Podcast · Arts & Books

Design Speaks Weekly

by Architecture Media · English · Arts & Books

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 podc

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest: 21 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

21 Sep 2026 · 18 min

What makes something architecture? | Marina Tabassum

Marina Tabassum is a world-renowned Bangladesh architect and educator. Her architecture studio, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), was established in 2005 and has received numerous accolades, including two Aga Khan Awards for Architecture, the first for the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque and the second for a housing solution called Khudi Bari. Marina and her studio also designed the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion. Her projects have significant social impact and are well known for the use of local natural materials and craftsmanship, which creates architecture that is both poetic and purposeful. We sat down…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E49 · 14 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Inside Australia's 2027 Venice Biennale Exhibition | Kerstin Thompson and Lee-Anne Khor
Recently, the exhibition Lived In was announced as Australia’s contribution to the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale. Building on the Housing Atlas for Australia research project, the exhibition is a collaboration between creative directors Kerstin Thompson of Kerstin Thompson Architects, and Maryam Gusheh, Lee-Anne Khor and Louise Wright of Monash Urban Lab. Lived In will draw on more than a century of Australian multi-residential housing to tell a national story of how we live, through drawings, data, photography, film and residents’ own experiences. In this episode, ArchitectureAu editor…
E48 · 7 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Can a garden be both controlled and wild? | Rob Champion
Rob Champion is the founder of TARN, a landscape practice that focuses on experimental projects. Alongside his residential work, Rob is currently co-leading the design of the National Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery in Canberra, an ambitious project that is revitalising and expanding an important landscape. In this episode, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Australia, speaks with Rob about the opportunities of experimentation and imperfection, and how doing less can be more impactful in small-scale landscape design. Further reading Local hero: Robert…
E47 · 31 Aug 2026 · 19 min
Adaptive reuse is a discipline, not a trend | David Welsh and Chris Major
David Welsh and Chris Major founded their practice, Welsh and Major, more than twenty years ago. Since then, they have refined and embraced an adaptive reuse design method, delivering thoughtful and enduring architecture across a diverse range of project types. In this episode, they reflect on the evolution of adaptive reuse in Australia and the value of designing with the unexpected. Further reading Pyrmont Community Centre by Welsh and Majorhttps://architectureau.com/articles/pyrmont-community-centre-by-welsh-and-major/ Greybox by Welsh and…
E46 · 24 Aug 2026 · 20 min
What do we sacrifice for resale value? | Anthony Gill
Since establishing his practice in 2007, Anthony Gill has crafted residential projects that challenge assumptions about contemporary housing. His work often focuses on refining spatial arrangements, resulting in homes that feel generous and functional without relying on excess. In this episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses magazine, speaks with Anthony about how residential architecture that resists resale-driven logic can lead to unconventional, understated, and delightful ways of living. Further reading Four houses of Anthony Gill…
E45 · 17 Aug 2026 · 20 min
What does good design even mean? | Lee Hillam
Lee Hillam is a seasoned design critic. Her experience as a principal of Dunn Hillam, as a reviewer for national publications such as Architecture Australia, and as chair of the State Design Review Panel for the Government Architect NSW has sharpened her eye for what makes a successful architectural outcome. In this episode, Lee unpacks how we justify a project's merit and explores the tension between subjective and objective evaluation in design. Further reading Lee Hillam on how to improve the competition…
E44 · 10 Aug 2026 · 18 min
Can we codify inclusive design? | Anthony Clarke
Anthony Clarke is an architect, scholar, writer, and founder of BLOXAS – a practice that focuses on the relationship between architecture and care. In this episode, Lucia Amies, editor of ArchitectureAU, speaks with Anthony about the challenges and opportunities of regulation when it comes to designing inclusive spaces that support users' complex needs. Further Reading Residential design through a lens of carehttps://architectureau.com/articles/residential-design-through-the-lens-of-care/ Justine Clark on whether inclusive design should move from aspiration to…
E43 · 3 Aug 2026 · 23 min
What kind of leader does architecture need? | Emma Williamson
Emma Williamson has held leadership roles across both architectural practice and public policy. From her time as a partner at The Fulcrum Agency to her current role as Government Architect for Western Australia, she has been driven to improve the quality of the built environment and the culture of the profession. In this episode, Emma shares her approach to leadership and discusses the behaviours and cultures that lead to designers creating their best work. Further Reading Women in architecture: Leadershiphttps://architectureau.com/articles/women-in-architecture-leadership/ Emma Williamson…
E42 · 29 Jun 2026 · 19 min
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…
E41 · 22 Jun 2026 · 19 min
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…
E40 · 15 Jun 2026 · 17 min
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…
E39 · 8 Jun 2026 · 17 min
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…
E38 · 1 Jun 2026 · 20 min
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…
E37 · 25 May 2026 · 21 min
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…
E36 · 18 May 2026 · 25 min
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:…
E35 · 11 May 2026 · 24 min
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…
E34 · 4 May 2026 · 23 min
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…
E33 · 27 Apr 2026 · 23 min
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…
E32 · 20 Apr 2026 · 23 min
Building as an act, not an object | Níall McLaughlin
Níall McLaughlin founded his London-based practice, Níall McLaughlin Architects, in 1990. Over three decades, the studio has developed a reputation for elegant detailing and thoughtful material exploration. This careful, consistent approach shapes a diverse body of work across a wide range of typologies. Underpinning it all is McLaughlin’s belief that building is “an act, not an object.” Following the announcement that Níall McLaughlin Architects has been appointed to design a new Catholic cathedral in Sydney, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with McLaughlin about his studio’s…
E31 · 13 Apr 2026 · 22 min
Are we overprotecting play? | Mike Hewson
Mike Hewson is originally from Aotearoa New Zealand and has been based in Sydney for the past decade. He has a background in structural engineering and heavy-civil construction, and he holds a Master of Fine Arts in visual arts from Columbia University. Mike is perhaps best known for his inventive hybrid playground projects, which he describes as part art and part infrastructure. In 2025, Mike opened his first solo presentation, The Key’s Under the Mat, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The exhibition invites visitors to rethink what a playground and public space can be – a recurring…
E30 · 6 Apr 2026 · 21 min
How to practise what you preach | Sarah Lynn Rees
Sarah Lynn Rees is a Palawa woman descending from the Plangermaireener and Trawlwoolwaypeoples of north-east Lutruwita/Tasmania. In addition to her role as associate principal at national architecture studio Jackson Clements Burrows, Sarah is an academic and writer. Over the course of her career, Sarah has been a prominent advocate for Indigenising the built environment, leading systemic reform in many ways – most notably by updating The National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) to require practitioners to demonstrate a level of understanding of culture, Country and Indigenous…
E29 · 30 Mar 2026 · 20 min
Has architecture lost its nerve? | Peter McIntyre
Architect Peter McIntyre AO is known for his experimental approach and infectious enthusiasm. He’s received numerous awards, including the 1990 Gold Medal of the Australian Institute of Architects. Peter was still in his early twenties when he established his own practice and began designing major projects that would help shape the city of Melbourne. He counts architects Robin Boyd and Roy Grounds among his early mentors. In this episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, speaks with Peter about the increase in risk aversion, and whether it’s narrowing the potential…
E28 · 23 Mar 2026 · 20 min
Should architects resist the ‘emerging’ label? | Belqis Youssofzay
Youssofzay Hart is an award-winning architecture and interior design practice based in Sydney. The studio is well acquainted with the "emerging architect" label and all that comes with it. Led by directors Belqis Youssofzay and David Hart, the studio works with leading Australian and international cultural and educational institutions – including Powerhouse, M+ in Hong Kong, and the University of Sydney – to design galleries, exhibitions, installations and interiors. In this episode, ArchitectureAu editor Lucia Amies speaks with Belqis about whether the "emerging architect" label is a…
E27 · 16 Mar 2026 · 18 min
The economics of practice | Isabelle Toland and Andrew Nimmo
Commercial viability and creative ambition in architectural practice are a constant balancing act, even more so in this time of economic uncertainty. However, this tension is not unique to one generation. As part of the 2025 Design Speaks Architecture Symposium: What’s next for practice?, Isabelle Toland, who cofounded Aileen Sage Architects in 2013, and Andrew Nimmo, who cofounded Lahznimmo Architects in 1994, spoke about the business of architecture, focusing on fees, procurement and starting their own practices. It was great to understand the similarities and differences that their…
S2 · E26 · 9 Mar 2026 · 21 min
The language of space and time | Olafur Eliasson
Renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is best known for his large-scale immersive installations that harness ephemeral materials, including light, air and water, to explore topics of time, the natural environment and the effects of climate change. For this episode, Landscape Architecture Australia editor Emily Wong sat down with Olafur at the opening of his latest exhibition, Presence, at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, which runs until 12 July 2026. They talk about nature in cities, the tensions between the natural and human-made worlds, and the need to face the trauma of…
E25 · 2 Mar 2026 · 18 min
Is International Women’s Day still relevant? | Monique Woodward
In March 1911, over 1 million people protested across Europe to mark the first ever International Women’s Day, a landmark moment in the long fight for women’s suffrage and labour rights. While IWD remains an important day of protest around the world, many question if its original purpose has been lost. To unpack this, Georgia Birks is joined by Monique Woodward, principal and creative director at WOWOWA Architecture and Interiors. Monique formerly served on the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Gender Equity Diversity Impact Committee, and continues to be a staunch advocate for…
S2 · E24 · 23 Feb 2026 · 17 min
Less house, more life | John Ellway
John Ellway is one of Australia’s leading residential architects. Since establishing his practice in 2017, he has received multiple state and national awards, including Australian House of the Year for Three House at the 2021 Houses Awards. His residential designs prove that living well doesn't require a large footprint: with thoughtful planning and the strategic use of light, views and landscape, smaller homes can be rich in both spatial experience and functionality. In this episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses Magazine, talks with John about creating homes that are compact, practical…
S2 · E23 · 16 Feb 2026 · 18 min
Does architecture shape who we are? | Angelo Candalepas
Angelo Candalepas is one of Australia’s most influential architects working today. Since founding his multi-award-winning practice, Candalepas Associates, in 1999, he has made a significant contribution to the civic fabric of Australian cities, with major cultural projects including Punchbowl Mosque and the forthcoming The Fox: NGV Contemporary. In this episode, Katelin Butler, editorial director at Architecture Media, speaks with Angelo about the delicacies of designing cultural buildings and how architecture can embody the aspirations of a city. Further reading:Punchbowl Mosque by…
S2 · E22 · 9 Feb 2026 · 21 min
Architecture vs politics | Elizabeth Watson-Brown
As an established architect and a member of the Australian Greens, Elizabeth Watson-Brown is a strong advocate for the built environment – particularly when it comes to sustainability and social equity. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 as federal MP for the seat of Ryan, Elizabeth ran her own practice for 21 years, and went on to become design director and design strategy leader for national architecture practice Architectus. In today’s episode, we hear Elizabeth’s insights on practice and politics, and get her thoughts on how architecture can contribute to the…
S2 · E21 · 2 Feb 2026 · 19 min
Is the sum of parts greater than the whole? | Simon Pendal
Simon Pendal is founder of Fremantle-based practice Simon Pendal Architect, and associate professor and co-chair of the Studio Programme at The University of Notre Dame. His work has been widely recognised in publications and awards – most recently winning the 2026 AA Prize for Unbuilt Work in collaboration with Whadjuk Balardong Elder Robyn Collard. The winning project, titled “Walyalup/Fremantle – What If,” introduces town planning incentives to encourage the opening-up of Country via a network of green archipelagos. This project highlights that, when designing to restore environment and…

About Design Speaks Weekly

Design Speaks Weekly is a English arts & books podcast from Architecture Media. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Architecture Media
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest episode: 21 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1830364377

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