FORME’s David Calvisi On James Place: Brisbane’s Next Landmark In The Making
Word on the street
By Bianca Licina | 2nd July 2025Is James Street Australia’s best retail precinct? FORME’s co-founder David Calvisi certainly thinks so — and he’s ready to be a part of it. Meet James Place.
Let’s start big. What inspired James Place?
Our vision for James Place was born from a desire to contribute meaningfully to a precinct already synonymous with design excellence. James Street has long been celebrated for its refined energy and curated sensibility. James Place was envisioned as both a continuation and elevation of that unique identity. The intention was to create a place that feels intrinsically connected to its context. An address shaped by architecture, curation, and a deep understanding of lifestyle. Every detail has been considered to enrich the precinct’s rhythm while introducing something distinctly new.
David Calvisi, Co-Founder of FORME
How would you describe James Place in three words?
Considered. Elevated. Enduring.
You’ve worked mostly in residential. How does it feel to be behind one of Brisbane’s most exciting commercial developments?
It’s incredibly rewarding and exciting, but it hasn’t come easily. A monumental amount of work has gone into getting the project to where it is today. James Place is the result of an amalgamation of 12 individual properties along a street widely regarded as Australia’s best retail precinct. The first acquisition was made in 2020.
In that sense, it’s not unlike our residential projects such as Norfolk at Burleigh Heads, where strategic and timely amalgamations were also key. Our approach to residential has always been deeply design-led. Applying that same philosophy to a commercial context has opened up new opportunities for placemaking.
Forme has always been guided by a commitment to design excellence and longevity. We don’t pursue projects in volume. We seek out rare opportunities to create something truly special and never to be repeated. These types of projects almost always require more work than the average development.
Norfolk, designed by Koichi Takada, is one of the most recognised developments in Australia, if not globally. Projects like that define our approach. James Place is no different. While it introduces a new typology for us, the principles remain the same. Innovation. Precision. Perfection. It’s an opportunity to shape not only how people live, but how they engage with the city. James Place will be the Norfolk of commercial development. A project destined for global recognition.
Why was it important to you that Richards & Spence led the design?
Richards & Spence were the obvious choice. Their work feels grounded and considered. They design buildings that respond to their surroundings and genuinely improve the way people experience a place. We’ve seen the impact of their architecture on James Street already, and we knew they would bring the right balance of restraint, clarity, and creativity. For a site like this, we needed a team that understands how to create something timeless and connected.
Upstairs at James Place
Richards & Spence are also the minds behind The Calile Hotel. Was that sense of visual and architectural cohesion along the street important to you?
Absolutely. James Street has an architectural language that is both recognisable and refined. We weren’t interested in repetition. We were focused on continuing the narrative with intent. James Place shares a material honesty and quiet confidence with its neighbours. At the same time, it introduces its own distinct rhythm and spatial generosity.
The central open-air piazza sounds like a real focal point. How do you imagine the community using that space?
The plaza is conceived as a place to pause. Open, calm, and welcoming. It’s a light-filled courtyard layered with planting, texture, and natural materiality. We imagine it as a space for gathering and reflection. A moment of stillness in the movement of the street. Whether it’s someone enjoying a morning coffee, a casual business meeting, or simply passing through, it offers a gentle rhythm to the day. It invites people in, encourages them to stay, and rewards them for doing so.
James Place open-air piazza
Can you give us any hints about the types of retailers or food operators you’d love to bring in?
We’re focused on operators with a strong sense of identity and a clear point of view. Brands that value quality, detail, and longevity. That includes emerging designers, established names with integrity, and hospitality groups who understand how to create atmosphere and provide exceptional service. The goal is to build on the momentum of James Street while introducing something fresh that adds to the experience.
How is James Place catering to the evolving needs of professionals and businesses?
The commercial spaces at James Place are designed from the inside out. Natural light, ventilation, and movement are the foundations. Each floor is a village. Each tenancy a tailored solution. These are workplaces that feel intuitive, flexible, and beautifully resolved. Spaces that support the rituals of modern working life. With direct access to dining, retail, wellness, and outdoor space, they support a more holistic workday. It’s about creating a place people want to be, not just where they need to be.
James Place, James Street
Do you think James Place signals a broader shift in the way Brisbane is developing? More considered, design-led, and lifestyle-focused?
Definitely. We’re seeing a stronger focus on quality across all aspects of development, from architecture to amenity to how spaces make people feel. There’s a move away from generic or cookie-cutter projects toward places that are thoughtful, well-executed, and built to last. James Place is part of that shift. It reflects a more mature Brisbane, one that values good design, a strong sense of place, and long-term impact.
AT A GLANCE
Developer: FORMEArchitect: Richards & SpenceBuilder: GRAYALocation: James Street, BrisbaneCompletion: 2026Key features: Open-air piazza, curated retailers, considered design
