At the heart of Wilson Planning are 3 simple ideas:
- A love of buildings and how they are made
- The challenge of complex problem solving
- A passion for helping people
For you that means we treat your development project as our own and if there are challenges, we will solve them. Because it is fun and because we want your project to go ahead. And it will.
My earliest childhood memories are dominated by buildings – opening the RSL art union mail packs and looking at the housing plans of the prize homes on the Gold Coast; hours buried in books on classic American architecture from my aunt; and Saturday mornings spent drawing buildings in spite of my father’s exhortations to get me out onto the sports field.
That was then crystallised by my Uncle Neil. A town planner and architect in the Department of Planning State Planning Authority, we used to visit his house in Manly. It was the quintessential architect’s house: quaint, sustainable and had stunning views out towards the ocean. He also had his own studio. He recommended I did town planning and that was that.
The other two ideas above are also purely personality quirks; but I do love complex problems and finding an answer, as well as helping people achieve what they want to do.
Our Values
These things matter to us in how we work:
The attitude test - for both of us - respectful, open, honest - treat others as you want to be treated.
Straight-up - If I don’t believe we can make it happen, I won’t bother - I won’t waste your time and money.
Integrity - We do what we say we will do – give open and honest advice - and we use time wisely.
Excellence - we take great pride in our work. We understand the importance of crossing all the bridges and dotting the ‘i’s and crossing all the ‘t’s on all the required documents. It’s what councils want to approve your project. Which is what we want.
Go the extra mile - we care. Plain and simple.
Us
Wes Wilson, Founder & Director
16 years working in councils (Gosford-Wyong, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle) with the 5 years at Newcastle as Coordinator of the Development Assessment Team at Newcastle City Council. Wes managed 18 full time staff that assessed 200+ DAs per year and had projects valued at a total of $1.5B during 2014. In 2015 he left to set up Wilson Planning.
Favourite Netflix show: “Suits - because it’s witty, clever and I love the characters. And the top end of New York certainly looks glamorous.”
Favourite plant: “Iceberg roses - I just love there smell and the masses of big generous blooms smiling back at me.”
Secret wish (If I had no other cares in the world): “A helicopter flight to a deserted island and devour a John Grisham novel on the beach accompanied by a cup of English breakfast tea and Cadbury Marvellous Chocolate."
Dene Wooding, Senior Town Planner
Inspired by how the built form can have such an impact on urban communities Dene took up town Planning. He cut his teeth working in some of the largest councils in London before coming to Australia.
Here he has worked in the planning division of Parramatta, Hurstville, Hornsby & Newcastle councils giving him invaluable expertise in guiding your planning project to a successful outcome.
Favourite Netflix show: "Stanger Things - love the beautifully curated retro vibe, great characters and the whole Dungeons & Dragon’s thing.”
Favourite Plant: “The Oak - beautiful, strong, majestic - takes me straight back to happy memories in Epping Forest.”
Secret wish (if I had no other cares in the world): “A solitary cabin up a mountain far from the maddening crowd – being still calm and peaceful.”
Shelley Duggan, Office Manager
A degree in Property Economics led Shelley into a career in property management in Sydney & Wollongong. She has also run a very successful domestic services business but when her husband has the opportunity of transferring to Sydney they jumped at it.
“it is such a vibrant city and I love being part of the planning process and seeing how the future will unfold”
Favourite Netflix show: "Louis Theroux’s Documentaries - He is so open and brave… The stuff he is able to get people to share is fascinating."
Favourite Plant: “My lemon tree. We cut it right back when we moved in as it was looking very unloved and unhealthy. It is now thriving with lush green leaves and a few lemons. I can’t wait for next season.”
Secret wish (if I had no other cares in the world): ”That everyone experiences happiness, everyday.”