As a warm welcome and invigorating introduction, Woods Bagot CEO Sarah Kay spoke of her vision for a prosperous and culturally harmonious future through exceptional place design. She stated, “There is a sense of prosperity and cultural cohesion in a city when it is also full of active, loved places. If the places are good, the city feels good. ” Kay expressed her aspiration for Woods Bagot to contribute positively to the cities they engage with, saying, “The projects and places we design with you, our most ambitious clients, are the ones that evoke magic, joy, and prosperity.”

The evening’s discourse was enriched by keynote speakers Rachel Loeb, Chief Investment Officer of Benensons Capital Partners, and Domenic Alvaro, Woods Bagot’s Global Head of Design.

Drawing from her time and impact as ​ President & CEO whilst at the NYC Economic Development Corporation, Rachel spoke on the pivotal role of intentional place policy and investment in fostering urban health. From the Cities perspective, with experience in revitalizing Time Square and one of the “wow” city transformations in New York – the Brooklyn foreshore – she emphasized, “conscious place policy and investment can totally transform a city and keep it healthy – even in trying times.” 

Dom delved into the art of revitalizing cities, stating, “At Woods Bagot, we believe that human experience is the compass of our design process, guiding us to create projects that not only respond to the present but are also flexible enough to embrace the future.” He shared with the audience of Woods Bagot’s most city revitalizing projects – from transformative rail to convention centres, to shopping districts. As well as highlighting the crucial role of integrated transport planning in tackling urban design challenges, using Sydney Central Station as a compelling case study. Dom’s closing remarks resonated with the power of indigenous narratives, asserting, “True Indigenous narratives are the resilience and the fruit of sustainable endeavors.”

Joining Rachel and Dom were Woods Bagot’s Board of Directors and Senior Executives, facilitating further conversation following the keynotes. These included Chairman Sir Philip Dilley, Lois Jacobs, and Peter White, as well as Jean Weng, Thomas Masullo, who leads major public infrastructure projects, Richard Fenne leading Woods Bagot’s Middle East business, and Eduardo Hidalgo who recently joined as Regional Design Leader – Asia. China leadership, including Principal Billy Ip, Ray Yuen, Christopher Lye, and Director Pearl Huang, were also on site to engage in the discussions.

“My ambition for Woods Bagot is for us to always positively contribute to all of the cities that we work in – and the people that live in them,” concluded Sarah Kay, encapsulating the spirit of the event.

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Shirley Hao 
Content and Communications Leader (China)