The Aboriginal communities funded are located in varied climates, from the desert of South Australia to the tropics of the Kimberley in Western Australia. Isolation problems have been rampant—some of the communities are 360 kilometers (225 miles) away from the nearest town.

It was impossible to use generic urban designs on such unique clients. PB worked closely with the communities and Project Managers to create customized design solutions, with features including the community-friendly outdoor cooking facilities preferred by Aborigines. “Working with Aboriginal peoples requires the ability to listen to community needs,” explains Brahim. “PB takes into account a project’s individual needs, as well as our financial limitations, ultimately facilitating a unique brand of custom-made, community planning.”

Under PB management, the NAHS program worked to build houses and septic systems, roads, water infrastructure and a power structure to design standards suited to the locations. Negotiations with individual families and Australian governmental groups and public utilities agencies aided the shift from provisional facilities to permanent homes.