Connected

 

First Edition

Message from Our Managing Director

Dear Partners, 

We are beyond excited to welcome you to the very first edition of our newsletter—a new chapter in the unfolding journey of Linéaire Projects. As the Managing Director, I am thrilled to connect with you on a more personal level and share all the exciting updates, achievements, and aspirations from our incredible team.

As we grow, this newsletter brings you along on our exciting journey. Each update celebrates our progress and reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, impactful solutions. We want you with us every step of the way.

In this issue, you’ll get a closer look at some of the behind-the-scenes moments that make Linéaire Projects what it is today. We’ll introduce you to the talented team members who drive our success, and share the cutting-edge strategies that are shaping our work. Our goal is simple: to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the heart of Linéaire Projects.

We’re especially proud to spotlight some key achievements in this first edition, including the success of the Gold Coast Airport Existing Terminal Retail and Operational Optimisation (ETROO) project. This initiative has greatly enhanced the passenger experience, making the airport more welcoming and efficient. We’ll also highlight the efforts of our health advisory team, who are pushing boundaries and reimagining healthcare delivery across Australia.

Looking ahead, we are filled with excitement about the future. We are deeply committed to nurturing our partnerships, fostering innovation, and striving for excellence in everything we do. We hope you’ll continue to walk alongside us as we shape a brighter future together, through our shared work and purpose.

Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration. 

Warm regards,

 

Hediyeh Vahdat

Managing Director, Linéaire Projects 


Health Advisory Update

the Advisory Team has been at the forefront of advocating for the reimagining and transformation of healthcare delivery in Australia, championing innovative approaches to service delivery models.

In August, our Managing Director was honoured to be invited by the Hon. Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, along with Nick Martin, Chief of Staff, and Sam Shipley, Adviser to the Minister, to discuss the future of integrated child and family hubs. Together with Grainne O' Loughlin, CEO of Karitane, this pivotal discussion explored pioneering strategies for models of care that seamlessly integrate health, education, and social services, tailored to meet the distinctive needs of communities. Linéaire Projects is deeply committed to co-designing evidence-based service models that respond to the evolving healthcare landscape and leads to enhanced outcomes and experiences for the communities we serve. Our contributions have been instrumental in the re-design of Karitane services, including its Prenatal Infant and Child Mental Health Service, Central Intake Service, Campbelltown Early Parenting Centre, and the Integrated Care Hubs.

Our team also had the distinguished opportunity to present to the Department of the Hon. Ryan Park, Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health, on the transformative potential of hybrid models of care supported by remote patient management and supported care (hospital in the home) within NSW Health. The Linéaire Projects Team showcased digitally integrated service models designed to tackle both current and emerging healthcare challenges in New South Wales. Our presentation illustrated how these digital service models can yield substantial results, such as increased hospital discharges, reduced bed days, and emergency department avoidance. Through designing custom built digital ecosystems, we can collectively reduce workload, increase capacity, and reduce costs —all the while improving patient outcomes and experiences.

The Linéaire Projects Advisory Team offers a distinctive service portfolio in digital health transformation and service re-design, where we apply proven experience-based co-design methodologies to develop consumer-centric health services. We invite you to collaborate with us to transform and future-proof your service delivery. Contact our team to partner with us.


North Richmond Urgent Care Model of Care Funded and Opened for Operations

We are excited about the opening of the Urgent Care Service in North Richmond, providing people in the Hawkesbury region improved access to urgent, non-life-threatening healthcare when their usual GP is unavailable, reducing the need for unnecessary visits to the emergency department.

Linéaire Projects designed the Hawkesbury Urgent Care Model of Care in partnership with Nepean Blue Mountains PHN. We applied our Service Planning and Design Methodology© which incorporated co-design, change management and implementation science approaches to facilitate the design of an innovative model. Our approach was anchored by a deep understanding of the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.  The Model of Care was informed through extensive consultation undertaken with consumers, primary care providers, tertiary care providers and community organisations. 

The final Model of Care developed included a dual application approach, one for regular application and a second to be initiated during natural disasters. Given the significant impact of natural disasters in the Hawkesbury region, the Model of Care ensured a flexible design to meet the regions unique circumstances. 

The Model of Care was utilised by Nepean Blue Mountains PHN to apply for funding to the Ministry of Health for the delivery of the North Richmond Urgent Care Service. For further information on North Richmond Urgent Care Service, see the blog post by Lizz Reay (CEO, Nepean Blue Mountains PHN) on their website. 


Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local won Gold at the Better Future Awards – Melbourne Design Awards.

The Linéaire Projects Health Advisory and Infrastructure Project Management Team were engaged by Neami National to support the delivery of the Vic Locals in Whittlesea and Morwell in Victoria. Vic Locals enable adults and older adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress, including those with cooccurring substance use or addiction, to access integrated treatment, care and support in the community, and closer to their support networks.

Our Health Advisory Team provided facility planning expertise through the development of the Functional Design Brief for fit-out design and implementation and supported the commissioning of the Vic Locals. Our Infrastructure Project Management Team were the Project Manager’s for both Vic Locals, from Planning to the Delivery Phase. 

The Morwell and Whittlesea Vic Locals establishment demonstrated Linéaire Projects rare service offering which includes a combination of project management and health service and health facility planning specialists that have experience in delivering health infrastructure projects, within a co-design methodology. Our approach ensures a linkage of infrastructure design to the day-to-day operation of the service and the experience of consumers. This project demonstrated the imperativeness of engaging consumers in the design of health services to ensure a space that enhances the therapeutic environment, whilst also meeting safety standards and requirements. 

Linéaire Projects were thrilled to learn that the Whittlesea Mental Health and Wellbeing Local won Gold at the Better Future Awards – Melbourne Design Awards! Further demonstrating the importance of co-design in the development of health services.


Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (PHN) – CALD and Homelessness Needs Assessment

We are proud to have partnered again with Wentworth Healthcare (provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains PHN) to deliver the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Homelessness Needs Assessments. The Needs Assessments aimed to identify the health needs of CALD and homeless people, and the gaps and barriers they experience in accessing primary care services. The Needs Assessments will be utilised by Nepean Blue Mountains PHN to inform the future commissioning of health services in the region.

A key learning from the project is that even with the availability of primary care services, vulnerable population groups may experience additional barriers which influence their ability to access much needed services.  Therefore, service design needs to address access barriers such as (but not limited to) cost, transportation, wait times, health literacy and awareness of available services.

The Needs Assessments can be accessed from the Nepean Blue Mountains PHN website:


Connect with Us! – Conferences, Associations and Showcases

Explore the key takeaways from our recent conferences, featuring thought leaders and industry experts, and learn about the upcoming events and opportunities that lie ahead.

Australasian Association of Health Planners

Our Lead in Health Advisory and Infrastructure is currently actively engaged in the Steering Committee for the Australasian Association of Health Planners which is contributing to the development of clearly defined parameters and frameworks for health planners in Australia. The Steering Committee is currently developing a Capability Framework for health planning and pilot testing an Evaluation Tool which Linéaire Projects is closely engaged in. The association advocates for effective health planning across the industry by recognised and qualified Health Planners.

Australian Health Design Council National Symposium

Our Managing Director co-presented with Dr Rhonda Kerr, Health Economist and Health Planner at the Australian Health Design Council National Symposium in July. The presentation focused on the digital revolution of healthcare infrastructure planning through the design of hybrid models of care which harness the use of digital therapeutics. Real-world examples were used to demonstrate the potential of digital innovations to transform healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. By leveraging such technologies, we can provide high-quality care regardless of geographic boundaries, ultimately enhancing health outcomes worldwide.

Mental Health Models and Facilities Forum

Linéaire Projects sponsored the Mental Health Models and Facilities Forum in Melbourne in July. Our Managing Director facilitated the ‘Community-driven mental health programs and new models of care’ panel which applied a future lens on how the delivery of community mental health services will evolve to meet increasing population needs and also explored the role of infrastructure and technology in the delivery of care. The panelists included Associate Professor Bridget Hamilton, Director at the Centre for Mental Health Nursing at the University of Melbourne, Maya Zerman, the Founder of Dialectical Consulting, Mark Lacey, the Mental Health Senior Consumer Consultant at Grampians Health and Dr. Kerryn Rubin, the Clinical Director of Mental Health Services at Peninsula Health and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Monash University. The discussion underscored the urgent need for a significant shift in community-driven mental health programs.  It also highlighted the importance of engaging lived and living experiences in designing, delivering, implementing, and researching future care models.

Health Insurance Summit

Linéaire Projects sponsored the Health Insurance Summit in Melbourne in June. Our Managing Director and Lead in Health Advisory hosted a round table discussion on day one which focused on the sustainability of hybrid models of care within the private health system and critical changes required within funding frameworks to support the transformational shift.  Day two was presided over by our Managing Director with a focus on consumers and how we can improve care models and access to care. The Health Insurance Summit highlighted that the design of future healthcare models must be rooted in value-based care and that it is the responsibility of individuals. Organisations in the health industry need to collectively advocate for policy and legislative changes that support innovation and address the current healthcare system’s challenges.

Coming Up… 

Australian Health Design Conference: We will be attending the Australian Health Design Conference in Sydney in November. We will be moderating a panel on digital health care and service delivery models. 

National Health and Innovation Precincts Summit:  We will be sponsoring the two-day National Health and Innovation Precincts Summit on the Gold Coast in December. On day one, we will be moderating a panel exploring the varying state government approaches to precincts and we will be chairing day two of the Summit.


Project Management Update 

 

Morena Restaurant 

We are excited to announce the successful completion of Morena Restaurant fitout, where Linéaire Projects provided specialist project management for our client, Alejandro Saravia, and Renascence Group. Set within the heritage-listed GPO building at 1 Martin Place, Sydney, owned by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, Morena has quickly become a standout in the city’s dining scene. The restaurant was recently awarded a Hat by the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide, with a score of 15/20, for its exceptional Latin American cuisine.

Our team's expertise in managing infrastructure and capital projects within heritage buildings and navigating complex design approval processes, including Fire Engineering and Heritage matters played a key role in delivering this unique venue. We collaborated closely with The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (building owner), Ewert Leaf (Architects), Trust Projects (Fitout Contractors), and Intelle (Services Design) to ensure Morena's successful launch in early 2024.

This project showcases our commitment to delivering complex, high-quality projects in challenging environments under compressed timeframes. We are proud to have contributed to Morena’s success to date and look forward to its continued recognition as a premier dining destination in Sydney.


Gold Coast Airport

We are proud to share another significant milestone at the Gold Coast Airport Existing Terminal Retail and Operational Optimisation (ETROO) project. The newly expanded Domestic Departures Lounge has officially opened, offering a vastly improved experience for travellers. This $17 million extension, part of the largest transformation in Gold Coast Airport’s history, has enhanced the lounge with more than 300 additional seats, new flooring, improved wayfinding, and 70 extra flight information displays. Furthermore, 19 new food and retail outlets have been introduced, with more set to open in the coming months.

Linéaire Projects has served as the project manager and superintendent for this major upgrade, overseeing the project’s smooth delivery and ensuring that it aligns with Gold Coast Airport’s strategic goals. This project marks a key development in bringing the domestic terminal in line with the airport’s new international facilities, which were part of a $260 million expansion in 2022.

A highlight of this phase is the planned opening of the new Changing Places facility, designed to enhance accessibility for travellers with disabilities, along with their families and carers. The facility, which is driven by new legislative requirements, is set to open soon further demonstrating Gold Coast Airport’s commitment to inclusivity and improved passenger experiences.

We have worked closely with our project partners, SHAPE Australia (contractor), RLB Rider Levett Bucknall (quantity surveyor), and Design Inc (Architect) alongside a range of design consultants, to achieve a successful project delivery for our client Gold Coast Airport.

The ETROO project is one of three projects currently being managed by Linéaire Projects at Gold Coast Airport, as we continue to play a significant role in helping Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) realise its long-term vision for the Gold Coast. This includes supporting its Master Plan development, which focuses on turning the airport into a hub for communities in the Gold Coast and northern NSW. By 2044, the airport expects to serve around 13 million passengers annually, and Linéaire Projects is proud to contribute to this growth and transformation.

Furthermore, Linéaire Projects has been leading the Security Screening Upgrade at Gold Coast Airport, as the project manager overseeing the design, procurement, and contractor coordination to ensure all necessary upgrades—including advanced equipment installations and capital works—are completed by the end of 2025. This project is part of a national effort to meet updated government security regulations, and we're proud to be delivering these critical improvements on schedule, contributing to the safety and efficiency of the airport.


Sydney Metro

Linéaire Projects has continued to play a part in Australia’s largest public transport project, serving as the tenancy coordinator for Sydney Metro's Northwest and City & Southwest lines. Our involvement spans key stations, including Victoria Cross, Crows Nest, Cherrybrook, Sydenham, Waterloo, and several others across both lines.

With the first passenger services having commenced in August this year, commuters are now benefiting from not only faster, more efficient travel but also enhanced retail offerings. Linéaire Projects has played a role in coordinating the successful integration of various new retail tenancies across the metro network, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.

At stations such as Waterloo, Victoria Cross, and Crows Nest, the new retail precincts activate these spaces seven days a week, offering a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and services. From cafés and eateries to florists and convenience stores, the retail offerings within these stations bring added convenience and vibrancy to the metro journey.

Linéaire Projects worked closely with multiple parties, Sydney Metro, Metro Trains Sydney (MTS), the station Developers/Contractors all to manage tenant fit-outs and ensure alignment with both the architectural vision and the operational needs of these high-traffic stations. Our expertise in retail project management and specifically tenancy coordination has been key to delivering functional, well-designed retail environments that enhance the overall metro experience.

Through our collaboration with Sydney Metro and MTS, we have contributed to the transformation of Sydney’s transport infrastructure, helping to create integrated, modern retail spaces that will benefit commuters and the broader community for years to come.


Ambrose Early Learning Centre

Lineaire Projects, as project manager, is leading the delivery of the Ambrose Early Learning Centre in Plumpton, on behalf of our client, Community Ventures. This innovative facility will soon offer essential early childhood education and support for the local community, reflecting our commitment to impactful, community-centred infrastructure. This 100-place centre, designed for children aged 2 – 5, was designed and built utilising modular construction and represents the first brownfield site for our client, Community Ventures.

In partnership with Interior Construction Group (ICG) (Contractor), Altus Group (Quantity Surveyor), and 2Types Construction (pre-fabricated modular supplier), our team is applying the latest modular construction methodologies, ensuring the project is delivered efficiently while minimising disruption to the surrounding community. Positioned between an existing primary school and the Catholic Church, it was essential to maintain a safe and uninterrupted environment for students, staff, and visitors. The modular approach not only reduces construction time but also helps maintain the integrity of the live environment throughout the project.

The project is set to be completed by late 2024, and open in early 2025 providing a vital educational facility that supports early childhood development.

At Linéaire Projects, we are committed to delivering infrastructure that positively contributes to the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing our work in this space, helping to shape the future of education through innovative and thoughtful project management.


Note: Special thanks to ICG for providing the timelapse video documenting the progress of this project.


Meet the Linéaire Projects Team

 

New Staff Announcement!

Welcome our new team member, Samuel Maddin!

Sam is a Senior Project Manager in our Project Management team, and we are excited to have him on board. See some information below to get to know Sam: 

Sam Maddin – Senior Project Manager 

Background

Originally from the UK, Sam studied Construction Management at Nottingham Trent University before working in London for 10 years delivering complex projects across various sectors including commercial, education, residential, health and manufacturing.  Since arriving in Australia, he has continued to deliver projects in the commercial and health space, most notably New South Wales Ambulance’s new headquarters with Health Infrastructure. 

Passion Area

Sam has a deep-rooted belief that spaces should be dynamic, functional, and sustainable and that this does not have to be at the expense of commercial targets. From researching the effectiveness of environmental assessment tools in the built environment for his degree thesis, to delivering world leading low carbon retrofits and new builds Sam continues to be an advocate for the sector and is looking forward to bringing his knowledge to the team. 

Fun Fact

Outside of work you’ll find Sam exploring the great outdoors accompanied by his Cocker Spaniel Montie or hosting Sunday lunches as he makes a pretty mean roast – with the added bonus of home-grown veggies! 

Quote

“It is a great joy to join Linéaire Projects, and it is a special feeling to be a part of such a high performing, innovative team. I believe there to be some great opportunities in the future with both existing and new clients and am eager to collaborate with such talented individuals and to help drive our vision forward.”


Innovation Corner

Harnessing AI to Add Value and Drive Efficiency at Linéaire Projects

At Linéaire Projects, we continuously seek out innovative technologies to enhance our operations while maintaining the high level of expertise our clients expect. Recently, we've been exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can complement and strengthen our project management processes. Our aim is to incorporate and develop a suite of our own tailored AI tools that improve efficiency, enhance the quality of our services, and reduce project timelines and costs whilst ensuring all data is secure and ethical standards of AI use are maintained.

AI offers significant advantages, especially in risk management, where predictive analytics can help identify potential delays and cost overruns early on. By leveraging Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, we can forecast potential risks more accurately and make informed decisions to mitigate them before they impact the project. This proactive approach leads to better project outcomes and a smoother overall process.

In addition to risk management, AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks, enabling our team to focus on strategic decision-making and delivering exceptional client service. This shift improves resource allocation, enhances project accuracy, and accelerates delivery timelines—all while preserving the personal attention to detail that defines Linéaire Projects approach

We believe AI is a tool designed to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. By thoughtfully integrating AI into our workflows, we are able to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the overall project experience without compromising the insight and critical thinking that set us apart.

Looking ahead, we are committed to leveraging all technologies that elevate our work and improve the overall project experience—without compromising the personal approach that defines the Linéaire Projects way of doing business.


We appreciate your support and look forward to staying connected!

 
Simon Portbury