Is the competition system failing architects? | Camilla Block

Camilla Block is director of architectural studio Durbach Block Jaggers. In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, she tackles the state of architecture competitions in Australia, and asks: are they still working as intended? Reflecting on their history, their evolution and their impact on the profession, Camilla considers what an ideal future for the architectural competition system might entail.

Camilla will be addressing the issue at ArchitectureAu Asks in Canberra on Friday 7 November 2025, where she’ll ask a group of industry leaders to respond to the provocation: “The competition system is under scrutiny – how could it be better?” You can learn more and buy tickets at the first link below.

Further reading:

ArchitectureAu Asks | Design Speaks
https://designspeaks.com.au/events/2025/11/07/architectureau-asks

Design competitions: Starting from Country
https://architectureau.com/articles/design-competitions-starting-from-country/

A Year in Competition
https://architectureau.com/articles/a-year-in-competition/

Expressions of interest
https://architectureau.com/articles/expressions-of-interest/

Regaining a competitive edge
https://architectureau.com/articles/regaining-a-competitive-edge/