Design Speaks Weekly

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 culture in cities, there is a need for thinking at both a micro and macro scale – where big ideas require thousands of smaller acts. 

In our first episode for 2026, we’ve invited Simon to talk to the value of smaller projects and how their collective contribution to city-making changes the way we live.

Further reading:

In profile: Simon Pendal Architect

Architecture as functional sculpture: Beaconsfield House

Meet the owners of Beaconsfield House

South Perth House by Simon Pendal Architect

North Perth House by Simon Pendal Architect

Carine House

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 practice
https://architectureau.com/articles/twelve-principles-for-next-gen-practice/

Profile: Other Architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/profile-other-architects/

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 Architects
https://architectureau.com/organisations/sean-godsell-architects/

Sean Godsell’s advice to the next generation of designers and architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsells-advice-to-the-next-generation-of-designers-and-architects/

At the coalface: A reflection on practising small
https://architectureau.com/articles/at-the-coal-face-a-reflection-on-practising-small/

Sean Godsell: an unrepentant, non-conformist cult figure
https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-an-architect-of-the-old-school-for-the-future/

‘Making something out of nothing’: The architecture of Sean Godsell
https://architectureau.com/articles/making-something-out-of-nothing-the-architecture-of-sean-godsell/

MPavilion 2023
https://architectureau.com/articles/mpavilion-2023/

Architectural poetry: House in the Hills
https://architectureau.com/articles/house-in-the-hills/

Sean Godsell and the complexity of simplicity
https://architectureau.com/articles/sean-godsell-and-the-complexity-of-simplicity/

St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/st-andrews-beach-house-1/

St Andrews Beach House by Sean Godsell Architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/future-shack/

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 ArchitectureAu
https://architectureau.com/contributors/Farrelly-Elizabeth/

Architecture has a talk problem
https://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 justice
https://architectureau.com/articles/Architectures-core-dilemma-beauty-versus-justice/

Brutalising brutalism
https://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.

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 BVN
https://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-south-state-secondary-college/

A space for storytelling: Blak Box
https://architectureau.com/articles/blak-box/

Yarrila Place by BVN
https://architectureau.com/articles/Yarrila-Place-by-BVN/

BVN designs new ATO headquarters
https://architectureau.com/articles/bvn-designs-new-ato-headquarters/

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Supporting First Nations practitioners
https://architectureau.com/articles/get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable-supporting-first-nations-practitioners/

Obituary: Rewi Thompson
https://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/obituary-rewi-thompson/