Built on

experience.

Driven by design.

Place Design Management was established to provide a more considered approach to retail design management and placemaking.

We understand the pressures behind a project - commercial objectives, leasing, programme, construction, tenant expectations and customer experience. That understanding informs the way we approach design.

Norwest Marketown retail centre, Norwest

Norwest Marketown, Norwest, NSW

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON RETAIL

Retail Design Management is more than checking a drawing against a guideline.

It is understanding why the design matters and recognising where an opportunity exists. It is knowing when to protect the vision, when to challenge the proposal and when to find a practical way forward.

We bring design expertise and retail experience together to help projects achieve better outcomes.

OUR APPROACH

Considered

We look at the detail without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Collaborative

We work with owners, developers, retailers, designers and project teams rather than operating in isolation.

Practical

Our advice is informed by experience on real projects and an understanding of what can actually be delivered.

Curious

We continue to look for better materials, ideas, experiences and ways of approaching retail design.

ABOUT

FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Aleks Zoric

With more than 25 years’ experience across retail design, placemaking, property development and project delivery, Aleks Zoric brings a broad understanding of the creative and commercial sides of the property industry.

Before establishing PDM, Aleks held senior national manager roles with Mirvac and Walker Corporation and worked in architectural practice.

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The PDM team

Place Design Management brings together experienced Retail Design Managers, designers and documentation specialists to provide the right level of expertise for each project.

Our team combines retail understanding with practical design and documentation experience, allowing us to scale our involvement to suit the requirements of each client and project.

SELECTED CLIENTS

TESTIMONIALS

During my time as Mirvac Head of Retail, I had the pleasure of overseeing several projects where Aleks was delivering the retail design management in her role as National RDM & National Manager Placemaking & Design including Mirvac’s Tramsheds Retail Development.
As a tenancy retail designer, Aleks demonstrated a passion for retail delivery which translated into fitout results which were delivered on time and to the highest standard, as recognised through several industry awards.
An essential ingredient to the success of the project was Aleks’ strong leadership and communication skills, combined with extensive knowledge in design and construction. Her dealings with tenants (our retail partners) and the greater project team were always considered fair whilst maintaining key project milestones.
During my time as Mirvac Head of Retail, I had the pleasure of overseeing several projects where Aleks was delivering the retail design management in her role as National RDM & National Manager Placemaking & Design including Mirvac’s Tramsheds Retail Development.
As a tenancy retail designer, Aleks demonstrated a passion for retail delivery which translated into fitout results which were delivered on time and to the highest standard, as recognised through several industry awards.
An essential ingredient to the success of the project was Aleks’ strong leadership and communication skills, combined with extensive knowledge in design and construction. Her dealings with tenants (our retail partners) and the greater project team were always considered fair whilst maintaining key project milestones.
Read more →
Susan McDonald
Formerly Mirvac Head of Retail
Our organization engaged Place Design Management to oversee our retail design management requirements for our Austral South project following a period of underperformance with an incumbent service provider.
Transitioning design management for 25 tenants midstream presents operational risks, yet Aleks and her team navigated the handover seamlessly. They demonstrated immediate control over the portfolio, rapidly progressing reviews and working with the tenants to achieve the objectives of the centre.
Aleks’s approach is defined by clear communication, attention to detail, and a strong commercial orientation. Rather than treating design and commercial viability as opposing factors, she consistently proposes realistic design solutions that preserve high aesthetic standards while accommodating the financial and operational realities of lease negotiations in a centre of this size. This balance has proven invaluable in maintaining asset presentation without adding additional cost to tenants.
Furthermore, Aleks brings a highly professional approach to stakeholder management. She has established constructive, effective working relationships across our other teams including Tenancy Coordination and Leasing, as well as with external tenants and consultants. Her ability to manage complex discussions with varying stakeholders ensures design compliance is achieved collaboratively and efficiently.
Place Design Management provides a high level of service, technical capability, and commercial acumen. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Aleks and her team on future developments and highly recommend their services.
Our organization engaged Place Design Management to oversee our retail design management requirements for our Austral South project following a period of underperformance with an incumbent service provider.
Transitioning design management for 25 tenants midstream presents operational risks, yet Aleks and her team navigated the handover seamlessly. They demonstrated immediate control over the portfolio, rapidly progressing reviews and working with the tenants to achieve the objectives of the centre.
Aleks’s approach is defined by clear communication, attention to detail, and a strong commercial orientation. Rather than treating design and commercial viability as opposing factors, she consistently proposes realistic design solutions that preserve high aesthetic standards while accommodating the financial and operational realities of lease negotiations in a centre of this size. This balance has proven invaluable in maintaining asset presentation without adding additional cost to tenants.
Furthermore, Aleks brings a highly professional approach to stakeholder management. She has established constructive, effective working relationships across our other teams including Tenancy Coordination and Leasing, as well as with external tenants and consultants. Her ability to manage complex discussions with varying stakeholders ensures design compliance is achieved collaboratively and efficiently.
Place Design Management provides a high level of service, technical capability, and commercial acumen. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Aleks and her team on future developments and highly recommend their services.
Read more →
Jonathon Mathews
Woolworths Group Development Manager
I have had the pleasure of working with Aleks on numerous projects, where she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high quality tenancy fit-out design outcomes. A standout example of this was on the Orion Springfield Town Centre and Tramsheds projects during my tenure at Mirvac as National Director of Retail Delivery.
Whether managing retail design through the concept stage or during construction, Aleks consistently ensured that clear direction, expectations, and deliverables were communicated to all parties involved. Her depth of experience in retail delivery, combined with her ability to think outside the box to solve complex design and construction challenges, has consistently produced high quality project outcomes. A particular strength is her understanding of the critical importance of thorough preplanning and detailed design reviews to identify and eliminate potential issues before construction commences, significantly reducing project risks, minimising rework, and improving delivery efficiency.
In addition to her role as a Retail Design Manager, Aleks has successfully led high performing teams that thrive in a collaborative project environment, fostering strong working relationships and achieving successful outcomes.
I have had the pleasure of working with Aleks on numerous projects, where she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high quality tenancy fit-out design outcomes. A standout example of this was on the Orion Springfield Town Centre and Tramsheds projects during my tenure at Mirvac as National Director of Retail Delivery.
Whether managing retail design through the concept stage or during construction, Aleks consistently ensured that clear direction, expectations, and deliverables were communicated to all parties involved. Her depth of experience in retail delivery, combined with her ability to think outside the box to solve complex design and construction challenges, has consistently produced high quality project outcomes. A particular strength is her understanding of the critical importance of thorough preplanning and detailed design reviews to identify and eliminate potential issues before construction commences, significantly reducing project risks, minimising rework, and improving delivery efficiency.
In addition to her role as a Retail Design Manager, Aleks has successfully led high performing teams that thrive in a collaborative project environment, fostering strong working relationships and achieving successful outcomes.
Read more →
Rod Moynahan
Formerly Mirvac National Director of Retail Delivery
During my time as Mirvac General Manager Retail, I had the pleasure of working with Aleks Zoric over a number of years and across multiple projects.
Aleks has the right combination of vision and commerciality and is able to work to deliver a project on time and on budget. She has a passion for design and retail which translates into results.
Working with Aleks on projects such as Broadway Sydney and Tramsheds she used her deep experience, her understanding of the customer and the market to inform and influence outcomes. Aleks is open and flexible in her approach and is a master collaborator. The end product speaks for itself.
During my time as Mirvac General Manager Retail, I had the pleasure of working with Aleks Zoric over a number of years and across multiple projects.
Aleks has the right combination of vision and commerciality and is able to work to deliver a project on time and on budget. She has a passion for design and retail which translates into results.
Working with Aleks on projects such as Broadway Sydney and Tramsheds she used her deep experience, her understanding of the customer and the market to inform and influence outcomes. Aleks is open and flexible in her approach and is a master collaborator. The end product speaks for itself.
Read more →
Justine Hughes
Formerly Mirvac General Manager Retail
I have been fortunate enough to work with Aleks on a number of projects across the retail sector over the past decade, from new build to complex heritage refurbishments. Aleks is one of those rare gems that make the creative process both collaborative and focused. Her obvious passion for design and knowledge of the construction process, couples with her skills in leadership and communication at every level, drive projects to a successful completion every time. It’s always a pleasure working with Aleks, she’s the glue you want in the middle.
I have been fortunate enough to work with Aleks on a number of projects across the retail sector over the past decade, from new build to complex heritage refurbishments. Aleks is one of those rare gems that make the creative process both collaborative and focused. Her obvious passion for design and knowledge of the construction process, couples with her skills in leadership and communication at every level, drive projects to a successful completion every time. It’s always a pleasure working with Aleks, she’s the glue you want in the middle.
Read more →
Donn Salisbury
Director, Electrolight
Having worked on projects with Aleks such as the Toombul UPSTAIRS precinct, it is clear that her experience in all facets of precinct design & delivery were instrumental in the success of the projects.
Aleks’ approach to design is always innovative and authentic. Her ability to set a succinct design strategy at the inception of a project has been instrumental in driving the overall design direction for all consultants involved. When faced with project challenges, Aleks is always considered and fair, reflecting an understanding of both programme and financial pressures.
Having worked on projects with Aleks such as the Toombul UPSTAIRS precinct, it is clear that her experience in all facets of precinct design & delivery were instrumental in the success of the projects.
Aleks’ approach to design is always innovative and authentic. Her ability to set a succinct design strategy at the inception of a project has been instrumental in driving the overall design direction for all consultants involved. When faced with project challenges, Aleks is always considered and fair, reflecting an understanding of both programme and financial pressures.
Read more →
Jonathan Wilmot
Managing Director, Satori Retail Property Services Pty Ltd