Does architecture have a PR problem? | Elizabeth Farrelly
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.
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Indigenising architecture, from the 90s to now | Kevin O’Brien
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/
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Can lessons from London solve our housing crisis? | Alexis Kalagas
The housing crisis is one of the most important challenges of our time. It is a complex and highly politicised issue, but it is not unique to Australia. Around the world, major cities are grappling with their own affordability crises, and some are finding ways forward.
Alexis Kalagas is a strategic advisor to the dean at Monash Art, design and Architecture and a regular commentator on urban strategy and housing. Earlier this year, he visited London to research how the city is implementing progressive approaches to procurement, partnerships and engagement in social housing developments.
In today’s episode, Alexis reflects on this research and considers what Australia can learn in the fight for equitable and affordable housing.
Further reading:
Lessons from London
https://architectureau.com/articles/lessons-from-london/
Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing by NH Architecture and Bird de la Coeur Architects with Openwork and Tract
https://architectureau.com/articles/tarakan-street-social-and-affordable-housing-by-nh-architecture-and-bird-de-la-coeur-architects-with-openwork-and-tract/
Nightingale Village
https://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/
House for five women
https://ten.studio/20-hf5w
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What makes a great Australian home? | Mel Bright
Over the last thirteen years, Studio Bright has garnered numerous national architecture and interior design awards for its residential work.
The latest addition to these acknowledgements is the Robin Boyd Award, which Studio Bright’s Hedge and Arbour House won at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects National Awards. This is the most significant award for a new residential project in Australia – so it’s safe to say Studio Bright knows how to design a great home.
In today’s episode, Alexa Kempton, editor of Houses magazine, talks with the practice’s principal and design director, Mel Bright, about how she designs a home that supports daily life, how residential briefs have changed over time and what her clients have taught her about how we live in Australia.
Further reading:
2025 Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-robin-boyd-award-for-residential-architecture-houses-new/
Hedge and Arbour House by Studio Bright
https://architectureau.com/articles/hedge-and-arbour-house-by-studio-bright/
Mansard House by Studio Bright
https://architectureau.com/articles/mansard-house-by-studio-bright/
Maitland Bay House by Studio Bright
https://architectureau.com/articles/maitland-bay-house-studio-bright/
Garden Tower House by Studio Bright
https://architectureau.com/articles/garden_tower_house_studio_bright/
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From starting out to standing out | Jared Webb
In the three years since Jared Webb opened his practice, J.AR Office, the studio has won a number of significant national architecture and interior awards.
Just last week, J.AR Office-designed Queensland restaurant Norte won Best Restaurant Design at the 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards, adding to the studio’s growing collection of accolades.
Jared’s studio has been led with a clear mission – holistic and deliberate design work that contributes to the coming of age of South East Queensland.
In today’s conversation, Jared speaks honestly about the ups and downs of starting his own practice, who he turns to when seeking advice, and how he finds briefs and clients that are looking to create something rich in quality and experience.
Further reading:
Golden Avenue by J.AR Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/golden-ave-by-jar-office/
Central by J.AR Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/central-by-jar-office/
The Warehouses by J.AR Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/The-Warehouses-by-JAR-Office/
The Disco by J.AR Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-disco-by-jar-office/
Oxlade by J.AR Office
https://architectureau.com/articles/oxlade-by-j-ar-office/
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.
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