Design Speaks Weekly

What kind of designer do you want to be? | Rory Hyde and Grace Mortlock

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 their observations and opinions on the future of practice. Rory and Grace have, in their own way, each carved a career in architecture that is intentionally unconventional.
It was such a great conversation that we wanted to share the discussion with our Design Speaks Weekly listeners. This episode begins with Grace asking Rory, whether the next generation of architects are being unconventional enough.
 
Further reading:
Twelve principles for ‘next gen’ architectural practicehttps://architectureau.com/articles/twelve-principles-for-next-gen-practice/
Profile: Other Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/profile-other-architects/

Advice to a young architect | Sean Godsell

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 Architectshttps://architectureau.com/organisations/sean-godsell-architects/
Sean Godsell’s advice to the next generation of designers and architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsells-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/
At the coalface: A reflection on practising smallhttps://architectureau.com/articles/at-the-coal-face-a-reflection-on-practising-small/
Sean Godsell: an unrepentant, non-conformist cult figurehttps://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-an-architect-of-the-old-school-for-the-future/
‘Making something out of nothing’: The architecture of Sean Godsellhttps://architectureau.com/articles/making-something-out-of-nothing-the-architecture-of-sean-godsell/
MPavilion 2023https://architectureau.com/articles/mpavilion-2023/
Architectural poetry: House in the Hillshttps://architectureau.com/articles/house-in-the-hills/
Sean Godsell and the complexity of simplicityhttps://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-and-the-complexity-of-simplicity/
St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/st-andrews-beach-house-1/
St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architectshttps://architectureau.com/articles/future-shack/

Does architecture have a PR problem? | Elizabeth Farrelly

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 architects have the reputation they do, and whether it’s holding the industry back from leading on contemporary issues.
 
Further reading:
Elizabeth Farrelly – contributor on ArchitectureAuhttps://architectureau.com/contributors/Farrelly-Elizabeth/
Architecture has a talk problemhttps://architectureau.com/articles/architecture-has-a-talk-problem/
Are we dollarising architecture to death?https://architectureau.com/articles/are-we-dollarising-architecture-to-death/
Architecture’s core dilemma: Beauty versus justicehttps://architectureau.com/articles/Architectures-core-dilemma-beauty-versus-justice/
Brutalising brutalismhttps://architectureau.com/articles/brutalising-brutalism/
 
Correction: An earlier version of this episode included wording that could be interpreted as describing Elizabeth Farrelly as an architect. Elizabeth is not a registered architect. The audio has been updated to clarify this.

Indigenising architecture, from the 90s to now | Kevin O’Brien

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 more built projects that champion Indigenous collaborations, histories and knowledge. At last week’s Design Speaks symposium, discussions explored the progress of Indigeneity in architecture over the past 30 years. We heard, however, that there is still a long way to go, and education is key to this shift.
To continue the conversation, we sat down with Kevin to reflect on the evolution of his work over his storied career and discuss what the growing number of Indigenous architects means for the profession.
Further reading:Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVNhttps://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-south-state-secondary-college/
A space for storytelling: Blak Boxhttps://architectureau.com/articles/blak-box/
Yarrila Place by BVNhttps://architectureau.com/articles/Yarrila-Place-by-BVN/
BVN designs new ATO headquartershttps://architectureau.com/articles/bvn-designs-new-ato-headquarters/
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Supporting First Nations practitionershttps://architectureau.com/articles/get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable-supporting-first-nations-practitioners/
Obituary: Rewi Thompsonhttps://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/obituary-rewi-thompson/

Can lessons from London solve our housing crisis? | Alexis Kalagas

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 today’s episode, Alexis reflects on this research and considers what Australia can learn in the fight for equitable and affordable housing.Further reading:Lessons from Londonhttps://architectureau.com/articles/lessons-from-london/Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing by NH Architecture and Bird de la Coeur Architects with Openwork and Tracthttps://architectureau.com/articles/tarakan-street-social-and-affordable-housing-by-nh-architecture-and-bird-de-la-coeur-architects-with-openwork-and-tract/Nightingale Villagehttps://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/House for five womenhttps://ten.studio/20-hf5w
 

What makes a great Australian home? | Mel Bright

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, about how she designs a home that supports daily life, how residential briefs have changed over time and what her clients have taught her about how we live in Australia.
Further reading:2025 Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-robin-boyd-award-for-residential-architecture-houses-new/
Hedge and Arbour House by Studio Brighthttps://architectureau.com/articles/hedge-and-arbour-house-by-studio-bright/
Mansard House by Studio Brighthttps://architectureau.com/articles/mansard-house-by-studio-bright/
Maitland Bay House by Studio Brighthttps://architectureau.com/articles/maitland-bay-house-studio-bright/
Garden Tower House by Studio Brighthttps://architectureau.com/articles/garden_tower_house_studio_bright/

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/