In this episode, Olivia McKim and Daniel Moore speak with Claire Scorpo, an award-winning architect whose work bridges rigorous design thinking with deep social and community engagement. Claire’s practice began with finely crafted residential projects that champion material sensitivity and passive design, and has since expanded to ambitious commercial and community-led developments. Her recent project, BVIA on Bank, is a groundbreaking female-led commercial development designed to promote gender equity and strengthen the role of women in the built environment.

Our conversation explores Claire’s belief in architecture as both a design discipline and a social catalyst. She reflects on her teaching, where students have worked alongside regional Victorian communities to address issues such as affordable housing, Indigenous engagement, mental health, and declining populations—revealing how architectural processes can forge meaningful civic relationships. Claire also discusses her longstanding advocacy through the Australian Institute of Architects, where her contributions to EmAGN, the Small Practice Forum, and juries led to her recognition as the 2023 Emerging Architect Prize winner for Victoria.

Claire’s story is one of thoughtful practice, consistent advocacy, and community-building. Her insights remind us that architecture is not only about producing buildings, but also about shaping equitable futures, strengthening communities, and amplifying diverse voices across the profession.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

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This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Olivia McKim and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.