For Sylvia Tong, urban design is ultimately about translating across different built environment sectors to create better spatial experiences for more people . Now a Senior Urban Designer at the Department of Transport and Planning, she works across land use and transport policy and planning, to help shape how Victorians experience public places and streets every day.

Sylvia’s pathway into the profession was not traditional. Before studying the Master of Urban Planning and Design (MUPD) at Monash University, she worked as a teacher of English and philosophy. While she enjoyed teaching, she was drawn to a career that combined creativity with social impact.

Studying Urban Planning and Design at Monash

“I came across urban design and was struck by the revelation of how elements in our built environment exclude or support communities," says Sylvia. “That opportunity really stayed with me.”

Monash’s studio-based learning environment confirmed she had found the right direction.

“I was looking for something practical and collaborative. The integration of urban planning and design within the architecture faculty really appealed to me, and working on real projects with government and industry partners helped me understand how design operates in practice.”

Studio-based learning at Monash

One standout moment came during the Ecological Cities Studio, led by Associate Professor Catherine Murphy and Professor Nigel Bertram, where Sylvia collaborated with both architecture students and the Bendigo City Council.

“We explored opportunities for ecological revitalisation in regional areas. I worked on a project in consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung people, proposing a landscaped pedestrian route. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) representatives took us on site and shared traditional knowledge on canopy and vegetation that directly informed the project. This experience deeply impacted how I later engaged with Traditional Owners on professional projects.”

She also credits Professor Carl Grodach whose feedback has stayed with Sylvia throughout her career.

“In every project, I still ask myself: where are the people, and how does this design impact them?”

Launching a career in urban design

Inspired by Professor Nicole Kalms' work on gender-sensitive design at Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA), Sylvia was thrilled to join Monash University’s XYX Lab investigating the safety and experience of women using public transport and proposing design interventions.

"Working with Professor Kalms at XYX was life-changing," Sylvia says. "We saw how women constantly alter their behavior just to stay safe. By redesigning infrastructure and precincts around tram stops and train stations, we begin toshift the burden of safety away from women and reduce the pressure and risks they face."

While still studying, Sylvia attended a guest lecture by Knowles Tivendale on transport planning for more sustainable people and environmental outcomes. Inspired by the lecture, she later joined Knowles at Movement and Place Consulting. 

She continued developing her private sector experience at Hansen Partnership, honing her technical skills on masterplans, development referrals, built form and streetscape projects including Streets for People, a project that reimagined how streets can support active transport and community activity.

Sylvia then moved into the public sector where she has spent the past five years shaping policy and design at the Department of Transport and Planning.

Updating Victoria’s urban design guidelines

One of Sylvia’s most influential projects is leading the update of the Urban Design Guidelines for Victoria, an action supporting Plan for Victoria.

The work involved coordination across multiple disciplines, government and industry representatives while balancing tight timelines and evolving policy priorities.

Across her work, Sylvia advocates for people-centred design in a range of contexts that is climate-sensitive and universally accessible.

“Transport and land use planning can get very focused on systems and infrastructure. Urban design is a conduit that brings back the focus of how people experience spaces. It includes considering how to enhance safety, vibrancy and even economic activity.”

Advice for future urban designers

Sylvia is now a member of the Monash MUPD advisory committee and continues to shape the future of the program.

Her advice to aspiring urban designers?

“Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Give everything a first go without fussing about getting it right. Also be curious. Talk to people across different disciplines and stages. There’s so much you can learn from those exchanges.”

As she continues working across policy and infrastructure delivery, Sylvia remains motivated by public-interest design and its capacity to create lasting community impact.

“Working in government means the scale of influence is enormous. That’s what makes the work exciting.”