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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20:26
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20:26
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/
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16:12
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16:12
Why do architects need to be advocates? | Jennifer McMaster
Architects have always been advocates for design solutions, but as global challenges grow, so too does pressure on architects to stand up and do more.
Jennifer McMaster is a founding director of architectural practice Trias and the recipient of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 National Emerging Architect Prize. Across her work, she consciously advocates for environmentally responsible design.
In this episode, Jen shares insight on how she balances advocacy with the realities of practice, and how the industry can collectively create change in a time of global crises.
Further reading:
2024 National Emerging Architect Prize
https://architectureau.com/articles/2024-National-Emerging-Architect-Prize/
Jennifer McMaster on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience
https://architectureau.com/articles/jennifer-mcmaster-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/
Draped House by Trias
https://architectureau.com/articles/draped-house-by-trias/
Paddington House by Trias
https://architectureau.com/articles/paddington-house-by-trias/
2025 Houses Awards: House Alteration and Addition over 200 square metres
https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-Houses-Awards-House-Alteration-and-Addition-over-200-square-metres/
2025 Houses Awards shortlist: Sustainability
https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-houses-awards-shortlist-sustainability/
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17:03
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17:03
Can design save the planet? | Ross Harding
Reducing carbon emissions has long been a global priority. Ross Harding, principal of Finding Infinity – a creative and technical environmental consultancy firm driving the transition to self-sufficient cities – is focused on turning ambition into action.
Finding Infinity is best known for initiating “A New Normal”, a $100 billion creative strategy aimed at transforming Melbourne into a model of urban self-sufficiency through architectural collaboration. The initiative has since expanded nationally, with built projects delivered and underway across Australia.
In this special live episode from SXSW Sydney 2025, Ross explores why understanding and communicating net-zero opportunities is key to creating regenerative cities.
Further reading:
A New Normal, Melbourne
https://www.findinginfinity.com/projects/a-new-normal-melbourne/
Language matters: Our language, much like our architecture, requires specificity
https://architectureau.com/articles/language-matters/
Ross Harding on how to accelerate Australia’s circular economy
https://architectureau.com/articles/ross-harding-on-how-to-accelerate-australias-circular-economy/
A New Normal Sydney
https://architectureau.com/calendar/exhibitions/a-new-normal/
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22:34
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22:34
Does Australia need a federal government architect? | Adam Haddow
Australia has a chief medical officer and chief scientist – but no federal government architect. In today’s episode, associate editor of ArchitectureAu Lucia Amies is joined by national president of the Australian Institute of Architects Adam Haddow to discuss the case for introducing such a role.
Lucia and Adam unpack what the position might involve, and how it might contribute to better design outcomes and improved living standards.
Further reading:
Institute calls for federal government architect in lead-up to national election
https://architectureau.com/articles/The-institute-calls-for-a-federal-government-architect-in-lead-up-to-national-election/
Roundtable: Government architects in Australia
https://architectureau.com/articles/roundtable-government-architects-in-australia/
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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