About maple-serval
Dedicated to creating urban environments where communities thrive
Our Story
Founded in 2006, maple-serval emerged from a shared conviction that urban planning should serve people first, not just regulations.
Our founding partners, drawn together by their experiences across major Australian infrastructure projects, recognised a gap in the market for planning consultants who could bridge technical expertise with genuine community understanding.
What started as a three-person operation in Brisbane has grown into a nationally recognised practice with completed projects spanning every Australian state and territory. Throughout this growth, our core philosophy remains unchanged: planning decisions shape lives, and those decisions deserve careful consideration of all stakeholders.
Our Values
The principles that guide every project we undertake
Integrity
We provide honest assessments even when the findings challenge initial assumptions. Our clients trust us because we prioritise accuracy over convenience.
Collaboration
Urban planning affects diverse stakeholders. We actively seek input from communities, councils, developers, and environmental groups to inform balanced recommendations.
Innovation
Cities evolve constantly. We stay ahead of emerging trends in sustainable development, smart city technologies, and adaptive reuse to future-proof our planning solutions.
Our Journey
Foundation
Established in Brisbane by three urban planning professionals with a vision for community-centred planning practice.
Sydney Expansion
Opened our Sydney office to serve the growing demand for planning services across New South Wales.
Environmental Focus
Launched dedicated environmental planning division, integrating ecological expertise into all major projects.
National Recognition
Awarded Planning Institute of Australia Excellence Award for the Coastal Resilience Framework project.
Digital Innovation
Implemented advanced 3D modelling and virtual consultation platforms to enhance stakeholder engagement.
Our Approach
Every project begins with listening. Before we draft a single recommendation, we invest time understanding the unique context, constraints, and aspirations that define your planning challenge.
- Comprehensive stakeholder mapping and engagement
- Evidence-based analysis using current data
- Iterative design with regular client checkpoints
- Post-approval support and implementation guidance
Leadership Team
Experienced professionals committed to planning excellence
James Hartley
Managing Director
25 years experience in strategic planning across Queensland and New South Wales. Former planning director for Brisbane City Council.
Sarah Chen
Principal Planner
Specialist in transport-oriented development and urban renewal. Led planning for three major transit corridor projects in Sydney.
Michael Torres
Environmental Director
Environmental scientist with expertise in coastal planning and biodiversity assessment. Author of the Coastal Resilience Framework.
Partner With Us
Discover how our expertise can support your urban planning objectives.