We’re incredibly proud to share that Studio Collective Directors Melissa Park and Casey Talbot have been named the winners of the Women’s Leadership – Emerging (40 and under) category at the 2025 Urban Leader Awards.

Presented by The Urban Developer, the Urban Leader Awards recognise the people shaping Australia’s property and development industry, celebrating leadership,innovation and meaningful contribution across the built environment. The Women’s Leadership – Emerging category recognises women aged 40 and under whoare demonstrating exemplary leadership, influence and impact within the industry.

For Melissa and Casey, the recognition is particularly meaningful as a reflection of the journey they have shared in building Studio Collective into the practice it is today.

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From boutique studio to a growing design practice

Since founding Studio Collective, Melissa and Casey have grown the business from aboutique interior design studio into a full-service practice working acrosshigh-end residential, property development, retirement living and lifestyle communities.

Today, the studio is a team of 10 designers delivering projects across a diverse range of scales and sectors, from bespoke residences through to large-scale lifestyle developments, including the $55 million Pelican Waters development.

While growth has been an important part of the Studio Collective journey, leadership has always been about more than the size of the business. For Melissa and Casey, it is about creating a strong team culture, empowering the people around them and building a business that reflects their shared values.

Their approach to leadership is grounded in collaboration, creativity and a genuine investment in people. It is about giving the team the confidence to contribute,encouraging new ideas and creating opportunities for emerging designers todevelop their skills and grow within the industry.

Redefining what leadership looks like

As an all-female interior design practice operating within the broader property and development industry, Studio Collective has always understood the importance of creating space for women to lead.

Melissa and Casey are passionate about demonstrating that leadership does not need tofollow a traditional mould. It can be creative, collaborative and people-focused while still driving commercial outcomes and delivering exceptional work.

The irrecognition at the Urban Leader Awards is a celebration of that approach - and of the impact that thoughtful leadership can have beyond the individual or the business.

The Urban Developer described Melissa and Casey as inspiring examples of women’s leadership, recognising their creativity, values-led approach and commitment to empowering their team while delivering exceptional spaces.

A shared achievement

For Studio Collective, this award belongs to more than just two people.

It is a reflection of the entire team, the clients and industry partners who have supported the studio, and the many people who have contributed to the projects and relationships that have shaped the business.

“We’re incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. Studio Collective has always been about people - our team, our clients and the relationships we build throughout every project. To be recognised for leadership alongside Casey is particularly special, because we’ve built this business together from the ground up.”

The award is also a reminder of how far Studio Collective has come, while providing plenty of motivation for what lies ahead.

As the practice continues to evolve and take on new opportunities across residential, property and lifestyle developments, Melissa and Casey remain committed to building a business where great design, strong relationships and good leadership go hand in hand.

We’re proud to be recognised as the 2025 Urban Leader Award winners for Women’s Leadership – Emerging, and even prouder of the team and journey behind it.