Sheryn Da-Re has undertaken detailed research into the function and aesthetics of villages in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.

The ‘village’ as a model of development, has the potential to be sustainable (environmentally, socially and economically) and a possible solution to the urban continuum evidenced in adjoining localities.  Current research has examined ways to manage regional growth through planning for discrete, livable village environments.  The principles of this research are applied in day-to-day design projects.

Placemaking involves working closely with the community to develop innovations and ideas which inspire people to collectively re-imagine public spaces.  It is process, rather than outcome driven.  It includes extensive and diverse community participation which strengthens peoples connections to landscape and place via community led strategies (e.g. tactical urbanism -small scale, community led interventions to change perceptions of a place; space activation -temporary or permanent changes to the way a space is presented and used; workshops; pop-up information; drop in centres).

Some recent or significant projects include: