Design Speaks Weekly

Architecture Media
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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.

  1. 3 days ago

    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: Leadership https://architectureau.com/articles/women-in-architecture-leadership/ Emma Williamson on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience https://architectureau.com/articles/emma-williamson-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/ Valuing architectural work: The human effects https://architectureau.com/articles/valuing-architectural-work-the-human-effects/ Diversity as a disruptor in construction https://architectureau.com/articles/diversity-as-a-disruptor-in-construction/ Architecture’s untapped opportunities to maximize advantage https://architectureau.com/articles/architectures-untapped-opportunities-to-maximize-advantage/ Carey Lyon: “Everything is a public building” https://architectureau.com/articles/interview-with-carey-lyon/ School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University https://architectureau.com/articles/school-of-design-and-the-built-environment-curtin-university/ Values-driven design: ANZ Breathe https://architectureau.com/articles/anz-breathe/ Narrative and legacy: Bilya Marlee https://architectureau.com/articles/bilya-marlee/ ‘Genuinely inclusive’: Yagan Square https://architectureau.com/articles/yagan-square-lyons/ A space to exhale: Tom Fisher House https://architectureau.com/articles/a-space-to-exhale/

  2. 29 Jun

    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 Interior Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-National-Architecture-Awards-Emil-Sodersten-Award-for-Interior-Architecture/ Howatson Company by Those Architects and Smart Design Studio https://architectureau.com/articles/howatson-company-by-those-architects-and-smart-design-studio/ Self expression: Smart Design Studio office https://architectureau.com/articles/smart-design-studio-office/ Recalling bygone grandeur: Rail Operations Centre https://architectureau.com/articles/rail-operations-centre/ First House: 632 Bourke https://architectureau.com/articles/first-house-632-bourke/ Celebrating curves: Regent https://architectureau.com/articles/celebrating-curves-regent/ Evocative and engaging: Town Hall House https://architectureau.com/articles/town-hall-house/ Independent integration: Crown 515 https://architectureau.com/articles/crown-515/ Elemental and abstract: Sydney 385 https://architectureau.com/articles/sydney-385/ Nip and tuck: Orama https://architectureau.com/articles/orama/ Optique https://architectureau.com/articles/optique/

  3. 22 Jun

    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 category. In this episode, Izzie shares how the profession can play a more active role in educating the public on why architecture matters.   Further Reading 2026 Victorian Architecture Awards https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-victorian-architecture-awards/

  4. 15 Jun

    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 responsibilities of an architect, particularly when working with First Nations communities, as well as the values that have guided his remarkable career.  Further reading:  Gold medallist  https://architectureau.com/articles/gold-medallist/ 2025 National Award for Enduring Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-National-Award-for-Enduring-Architecture/ 2023 National Award for Enduring Architecture https://architectureau.com/articles/2023-National-Award-for-Enduring-Architecture/ Sidney Myer Music Bowl https://architectureau.com/articles/sidney-myer-music-bowl/

  5. 8 Jun

    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 architects can play a meaningful role in shaping an inclusive built environment designed for the 99%.   Further Reading Shiel Street North Melbourne, Community Housing Project by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/shiel-street-north-melbourne-community-housing-project-by-clare-cousins-architects/ The Architecture Symposium: Designing for the 99% https://designspeaks.com.au/events/2026/09/04/the-architecture-symposium-melbourne Courtyard House by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/Courtyard-House-by-Clare-Cousins-Architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/aesop-collins-street-by-clare-cousins-architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/

  6. 1 Jun

    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 Office https://architectureau.com/articles/the-commons-richmond-by-designoffice/ 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards: Retail Design https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-australian-interior-design-awards-retail-design/ Mark Simpson’s advice to the next generation of designers and architects https://architectureau.com/articles/mark-simpsons-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/ Design Office’s new Melbourne Headquarters https://architectureau.com/articles/designoffices-new-melbourne-headquarters/ Intimate volume: Higher Ground https://architectureau.com/articles/higher-ground/ 2017 Australian Interior Design Awards: Hospitality Design https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-australian-interior-design-awards-hospitality-design/ My Catwalk https://architectureau.com/articles/my-catwalk/ Nishi display suite interior https://architectureau.com/articles/nishi-display-suite-by-designoffice/

  7. 25 May

    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 on projects across Australia.   Further Reading: Emerging profile: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/emerging-profile-second-edition/  One to watch: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/one-to-watch-second-edition/  Rochester Street Office by Allied Office, Akin Atelier and Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/rochester-street-office-by-allied-office-akin-atelier-and-second-edition/  Radical acts of repair: Second Edition https://architectureau.com/articles/second-edition-1/

  8. 18 May

    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: National Prizes Gold Medal https://architectureau.com/articles/2026-national-prizes-gold-medal/ Beyond the unexpected https://architectureau.com/articles/beyond-the-unexpected/ Phoenix Central Park  https://architectureau.com/articles/phoenix-central-park/ UTS Science and Health Building  https://architectureau.com/articles/uts-science-and-health-building/ Newcastle East End Stage 1 https://architectureau.com/articles/newcastle_east_end_stage_one/ Durbach Block Jaggers' hourglass-shaped Omnia tower completed https://architectureau.com/articles/durbach-block-jaggers-hourglass-shaped-omnia-tower-completed/ National Architecture Awards Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture (Houses New) https://architectureau.com/articles/2017-national-architecture-awards-robin-boyd-award-for-residential-architecture-houses-new/ Heritage revitalisation of Sydney's Powerhouse Museum Ultimo granted approval https://architectureau.com/articles/heritage-revitalisation-of-Sydneys-powerhouse-museum-ultimo-granted-approval/ Durbach Block Jaggers designs Sydney pencil tower https://architectureau.com/articles/durbach-block-jaggers-designs-sydney-pencil-tower/

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Architecture Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Design Speaks Weekly

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