Joe Fisher joined Human Habitats after a long stint in regional Victoria working for Council in Private Practice. He has used his skills to great effect at HH across a range of projects from inner city high rise to rural approvals. He has worked tirelessly on one of our largest regional new town extensions at Bright and, being involved from the outset, this has made Joe an expert on planning in Alpine Shire.
He has fast become one of HH’s most popular staff members with possibly one of the best nicknames bestowed, however, that is still in dispute.
Heading out to the Alpine Shire frequently, he’s a regular car companion to Ryan, who can confirm Joe knows a lot about everything, and is not shy to share. So what don’t we know?
Joe, can you give us a little background as to your beginnings? What was your first ever job?
Washing dishes at a little German café in Hahndorf (Adelaide Hills). I’m fairly sure it no longer exists, but to this day, I can’t pronounce or spell its name, so it’s difficult to check.
How did you start your career as a Planner?
Uni Placement followed by a casual position at Nolan Rumsby, a boutique Planning Firm in SA (since absorbed by a larger company).
What was it that first drew you to private consultancy and has since kept you so focused?
As a private consultant, you get greater mental (and emotional) investment in projects, affording opportunities to influence the outcome for the better, and generating genuine excitement when it succeeds.
Do you have a favourite project?
The Bright Valley Project at Great Alpine Road, Bright for the Deague Group is a truly one-of-a-kind project. We are pushing for an extremely high standard of subdivision and build out, to create a residential community that will be unique to Victoria. The technical, statutory and diplomatic tasks behind the scenes are extremely complex, so it’s never boring.
Aside from that, I really enjoy the Office/Mixed Use projects around Richmond and Cremorne. We have a few on the books, with a couple of very exciting new ones on the cards for 2023.
What’s been one of your best achievements over the last year?
The promotion to Associate was pretty special. This coincides with helping grow HH’s North East Vic projects that has also been very rewarding.
How about giving us your greatest life achievement to date.
I can’t go past marrying my best friend for this one. Best thing I’ve ever done, and not a day goes by where I’m not thankful for it.
Favourite Album….ever…?
This is the hardest question of the lot. Way too many to choose from.
I’ll go with a left-field option in Jamie T’s Panic Prevention, not because it’s objectively my favourite album, but because despite being a cringe worthy relic of my youth, it still brings a smile to my face every time I listen to it,
Favourite building in Melbourne?
The Bryant & May complex in Cremorne. Very attractive, sprawling industrial heritage site.
For my token Planning Nerd answer, I will also make an honorary mention of the row of terraces on both sides Dally Street, Northcote.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs. Next question.
Dream holiday destination?
We’ve been lucky and have travelled a lot already. There is some remote ski country in far eastern Russia I have always wanted to try, but given the political limitations in getting there, and my physical limitations of being able to ski it, I’m currently dreaming of my planned food/wine trip to Europe later this year.
Last stamp in your passport?
I don’t think we got one in NZ last year, so it would probably be Mexico 2019.
What superpower would you choose if you could?
Being able to fast forward, rewind, pause and slow down time. Faster approvals and project delivery, slower holidays, and the odd jaunt back to my teens.
Favourite open space in Melbourne?
Yarra Bend Park. Great to forget about the city for an hour or two.
Last one for the fans… Beach or Snow?
Snow. Though the margin is narrowing.