register. Located along the Brisbane River, and the centre piece of the Yungaba precinct, this ‘grand old lady’ was not only restored, but reimagined as ten luxury homes which respectfully celebrate the spatial qualities of this culturally significant building.

The adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings Winchcombe Carson and Australian Estates Co woolstores in Newstead (Brisbane) epitomise the seamless blend of industrial heritage with contemporary residential design. The adaptive reuse of these heritage buildings not only preserves their architectural significance but also sets a benchmark for urban renewal.

Community

Brisbane’s Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point celebrates Brisbane’s sense of community and cultural history. Thoughtfully designed for fostering inclusivity, understanding, and diversity, our design incorporates flexible spaces for events, performances, and workshops, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions and practices that make up Brisbane’s multicultural community.

Scott’s work within the community sector has grown and transformed over the years, becoming a deeply valued and integral part of the studio’s design journey. We are proud to collaborate with esteemed organisations like The Salvation Army and Saint Vincent de Paul on a diverse range of projects, including community support facilities, affordable and social housing developments, and recovery/rehabilitation centres. Additionally, we have had the honour of designing places of worship, including mosques and an orthodox church, creating symbolic spaces for communities to unite and thrive.

Senior Living Sector

Work in the senior living sector spans residential and community-focused projects, creating thoughtfully designed neighbourhoods for land lease communities, retirement villages and residential aged care facilities. We focus on creating spaces that facilitate ageing in place, reimagining design as a means to enhance quality of life, strengthen connections, and promote wellbeing.  Whether through innovative housing or thoughtfully designed communal facilities, our design approach fosters vibrant, supportive environments tailored to meet our resident’s needs at every stage of life.

Commercial and industrial

Scott’s experience in the commercial and industrial sector extends from master planned office parks, industrial precincts and logistic centres, through to the interior design of commercial spaces in response to, and reflecting, the corporate culture and strategy for growth.

Significant commercial and industrial projects include:

• Toll’s intermodal facility at Karawatha (Brisbane), incorporating a 3,500 sqm two-storey administration building, a 2,000 sqm operational centre, and an expansive 37,000 sqm distribution warehouse;
• Bayside Business Park, Cleveland, providing allied health, office, showroom warehouse, and childcare facilities;
• Dexus’ master planned Drive industrial estate, Richlands (Brisbane), featuring in excess of 100,000sqm of warehouse space;
• Bespoke commercial facilities including LSKD’s global headquarters; and
• Corporate offices for Whitehaven, incorporating a state-of-the-art remote operation centre, and Workcover Queensland’s headquarters (Brisbane).

Expert Witness

Scott is frequently retained as an expert witness in architectural matters, providing authoritative advice to the Queensland Planning and Environment, Land, and Civil Courts. This trusted role highlights Scott’s deep expertise and comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding architectural matters considered within the Court environments. His ability to navigate legal frameworks while delivering insightful, evidence-based recommendations reinforces Scott’s reputation as a leader in his field and a key resource for resolving intricate design and planning disputes.

Looking to the future

Scott is looking forward to leading the practice into the future, focusing on bringing new perspectives to projects that we’re passionate about, and continuing to lead the team with knowledge and insight.

“As I celebrate 15 years of Arqus Design and reflect back on my architecture career, I am inspired to think about what lies ahead for our studio and the architecture industry.  I think it will be about staying true to our value of adaptability, creativity, and collaboration while continuously pushing boundaries.  I am excited to explore new projects, foster fresh ideas, and build environments that inspire and endure.”