Episode 44 · Design Speaks Weekly
Can we codify inclusive design? | Anthony Clarke
10 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Episode notes
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…
Podcast
Design Speaks Weekly
Architecture Media · Arts & Books · English
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
More from Design Speaks Weekly All episodes →
-
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…
-
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…
