ODASA promotes the value of good design, with the view that every new development has the potential to enhance quality of life, attract investment and reduce environmental impact.
We support high-quality design by:
- advocating for healthy, liveable neighbourhoods
- embedding design quality in planning and policy frameworks
- providing early, independent advice to shape significant public and private developments
- advising government agencies on the procurement of design services to maximise public value
- supporting design innovation, sustainable practices and the integration of smart technologies
ODASA is led by the Government Architect and brings together a multidisciplinary team with expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and urban planning.
In South Australia, the Government Architect provides independent design advice on major precincts and large-scale development proposals, oversees the State’s Design Review programs and promotes design quality across the built environment through advocacy, policy, governance, education and procurement.
ODASA’s teams include:
- Design for Government – Architecture
Provides architectural advice to State Government building projects, assisting agencies to develop project briefs, supporting the procurement of design services and undertaking design risk assessments to achieve good built outcomes.
- Design for Government – Landscape Architecture
Provides landscape architecture and urban design advice to government agencies, including design risk assessments, project scoping, technical support and the development and maintenance of standards, guidelines, master specifications and prequalification contracts to achieve good open space, landscape and public realm outcomes.
- Design Review
Delivers South Australia’s Design Review programs, providing independent, expert advice to support good design outcomes for private and public sector proposals.
- Design Strategy and Governance
Leads strategic design initiatives, manages governance processes, provides policy advice and supports education programs to embed high-quality design across South Australia.
- Operations and Executive Support
Provides operational, executive and administrative support to ensure ODASA’s programs and services run effectively.
ODASA is a member of the Government Architects Network of Australia—a formalised, national collaborative exchange comprising the Government Architects and their teams from each Australian state and territory.