Design Speaks Weekly
Arts
About
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.
Episodes
- Every design project is a research project | Nigel Bertram
Nigel Bertram, director at NMBW Architecture Studio and professor at Monash University, discusses his approach to design as a research project. He highlights the integration of practice and academia, and the importance of post-occupancy ev…
- Private vision, public value | Ingrid Richards
Ingrid Richards, co-founder of Richards and Spence, discusses designing civic legacy from private commissions. The episode explores considerations for urban development, referencing projects like the James Street Precinct and The Calile Ho…
- Building as an act, not an object | Níall McLaughlin
Níall McLaughlin discusses his studio's philosophy and approach to architecture. The episode covers the work of Níall McLaughlin Architects, known for their elegant detailing and material exploration, and their appointment to design a new…
- Are we overprotecting play? | Mike Hewson
Mike Hewson, an artist and structural engineer, discusses his playground projects and the importance of not over-designing public spaces. He talks about how this approach can lead to unexpected delight, playful risk, and multi-generational…
- How to practise what you preach | Sarah Lynn Rees
Sarah Lynn Rees discusses her work in Indigenising the built environment, including reforms to the National Standard of Competency for Architects. She shares how her activism informs the conception, procurement, and delivery of architectur…
- Has architecture lost its nerve? | Peter McIntyre
Katelin Butler interviews architect Peter McIntyre about his career and his views on risk aversion in modern architecture, specifically regarding how it may limit young architects.
- Should architects resist the ‘emerging’ label? | Belqis Youssofzay
In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, architect Belqis Youssofzay discusses the implications of the "emerging architect" label and whether it should be resisted. She also shares insights into the work of her Sydney-based studio, Youssof…
- The economics of practice | Isabelle Toland and Andrew Nimmo
Isabelle Toland and Andrew Nimmo discuss the business of architecture, including fees and procurement, as part of the 2025 Design Speaks Architecture Symposium. They share insights into their experiences founding and evolving their respect…
- The language of space and time | Olafur Eliasson
Artist Olafur Eliasson discusses his exhibition Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, with Landscape Architecture Australia editor Emily Wong. The conversation covers the climate crisis, the intersection of nature and human-made…
- Is International Women’s Day still relevant? | Monique Woodward
Georgia Birks explores the relevance of International Women’s Day with architect Monique Woodward. They discuss the day's historical significance and current role in advocating for gender equity in the built environment.
- Less house, more life | John Ellway
Editor Alexa Kempton speaks with residential architect John Ellway about designing compact, functional, and light-filled homes. They explore how thoughtful planning can create high-quality living spaces within a smaller footprint.
- Does architecture shape who we are? | Angelo Candalepas
Architect Angelo Candalepas joins Katelin Butler to discuss the nuances of designing cultural buildings and how architecture can reflect a city's aspirations. Candalepas shares insights into his award-winning career and his work on major A…
- Architecture vs politics | Elizabeth Watson-Brown
Architect and Australian Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown discusses the intersection of architecture and politics. She shares insights from her career in practice and her current work in the House of Representatives regarding sustainabilit…
- Is the sum of parts greater than the whole? | Simon Pendal
Simon Pendal joins Design Speaks Weekly to discuss the significance of smaller architectural projects and how their collective impact shapes urban environments. He explores the relationship between micro and macro design approaches, drawin…
- What kind of designer do you want to be? | Rory Hyde and Grace Mortlock
Rory Hyde and Grace Mortlock discuss the future of architectural practice and the potential for architects to address social and environmental issues. The guests reflect on their unconventional career paths and consider whether the next ge…
- Advice to a young architect | Sean Godsell
Award-winning architect Sean Godsell reflects on his 30-year career, discussing the current state of architecture and offering advice to future architects.
- Does architecture have a PR problem? | Elizabeth Farrelly
Elizabeth Farrelly, a critic and urban thinker, explores why architects have a certain reputation and if it hinders their ability to address contemporary issues. The episode considers the public's limited understanding of the value and ser…
- Indigenising architecture, from the 90s to now | Kevin O’Brien
Kevin O’Brien, a Brisbane-based architect of Kaurereg and Meriam heritage, reflects on three decades of progress in Indigenising architecture. The discussion highlights ongoing challenges and the crucial role of education in advancing Indi…
- Can lessons from London solve our housing crisis? | Alexis Kalagas
Alexis Kalagas shares insights from his research in London on social housing development, examining progressive approaches to procurement, partnerships, and engagement that could offer solutions to Australia's housing crisis.
- What makes a great Australian home? | Mel Bright
Alexa Kempton interviews Mel Bright, principal and design director of Studio Bright, about designing award-winning Australian homes. They discuss how homes can support daily life, changes in residential briefs, and lessons learned from cli…
- From starting out to standing out | Jared Webb
Jared Webb shares insights on launching and growing his design practice, J.AR Office, which has garnered numerous awards. He discusses the studio's mission, client relationships, and the process of securing quality projects.
- Why do architects need to be advocates? | Jennifer McMaster
Jennifer McMaster, an award-winning architect, shares insights on the increasing importance of advocacy in architecture, particularly for environmentally responsible design. She discusses how architects can balance advocacy with practical…
- Can design save the planet? | Ross Harding
Ross Harding, principal of Finding Infinity, discusses creating regenerative cities by focusing on net-zero opportunities and transforming urban self-sufficiency. This episode features the "A New Normal" initiative, aimed at making Melbour…
- Does Australia need a federal government architect? | Adam Haddow
This episode features Lucia Amies and Adam Haddow discussing the potential benefits and responsibilities of establishing a federal government architect role in Australia. They explore how such a position could improve design outcomes and l…
- Is “trend” a dirty word? | Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy
Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy Nolan explore their role as trendsetters in architecture, their views on imitation, and the significance of social media's influence.
- Who, or what, defines Indigenous architecture today? | Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown
Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown join Design Speaks Weekly to discuss the evolution of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, reflecting on shifts in the field and education.
- Mastering the art of high-low design | Brahman Perera
Interior designer Brahman Perera joins Cassie Hansen to discuss his philosophy of high-low design, focusing on the art of mixing styles, textures, and price points to create unique, dynamic, and accessible interiors. He shares insights fro…
- What makes a successful Olympic city? | Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis
Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis, involved in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games masterplan, discuss the city-making potential of the Olympics. They explore the planning and design required for successful Games and consider how the architecture…
- Trusting the chaos | Simone Bliss
Landscape architect Simone Bliss joins Emily Wong to discuss adapting the design process for the climate crisis, emphasizing the benefits of open-ended design that accommodates change and uncertainty. The discussion references Richmond Hig…
- What is an architect, really? | Timothy Hill
Timothy Hill, director of Partners Hill and 2025 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient, discusses his approach to architectural practice and the value of architecture in conversation with Katelin Butler.
- Is the competition system failing architects? | Camilla Block
Camilla Block of Durbach Block Jaggers examines the effectiveness of architectural competitions in Australia, considering their past, present, and potential future. She is scheduled to discuss this topic at ArchitectureAu Asks on November…
- Are you paid fairly? | Justine Clark
On the 2025 Equal Pay Day, August 19, Justine Clark discusses the gender pay gap in Australian architecture. She shares findings from Parlour's research on WGEA data, offering guidance for architects to identify and address pay inequity.
- My greatest lessons | Glenn Murcutt
Glenn Murcutt AO reflects on nearly 60 years in architectural practice with Design Speaks Weekly host Katelin Bulter. He shares insights on poetics versus pragmatism, the evolution of the industry, and his two most significant design lesso…
- Why prefab? | Stuart Vokes and Dan Burnett
In the first episode of Design Speaks Weekly, architects Stuart Vokes and Dan Burnett explore the advantages of modular design and prefabrication, including cost efficiency and adaptability. They discuss its potential to address the housin…