Design Speaks Weekly

In March 1911, over 1 million people protested across Europe to mark the first ever International Women’s Day, a landmark moment in the long fight for women’s suffrage and labour rights. While IWD remains an important day of protest around the world, many question if its original purpose has been lost. To unpack this, Georgia Birks is joined by Monique Woodward, principal and creative director at WOWOWA Architecture and Interiors. Monique formerly served on the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Gender Equity Diversity Impact Committee, and continues to be a staunch advocate for gender equity in the built environment.     Further Reading Espy by Wowowa Architecture and Interiors https://architectureau.com/articles/Espy-by-Wowowa-Architecture-and-Interiors/ ‘A feeling of joyful exuberance’: Wowowa Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/wowowa-architecture/ 2015 Dulux Study Tour: Toyo Ito and Associates https://architectureau.com/articles/2015-dulux-study-tour-toyo-ito-and-associates/ ‘A gracious and elegant lady doing a man’s job’: Australia’s first woman architect https://architectureau.com/articles/a-gracious-and-elegant-lady-doing-a-mans-job-australias-first-woman-architect/ Parlour and gender equity in Australian architecture: Where to from here? https://architectureau.com/articles/parlour-and-gender-equality-in-australian-architecture-where-to-from-here/ New data captures 100 years of architectural registrations, organised by state and gender https://architectureau.com/articles/New-data-captures-100-years-of-architectural-registrations-organised-by-state-and-gender/

John Ellway is one of Australia’s leading residential architects. Since establishing his practice in 2017, he has received multiple state and national awards, including Australian House of the Year for Three House at the 2021 Houses Awards. His residential designs prove that living well doesn't require a large footprint: with thoughtful planning and the strategic use of light, views and landscape, smaller homes can be rich in both spatial experience and functionality.   In this episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses Magazine, talks with John about creating homes that are compact, practical and a delight to live in.     Further Reading Breezy lyricism: Three House https://architectureau.com/articles/three-house/ Winner: Australian House of the Year https://housesawards.com.au/gallery/2021/australian-house-of-the-year/2P6WIMX7QYX Full bloom: Terrarium House https://architectureau.com/articles/terrarium-house/ Niwa House by John Ellway https://architectureau.com/articles/niwa-house-john-ellway/ Hopscotch House by John Ellway Architect https://architectureau.com/articles/hopscotch-john-ellway/ ‘A place to picnic’: Cascade House https://architectureau.com/articles/cascade-house-john-ellway/ A neighbourly disposition: Twin Houses https://architectureau.com/articles/twin-houses/ How a speculative development won Brisbane’s house of the year https://architectureau.com/articles/twin-houses-john-ellway/ 2025 Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-Eleanor-Cullis-Hill-Award-for-Residential-Architecture-Houses-Alterations-and-Additions/ 2019 Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) https://architectureau.com/articles/2019-national-architecture-awards-eleanor-cullis-hill-award-for-res-alts-adds/

Angelo Candalepas is one of Australia’s most influential architects working today. Since founding his multi-award-winning practice, Candalepas Associates, in 1999, he has made a significant contribution to the civic fabric of Australian cities, with major cultural projects including Punchbowl Mosque and the forthcoming The Fox: NGV Contemporary. In this episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, speaks with Angelo about the delicacies of designing cultural buildings and how architecture can embody the aspirations of a city.     Further reading: Punchbowl Mosque by Candalepas Associates architectureau.com/articles/punchbowl-mosque Winning design revealed for NGV Contemporary architectureau.com/articles/winning-design-revealed-for-ngv-contemporary Candalepas’s new addition to Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral precinct approved architectureau.com/articles/candalepass-new-addition-to-sydneys-st-marys-cathedral-precinct-approved Spirit of generosity: Birchgrove House architectureau.com/articles/birchgrove-house The Porter House Hotel and the Castle Residences by Candalepas Associates architectureau.com/articles/the-porter-house-hotel-and-the-castle-residences Angelo Candalepas architectureau.com/contributors/Candalepas-Angelo Murcutt, Candalepas-designed central Sydney tower approved architectureau.com/articles/murcutt-candalepas-designed-central-sydney-tower-approved

As an established architect and a member of the Australian Greens, Elizabeth Watson-Brown is a strong advocate for the built environment – particularly when it comes to sustainability and social equity. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 as federal MP for the seat of Ryan, Elizabeth ran her own practice for 21 years, and went on to become design director and design strategy leader for national architecture practice Architectus. In today’s episode, we hear Elizabeth’s insights on practice and politics, and get her thoughts on how architecture can contribute to the pursuit of affordable and desirable housing. Further Reading An optimistic act: From architecture to politics architectureau.com/articles/an-optimistic-act-from-architecture-to-politics ‘We need a public-led approach to the way we develop our cities’ architectureau.com/articles/we-need-a-public-led-approach-to-the-way-we-develop-our-cities Peak design bodies meet federal MPs to promote urban design priorities architectureau.com/articles/Peak-design-bodies-meet-federal-MPs-to-promote-urban-design-priorities First House: Elizabeth Watson-Brown architectureau.com/articles/ngungun-house Yan Lane Duplex architectureau.com/articles/yan-lane-duplex

Simon Pendal is founder of Fremantle-based practice Simon Pendal Architect, and associate professor and co-chair of the Studio Programme at The University of Notre Dame. His work has been widely recognised in publications and awards – most recently winning the 2026 AA Prize for Unbuilt Work in collaboration with Whadjuk Balardong Elder Robyn Collard. The winning project, titled “Walyalup/Fremantle – What If,” introduces town planning incentives to encourage the opening-up of Country via a network of green archipelagos. This project highlights that, when designing to restore environment and culture in cities, there is a need for thinking at both a micro and macro scale – where big ideas require thousands of smaller acts.  In our first episode for 2026, we’ve invited Simon to talk to the value of smaller projects and how their collective contribution to city-making changes the way we live.     Further reading: In profile: Simon Pendal Architect architectureau.com/articles/In-Profile-Simon-Pendal-Architect Architecture as functional sculpture: Beaconsfield House architectureau.com/articles/beaconsfield-house Meet the owners of Beaconsfield House architectureau.com/articles/meet-the-owners-of-beaconsfield-house South Perth House by Simon Pendal Architect architectureau.com/articles/South-Perth-House-by-Simon-Pendal-Architect North Perth House by Simon Pendal Architect architectureau.com/articles/north-perth-house-by-simon-pendal Carine House architectureau.com/articles/carine-house

There is a lot to be learnt from traditional practice, but architects have the capacity to tackle greater social and environmental issues as well – and a new generation of Australian architects is being particularly proactive about using design to address contemporary problems. Earlier this year, Design Speaks held The Architecture Symposium: What’s next for practice, an event that provided a snapshot of the approaches and projects being pursued by this emerging group. As part of the symposium, Rory Hyde of the University of Melbourne and Grace Mortlock of Other Architects sat down to share their observations and opinions on the future of practice. Rory and Grace have, in their own way, each carved a career in architecture that is intentionally unconventional. It was such a great conversation that we wanted to share the discussion with our Design Speaks Weekly listeners. This episode begins with Grace asking Rory, whether the next generation of architects are being unconventional enough.   Further reading: Twelve principles for ‘next gen’ architectural practice https://architectureau.com/articles/twelve-principles-for-next-gen-practice/ Profile: Other Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/profile-other-architects/

Architect Sean Godsell has won numerous local and international awards, including the 2022 Gold Medal of the Australian Institute of Architects. In his 30 years of practising architecture, Sean has garnered a wealth of experience and knowledge – and he is keen to impart some his findings onto the next generation of architects. In this episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, asks Sean to reflect on his career, the current state of the profession and what future architects might consider in their own journeys.   Further reading: Sean Godsell Architects https://architectureau.com/organisations/sean-godsell-architects/ Sean Godsell’s advice to the next generation of designers and architects https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsells-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/ At the coalface: A reflection on practising small https://architectureau.com/articles/at-the-coal-face-a-reflection-on-practising-small/ Sean Godsell: an unrepentant, non-conformist cult figure https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-an-architect-of-the-old-school-for-the-future/ ‘Making something out of nothing’: The architecture of Sean Godsell https://architectureau.com/articles/making-something-out-of-nothing-the-architecture-of-sean-godsell/ MPavilion 2023 https://architectureau.com/articles/mpavilion-2023/ Architectural poetry: House in the Hills https://architectureau.com/articles/house-in-the-hills/ Sean Godsell and the complexity of simplicity https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-and-the-complexity-of-simplicity/ St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/st-andrews-beach-house-1/ St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/future-shack/

We all interact with architecture in some way, but the public’s understanding of the value and services of architects continues to be limited. Is this simply a professional image problem, or a symptom of something greater? Elizabeth Farrelly is a veteran critic, urban thinker and architectural educator. Trained in architecture and philosophy and with a PhD in urbanism from the University of Sydney, Elizabeth is a former City of Sydney councillor and was the Sydney Morning Herald’s weekly principal essayist on urban planning and city-making for 30 years. In this episode, Elizabeth considers why architects have the reputation they do, and whether it’s holding the industry back from leading on contemporary issues.   Further reading: Elizabeth Farrelly – contributor on ArchitectureAu https://architectureau.com/contributors/Farrelly-Elizabeth/ Architecture has a talk problem https://architectureau.com/articles/architecture-has-a-talk-problem/ Are we dollarising architecture to death? https://architectureau.com/articles/are-we-dollarising-architecture-to-death/ Architecture’s core dilemma: Beauty versus justice https://architectureau.com/articles/Architectures-core-dilemma-beauty-versus-justice/ Brutalising brutalism https://architectureau.com/articles/brutalising-brutalism/   Correction: An earlier version of this episode included wording that could be interpreted as describing Elizabeth Farrelly as an architect. Elizabeth is not a registered architect. The audio has been updated to clarify this.

Kevin O’Brien is a Brisbane-based architect of Kaurereg and Meriam heritage and principal at BVN Architecture. Over the past three decades, Kevin has worked across numerous projects and typologies in architecture and the arts, notably the exhibition design for Kith and Kin– Archie Moore’s exhibition for the 2024 Venice Biennale and the first Australian work to win the prestigious Golden Lion. With his many accolades and appointments, Kevin has become a mentor for young First Nations graduates and architects, and a leader in Designing with Country approaches. In Australia, we’re witnessing more and more built projects that champion Indigenous collaborations, histories and knowledge. At last week’s Design Speaks symposium, discussions explored the progress of Indigeneity in architecture over the past 30 years. We heard, however, that there is still a long way to go, and education is key to this shift. To continue the conversation, we sat down with Kevin to reflect on the evolution of his work over his storied career and discuss what the growing number of Indigenous architects means for the profession. Further reading: Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVN https://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-south-state-secondary-college/ A space for storytelling: Blak Box https://architectureau.com/articles/blak-box/ Yarrila Place by BVN https://architectureau.com/articles/Yarrila-Place-by-BVN/ BVN designs new ATO headquarters https://architectureau.com/articles/bvn-designs-new-ato-headquarters/ Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Supporting First Nations practitioners https://architectureau.com/articles/get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable-supporting-first-nations-practitioners/ Obituary: Rewi Thompson https://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/obituary-rewi-thompson/

The housing crisis is one of the most important challenges of our time. It is a complex and highly politicised issue, but it is not unique to Australia. Around the world, major cities are grappling with their own affordability crises, and some are finding ways forward. Alexis Kalagas is a strategic advisor to the dean at Monash Art, design and Architecture and a regular commentator on urban strategy and housing. Earlier this year, he visited London to research how the city is implementing progressive approaches to procurement, partnerships and engagement in social housing developments. In today’s episode, Alexis reflects on this research and considers what Australia can learn in the fight for equitable and affordable housing. Further reading: Lessons from London https://architectureau.com/articles/lessons-from-london/ Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing by NH Architecture and Bird de la Coeur Architects with Openwork and Tract https://architectureau.com/articles/tarakan-street-social-and-affordable-housing-by-nh-architecture-and-bird-de-la-coeur-architects-with-openwork-and-tract/ Nightingale Village https://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/ House for five women https://ten.studio/20-hf5w  

Over the last thirteen years, Studio Bright has garnered numerous national architecture and interior design awards for its residential work. The latest addition to these acknowledgements is the Robin Boyd Award, which Studio Bright’s Hedge and Arbour House won at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects National Awards. This is the most significant award for a new residential project in Australia – so it’s safe to say Studio Bright knows how to design a great home. In today’s episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses magazine, talks with the practice’s principal and design director, Mel Bright, about how she designs a home that supports daily life, how residential briefs have changed over time and what her clients have taught her about how we live in Australia. Further reading: 2025 Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-robin-boyd-award-for-residential-architecture-houses-new/ Hedge and Arbour House by Studio Bright https://architectureau.com/articles/hedge-and-arbour-house-by-studio-bright/ Mansard House by Studio Bright https://architectureau.com/articles/mansard-house-by-studio-bright/ Maitland Bay House by Studio Bright https://architectureau.com/articles/maitland-bay-house-studio-bright/ Garden Tower House by Studio Bright https://architectureau.com/articles/garden_tower_house_studio_bright/

In the three years since Jared Webb opened his practice, J.AR Office, the studio has won a number of significant national architecture and interior awards. Just last week, J.AR Office-designed Queensland restaurant Norte won Best Restaurant Design at the 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards, adding to the studio’s growing collection of accolades. Jared’s studio has been led with a clear mission – holistic and deliberate design work that contributes to the coming of age of South East Queensland. In today’s conversation, Jared speaks honestly about the ups and downs of starting his own practice, who he turns to when seeking advice, and how he finds briefs and clients that are looking to create something rich in quality and experience.   Further reading: Golden Avenue by J.AR Office https://architectureau.com/articles/golden-ave-by-jar-office/ Central by J.AR Office https://architectureau.com/articles/central-by-jar-office/ The Warehouses by J.AR Office https://architectureau.com/articles/The-Warehouses-by-JAR-Office/ The Disco by J.AR Office https://architectureau.com/articles/the-disco-by-jar-office/ Oxlade by J.AR Office https://architectureau.com/articles/oxlade-by-j-ar-office/

Architects have always been advocates for design solutions, but as global challenges grow, so too does pressure on architects to stand up and do more. Jennifer McMaster is a founding director of architectural practice Trias and the recipient of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 National Emerging Architect Prize. Across her work, she consciously advocates for environmentally responsible design. In this episode, Jen shares insight on how she balances advocacy with the realities of practice, and how the industry can collectively create change in a time of global crises.   Further reading: 2024 National Emerging Architect Prize https://architectureau.com/articles/2024-National-Emerging-Architect-Prize/ Jennifer McMaster on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience https://architectureau.com/articles/jennifer-mcmaster-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/ Draped House by Trias https://architectureau.com/articles/draped-house-by-trias/ Paddington House by Trias https://architectureau.com/articles/paddington-house-by-trias/ 2025 Houses Awards: House Alteration and Addition over 200 square metres https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-Houses-Awards-House-Alteration-and-Addition-over-200-square-metres/ 2025 Houses Awards shortlist: Sustainability https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-houses-awards-shortlist-sustainability/

Reducing carbon emissions has long been a global priority. Ross Harding, principal of Finding Infinity – a creative and technical environmental consultancy firm driving the transition to self-sufficient cities – is focused on turning ambition into action. Finding Infinity is best known for initiating “A New Normal”, a $100 billion creative strategy aimed at transforming Melbourne into a model of urban self-sufficiency through architectural collaboration. The initiative has since expanded nationally, with built projects delivered and underway across Australia. In this special live episode from SXSW Sydney 2025, Ross explores why understanding and communicating net-zero opportunities is key to creating regenerative cities. Further reading: A New Normal, Melbourne https://www.findinginfinity.com/projects/a-new-normal-melbourne/ Language matters: Our language, much like our architecture, requires specificity https://architectureau.com/articles/language-matters/ Ross Harding on how to accelerate Australia’s circular economy https://architectureau.com/articles/ross-harding-on-how-to-accelerate-australias-circular-economy/ A New Normal Sydney https://architectureau.com/calendar/exhibitions/a-new-normal/

Australia has a chief medical officer and chief scientist – but no federal government architect. In today’s episode, associate editor of Architecture Au Lucia Amies is joined by national president of the Australian Institute of Architects Adam Haddow to discuss the case for introducing such a role. Lucia and Adam unpack what the position might involve, and how it might contribute to better design outcomes and improved living standards. Further reading: Institute calls for federal government architect in lead-up to national election https://architectureau.com/articles/The-institute-calls-for-a-federal-government-architect-in-lead-up-to-national-election/ Roundtable: Government architects in Australia https://architectureau.com/articles/roundtable-government-architects-in-australia/

Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy are founding partners of the award-winning practice Kennedy Nolan. Along with its many accolades and acknowledgments, the practice has amassed one of the largest Instagram followings of any Australian architecture studio, making it arguably one of the most influential studios in the country today. Over the years, Kennedy Nolan’s designs have shaped trends in the industry rather, than followed them. But being a so-called “trendsetter” comes with responsibilities. In today’s episode, we learn about Rachel and Patrick’s approach to staying ahead of the game, how they really feel about imitation and the importance of being mindful of social media’s impact. Further reading: First House: Kennedy Nolan Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/james-street-house-by-kennedy-nolan-architects/ Balam Balam Place by Kennedy Nolan, Openwork and Finding Infinity https://architectureau.com/articles/balam-balam-place-by-kennedy-nolan-openwork-and-finding-infinity/ Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan https://architectureau.com/articles/melbourne-place/ The developer’s perspective: Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity https://architectureau.com/articles/the-developers-perspective-wilam-ngarrang-retrofit-by-kennedy-nolan-with-finding-infinity/ Six Ways House by Kennedy Nolan https://architectureau.com/articles/Six-Ways-House-by-Kennedy-Nolan/

In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown explore the progress of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Carroll (Dyirbal, Gumbilbara Bama) is a senior lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Queensland. Deidre  (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) is a professor of architecture at the University of Auckland and the recipient of the 2023 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal. During Deidre’s 2024 Australian tour of her gold medal address, host Georgia Birks sat down with the pair to ask them to reflect on how Indigeneity in architecture and education has shifted over time. You can read the full interview in the 2025 Jan/Feb issue of Architecture Australia or on ArchitectureAu.com.   Further reading: Creating space: The rise of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/Creating-space-the-rise-of-Indigenous-recognition-and-representation-in-architecture/ Carroll Go-Sam https://architectureau.com/contributors/Go-Sam-Carroll/ New Zealand Institute of Architects 2023 Gold Medal: Professor Deidre Brown https://www.nzia.co.nz/awards/gold-medal/2023-gold-medal-professor-deidre-brown/

In today’s episode, editor of InteriorsAu Cassie Hansen speaks with interior designer Brahman Perera about mixing styles, textures and price points to craft interiors that are unique, dynamic and accessible. His portfolio includes fitouts for fashion labels such as Christian Kimber and Henne, alongside hospitality venues like Entrecôte, Hopper Joint and Ursula's Paddington. Brahman was a speaker for the 2025 Design Speaks Night School series, titled “Balancing Act: The art of high-low design,” where he reflected on the value of blending the refined with the humble to create layered, balanced interiors.   Further reading: Hopper Joint by Brahman Perera https://architectureau.com/articles/Hopper-Joint-by-Brahman-Perera/ Christian Kimber store by Brahman Perera https://architectureau.com/articles/christian-kimber-store-by-brahman-perera/ Perri Cutten Manuka by Brahman Perera https://architectureau.com/articles/perri-cutten-manuka-by-brahman-perera/  

This week marks 25 years since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – an event that reshaped the city through an ambitious masterplan developed by a team of built environment professionals, including architects Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis. Lawrence, a founding director of BVN and the 2012 Gold Medallist, has contributed to three Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Philip, founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects and the 2024 Gold Medallist, also played a significant role in the Sydney masterplan. In today’s episode, they discuss the city-making potential of the Olympics, the planning and design thinking behind a successful games, and how the profession might shape the urban legacy of Brisbane 2032.   Further reading: Olympics Update https://architectureau.com/articles/olympics-update/ Sydney’s Olympics https://architectureau.com/articles/sydneys-olympics/ Lawrence Nield on deciphering the meaning of architecture and the role of the architect https://architectureau.com/articles/lawrence-nield-on-deciphering-the-meaning-of-architecture-and-the-role-of-the-architect/ Avoiding substance abuse https://architectureau.com/articles/avoiding-substance-abuse/ Built environment institutes call for design input over Brisbane 2032 Olympics https://architectureau.com/articles/Built-environment-bodies-call-for-design-input-over-Brisbane-2032-Olympics/ Don’t let this opportunity go to waste: A tale of two cities https://architectureau.com/articles/dont-let-this-opportunity-go-to-waste-a-tale-of-two-cities/ Design review is the missing piece of the Olympics puzzle https://architectureau.com/articles/design-review-is-the-missing-piece-of-the-olympics-puzzle/ Woolloongabba can win gold https://architectureau.com/articles/woolloongabba-can-win-gold/ Brisbane 2032: pathways to legacy https://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-2032-pathways-to-legacy/ The complicated Olympics planning process https://architectureau.com/articles/the-complicated-olympics-planning-process/ The Brisbane olympics: a marathon or a sprint? https://architectureau.com/articles/the-brisbane-olympics-a-marathon-or-a-sprint/

In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Architecture Australia, is joined by landscape architect and creative director of SBLA Studio Simone Bliss to discuss rethinking the design process in the face of the climate crisis. Drawing on Richmond High School by SBLA Studio, Simone reflects on the value of open-ended design – a process that embraces uncertainty and leaves room for change. Further reading: Concrete thinking: Richmond High School https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/concrete-thinking-richmond-high-school/ Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025 https://landscapeaustralia.com/issues/landscape-architecture-australia-may-jun-2025-186/ Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025 https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/reducing-reusing-and-recycling-in-practice/ Material trajectory: Meg Calkins https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/material-trajectory-meg-calkins/