Woodhead was commissioned to undertake a design workshop for Darwin Airport, to form the basis for future development. The concept design worked to open up view lines, so that passengers could see from the entrance to the departure gates, giving a sense of overall spaciousness to the building.

Increased exposure to retail and food and beverage concessions was part of an encompassing endeavour to provide a diversity of activities in an integrated space.

A key part of the design philosophy was to bring Darwin into the airport building, combining art and architecture. This aim required openness to Northern Territory input as to what Darwin is, so that the design reinforced the local identity.

The initial terminal reconfiguration works focus upon the domestic and international lounges. The central space between the two lounges converted to a swing lounge, which can also act as a VIP lounge. This swing lounge can be utilised by either domestic or international users and is responsive to the passenger usage needs.

The land development plan focuses upon the optimisation of the property. The masterplan divides the 87ha site into a series of precincts with a range of uses such as IT, commercial, freight forwarding, hotel and resort accommodation.