ABOUT
Three Questions
The design and construction of a skatepark requires a huge investment of time and money, so who should you trust to make sure your skatepark actually works?
To answer this, ask yourself three simple questions:
1. Does your skatepark designer skate?
2. Can they skate everything?
3. Can they prepare concept designs and construction documentation?
A highly proficient street, bowl and vert skateboarder, Darren White understands the specific requirements of local users, no matter their skill level or preferred terrain.
He regularly skates the parks he has designed to continue to test and improve his skills in both skateboarding and skatepark design.
Darren is also a fully qualified and insured Building Designer and Registered Building Practitioner.
Quality service is important to me and I will keep you informed, up to date and guide you through the entire process, from concept to construction.
Qualifications
I am a Registered Building Practitioner, member of Design Matters National (formerly Building Design Association of Victoria) and hold a Diploma of Building Design and Drafting.
In addition to this I undertake various Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars and training series to increase my knowledge and stay up to date with the latest information.
I have the qualification to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card) and a current Working With Children Check.
Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance is currently covered by Liberty Specialty Markets and CGU Insurance respectively.
A Brief History
Darren White is the principal of Baseplate and has been involved in the skateboarding community for over thirty years, as both a skateboarder and skatepark designer. From a young age, Darren informally designed and created skateboard ramps and proceeded to build upon this basic level in later years.
From 1994 -1997, Darren helped design, build and manage Victoria’s only indoor skate facility, The Shed, in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. His length of service with The Shed required Darren to liaise with local councils, user groups, landscape architects and skateboard associations to assist in the creation of a diverse range of skateparks. As a result, Darren established a widespread network of clients, users, designers and builders.
The need to produce plans (to build ramps at The Shed) led Darren towards a Diploma of Building Design and Drafting, which he completed in 1999. He became a fully qualified Building Designer and Registered Building Practitioner working on new homes, extensions, renovations, unit developments, warehouse conversions and commercial / industrial buildings with Village Drafting & Design and Bill Jacobs Building Design.
Darren’s experience at a grass-roots level coupled with formal design and drafting qualifications inspired the creation of Baseplate in 2000 - a design company that is uniquely positioned to offer clients a professional, specialist design service while maintaining an intimate knowledge of users needs.
References
My commitment to providing quality drafting services and an enthusiastic approach to each design is evidenced by the fact that much of my work arises from referrals made by former clients.
Cardinia Shire Council Skateparks
I have worked with Darren over the past five years on three key skatepark design and construct projects delivered within the Cardinia Shire. Darren is highly skilled and knowledgeable in the design and delivery of skatepark and like facilities, specifically in the preparation of concept designs that are clear and community friendly, community consultation summary reports, detailed and construction drawings, and during the delivery stage of projects.
His professionalism and ability to engage with Council staff and the broader community has contributed to the success of our projects.
Darren is easy to work with, very responsive to enquiries, and prepares high quality work that is delivered to agreed timelines.
I enjoy working with Darren and highly recommend Baseplate as a consultant to support any skatepark related advice and project work.
I am more than happy to further discuss my experiences working with Baseplate.
Samantha Cross
Coordinator Parks Planning
Active and Connected Communities
Cardinia Shire Council