Studio Highlights From 2021
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What a year.
With the pandemic still very much a reality, the studio experienced a range of different challenges, including remote working and zoom workshops.
Yet, we have achieved so much.
From promoting Victoria’s climate action plan to engaging government through human-centred design, the challenges of the last 12 months have compelled us to reach new heights.
With that in mind, here are some highlights the Local Peoples team believe have made the year memorable.
Ryan’s Highlight (Content Lead)
A moment that stands out to me is when the Studio went carbon zero. Our partnership with Greenfleet allowed Local Peoples to plant enough native trees to absorb 72.00 tonnes of CO2 emissions across 2020. That allowed us to reach carbon neutrality for the year, which is something I am proud to be a part of!
An achievement like that – no matter how large or small – shows how much potential individuals have to actually create meaningful change. Even after the disappointment of COP26, partnerships like this demonstrate that it is possible to save the planet.
Ede’s highlight (Product Lead)
Despite the wider challenges of 2021, there have been some really standout moments.
Earlier in the year the team arrived in the studio on Monday morning and started getting set up for the day. Over the next few minutes, we each started noticing that something wasn’t right. Our desks were in a bit of disarray and the studio plants were looking a bit worse for wear…slowly it dawned on us that the studio had a nocturnal furry visitor!
It turned out a possum was finding its way into the studio, feasting on the plants and exploring every corner, nook and cranny! Despite efforts to deter it or capture it over a few weeks, the possum outwitted us again and again. Eventually it got bored of giving us the runaround and moved on… but it was amusing to share the studio space with it for that short time, even if the cleanup was a bit annoying!
A real highlight for me was facilitating a community workshop with the future residents of Wollert, a new suburb to the north of Melbourne. The organisation building the community centre are making sure. It was great to share their enthusiasm for building a future space that serves the community that goes beyond simply which shops will be there.
Ella’s highlight (Designer)
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Local Peoples is the range of diverse projects and the amazing team I get to collaborate with.
This year a highlight has been working on a guide for the Future Homes initiative with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. This initiative is shaping the future of Melbourne’s urban living through smarter apartments that foster community, sustainability and wellbeing. Helping create a key piece in this process was meaningful.
These past few months have been such a fantastic experience and I’m so keen to see what 2022 will bring for the studio.
Pino’s Highlight (Founder)
After 6 months of working from home, being able to come back into the studio has been awesome! Having the opportunity to hang out and talk to people in real life feels like a massive luxury.
Also, the Convent in Abbotsford – where the studio is located – is beautiful. We have amazing gardens, roaming animals and lively cafes. Most importantly however, it gives me the separation between home and work, which I cherish!
Hopefully, I’ll see some of you at the studio soon!
