Explore every episode of the podcast Hearing Architecture

In this episode, hosts Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore speak with award-winning architect Anna Maskiell, co-founder of Public Realm Lab, a Melbourne-based practice dedicated to creating places that foster culture, community, and connection. Anna's career has taken her from Brisbane to China and now Melbourne, where her fascination with human behaviour and patterns of occupation has shaped a practice that translates strategy and culture into built form.

Anna reflects on the experiences that led her to establish Public Realm Lab, including her time in large practices, her years in China's dense urban environments, and the impact of prestigious grants such as the Dulux Study Tour and the Marten Bequest Scholarship. She shares how these opportunities sharpened her focus on strategic planning and the social role of architecture, culminating in a practice that balances rigorous research with human-centred design.

The conversation explores the studio's landmark project Powerhouse Place in Mildura, the most-awarded project at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards, and how strategic thinking, grant funding, and deep community engagement helped transform a modestly funded tender into a celebrated civic space. Anna also unpacks how Public Realm Lab's unique approach to strategic planning extends architecture beyond traditional project phases, offering lessons in adaptability and advocacy for anyone seeking to design places that genuinely value the people who use them.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Shannon Foster, D'harawal Eora Knowledge Keeper and Co-Director of Bangawarra, a practice dedicated to embedding Aboriginal knowledge, language, and culture into contemporary spatial design. Shannon shares how Bangawarra works at the powerful intersection of ancient wisdom and modern architecture, challenging colonial legacies while guiding projects that honour the stories and enduring spirit of Country.

Through her work, Shannon reveals how connecting with Country is far more than a design philosophy, it is a transformative process that shapes landscapes, buildings, and communities. She discusses Bangawarra's approach to site-specific insights, public art, and cultural heritage consultancy, highlighting how Aboriginal knowledge systems can inform planning, sustainable practice, and the creation of places that are culturally rich and environmentally resilient.

From design reviews to public projects, Shannon explains how she and her team translate Ancestral knowledge into meaningful strategies for architects, planners, and clients, ensuring that spaces resonate with history while serving future generations. This conversation is an inspiring exploration of how Indigenous perspectives can lead to more ethical, inclusive, and enduring outcomes in the built environment, offering lessons for anyone seeking to work in true partnership with Country.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Sally Hsu and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore speak with Ella Masters, Registered Architect and Studio Lead of Hayball's Canberra studio, whose career bridges architecture, education consultancy, and applied research. Originally starting in law before transitioning to architecture, Ella has developed a deep expertise in designing contemporary learning environments for schools and universities.

Ella shares her journey through notable educational projects, her involvement in the Mayfield Project during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the insights she gained while children were learning from home. Now undertaking a PhD in Education and Innovative Practice at the University of Melbourne, she explores the drivers of innovation in educational design, focusing on how outcomes are shaped by engagement processes, procurement methods, and education policy.

The conversation delves into the critical role of both the educational brief and design brief in aligning architectural outcomes with pedagogy, the interplay between educational campuses and public space, and the value of linking academia with practice. Ella also discusses how research can be made more accessible, the benefits and challenges of working across disciplines, and her commitment to ensuring learning spaces are inclusive, flexible, and grounded in evidence-based design.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

Our guest in this episode is Meaghan White. Meaghan is a registered architect and director of Meaghan White Architects based in Western Australia. Meaghan shares some of her difficult experiences as a young female architect developing her skills in large practices, how having children changed her approach to residential architecture, and how specialising in architecture can be freeing when you know what you want. This interview is conducted by Aileen Chew and Ryan Berut who are EmAGN representatives based in Western Australia.

Our guest in this episode is Brian Clohessy from BVN Architects in New South Wales. Brian is a registered architect and head of people and character at BVN leading the development of the practice's vision, strategy and structure for all things people-related. Brian shares how BVN approach the issues of gender equity within their practice, how leaders and staff should talk about their capabilities, competencies and skills, and how mental health can be affected by career progression. This interview is conducted by Sally Hsu who is an EmAGN representative based in New South Wales.

Our guest in this episode is Doctor Jess Murphy who is the convenor of the Champions of Change architecture group, which was formed in 2015 to address the acute underrepresentation of women in the senior levels of the architecture profession at the time. The Architecture Group now has 14 practices actively participating to increase the representation and influence of women at the highest levels of the profession. Jess shares how important it is for practices to be transparent about what's happening with regards to gender equity, the change that can come from formal and informal leadership, and the effect that the systems inherent in architecture have on people that lead to so many people leaving the profession. The interview is conducted by Sally Hsu who is an EmAGN representative based in New South Wales.

Our guest in this episode is Ellen Buttrose who is a registered architect and associate with People Oriented Design in Cairns, working across the diverse climate and cultures of Queensland and the Torres Strait. In 2020, Ellen was the recipient of the Emerging Architect State prize in Queensland for her work that brings a local lens to global issues including climate change, indigenous empowerment and housing affordability. Ellen shares what informed her choice to become an architect, rising to the occasion as a woman in architecture, and how the progression of women in architecture has highlighted the issues of work/life balance. This interview is conducted by Bridie O'Toole who is an EmAGN representative based in Queensland.

Our guest in this episode is an architectural academic, critic, and advocate Naomi Stead. At the time of recording, Naomi was the Director of the Design and Creative  Practice Enabling Capability Platform at RMIT in Melbourne. Naomi was also a founding member of Parlour, one of the most successful research-led community groups that focus on the active exchange on women, equity, and architecture in Australia. Naomi shares the origins of Parlour, mental wellbeing in the architecture profession, the issues facing architecture education and making sure architecture graduates are prepared for practice. This interview is conducted by Kimberley Hui who is an EmAGN representative based in Victoria.

Our guest in this episode is Keith Westbrook who is a registered architect and director of Cumulus Studio which have their Head Quarters based in Tasmania. We caught up with Keith just after he arrived back from the 2022 Dulux Study Tour where he spent two weeks travelling around Australia visiting some of the country's best projects and successful practices. Keith shares his experience of working with repeat clients, developing a shared understanding with a client when they return, and growing a client's confidence after proving that an architect can successfully deliver bold architectural choices.

Our guest in this episode is Rossi Kourounis who is a registered architect, principal at Rossi Architects and at the time of recording was the President of the Australian Institute of Architects Northern Territory Chapter. Rossi shares his experience of working on the Darwin Middle School Multipurpose Hall where he developed strong working relationships with basically everyone who formed the project team. You'll hear how we worked with all the teachers before they started designing, the consultant team who helped create a complex architectonic expression, and especially the school's principal who became an advocate for the project and helped everyone achieve the high goals they'd set for themselves.

Our guest in this episode is architect Heather Wasley who is a registered architect and associate at Grieve Gillett Andersen in Adelaide. Heather started her role at GGA in December 2021 and most of the experience she talks about in this interview is from her time at Tectvs, where she worked for many years on a range of projects. Tectvs provided Heather with many opportunities to develop good working relationships with clients, something she strives to continue in her new role at Grieve Gillett Andersen. Heather shares her belief that the best architectural outcomes occur when an Architect is focused on understanding their clients and representing the best interests of a project, and that the client, the end-user and the wider public can all benefit from a productive relationship between a client and an Architect. This interview is conducted by Renata Gebara who is an EmAGN representative based in South Australia.

Our guest in this episode is architect Anna Gilby from Gilby and Brewin Architecture and Urban Design based in Tasmania and Victoria. Anna shares with us some insight into a deeply personal project where she designed a house extension for her parents who have physical mobility limitations. This interview was conducted by Hilary Duff who is an EmAGN representative based in Victoria.

In this episode, Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore speak with Paul Boyce, Director of Tridente Boyce Design Studio and Chair of the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia. With decades of experience in Adelaide, Melbourne, and London, Paul reflects on a career spanning master planning, urban design, and architectural practice, alongside his role as a mentor and national convenor shaping standards in the profession.

Our conversation explores what it truly means to be an architect, balancing the pragmatic responsibilities of regulation and professional standards with the creative act of designing spaces that endure. Paul shares insights on the value of programming, form, and spatial quality, the role of architects as guardians of the built environment, and how evolving business models and technology demand new ways of thinking. He also discusses the responsibilities of registration, the importance of sharing knowledge across generations, and how architects can ensure their work continues to serve communities, protect the environment, and provide meaning beyond immediate needs.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

Our guest in this episode is registered architect and licensed builder Scott Flett from Scott Flett Architecture Workshop based in Tasmania and New South Wales. Scott shares his approach to architecture with his building background in his tool belt, the creation of a brand new design product born from his experience working on rooves, and the building and design considerations that he went through on his parents home in Tasmania.

Our guest in this episode is Sam Spurr who at the time of the recording was the associate professor and head of discipline of the Masters of Architecture at the University of Newcastle. Sam also has a special research focus on mining ideology and coal capitalism, which examines the agency of architecture to make legible the complex forces at play in the Anthropocene Epoch. Sam shares how she developed her specific area of research, the traditional elements of architecture education and how it's developing, and how architects might contribute to our changing societies. This interview was conducted by Sally Hsu who is an EmAGN committee member based in New South Wales.

Our guest in this episode is April McCabe who is a town planner and the director of social strategy and engagement at the Planning Studio and the former Policy Manager and Principal Policy Advisor to the Lord Mayor of Sydney. April shares how her background in geography shaped her understanding of placemaking, how empathy informs the design of cities for all people, and the importance of balancing streetscapes and public open space with growing city skylines. This interview is conducted by Sally Hsu who is an EmAGN committee member based in New South Wales.

Our guests in this episode are two of the busiest staff members at the Australian Institute of Architects, Leanne Hardwicke and Tim Leslie. Leanne is the General Manager of Policy, Advocacy and Education at the Institute who works at a National level and Tim is a registered architect who works at the State level as the Victorian State Manager of the Institute. Together they share the important work the Institute does to place greater importance on the climate emergency and the representation of indigenous architects, the production of guidelines and research that all architects benefit from, and the advocacy for architects to local, state, and federal government.

Our guest in this episode is Malcolm Middleton who is the former Queensland Government Architect and director of Malcolm Middleton Architects. Malcolm shares why it's so important to talk to the right people in the right places, what the role of the government architect is, and how design guidelines in Queensland have encouraged the construction of better infrastructure. This interview is conducted by Genevieve Vella who is an EmAGN committee member based in Queensland.

Our guest in this episode is architect John Ellway whose office is based in Queensland. John shares how living in Japan and working on building sites influenced his unique home, learning how to extend a tight budget without sacrificing design outcome, and why getting away from the computer and learning how things actually get made served him well when working with builders and subcontractors. This interview is conducted by Genevieve Vella who is an EmAGN committee member based in Queensland. 

Our guest in this episode is Douglas Wan from WHDA Design and Architecture. Douglas shares with us why he decided to take on his own apartment renovation, deciding why a small apartment project was the right choice for him, and shaping his apartment to suit the unique way he wants to live versus what we see in mass-produced apartments. This interview was conducted by Kimberley Hui who is an EmAGN committee member based in Victoria.

In this episode, Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore speak with Dutch-born, Australian-based designer, artist, and environmental activist Joost Bakker about his pioneering work in sustainability, zero waste design, and the circular economy. While not a registered architect, Joost is known for groundbreaking projects such as Greenhouse by Joost, Silo, and the Future Food System at Melbourne's Fed Square, Joost shares how his upbringing in the Netherlands and later life in Australia shaped his philosophy of designing self-sufficient ecosystems that produce their own energy, water, and food.

Joost discusses why "waste" is a recent human-made phenomenon, exploring how industrialisation disrupted the closed-loop systems humans shared with nature for millennia. He reflects on his commitment to using unconventional materials, like cork, hemp, and magnesium-oxide boards, and the criteria he applies to ensure every material choice aligns with circular economy principles. The conversation also delves into the challenges and breakthroughs of delivering his zero-waste projects, from navigating regulatory barriers to working with unlikely partners to raise industry standards.

Looking ahead, Joost shares his optimism for a future where circular design becomes mainstream, powered by the demands of younger generations for meaningful climate action. He offers advice for emerging architects and designers on integrating sustainability into their practice and reflects on his own collaborative approach, bringing together experts, manufacturers, growers, and chefs to reimagine the built environment. This is an inspiring deep dive into a career built on the belief that beauty, innovation, and environmental responsibility can, and must, coexist.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

Our guests in this episode are Jessie Fowler and Tara Ward from Fowler and Ward based in Melbourne. Fowler and Ward is an exceptional emerging practice who cut their teeth working together at Clare Cousins Architects. Before they started their own practice they had a hunger to learn what it really takes to make an architectural project happen. In this episode we hear about Jessie and Tara's experience working with trades, appreciating what can fit in a small space, and how the experience on their own projects has benefitted their clients when weighing up the value of different design options.

Our guest in this episode is Jill Garner who is at the time of recording the Victorian Government Architect. Jill was also a founder of the architecture firm Garner Davis Architects who design private homes as well as large scale public projects. Jill has a unique perspective on architecture competitions having taken part in them through her own practice and also through running large scale architectural competitions for the Victorian State government. In this interview, Jill shares how the government uses architecture competitions, design champions in government, how architecture practices take on major competitions, the culture of competitions in Australia and abroad, and what Jill went through when she ran the Future Homes Competition. Our interviewer in this episode is Cassia Ward who is an EmAGN committee member based in Victoria.

Our guest in this episode is Scott Balmforth from Terroir who have offices in New South Wales, Tasmania, and Copenhagen in Denmark. Scott shares with us how Terroir took on Competitions at the beginning of their practice's life to explore design ideas that built their portfolio on an international stage. He also shares stories about the intricacies embedded in competitions and how they're run. Our host in this episode is Abby Hibberd who is an EmAGN committee member based in Tasmania.

Our guests in this episode are Aaron Peters from the Queensland based firm Vokes and Peters, and Andrew Scott from the New South Wales based firm Panovscott. Aaron and Andrew worked together on a submission for the 2017 National Gallery of Victoria's annual architecture commission. They share with us the benefits of collaboration, working on a 2 stage competition, and how working on competitions can feed other work even when a practice doesn't win. The interview is taken care of by Sam McQueeney who is an EmAGN committee member based in Queensland who also works at Vokes and Peters.

In this episode, we're catching up with Matthias Hollenstein of Studio Hollenstein based in Sydney. His practice essentially began off the back of winning the architecture competition for Green Square in Sydney. The brief was to design a public square with extensive amenities to serve an area of inner-city Sydney that is slowly being developed into a modern high density precinct. The stakes for the competition were high but the outcomes have pushed the bar higher for great urban design and architecture.

This episode of Hearing Architecture is part of our continued collaboration with the Asia Pacific Architecture Festival otherwise known as APAF. The theme of the festival this year is "co-operate, co-design, and co-exist". In this episode, we're focusing on the word "co-exist" and how architects are bringing their clients and communities into the design process with them. Our guest in this episode is Brinda Somaya of SNK Architects in India who is a leader in an emerging form of participatory design that breaks down parts of the traditional hierarchy that separates architects from the end-users.

This episode of Hearing Architecture is part of our continued collaboration with the Asia Pacific Architecture Festival otherwise known as APAF. The theme of the festival this year is "co-operate, co-design, and co-exist". In this episode, we're focusing on the word "co-design" and some of the spaces being produced when architects collaborate with creatives from various backgrounds to revitalise public space. Our guest in this episode is Millie Cattlin of "The Projects" based in Melbourne, a creative architecture practise that facilitates the work of creative professionals in the public realm. They have achieved this by making some of the most successful creative spaces in Melbourne including "Testing Grounds", "Site Works" and "The Quarry".

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Stephen Geason director of the Hobart-based firm, Cykel Architecture. Stephen has started to specialise in aged care living for people with dementia and is the fireside architect, or man-on-the-ground, for Tasmanian projects that need to achieve a high level of performance.

We don't often think about it but where do you think you'll live after you turn 70? Aged care design considers people's connection to their community, allows for physical limitations, and also helps express people's individual characters when their memories need a helping hand. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Y E Ng, James Thompson, and Ana Nolasco about senior living design and how aged care impacts the buildings many of us will live in after our retirement.

In this episode, hosts Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore speak with Jo Bastian, founder of Bastian Architecture, about the rewards and realities of running a sole architectural practice in regional NSW. Jo shares candid insights into balancing parenting with running a business, navigating the limitations and freedoms of being a sole practitioner, and building a portfolio that reflects her values of sustainability, connection to landscape and Country, flexibility, playfulness, and respect for client budgets.

Jo discusses the gradual process of curating work that truly represents her design ethos, highlighting projects such as Olive Tree House, Gum Tree House, and The Balcony. Each illustrates her approach to creating adaptable, character-filled spaces that connect people to place.

The conversation moves into the dynamics of practising in regional NSW, retaining strong links to larger cities, staying engaged through professional memberships, advocating for regional architects, and collaborating with local councils, trades, certifiers, and builders. Jo also explores the opportunities and constraints of urban infill, drawing on Olive Tree House as a case study in small-lot living that fosters community and street engagement, made possible by Newcastle Council's progressive subdivision provisions.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Dr. Josephine Vaughan speaking with EmAGN committee member Kalyna Sparks. Jo is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and teaches Construction Ecology and also researches building materials and their impact whether positive or negative on the natural environment and human health. Jo is also a specialist in the living building challenge certification system and the selection of building materials that have a positive impact on the environment.

Every new building is made up of lots of products that someone chose throughout the design process. Not only do these products need to perform well to protect us but where they came from and the way they were made also has a knock-on effect. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Andrew Geeves, Clare Kennedy, and David Schultis about the importance of designing responsibly and how specifying even the simplest products can have a huge impact.

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Melanie Binks with EmAGN committee member Jess Beaver. Melanie is a registered architect who now works in the construction industry. She is currently the digital engineering manager as part of the Evolve Bayswater Alliance Team working on the Bayswater train station in Western Australia. Melanie shares her experience working in digital engineering and how her training in architecture brought her into the world of urban infrastructure.

Technology is present in nearly every aspect of architectural practice, whether it be digital sketches, building information modeling, or even simply keeping timesheets. Along with the technology in architecture studios, the tools that builders and fabricators use are getting more advanced. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Associate Prof. Glenda Caldwell, Associate Prof. Roland Snooks, and Todd Hislop about the technology pushing new methods of fabrications, design, and creative practice.

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Georgia Birks. Georgia is an indigenous practicing graduate architect and co-curator of the Asia Pacific Architecture Festival aka APAF. At the time of this recording, Georgia was working as an Associate with Meyers Elliott in Brisbane and since then started a new position at Architecture Media. Georgia speaks about co-curating APAF and the experience of being involved in a major cultural event in Australia.

While it might seem like some of the most clinical, prescriptive, or old fashioned architecture work, working on heritage and conservation projects can help connect us with some of the strongest collective emotions of a community. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Susan Philips, Eric Martin, and Sophie Bence about working on heritage projects and the place for conservation in the community.

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Sarah Lebner. Sarah is the principal architect at Light House Architecture and Science, author of "101 Things I didn't Learn in Architecture School" and the 2020 ACT and National Emerging Architect Prize winner. Sarah speaks about her book and the process of putting together an extremely useful reference for architects.

When it comes to getting design inspiration, magazines have always been a gold mine for designers and the public alike. Since design blogs, websites and social media took off, there has been an explosion of different ways to get a design fix. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Gemma Savio, Fernando Jerez, and Amelia Lee about how architects are engaging with an array of media to promote the profession, win commissions, and engage with clients.

In this mini-episode, you're going to be hearing from Jeremy Schluter. Jeremy is a senior associate with Hassell Studio and when we recorded this Jeremy was a member of the committee developing a Code of Novation guideline for the Australian Institute of Architects. Through his work with Hassell, Jeremy has an in-depth understanding of how Novation contracts can be beneficially used on high-profile projects.

To get a building built there needs to be a contract between the builder and client. Novation contracts are a new model of contract that some architects say may impact build quality. Others say when these risks are managed correctly, there's less to worry about than first thought. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Nick Lorenz, Sean McGivern, and Tom Heneker about the advantages and risk management required when working with Novation Contracts.

In this episode, hosts Lily Jiang and Daniel Moore speak with Vanessa Fahey, Director of Knisco Inclusive Access in Brisbane, about the transformative role of universal design and access consultancy in creating truly inclusive spaces. Knisco works across a broad range of projects, from aged care, independent living, and public transport to retail, health, education, residential, and government buildings, helping clients meet accessibility obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act while enhancing usability for all.

Vanessa is not a registered architect and began her career as an occupational therapist, working directly with people with disabilities. This experience shaped her deep commitment to removing barriers in the built environment and led her to become an Accredited Access Consultant (Accredited Member of the ACAA). With more than a decade in the construction industry, she brings a unique perspective grounded in the interplay between people, their environments, and the activities they undertake, a perspective that enables her to bridge design aspirations with practical, dignified, and equitable access outcomes.

The conversation explores how universal design principles can be embedded from the earliest project stages, the evolving expectations of Australia's accessibility standards, and the value of proactive collaboration between architects, designers, and access consultants. Vanessa shares real-world insights on balancing creative vision with regulatory compliance, building trust with clients, and achieving efficient, cost-effective solutions without compromising inclusivity.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find 'The Art of Living', 'Architects Abroad, and 'The Power of Two', at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you'd like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Lily Jiang and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this Hearing Architecture mini-episode you're going to be hearing from the architect, teacher, and "Buildings on Air" host Keefer Dunn. This episode was coordinated by SONA, the Student Organised Network for Architecture, and the interview was conducted by SONA Vice-president Nicole Mesquita Mendes.

Making the choice to study architecture at university is a big one because so few people have any exposure to what studying architecture is until you actually start studying it. In this episode of Hearing Architecture, we're talking to Kyle Sinko, Yoana Doleva, and Bobbie Bayley about how they've approached their architectural education and what they've done to get the most out of their learning experience.

In this Hearing Architecture mini episode you're going to be hearing EmAGN committee member Kalyna Sparks speaking with Tom Dufficy who was a 2019 Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange or MADE Scholarship winner. Tom was working in Hamburg Germany when this was recorded in 2020.