Design Speaks Weekly

Where craft meets systems | William Smart

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 Architecturehttps://architectureau.com/articles/2017-National-Architecture-Awards-Emil-Sodersten-Award-for-Interior-Architecture/
Howatson Company by Those Architects and Smart Design Studiohttps://architectureau.com/articles/howatson-company-by-those-architects-and-smart-design-studio/
Self expression: Smart Design Studio officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/smart-design-studio-office/
Recalling bygone grandeur: Rail Operations Centrehttps://architectureau.com/articles/rail-operations-centre/
First House: 632 Bourkehttps://architectureau.com/articles/first-house-632-bourke/
Celebrating curves: Regenthttps://architectureau.com/articles/celebrating-curves-regent/
Evocative and engaging: Town Hall Househttps://architectureau.com/articles/town-hall-house/
Independent integration: Crown 515https://architectureau.com/articles/crown-515/
Elemental and abstract: Sydney 385https://architectureau.com/articles/sydney-385/
Nip and tuck: Oramahttps://architectureau.com/articles/orama/
Optiquehttps://architectureau.com/articles/optique/

Making architecture make sense | Izzie White

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 Reading2026 Victorian Architecture Awardshttps://architectureau.com/articles/2026-victorian-architecture-awards/

Architecture without ego | Gregory Burgess

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/

Balancing purpose and profit | Clare Cousins

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 Architectshttps://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 Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/Courtyard-House-by-Clare-Cousins-Architects/
Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/aesop-collins-street-by-clare-cousins-architects/
Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/

Are cafes the new office? | Mark Simpson and Damien Mulvihill

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 Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/the-commons-richmond-by-designoffice/
2025 Australian Interior Design Awards: Retail Designhttps://architectureau.com/articles/2025-australian-interior-design-awards-retail-design/
Mark Simpson’s advice to the next generation of designers and architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/mark-simpsons-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/
Design Office’s new Melbourne Headquartershttps://architectureau.com/articles/designoffices-new-melbourne-headquarters/
Intimate volume: Higher Groundhttps://architectureau.com/articles/higher-ground/
2017 Australian Interior Design Awards: Hospitality Designhttps://architectureau.com/articles/2017-australian-interior-design-awards-hospitality-design/
My Catwalkhttps://architectureau.com/articles/my-catwalk/
Nishi display suite interiorhttps://architectureau.com/articles/nishi-display-suite-by-designoffice/ 

Making waste work | Amy Seo

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 Editionhttps://architectureau.com/articles/emerging-profile-second-edition/ 
One to watch: Second Editionhttps://architectureau.com/articles/one-to-watch-second-edition/ 
Rochester Street Office by Allied Office, Akin Atelier and Second Editionhttps://architectureau.com/articles/rochester-street-office-by-allied-office-akin-atelier-and-second-edition/ 
Radical acts of repair: Second Editionhttps://architectureau.com/articles/second-edition-1/

Thinking like a fox | Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers

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/

Who benefits from Indigenous design? | Alison Page

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 architecturehttps://architectureau.com/articles/alison-page-on-artwashing-in-architecture/Melbourne Design Week 2026 announcedhttps://architectureau.com/articles/melbourne-design-week-2026-announced/Alison Page: Creative Shape Shifterhttps://designweek.melbourne/event/alison-page-creative-shape-shifter/

Every design project is a research project | Nigel Bertram

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/
 

Private vision, public value | Ingrid Richards

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 Hotelhttps://architectureau.com/articles/the-calile-hotel/
Incremental civic-ness: James Street Precincthttps://architectureau.com/articles/james-street-precinct/
2019 Eat Drink Design Awards: Best Hotel Designhttps://architectureau.com/articles/2019-eat-drink-design-awards-best-hotel-design/
Nineteen Jameshttps://architectureau.com/articles/block-works/
Tactical urbanism: Fish Lanehttps://architectureau.com/articles/tactical-urbanism-fish-lane/
205 North Quay by Hassell, REX and Richards and Spencehttps://architectureau.com/articles/205-north-quay-by-hassell-rex-and-richards-and-spence/
Richards and Spence’s seven favourite hotel designshttps://architectureau.com/articles/richards-and-spence-seven-favourite-hotel-designs/