Evelyn Reynolds

Concept images have been unveiled for a masterplanned 330-home residential neighbourhood in the regional city of Orange, New South Wales.
Named Redleaf, the project is proposed by Orange City Council and Landcom to unlock 25 hectares of council-owned land at 154 Lone Pine Avenue and 5255 Mitchell Highway for a mixed housing neighbourhood. The proposed development includes single dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and flats, as well as 20 percent affordable housing.
The proposal also accommodates shared community facilities and more than five hectares of open space and parkland.
The masterplan, designed by Oculus in collaboration with Oz Ark, Sala 4D, Mecone, Balarinji, Colliers, GHD and Cultural Capital, is centred around a blue-green corridor for recreational and ecological amenity. The masterplan report outlines three key project principles: providing housing choice, including medium-density housing as a proof of concept for regional areas; creating safe, walkable and attractive streets that connect people to homes, open spaces and public transport; and designing with nature by working with natural systems to manage water and conserve biodiversity through new parks, wetlands and tree-lined streets.
Mayor of Orange Tony Mileto said, “Redleaf is more than just a housing development – it’s a commitment to the future of Orange. This project reflects our city’s values and is something our community should be proud of.”
The proposed site – which is currently vacant aside from a structure that previously housed an emergency services helicopter hangar – sits adjacent to the suburb of Glenroi, approximately 4.4 kilometres from the Orange city centre and 3.2 kilometres from Orange Station.
According to a communique from Orange City Council, the proposal was the first to complete the rezoning process under the NSW government’s Social and Affordable Housing Rezoning Pathway, which seeks to accelerate rezoning approvals in communities with housing need.
A masterplan development application was on public exhibition until 10 September. Pending approvals, construction is expected to commence in mid-2026. More

Global architecture firm Populous, known for sports infrastructure projects, has been recognised in India by the Queensland Premier for its ongoing contribution to developing the state’s export success.
Populous has been operating in Brisbane – a city that’s also home to several stadia designed by the practice – for more than 20 years. In 2021, the firm named its Brisbane office as its Asia-Pacific headquarters.
For the last decade, Populous has also been operating in India, with 22 staff in New Delhi currently working with the Brisbane studio and the Indian government on its bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The firm’s flagship Indian design project to date is the world’s largest cricket stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium, which has a 110,000-seat capacity.
A certificate of recognition for outstanding contribution to Queensland’s export success was presented to Populous director Chris Paterson by the Queensland Premier David Crisafulli at a ceremony in New Delhi earlier this month.

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“India’s love of sport and Populous’ expertise in designing the world’s best stadia and arenas mean we are a natural fit,” Paterson said. “This recognition represents more than 25 years of working across the Asia Pacific region by our team of designers, and specifically more than 10 years of collaboration between our highly skilled architects in Brisbane and India.”
Populous’ global director and co-founder, Paul Henry, added, “Our India and Brisbane offices are supporting Ahmedabad in its Olympic journey, a significant development given Brisbane’s own preparation to host the 2032 Olympics.” More

A First Nations arts and culture centre on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island in Queensland has opened to the public, envisioned as a space for sharing Quandamooka culture through various art forms.
Co-designed by Cox Architecture and Quandamooka people, with project inception and community engagement realised in collaboration with The Fulcrum Agency, the centre accommodates exhibition and workshop spaces, an open foyer, a yarning circle, a community Elders’ space, a cafe and a gallery shop. The client for the project is the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
A communique from Cox Architecture noted that the Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre (also known as QUAMPI) is “a key project of the Queensland Government’s Minjerribah Futures program,” which supports the transition of Minjerribah “from its past economic reliance on sand mining to a new future as a leading destination for cultural and ecotourism.”
A project timeline from Cox notes that “the project has had a long gestation period, commencing in 2017” with a consultation and engagement period that spanned more than two years. In 2019, the Queensland government announced it would commit $4.5 million to the construction of the centre – then known as the Quandamooka Art, Museum and Performance Institute.
Associate director at Cox Ali Farmer stated, “Quandamooka Elders and community members have been incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge of people, place and culture with us over the last eight years.”

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According to the architectural design statement, the name QUAMPI is derived from the name of a local pearl oyster, fragments of which are embedded into walls of the centre to represent the Quandamooka people’s seagoing heritage. The centre incorporates other culturally emblematic materials, such as local timbers and rammed earth. The statement notes that rammed earth is made from layers of sand recycled from now-ceased mining operations.
The statement highlights that external spaces have been designed to support a wide range of programmed and informal activities and performances. Among them is a woven timber community Elders’ space, intended for storytelling and sharing of knowledge to small gatherings. It notes that the woven timber screen is visible from within and outside the space, ensuring light filters throughout the space across the day.

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Landscape design for the project was undertaken by RPS Landscape Architects. Documents state that the centre has two wings that frame a central performance lawn which opens to Deanbilla Bay. Additionally, planted berms conceal key public spaces from street view.
The new centre has opened to the public for the 2025 Quandamooka Festival, taking place across 13–14 September.
Read an earlier discussion piece about QUAMPI, written by Kieran Wong of The Fulcrum Agency, here. More

A search has launched today for the selection of “visionary architects” to design the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre, which together form the heart of the Queensland government’s $7.1 billion plan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The two venues have been touted by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) as “centrepieces” within the Victoria Park precinct. As the location of the games’ opening and closing ceremonies, and athletic events, the 60,000-seat Brisbane Stadium is set to be the main Olympic venue during the games. Afterward, the venue is intended to serve as the city’s main stadium with a capacity of 63,000 seats.
To the east of Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre is envisioned on the site of the heritage-listed Brisbane Centenary Pool. The reworked site is set to host a permanent capacity of 8,000 and 25,000 in games-mode.
In leading the development of these two projects, along with 15 other new and upgraded games venues, GIICA has said it “is seeking architects with experience delivering iconic projects to bring their bold ideas and innovation to the design of these future Brisbane landmarks.”
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said he expected the EOI to attract submissions from some of the most renowned architects across Queensland, Australia and the world.
“Designing an Olympic and Paralympic Stadium, which then becomes a city’s major events centrepiece, is a rare opportunity and a project that architects everywhere dream of being part of,” Crooks said. “This is a truly international moment, and we must cast our net wide to get the best design complemented by cutting edge innovation in sustainability, accessibility and athlete and visitor experience.”
Crooks added that GIICA has “already been overwhelmed with interest from architects for both the [Brisbane] Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, and this next step allows all those with a bold idea to come forward for formal consideration.”

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An EOI seeking a principal contractor for the Victoria Park precinct masterplan, and an EOI for the appointment of a lead designer for four regional venues, were each conducted in July this year.
However, just last month a First Nations group took federal legal action to seek protection of Victoria Park/Barrambin – which they describe as “one of the city’s most important First Nations sites” – against major Olympic stadium development. Despite this, GIICA is continuing with plans to locate the stadium within the Victoria Park precinct.
According to Crooks, “The stadium that hosts the opening and closing ceremonies is often one of the longest lasting memories for audiences and athletes at the games so getting a visionary design is key to the entire experience.”
The successful principal architects will partner with GIICA during the early contractor involvement (ECI) process for both venues.
The EOI is open for two weeks, closing Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 5pm. More

The Australian Design Centre (ADC) has revealed the 36 finalists for the 2025 MAKE Award, a biennial prize for innovation in Australian contemporary craft and design disciplines. It is the country’s most significant non-acquisitive prize in the field, with a $35,000 first prize and $10,000 for second place.
Now in its second iteration, the Make Award attracted 197 entries from artists, craftspeople and designer-makers nationwide. Finalists were selected for works that demonstrate innovation in technique or materials and represent an evolution in their personal practice. The selected works span a wide range of fields including ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, furniture and fibre.

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The 36 finalists this year are Jin Ah Jo, Ash Allen, Julie Bartholomew, Roseanne Bartley, Emma Bugg, Melissa Cameron, Scott Chaseling, Vita Cochran, Kirsten Coelho, Zara Collins, Laura Deakin, Lynda Draper, Dan Elborne, Caren Elliss, Jason Fitzgerald, Neville French, Jess Hall, Kirsten Haydon, Anke Kindle, Phong Lai, Cinnamon Lee, Noel Murphy, Sharon Peoples, Nicole Polentas, Jake Rollins, Jennifer Robertson, Hugo Rucks, Jeffrey Sarmiento, Lotte Schwerdtfeger, Gabbee Stolp, Bolaji Teniola, Jane Theau, Blanche Tilden, Alice van Meurs and Sarrita King, Zoe Veness and Melinda Young.

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The winner will be announced at the exhibition’s opening night on Friday 10 October 2025 at the Australian Design Centre in Sydney. The exhibition will run until 19 November before touring to JamFactory in Adelaide from December.
This year’s judging panel includes Simone LeAmon, curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria; Brian Parkes, CEO of JamFactory; and artist Vipoo Srivilasa, who won the inaugural MAKE Award in 2023 with his ceramic work Diverse Dominion Deities.

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ADC CEO and artistic director Lisa Cahill, who also serves as a judge, praised the calibre of entries: “Innovation and a high level of skill were outstanding in the entries this year. Finalists have pushed the boundaries of material use and I am excited to see their work in the exhibition, as well as selecting the winner. More

The shortlist for the 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards has been announced, with 64 projects shortlisted across six primary categories.
Eat Drink Design Awards jury chair and editor Cassie Hansen noted that the awards offer a unique perspective for exploring the direction hospitality design is headed, while also reflecting the wider cultural and economic factors shaping the way we dine and socialise.
“In an increasingly digital world, the jury observed many compelling interiors that encourage visiting in person. Designers are exploring new and creative ways to engage audiences beyond the traditional. From immersive bars to expansive breweries, the focus has shifted toward storytelling, atmosphere and emotional connection. Designers are creating memorable, tactile experiences that resonate deeply with customers,” said Hansen.
The jury remarked, “This year, we celebrated the numerous restaurants, bars, cafes and more that broke away from tradition, making a striking impression with designs that feel bold and original.”
2025 Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist
Best Restaurant Design
Best Bar Design
Best Cafe Design
Best Hotel Design
Best Retail Design
Best Identity Design
From hundreds of entries, the Eat Drink Design Awards are shortlisted and awarded by a jury of industry leaders from the hospitality and design sectors. The 2025 jury consists of:

Callan Boys, national restaurant editor, Good Food
Jean-Paul Ghougassian, director, Ritz and Ghougassian
Jason M. Jones, founder and creative director, Entrecôte and Hopper Joint
Simone McEwan, co-founder, Nice Projects
Cassie Hansen, jury chair and editor of InteriorsAU

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 29 October 2025. The jury will also select one iconic hospitality venue from Australia or New Zealand to be inducted into the Eat Drink Design Awards Hall of Fame. Venues considered for this accolade have achieved a level of cultural significance as well as demonstrating longevity in an industry often categorized as transient.
The Eat Drink Design Awards are organized by Architecture Media (publisher of ArchitectureAu).
The Eat Drink Design Awards are endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia. More

The transformation of Brisbane’s historic Bulimba Barracks has progressed following Brisbane City Council’s approval of an apartment complex within the 21-hectare riverside precinct.
The Apollo Road Apartments form part of the first stage of the site’s masterplan, designed by Buchan for the Shayer Group. This stage also includes the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed fabrication shed and the construction of a new riverside pavillion, both of which were approved for development in May this year.
According to a release from Buchan, “The two- and three-storey multi-residential complex … will offer superior amenity with its waterside location, shared recreation spaces and adjacency to the fabrication shed, [which] is set to become a community hub that will put retail and hospitality on the residents’ doorstep.”

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Buchan principal and project lead Lynn Van Dievoort said the design of the two apartment buildings – which are proposed directly to the west of the shed, on the footprint of the former WWII warehouses – speaks to the site’s rich history as well as Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate.
“Planning for the two buildings prioritised fresh air, natural light and green space for residents,” she said. “The design draws on the site’s industrial heritage, with curved forms and brickwork referencing a former soap and candle factory dating back to the 1880s.”
The two apartment buildings together contain 69 one-, two- and three-bed dwellings, and are separated by a communal courtyard.

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“Taking inspiration from the vernacular Queenslander, the communal courtyard acts as a front verandah for residents to gather,” Van Dievoort said. “Residents will also have private outdoor space, with sheltered balconies and terraces on the upper-level and apartments and courtyard gardens at ground level, enabling indoor and outdoor living attuned to the climate.”
The apartment complex will be connected to the riverfront parkland and to the fabrication shed via a landscaped pedestrian laneway, which is designed to host community gardens, play spaces and public art.
Future plans for the precinct include further multi-residential development ranging from two storeys at the site’s edges up to five storeys high in the site’s centre.

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Van Dievoort said the approval of the Apollo Road Apartments marks the start of new era for Bulimba, noting that the project “will set a benchmark for future developments in the Bulimba Barracks precinct as it evolves into a vibrant new neighbourhood.” More

Designers are increasingly turning to strategies of reduce, reuse and recycle in response to the environmental crisis. In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Australia, is joined by landscape architect and creative director of SBLA Studio Simone Bliss to discuss rethinking the design process in the face of the climate crisis.
Drawing on SBLA Studio’s work on the landscape design of Richmond High School – a project that integrated a significant amount of onsite materials – Simone reflects on the value of open-ended design: a process that embraces uncertainty and imperfection.

During the conversation, Simone remarks that built environment professionals need to start integrating reuse into design philosophy more consistently, alongside a willingness to relinquish control over detail. With Richmond High School, she explains, the team explored the idea that not everything has to be perfectly finished or fully resolved. Instead, the design intentionally leaves space for things to evolve through found materials.

Design Speaks Weekly is presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects and with support from Lysaght. A fresh episode will be delivered every Tuesday. You can listen to it on major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and Pocket Casts. More