Design Speaks Weekly

From starting out to standing out | Jared Webb

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 his own practice, who he turns to when seeking advice, and how he finds briefs and clients that are looking to create something rich in quality and experience.
 
Further reading:
Golden Avenue by J.AR Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/golden-ave-by-jar-office/
Central by J.AR Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/central-by-jar-office/
The Warehouses by J.AR Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/The-Warehouses-by-JAR-Office/
The Disco by J.AR Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/the-disco-by-jar-office/
Oxlade by J.AR Officehttps://architectureau.com/articles/oxlade-by-j-ar-office/

Why do architects need to be advocates? | Jennifer McMaster

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:
2024 National Emerging Architect Prizehttps://architectureau.com/articles/2024-National-Emerging-Architect-Prize/
Jennifer McMaster on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audiencehttps://architectureau.com/articles/jennifer-mcmaster-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/
Draped House by Triashttps://architectureau.com/articles/draped-house-by-trias/
Paddington House by Triashttps://architectureau.com/articles/paddington-house-by-trias/
2025 Houses Awards: House Alteration and Addition over 200 square metreshttps://architectureau.com/articles/2025-Houses-Awards-House-Alteration-and-Addition-over-200-square-metres/
2025 Houses Awards shortlist: Sustainabilityhttps://architectureau.com/articles/2025-houses-awards-shortlist-sustainability/

Can design save the planet? | Ross Harding

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 regenerative cities.Further reading:A New Normal, Melbournehttps://www.findinginfinity.com/projects/a-new-normal-melbourne/
Language matters: Our language, much like our architecture, requires specificityhttps://architectureau.com/articles/language-matters/
Ross Harding on how to accelerate Australia’s circular economyhttps://architectureau.com/articles/ross-harding-on-how-to-accelerate-australias-circular-economy/
A New Normal Sydneyhttps://architectureau.com/calendar/exhibitions/a-new-normal/

Does Australia need a federal government architect? | Adam Haddow

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 electionhttps://architectureau.com/articles/The-institute-calls-for-a-federal-government-architect-in-lead-up-to-national-election/
Roundtable: Government architects in Australiahttps://architectureau.com/articles/roundtable-government-architects-in-australia/

Is “trend” a dirty word? | Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy

Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy are founding partners of the award-winning practice Kennedy Nolan. Along with its many accolades and acknowledgments, the practice has amassed one of the largest Instagram followings of any Australian architecture studio, making it arguably one of the most influential studios in the country today.
Over the years, Kennedy Nolan’s designs have shaped trends in the industry rather, than followed them. But being a so-called “trendsetter” comes with responsibilities.
In today’s episode, we learn about Rachel and Patrick’s approach to staying ahead of the game, how they really feel about imitation and the importance of being mindful of social media’s impact.
Further reading:
First House: Kennedy Nolan Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/james-street-house-by-kennedy-nolan-architects/
Balam Balam Place by Kennedy Nolan, Openwork and Finding Infinityhttps://architectureau.com/articles/balam-balam-place-by-kennedy-nolan-openwork-and-finding-infinity/
Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolanhttps://architectureau.com/articles/melbourne-place/
The developer’s perspective: Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinityhttps://architectureau.com/articles/the-developers-perspective-wilam-ngarrang-retrofit-by-kennedy-nolan-with-finding-infinity/
Six Ways House by Kennedy Nolanhttps://architectureau.com/articles/Six-Ways-House-by-Kennedy-Nolan/

Who, or what, defines Indigenous architecture today? | Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown

In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown explore the progress of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Carroll (Dyirbal, Gumbilbara Bama) is a senior lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Queensland. Deidre  (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) is a professor of architecture at the University of Auckland and the recipient of the 2023 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal.
During Deidre’s 2024 Australian tour of her gold medal address, host Georgia Birks sat down with the pair to ask them to reflect on how Indigeneity in architecture and education has shifted over time.
You can read the full interview in the 2025 Jan/Feb issue of Architecture Australia or on ArchitectureAu.com.
 
Further reading:
Creating space: The rise of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecturehttps://architectureau.com/articles/Creating-space-the-rise-of-Indigenous-recognition-and-representation-in-architecture/
Carroll Go-Samhttps://architectureau.com/contributors/Go-Sam-Carroll/
New Zealand Institute of Architects 2023 Gold Medal: Professor Deidre Brownhttps://www.nzia.co.nz/awards/gold-medal/2023-gold-medal-professor-deidre-brown/

Mastering the art of high-low design | Brahman Perera

In today’s episode, editor of InteriorsAu Cassie Hansen speaks with interior designer Brahman Perera about mixing styles, textures and price points to craft interiors that are unique, dynamic and accessible. His portfolio includes fitouts for fashion labels such as Christian Kimber and Henne, alongside hospitality venues like Entrecôte, Hopper Joint and Ursula's Paddington.
Brahman was a speaker for the 2025 Design Speaks Night School series, titled “Balancing Act: The art of high-low design,” where he reflected on the value of blending the refined with the humble to create layered, balanced interiors.
 
Further reading:
Hopper Joint by Brahman Pererahttps://architectureau.com/articles/Hopper-Joint-by-Brahman-Perera/
Christian Kimber store by Brahman Pererahttps://architectureau.com/articles/christian-kimber-store-by-brahman-perera/
Perri Cutten Manuka by Brahman Pererahttps://architectureau.com/articles/perri-cutten-manuka-by-brahman-perera/
 

What makes a successful Olympic city? | Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis

This week marks 25 years since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – an event that reshaped the city through an ambitious masterplan developed by a team of built environment professionals, including architects Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis. Lawrence, a founding director of BVN and the 2012 Gold Medallist, has contributed to three Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Philip, founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects and the 2024 Gold Medallist, also played a significant role in the Sydney masterplan.
In today’s episode, they discuss the city-making potential of the Olympics, the planning and design thinking behind a successful games, and how the profession might shape the urban legacy of Brisbane 2032.
 
Further reading:
Olympics Updatehttps://architectureau.com/articles/olympics-update/
Sydney’s Olympicshttps://architectureau.com/articles/sydneys-olympics/
Lawrence Nield on deciphering the meaning of architecture and the role of the architecthttps://architectureau.com/articles/lawrence-nield-on-deciphering-the-meaning-of-architecture-and-the-role-of-the-architect/
Avoiding substance abusehttps://architectureau.com/articles/avoiding-substance-abuse/
Built environment institutes call for design input over Brisbane 2032 Olympicshttps://architectureau.com/articles/Built-environment-bodies-call-for-design-input-over-Brisbane-2032-Olympics/
Don’t let this opportunity go to waste: A tale of two citieshttps://architectureau.com/articles/dont-let-this-opportunity-go-to-waste-a-tale-of-two-cities/
Design review is the missing piece of the Olympics puzzlehttps://architectureau.com/articles/design-review-is-the-missing-piece-of-the-olympics-puzzle/
Woolloongabba can win goldhttps://architectureau.com/articles/woolloongabba-can-win-gold/
Brisbane 2032: pathways to legacyhttps://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-2032-pathways-to-legacy/
The complicated Olympics planning processhttps://architectureau.com/articles/the-complicated-olympics-planning-process/
The Brisbane olympics: a marathon or a sprint?https://architectureau.com/articles/the-brisbane-olympics-a-marathon-or-a-sprint/

Trusting the chaos | Simone Bliss

In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Architecture Australia, is joined by landscape architect and creative director of SBLA Studio Simone Bliss to discuss rethinking the design process in the face of the climate crisis.
Drawing on Richmond High School by SBLA Studio, Simone reflects on the value of open-ended design – a process that embraces uncertainty and leaves room for change.
Further reading:
Concrete thinking: Richmond High Schoolhttps://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/concrete-thinking-richmond-high-school/
Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025https://landscapeaustralia.com/issues/landscape-architecture-australia-may-jun-2025-186/Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/reducing-reusing-and-recycling-in-practice/
Material trajectory: Meg Calkinshttps://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/material-trajectory-meg-calkins/
 

What is an architect, really? | Timothy Hill

Timothy Hill is the director of architecture studio Partners Hill. In 2025, he was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal in recognition of his exemplary architectural work, as well as his broader contributions to the profession through education, discourse and advocacy.
In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, sits down with Timothy as the national Gold Medal tour gets underway. He reflects on the current state of architectural process and explains his use of the term “little ‘a’ architect” – a term he finds useful when advocating for architecture’s purpose and value.
Further reading:
2025 National Prizes: Gold Medalhttps://architectureau.com/articles/2025-national-prizes-gold-medal/
A generative practicehttps://architectureau.com/articles/a-generative-practice/
‘Oh my god, it’s not that you’re cynical at all. It’s just that you’re analytic.’https://architectureau.com/articles/oh-my-god-its-not-that-youre-cynical-at-all-its-just-that-youre-analytic/
On the urbane and analogical lessons of Timothy Hillhttps://architectureau.com/articles/on-the-urbane-and-analogical-lessons-of-timothy-hill/#:~:text=Timothy%20Hill's%20architectural%20imagination%20is,a%20commission%20and%20a%20composition.
Living in the planhttps://architectureau.com/articles/living-in-the-plan/
What makes the difference?https://architectureau.com/articles/what-makes-the-difference/
2025 Gold Medal tour with Timothy Hillhttps://architectureau.com/calendar/tour/2025-gold-medal-tour-with-timothy-hill/  
Magical sequencing: Daylesford Longhousehttps://architectureau.com/articles/daylesford-longhouse/
Architectural archeology: Install Househttps://architectureau.com/articles/install-house/
Revisited: State Library of Queenslandhttps://architectureau.com/articles/revisited-state-library-of-queensland/
Revisited: HH House by Donovan Hill, 1993https://architectureau.com/articles/hh-house-by-donovan-hill/