Industry Powering Impact

“We support the Property Industry Foundation because its mission reflects our belief that the design and construction industries have both the capability and the responsibility to drive social change.”

Sonya Alexander, GEYER VALMONT

“We’re grateful to have partnered with the Property Industry Foundation, the Salvation Army Oasis team and our industry collaborators on a project that will continue to support young people for years to come.”

Emily Choo, GEYER VALMONT

The rooftop and living spaces of Oasis Transitional Accommodation Services (OTAS) in Darlinghurst has been transformed into a vibrant, community-focused environment through the combined efforts of a wide network of industry supporters. What was once a tired and underutilised area is now a multi-functional space that supports connection, routine, and daily life for young residents.

(OTAS) offers semi-supported accommodation for 19 young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Salvation Army partnered with the Property Industry Foundation to revitalise the rooftop into a useable area that would better support wellbeing and community, with delivery completed just in time for Christmas 2025.

At the heart of the transformation was the industry’s willingness to come together, led and coordinated by GEYER VALMONT. As building partner, they brought together an extensive group of suppliers and collaborators, securing donated products, materials, and expertise to bring the vision to life. This collective effort enabled the delivery of an accessible outdoor living space with herb gardens and gym equipment, a fully upgraded kitchen and newly furnished breakout area.

“Our interior designers and construction specialists volunteered their time to reimagine the rooftop and shared living space, creating a cohesive, uplifting and functional environment for young residents,” says Emily Choo, Studio Leader. “We coordinated supplier partnerships to secure donated furniture, finishes and materials aligned with the design vision, ensuring the spaces felt contemporary, warm and durable. Our construction team managed delivery onsite, overseeing the full process from coordination to handover ahead of Christmas.”

“With a team of talented interior designers and passionate builders, we knew our multi-faceted expertise could make an immediate and tangible difference for young people navigating complex life circumstances,” says Sonya. “The chance to revitalise social spaces that support routine, connection and belonging aligned perfectly with what we do best. Knowing these spaces will positively impact youth residents for years to come made our involvement deeply meaningful.”

Productive year-end working bees with teams from GEYER VALMONT and Colliers put the finishing touches on the renovation. It’s now in frequent use by the young people at OTAS, who enjoy meeting above the rooftops and using the kitchen and social spaces. “Generous in-kind support combined with multiple working bees accelerated delivery,” says Emily. “The project demonstrated how collaboration can amplify impact in meaningful and lasting ways.”

The new OTAS rooftop zone reflects GEYER VALMONT’s commitment to creating spaces to encourage community and connection. “For young people experiencing housing insecurity, thoughtfully designed spaces are essential,” says Emily. “They need more than a roof; they need environments that feel safe and restorative … seemingly simple design gestures can have a profound impact on wellbeing, personal growth and a sense of belonging.”