Design Speaks Weekly

Marina Tabassum is a world-renowned Bangladesh architect and educator. Her architecture studio, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), was established in 2005 and has received numerous accolades, including two Aga Khan Awards for Architecture, the first for the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque and the second for a housing solution called Khudi Bari. Marina and her studio also designed the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion.

Her projects have significant social impact and are well known for the use of local natural materials and craftsmanship, which creates architecture that is both poetic and purposeful.

We sat down with Marina during her recent visit...

Recently, the exhibition Lived In was announced as Australia’s contribution to the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. Building on the Housing Atlas for Australia research project, the exhibition is a collaboration between creative directors Kerstin Thompson of Kerstin Thompson Architects, and Maryam Gusheh, Lee-Anne Khor and Louise Wright of Monash Urban Lab.

Lived In will draw on more than a century of Australian multi-residential housing to tell a national story of how we live, through drawings, data, photography, film and residents’ own experiences.

In this episode, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with two of the creative dire...

Rob Champion is the founder of TARN, a landscape practice that focuses on experimental projects. Alongside his residential work, Rob is currently co-leading the design of the National Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery in Canberra, an ambitious project that is revitalising and expanding an important landscape.

In this episode, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Australia, speaks with Rob about the opportunities of experimentation and imperfection, and how doing less can be more impactful in small-scale landscape design.

Further reading

Local hero: Robert Champion
https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/local-hero-robert-champion/

David Welsh and Chris Major founded their practice, Welsh and Major, more than twenty years ago. Since then, they have refined and embraced an adaptive reuse design method, delivering thoughtful and enduring architecture across a diverse range of project types.

In this episode, they reflect on the evolution of adaptive reuse in Australia and the value of designing with the unexpected.

Further reading

Pyrmont Community Centre by Welsh and Major
https://architectureau.com/articles/pyrmont-community-centre-by-welsh-and-major/

Greybox by Welsh and Major
https://architectureau.com/articles/Greybox-by-Welsh-and-Major/

C...

Since establishing his practice in 2007, Anthony Gill has crafted residential projects that challenge assumptions about contemporary housing. His work often focuses on refining spatial arrangements, resulting in homes that feel generous and functional without relying on excess.

In this episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses magazine, speaks with Anthony about how residential architecture that resists resale-driven logic can lead to unconventional, understated, and delightful ways of living.

Further reading

Four houses of Anthony Gill Architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/houses-of-anthony-gill-architects/

Randwick House by Anthony Gill Architects
https://a...

Lee Hillam is a seasoned design critic. Her experience as a principal of Dunn Hillam, as a reviewer for national publications such as Architecture Australia, and as chair of the State Design Review Panel for the Government Architect NSW has sharpened her eye for what makes a successful architectural outcome.

In this episode, Lee unpacks how we justify a project's merit and explores the tension between subjective and objective evaluation in design.

Further reading

Lee Hillam on how to improve the competition system
https://architectureau.com/articles/lee-hillam-on-how-to-improve-the-competition-system/

G...

Anthony Clarke is an architect, scholar, writer, and founder of BLOXAS – a practice that focuses on the relationship between architecture and care.

In this episode, Lucia Amies, editor of ArchitectureAU, speaks with Anthony about the challenges and opportunities of regulation when it comes to designing inclusive spaces that support users' complex needs.

Further Reading

Residential design through a lens of care
https://architectureau.com/articles/residential-design-through-the-lens-of-care/

Justine Clark on whether inclusive design should move from aspiration to obligation
https://architectureau.com/articles/justine-clark-on-whether-inclusive-design-should-move-from-aspiration-to-obligation/

Allen Kong on...

Emma Williamson has held leadership roles across both architectural practice and public policy.

From her time as a partner at The Fulcrum Agency to her current role as Government Architect for Western Australia, she has been driven to improve the quality of the built environment and the culture of the profession.

In this episode, Emma shares her approach to leadership and discusses the behaviours and cultures that lead to designers creating their best work.

Further Reading

Women in architecture: Leadership
https://architectureau.com/articles/women-in-architecture-leadership/

E...

William Smart is the founder and creative director of Smart Design Studio, a practice that has delivered a wide range of projects, from large-scale masterplans and cultural buildings to private houses and product design.

In conversation with Architecture Media’s editorial director Katelin Butler, William reflects on how the drive towards scalability and standardisation in architecture is redefining creativity, craft and customisation.

Further Reading

Parametric pursuit: Stokes 14 
https://architectureau.com/articles/stokes-14/

2017 National Architecture Awards: Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture
https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-National-Architecture-Awards-Emil-Sodersten-Award-for-Interior-Architecture/

Ho...

Izzie White is an architectural graduate, a leading voice in architectural advocacy on social media and currently acting National Communications Manager at Architectus. Through her TikTok and Instagram channels, where she has built a combined following of almost 50,000 people, she shares videos about architecture that cuts through industry jargon and explains the values and outcomes of design in clear, engaging terms.

In recognition of this work, at the 2026 Australian Institute of Architecture’s Victorian Chapter Awards, Izzie received the Advocacy Award in the Bates Smart Media Award category.

In this episode, Izzie shares how the pr...

Australian architect Gregory Burgess AM is renowned for his culturally and environmentally responsive approach to architecture. For more than five decades, his work has been shaped by presence, patience, and a pioneering spirit of co-design.

Greg has been honoured with numerous national and international awards, including the 2004 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, and appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia. Despite his acclaim, he modestly refrains from the spotlight.

In this episode, Gregory Burgess of Gregory Burgess Architects reflects on the role and responsibilities of an architect, particularly when working with First...

There is a long-held notion that architecture is a luxury only available to the few. However, there are many designers finding ways to reclaim architecture’s role in everyday housing.

Clare established her practice Clare Cousins Architects in 2005. Since then, her firm has designed and delivered a mix of social housing typologies, as well as cultural, private residential and workplace projects.

The studio has found a balance between projects that sustain architectural practice financially and the projects that address broader social needs.

In today’s conversation, Clare speaks about how architects can play a mean...

Mark Simpson and Damien Mulvihill, established their multi-disciplinary practice Design Office in 2008. The studio works across a wide range of project scales and typologies, with designs that seek to challenge and explore the qualities that determine a space for hospitality, a space for work or a space for living.

In today’s episode, InteriorsAu editor Cassie Hansen, speaks with Mark and Damien about the unique influence of hospitality design in the workplace.

Further reading:

The Commons Richmond by Design Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-commons-richmond-by-designoffice/

2025 Australian Interior Design Awa...

The design and construction industry generates some of the largest amounts of waste in Australia. Approximately 26.8 megatons were recorded during the 2022–2023 financial year. In response to this excess, Amy Seo and Shahar Cohen created Second Edition to explore new ways of working with materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

By designing their own projects and collaborating with other architects, Amy and Shahar seek to educate and advocate for deconstruction as an alternative to demolition.

In today’s conversation, Amy speaks on whether or not there is appetite for this approach on projects across Aust...

Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers are the recipients of the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 Gold Medal – Australia’s highest architectural honour.

Their Sydney-based practice Durbach Block Jaggers Architects is defined by a collaborative, exploratory approach to design that embraces complexity, contradiction and exchange.

In celebration of their Gold Medal win, editorial director at Architecture Media Katelin Butler speaks with Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers about collaboration, creative process and the dynamics behind their practice.

Further reading:

National Prizes Gold Medal

https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-national-prizes-gold-medal/

Alison Page is a Walbanga and Wadi Wadi woman and a leading design entrepreneur. Her portfolio spans collaborations with Indigenous designers Dillon Kombumerri and Kevin O’Brien from the Merrima Aboriginal Design Unit and eight years as a panellist on ABC’s The New Inventors. She is also the founder of the National Aboriginal Design Agency, and has helped bring First Nations knowledge and culture into contemporary Australian design.

Ahead of her upcoming exhibition at Melbourne School of Design, presented as part of Melbourne Design Week, Alison discusses the growing interest in Indigenous design – and the opportunities and co...

Nigel Bertram believes all design projects are research projects. 

As director of Melbourne-based practice NMBW Architecture Studio and practice professor of architecture at Monash University, he has established a practice model that maximises the relationship between practice and academia, allowing research to inform and guide his studio’s projects.

In this episode, Nigel reflects on the opportunities for innovation through research-led design and speaks to the value of post-occupancy evaluations.

Further reading:

St Albans Housing by NMBW Architecture Studio and MADA

https://architectureau.com/articles/st-albans-housing/

Rev...

Ingrid Richards is a renowned Australian architect who co-founded Richards and Spence with Adrian Spence in 2008, and has since contributed significantly to the civic identity of Brisbane and beyond.

The practice is perhaps best known for its instrumental involvement in the development of the James Street Precinct in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley through a series of independent projects – including the Calile Hotel and the Ada Lane Development.

In today’s episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, asks Ingrid to reflect on the considerations required when designing civic legacy from private commissions and what urban...

Níall McLaughlin founded his London-based practice, Níall McLaughlin Architects, in 1990. Over three decades, the studio has developed a reputation for elegant detailing and thoughtful material exploration. This careful, consistent approach shapes a diverse body of work across a wide range of typologies. Underpinning it all is McLaughlin’s belief that building is “an act, not an object.”

Following the announcement that Níall McLaughlin Architects has been appointed to design a new Catholic cathedral in Sydney, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with McLaughlin about his studio’s philosophy, process and evolving approach to architecture.

Mike Hewson is originally from Aotearoa New Zealand and has been based in Sydney for the past decade. He has a background in structural engineering and heavy-civil construction, and he holds a Master of Fine Arts in visual arts from Columbia University.

Mike is perhaps best known for his inventive hybrid playground projects, which he describes as part art and part infrastructure. In 2025, Mike opened his first solo presentation, The Key’s Under the Mat, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The exhibition invites visitors to rethink what a playground and public space can be – a re...

Sarah Lynn Rees is a Palawa woman descending from the Plangermaireener and Trawlwoolwaypeoples of north-east Lutruwita/Tasmania. In addition to her role as associate principal at national architecture studio Jackson Clements Burrows, Sarah is an academic and writer.

Over the course of her career, Sarah has been a prominent advocate for Indigenising the built environment, leading systemic reform in many ways – most notably by updating The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) to require practitioners to demonstrate a level of understanding of culture, Country and Indigenous engagement processes.

In today’s episode, Sarah speaks on h...

Architect Peter McIntyre AO is known for his experimental approach and infectious enthusiasm. He’s received numerous awards, including the 1990 Gold Medal of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Peter was still in his early twenties when he established his own practice and began designing major projects that would help shape the city of Melbourne. He counts architects Robin Boyd and Roy Grounds among his early mentors.

In this episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, speaks with Peter about the increase in risk aversion, and whether it’s narrowing the potential of young architects – and ar...

Youssofzay Hart is an award-winning architecture and interior design practice based in Sydney. The studio is well acquainted with the "emerging architect" label and all that comes with it. Led by directors Belqis Youssofzay and David Hart, the studio works with leading Australian and international cultural and educational institutions – including Powerhouse, M+ in Hong Kong, and the University of Sydney – to design galleries, exhibitions, installations and interiors.

In this episode, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with Belqis about whether the "emerging architect" label is a double-edged sword.

Further reading:

Qianyi Lim on whether to r...

Commercial viability and creative ambition in architectural practice are a constant balancing act, even more so in this time of economic uncertainty. However, this tension is not unique to one generation.

As part of the 2025 Design Speaks Architecture Symposium: What’s next for practice?, Isabelle Toland, who cofounded Aileen Sage Architects in 2013, and Andrew Nimmo, who cofounded Lahznimmo Architects in 1994, spoke about the business of architecture, focusing on fees, procurement and starting their own practices. It was great to understand the similarities and differences that their respective studios experienced as they evolved over the years.

It...

Renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is best known for his large-scale immersive installations that harness ephemeral materials, including light, air and water, to explore topics of time, the natural environment and the effects of climate change. 

For this episode, Landscape Architecture Australia editor Emily Wong sat down with Olafur at the opening of his latest exhibition, Presence, at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, which runs until 12 July 2026.

They talk about nature in cities, the tensions between the natural and human-made worlds, and the need to face the trauma of the climate crisis.

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...

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...

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

W...

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 pursui...

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 think...

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 thei...

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 Arc...

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 archit...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

2...

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...

Australia has a chief medical officer and chief scientist – but no federal government architect. In today’s episode, associate editor of ArchitectureAu 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 arch...