Design Speaks Weekly brings you the biggest stories in Australian architecture and design. Produced by Architecture Media, each episode explores a key theme shaping the built environment, paired with the latest industry news and analysis. As an extension of the Design Speaks event series, this podcast opens up vital conversations to a wider audience, wherever you are.
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/ Emma Williamson on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience https://architectureau.com/articles/emma-williamson-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/ Valuing architectural work: The human effects https://architectureau.com/articles/valuing-architectural-work-the-human-effects/ Diversity as a disruptor in construction https://architectureau.com/articles/diversity-as-a-disruptor-in-construction/ Architecture’s untapped opportunities to maximize advantage https://architectureau.com/articles/architectures-untapped-opportunities-to-maximize-advantage/ Carey Lyon: “Everything is a public building” https://architectureau.com/articles/interview-with-carey-lyon/ School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University https://architectureau.com/articles/school-of-design-and-the-built-environment-curtin-university/ Values-driven design: ANZ Breathe https://architectureau.com/articles/anz-breathe/ Narrative and legacy: Bilya Marlee https://architectureau.com/articles/bilya-marlee/ ‘Genuinely inclusive’: Yagan Square https://architectureau.com/articles/yagan-square-lyons/ A space to exhale: Tom Fisher House https://architectureau.com/articles/a-space-to-exhale/
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/ Howatson Company by Those Architects and Smart Design Studio https://architectureau.com/articles/howatson-company-by-those-architects-and-smart-design-studio/ Self expression: Smart Design Studio office https://architectureau.com/articles/smart-design-studio-office/ Recalling bygone grandeur: Rail Operations Centre https://architectureau.com/articles/rail-operations-centre/ First House: 632 Bourke https://architectureau.com/articles/first-house-632-bourke/ Celebrating curves: Regent https://architectureau.com/articles/celebrating-curves-regent/ Evocative and engaging: Town Hall House https://architectureau.com/articles/town-hall-house/ Independent integration: Crown 515 https://architectureau.com/articles/crown-515/ Elemental and abstract: Sydney 385 https://architectureau.com/articles/sydney-385/ Nip and tuck: Orama https://architectureau.com/articles/orama/ Optique https://architectureau.com/articles/optique/
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 profession can play a more active role in educating the public on why architecture matters. Further Reading 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-victorian-architecture-awards/
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 Nations communities, as well as the values that have guided his remarkable career. Further reading: Gold medallist https://architectureau.com/articles/gold-medallist/ 2025 National Award for Enduring Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-National-Award-for-Enduring-Architecture/ 2023 National Award for Enduring Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/2023-National-Award-for-Enduring-Architecture/ Sidney Myer Music Bowl https://architectureau.com/articles/sidney-myer-music-bowl/
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 meaningful role in shaping an inclusive built environment designed for the 99%. Further Reading Shiel Street North Melbourne, Community Housing Project by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/shiel-street-north-melbourne-community-housing-project-by-clare-cousins-architects/ The Architecture Symposium: Designing for the 99% https://designspeaks.com.au/events/2026/09/04/the-architecture-symposium-melbourne Courtyard House by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/Courtyard-House-by-Clare-Cousins-Architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/aesop-collins-street-by-clare-cousins-architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/
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 Awards: Retail Design https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-australian-interior-design-awards-retail-design/ Mark Simpson’s advice to the next generation of designers and architects https://architectureau.com/articles/mark-simpsons-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/ Design Office’s new Melbourne Headquarters https://architectureau.com/articles/designoffices-new-melbourne-headquarters/ Intimate volume: Higher Ground https://architectureau.com/articles/higher-ground/ 2017 Australian Interior Design Awards: Hospitality Design https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-australian-interior-design-awards-hospitality-design/ My Catwalk https://architectureau.com/articles/my-catwalk/ Nishi display suite interior https://architectureau.com/articles/nishi-display-suite-by-designoffice/
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 Australia. Further Reading: Emerging profile: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/emerging-profile-second-edition/ One to watch: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/one-to-watch-second-edition/ Rochester Street Office by Allied Office, Akin Atelier and Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/rochester-street-office-by-allied-office-akin-atelier-and-second-edition/ Radical acts of repair: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/second-edition-1/
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/ Beyond the unexpected https://architectureau.com/articles/beyond-the-unexpected/ Phoenix Central Park https://architectureau.com/articles/phoenix-central-park/ UTS Science and Health Building https://architectureau.com/articles/uts-science-and-health-building/ Newcastle East End Stage 1 https://architectureau.com/articles/newcastle_east_end_stage_one/ Durbach Block Jaggers' hourglass-shaped Omnia tower completed https://architectureau.com/articles/durbach-block-jaggers-hourglass-shaped-omnia-tower-completed/ National Architecture Awards Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture (Houses New) https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-national-architecture-awards-robin-boyd-award-for-residential-architecture-houses-new/ Heritage revitalisation of Sydney's Powerhouse Museum Ultimo granted approval https://architectureau.com/articles/heritage-revitalisation-of-Sydneys-powerhouse-museum-ultimo-granted-approval/ Durbach Block Jaggers designs Sydney pencil tower https://architectureau.com/articles/durbach-block-jaggers-designs-sydney-pencil-tower/
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 complexities it brings. Further Reading Alison Page on artwashing in architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/alison-page-on-artwashing-in-architecture/ Melbourne Design Week 2026 announced https://architectureau.com/articles/melbourne-design-week-2026-announced/ Alison Page: Creative Shape Shifter https://designweek.melbourne/event/alison-page-creative-shape-shifter/
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/ Revisited: St Albans Housing https://architectureau.com/articles/revisited-st-albans-housing/ Sanders Place by NMBW Architecture Studio, Openwork and Finding Infinity https://architectureau.com/articles/sanders-place-by-nmbw-architecture-studio-openwork-and-finding-infinity/ University of Melbourne Student Precinct Project by Lyons et al https://architectureau.com/articles/university-of-melbourne-student-precinct-project/
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 qualities evolve best over time. Further Reading Urbane luxury: The Calile Hotel https://architectureau.com/articles/the-calile-hotel/ Incremental civic-ness: James Street Precinct https://architectureau.com/articles/james-street-precinct/ 2019 Eat Drink Design Awards: Best Hotel Design https://architectureau.com/articles/2019-eat-drink-design-awards-best-hotel-design/ Nineteen James https://architectureau.com/articles/block-works/ Tactical urbanism: Fish Lane https://architectureau.com/articles/tactical-urbanism-fish-lane/ 205 North Quay by Hassell, REX and Richards and Spence https://architectureau.com/articles/205-north-quay-by-hassell-rex-and-richards-and-spence/ Richards and Spence’s seven favourite hotel designs https://architectureau.com/articles/richards-and-spence-seven-favourite-hotel-designs/
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. Further Reading Australia’s first new cathedral in over a century planned for Sydney https://architectureau.com/articles/australias-first-new-cathedral-in-over-a-century-planned-for-sydney/ 2026 RIBA Gold Medal won by ‘humble visionary’ https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-riba-gold-medal-won-by-humble-visionary/
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 recurring agenda throughout Mike’s work. In today’s episode, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Australia, sits down with Mike to discuss how avoiding overdesigning (or overprescribing) public space can foster moments of unexpected delight, playful risk and multi-generational inclusivity. Further Reading Playful chaos: the art of risky playgrounds https://architectureau.com/articles/playful-chaos-the-art-of-risky-playgrounds/ Discovery and daring: Rocks on Wheels https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/rocks-on-wheels/ Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat https://architectureau.com/calendar/exhibitions/mike-hewson-the-keys-under-the-mat/
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 how her activism and support for Indigenous agency and leadership in architecture is being realised in project conception, procurement and delivery. Further Reading Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity Hub by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/atlantic-fellows-for-social-equity-hub-by-jackson-clements-burrows/ Winning design unveiled for WSU Indigenous Centre of Excellence https://architectureau.com/articles/winning-design-unveiled-for-wsu-indigenous-centre-of-excellence/ It costs nothing to care https://architectureau.com/articles/it-costs-nothing-to-care/ Design competitions: Starting from Country https://architectureau.com/articles/design-competitions-starting-from-country/ Indigenizing practice: Documenting Indigenous projects for publication https://architectureau.com/articles/indigenizing-practice-documenting-indigenous-projects-for-publication/ Indigenizing practice: To award, or not to award? https://architectureau.com/articles/indigenizing-practice-to-award-or-not-to-award/ Blakitecture: Beyond acknowledgement and into action https://architectureau.com/articles/blakitecture-beyond-acknowledgement-and-into-action/ Nexus 2013: a coming together of things https://architectureau.com/articles/nexus-the-coming-together-of-things/
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 architecture itself. Further Reading 2021 National Enduring Architecture Award https://architectureau.com/articles/2021-national-enduring-architecture-award/ 25 years of Australian residential architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/houses-celebrates-100-issues/ Peter McIntyre Beaumaris house heritage listed https://architectureau.com/articles/peter-mcintyre-beaumaris-house-heritage-listed/
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 resist the ‘emerging architect’ label https://architectureau.com/articles/qianyi-lim-on-whether-to-resist-the-emerging-architect-label/ Nic Brunsdon on whether to resist the ‘emerging architect’ label https://architectureau.com/articles/nic-brunsdon-on-whether-to-resist-the-emerging-architect-label/ Kali Marnane on whether to resist the ‘emerging architect’ label https://architectureau.com/articles/kali-marnane-on-whether-to-resist-the-emerging-architect-label/ David Welsh on whether to resist the ‘emerging architect’ label https://architectureau.com/articles/david-welsh-on-whether-to-resist-the-emerging-architect-label/ Bradley Kerr on whether to resist the ‘emerging architect’ label https://architectureau.com/articles/bradley-kerr-on-whether-to-resist-the-emerging-architect-label/
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 was such an informative conversation that we wanted to share it with our Design Speaks Weekly listeners. This episode beings with Isabelle asking Andrew, “what is it about public projects that interests him?” Further Reading Generation exchange: Fees and procurement https://architectureau.com/articles/generation-exchange-fees-and-procurement/ The many pathways to public work https://architectureau.com/articles/the-many-pathways-to-public-work/ Contributor: Andrew Nimmo https://architectureau.com/contributors/Nimmo-Andrew/ Contributor: Isabelle Toland https://architectureau.com/contributors/Toland-Isabelle/
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. Further reading Holding space for the future: Olafur Eliasson architectureau.com/articles/holding-space-for-the-future-olafur-eliasson Olafur Eliasson: Presence architectureau.com/calendar/exhibitions/olafur-eliasson-presence
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/
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
