In August, an emerging generation of Australian architects will present at the Sydney edition of The Architecture Symposium, sharing their ideas on what the future of architectural practice looks like and how they’re working to shape this through their process and projects. The full-day symposium will feature nine presenters and three intergenerational conversations on what’s next for practice.
Read up on the individual presenters below:
Amelia Borg of Sibling Architecture
A 2025 juror and 2024 winner of the ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact, Amelia Borg of Sibling Architecture is interested in making projects “that makes people’s lives better.” Borg will delve into Sibling’s user-first approach, which is both research-led and multidisciplinary.
Ben Berwick of Prevalent
Ben Berwick heads up interdisciplinary Sydney practice Prevalent, which focuses on the integration of architectural rigour, industrial innovation and ESG-driven design. He recently interviewed Rwanda-based consultant Fatou Kiné Dieye ahead of her keynote address at the 2025 Australian Architecture Conference. Berwick’s presentation at The Architecture Symposium will push the envelope on current conceptions of sustainability.
Simon Robinson of Office
Along with Steve Mintern, Simon Robinson leads Office, a not-for-profit practice directed toward design, research and activism, particularly around the retention and repair of Melbourne’s public housing towers and social housing estates. Robinson will discuss Office’s alternative mode of practice, which continues to evolve with initiatives such as 3553, a free-of-charge exhibition space recently opened behind a garage door in Collingwood.
Liz Walsh of So. Architecture
Recently announced as a co-recipient of the 2025 Australian Institute of Architecture Tasmanian Architecture Awards Emerging Architect Prize, Liz Walsh is one half of So. Architecture – a small studio Walsh founded with life partner Alex Nielsen while both working nine-to-five for larger-scale practices. Walsh will present the distinct model of practice her and Nielsen have prototyped, whose output includes small-scale accommodation projects in Hobart, such as The Barn Tas and The Bae Tas.
Jack Gillmer-Lilley of SJB
One third of the creative team for Home, the Australian exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, Jack Gillmer-Lilley leads First Nations design as an associate at Sydney practice SJB. Gillmer-Lilley will discuss his approach to Indigenising practice and creating equitable outcomes for Country.
Xavier De Kestelier of Hassell
London-based architect and technologist Xavier De Kestelier has a keen interest in design technology and digital innovation, which he pursues in his work at Hassell. He recently contributed to a rountable on the integration of AI in architectural practice (Architecture Australia Mar/Apr 2024). De Kestelier’s presentation will posit ways to embrace new generation technology in practice.
Nic Brunsdon of Brunsdon Studio
Nic Brunsdon is director of the Perth-based practice Brunsdon Studio (formerly practising under his own name), which operates across Australia and South-East Asia. Earlier this year, he contributed to a rountable on the circular economy (Architecture Australia Mar/Apr 2025) and was a juror for the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work. Brunsdon will speak to the way in which he has diversified his studio over the past decade.
Billy Maynard of Billy Maynard Architects
Sydney-based Billy Maynard leads a studio of the same with a single residential folio. The practice was also recently announced as the winner of a design competition for a new Sydney war memorial. Maynard will relay the roundabout journey he’s taken in practice, including working client-side.
Belqis Youssofzay of Youssofzay Hart
Alongside David Hart, Belqis Youssofzay leads Youssofzay Hart – a self-declared “next generation” practice “informed by a seismic shift in thinking towards urgent consideration for the environment and architecture’s impact on it,” writes Linda Cheng. Youssofzay will discuss the collective and collaborative approach championed by the practice.
The full-day symposium will be held on 1 August, followed by the 2025 Houses Awards on the evening of the same day. Tickets to the symposium and the 2025 Houses Awards are now available. Architects are eligible to earn up to 4.5 formal CPD points, while Design Institute of Australia members can earn 6 DIA CPD points by attending The Architecture Symposium: What’s Next for Practice?
The Architecture Symposium is a Design Speaks program organised by Architecture Media, supported by premium partners Planned Cover and Bondor, and hotel partner Ovolo.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
