Evelyn Reynolds

Following the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Awards in November, industry leaders will gather to address the flaws in the design competition system today and what needs to happen for reform.
Read up on the provocateur and nine respondents below:
Camilla Block of Durbach Block Jaggers
As a founding director of Durbach Block Jaggers, Camilla Block brings decades of experience to the practice, with contributions across all project stages, from broad site strategies to detail resolution – and, crucially, design competitions. One of the firm’s recent competition wins is the renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo (with Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay and Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup). Block is the provocateur for the ArchitectureAu Asks symposium, posing the question, “the competition system is under scrutiny – how could it be better?”
John Wardle of Wardle
John Wardle is a Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medallist and the founder of Wardle, an award-winning practice whose portfolio spans domestic dwellings, university and healthcare buildings, museums and large commercial offices. Among the firm’s competition-winning schemes are the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and the Batman Avenue Bridge (with NADAAA and Oculus).
Felicity Stewart of Stewart Architecture
In 2013, architect and urban designer Felicity Stewart won an international competition for a new Green Square Library and Plaza (with Studio Hollenstein). She now leads the Sydney studio of Stewart Architecture as a director. Stewart prides herself on her commitment to inclusive city-making, and is dedicated to defending the public interest and creating innovative design solutions that enhance urban life.
Phil Harris of Troppo Architects
Phil Harris is a founding director of Troppo Architects, and has led the practice’s involvement in information and cultural centres, public realm, and village centre projects nationally. The practice received the Global Sustainable Architecture Award in 2010 and the Institute’s Gold Medal in 2014. Their competition-winning schemes include Henley Square (with TCL), affordable eco-housing at Whitmore Square, and a design for a new city in the NT’s Top End.
Kerry Clare of Clare Design
Along with her husband Lindsay, Kerry Clare co-founded Clare Design in 1979. The pair were together awarded the Institute’s Gold Medal in 2010. Their practice’s award-winning work includes diverse projects from self-sufficient houses to major urban and public buildings, including a competition-winning design for the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) (with Architectus).
Patrick Kosky of Kerry Hill Architects
Having joined Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) in 1999, Patrick Kosky has held the role of director since 2014 and currently jointly leads the Australian studio. Under his directorship, the firm has been successful in design competitions in Perth, Sydney and Brisbane, including the Walyalup Civic Centre and EQ West development. Kosky was an inaugural member of Western Australia’s State Design Review Panel and has participated as a juror on multiple awards juries.
Kevin Lloyd of Hassell
With more than 30 years’ experience working as an architect abroad, Kevin Lloyd is one of the most experienced designers in Hassell’s Sydney studio. His award-winning portfolio includes the redevelopment of Herston Quarter, a mixed-use and health precinct in Brisbane. Hassell has won numerous design competitions across Australia and abroad.
Bradley Mapiva Brown of Bagariin Consulting
Bradley Mapiva Brown is the founder and managing director of Bagariin Consulting, a design-focused practice based in Ngunnawal Country in the ACT. He is currently leading the National First Nations Engagement Framework for the National Gallery of Australia’s competition project to revitalise the Sculpture Garden (with CO-AP), developing cultural design principles, FPIC/ICIP protocols and national yarning circles. He serves as deputy chair of the ACT Heritage Council and collaborates with government, cultural institutions and design studios to advance ethical, place-based practice.
Sue Dugdale of Susan Dugdale and Associates
As director of Susan Dugdale and Associates, Sue Dugdale is based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, where she works with her team to create better outcomes for the community, the town and the environment. The firm’s work has won numerous awards and has been twice featured in the Venice Biennale – in one instance, as the result of a competition.
Marika Neustupny of NMBW Architecture Studio
Marika Neustupny is a founding director of NMBW Architecture Studio, whose projects have been awarded, widely published and exhibited in local, national and international contexts. NMBW’s designs been awarded first place in numerous design competitions, such as the recent NSW Pattern Book Design Competition (with Other Architects and Tarn) and Reimagining Where We Live design ideas competition (with BoardGrove Architects, BLOXAS and Glas Landscape Architects). In parallel with practice, Marika has been working in architectural design teaching and research for over 25 years, and holds a PhD from the University of Queensland.

Tickets are now on sale for the full-day ArchitectureAu Asks symposium on 7 November in Canberra. Architects can earn 3.5 formal CPD points. To find out more about the event and opportunity to purchase a ticket bundle with the National Architecture Awards, visit here.
ArchitectureAu Asks is a Design Speaks program organised by Architecture Media and supported by premium partners Bondor Metecno and Planned Cover, and hotel partner Ovolo Nishi. More

The South Australian government will commit $2.5 million over five years to support the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON) in establishing a peak body to improve First Nations housing outcomes.
The funding will be delivered through the South Australian Housing Trust.
According to a communique from the state government, the peak body will:

“Recognise and empower Aboriginal leadership to drive Aboriginal-led decision making
Advocate for Aboriginal housing needs across South Australia
Support the development of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Housing Sector, which will provide both housing and housing support services, such as tenant management
Strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal communities and government
Drive innovation and accountability in housing outcomes.”

The communique notes that the body will “consult with communities and Aboriginal housing and homelessness services to effectively support and advocate for the needs of Aboriginal South Australians. It will also advise the government on how it can better interact, consult with and serve communities.”
Deputy Premier of South Australia and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher commented, “Establishing a peak body led by Aboriginal people to support South Australian Aboriginal communities is a key initiative to help us meet the housing Closing the Gap target and I’m pleased we have taken this meaningful action to help tackle this vital issue.”
Co-convenor of SAACCON Christine Thyer said their organisation welcomes the partnership and investment. “It reflects the trust placed in Aboriginal organisations to lead solutions that meet the real needs of our people. The peak body will ensure our voices are heard and our rights respected.” More

A 20-year masterplan vision has been unveiled for Perth Markets in the city’s south, developed by local architecture practices With Studio and Place Fabric. A media release from Perth Markets notes that the plan is “designed to meet the evolving needs of the fresh produce and horticultural supply chain,” prioritising “modernisation, greater operational efficiency and enhanced access across the precinct.”
The 51-hectare Canning Vale site has been home to wholesale fresh produce in Western Australia since 1989. It currently supports more than 110 tenants across 93,000 square metres of gross lettable area and hosts more than 13,000 people each week, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, buyers and staff.

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According to their communique, Perth Markets anticipates that the market footprint will grow to approximately 160,000 square metres over the next two decades. They note that the “expansion will unlock new commercial opportunities, accommodate tenant growth, and ensure the precinct remains responsive to emerging market trends and consumer demand.”
The newly unveiled masterplan outlines a staged redevelopment of the site, with a strong focus on the first five years. The media release notes that “key upgrades include the expansion of cold-chain and logistics warehousing, enhancements to the Market City retail centre, and significant improvements to onsite infrastructure and amenities.”
According to Perth Markets, the vision has been developed through extensive consultation with tenants, the local council and key stakeholders.

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Perth Markets CEO Scott Gibson said, “The masterplan will support the fresh food and horticulture industry and those involved in the state’s fresh produce supply chain through continued investment in cold-chain infrastructure and facilities.
“The benefits for businesses associated with these industries are significant and will directly flow into the Western Australian economy and communities they are part of.” More

A boutique apartment project has been greenlit for development opposite Australia’s longest-running continuous food market in southeast Melbourne, Prahran.
Designed by local practice Cera Stribley for Melbourne-based developer Leeka, the mixed-use proposal at 182–194 Commercial Road, known as Comme Prahran, is set above a two-storey Old-English-style, Edwardian-era building. According to a media communique, the structure “will be preserved and woven into the contemporary design of the project.”
Leeka director Chek Ming Cheng said the site offers the opportunity to draw on Prahran’s rich history.
“Comme Prahran will create a contemporary place with a timeless character, blending heritage and modern design to foster creativity and inclusivity. With Cera Stribley’s deep understanding of the suburb’s urban fabric, we believe the project will resonate with people who value both Prahran’s cultural richness and the quality of design and amenities on offer,” he said.
Cera Stribley managing principal Domenic Cerantonio added, “What makes this brief special is its focus on creating a vibrant, integrated community hub that celebrates Prahran’s past while embracing its future.”

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The eight-storey proposal has been approved for 32 residences – a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments, along with accompanying retail, dining and public amenities. Shared gardens and a public art mural are intended to connect the development to the local community.
Cera Stribley were previously engaged for an apartment complex on the same site by developer Beulah, who acquired the property in late 2021. Plans for the 39-dwelling proposal were lodged in mid-2022. More

UK-based architecture practice Hugh Broughton Architects has been appointed to deliver architectural designs for “critical infrastructure works” to revitalise Australia’s Antarctic research stations over the next decade.
A media release from Hugh Broughton Architects notes that the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program (AIRP), which is an initiative of the federal government’s Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), marks the most significant investment in the renewal of Australia’s Antarctic infrastructure since the 1980s.
As part of the AIRP, the UK practice will work with an alliance of contractors and design consultants, including Bouygues Construction, Mott MacDonald and Stantec. Hugh Broughton Architects’ involvement in the project builds on their prior experience delivering infrastructure for the British Antarctic Survey, such as the Halley VI research station and the modernisation of Rothera Research Station.
Director Hugh Broughton said that the AIRP “demonstrates Australia’s commitment to Antarctic science through an innovative and sustainable approach which will provide a benchmark for efficient, modular construction,” and that he was “look[ing] forward to a highly collaborative process to meet the challenges of the most extreme environment on the planet.”

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The first project in the AIRP includes a $251 million works package at Davis Station, Australia’s most southerly Antarctic station, established approximately 20 kilometres inland from the edge of the continental ice sheet in East Antarctica in 1957.
A major focus of the project is the design of a new utility building containing a vehicle workshop, main powerhouse trades workshops, engineering offices, stores and associated plant.
According to Hugh Broughton Architects’ communique, their “aerodynamic design has been developed with a ‘kit-of-parts’ approach, enabling future buildings to utilise similar components in a drive to increase efficiency, simplify construction and ease maintenance.”
Additional upgrades across the site include removal of asbestos from the existing trades workshop, replacement of water production systems and overhaul of reticulated services, and the decommissioning and removal of legacy infrastructure.
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Hugh Broughton Architects began working with AAD in 2020, starting with the development of a staged masterplan for Davis Station and studies for the renewal of aviation facilities at Wilkins Aerodrome, Davis Plateau and Casey Station. The practice is also developing masterplans for Casey and Mawson Stations.
The AAD’s director of infrastructure delivery Matt Wuersching commented, “It’s been great to see the work developed in the masterplan – that Hugh Broughton Architects has been part of – be the basis for this initial package of works under the alliance agreement.
“The Antarctic environment brings many unique challenges to everything that we do. We’re looking forward to getting started on the delivery of this critical work.”
Works at Davis Station are slated to commence on site at the end of next year, with works due for completion by 2032. More

Industrial designer Olson Hamilton-Smith has been named the winner of the prestigious Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator for his groundbreaking project, Foldee, Australia’s first locally designed and manufactured folding cargo bike. The award was announced at the opening of Sydney Design Week 2025 on 19 September.
Presented by the Powerhouse and supported by a bequest from Carl and Judy Nielsen, the Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator is an annual program that recognises emerging Australian designers working in sustainable industrial design. The nine-month residency provides the recipient with the opportunity to develop their product under the mentorship of industry leaders, including Ed Ko, industrial designer and founder of IDX SYD.

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Chosen by a panel of experts comprising Ko, Powerhouse curator Angelique Hutchison and Nielsen Design Associates director Adam Laws, Hamilton-Smith stood out for his innovative response to two major urban challenges: limited storage space and sustainable transport.
Foldee is designed and built in Melbourne and reimagines the traditional cargo bike with a compact, highly portable structure. The bike incorporates a unique double-hinge folding mechanism, allowing it to collapse to a fraction of its size for easy transport and storage — without sacrificing load capacity. In line with its sustainability mission, Foldee is constructed entirely from 100% recyclable steel.
Nielsen Design Associates director Adam Laws said, “Olson’s project is in a relatively small but growing area of a highly competitive market. Its time is now with low impact environmental solutions being encouraged and sought after. The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator adds to Olsen’s momentum by assisting with the commercial optimisation of the FOLDEE lightweight folding cargo bicycle.”
The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator not only provides financial and institutional support to designers but also serves as a launching pad for products that address Australia’s pressing design challenges. This year’s program will see Hamilton-Smith collaborate with mentors, curators, and fabricators over a nine-month residency, culminating in a public showcase at the Powerhouse. More

In today’s episode, editor of InteriorsAu Cassie Hansen speaks with interior designer Brahman Perera about mixing styles, textures and price points to craft interiors that are unique, dynamic and accessible.
Brahman’s portfolio includes fitouts for fashion labels Christian Kimber and Henne, alongside hospitality venues like Entrecôte, Hopper Joint and Ursula’s Paddington. He was a speaker for the 2025 Design Speaks Night School series, titled “Balancing Act: The art of high-low design,” where he reflected on the value of blending the refined with the humble to create layered, balanced interiors. In this episode, he continues that conversation.
For Brahman, high–low design goes beyond mixing expensive and inexpensive objects. While cost is often the most visible factor, he sees the concept as one rooted in context, personal values and individual perception. For one client, high-low might mean incorporating sentimental items passed down through family; for another it could mean including salvaged or found objects. In some cases, new items represent a fresh start – a way to reset. As a designer, Brahman sees his role as a translator – someone who helps clients navigate these preferences.
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

The first building in Western Sydney’s Bradfield City Centre has received the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award, an annual accolade that recognises innovation and excellence in the built environment.
Architecture firm Hassell have received the award for its design of First Building, which houses the first stage of an Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). A design for an adjacent research facility was approved in April as part of the masterplan for Bradfield City Centre, which will see 114 hectares of land tranformed with parks, housing, shops and workplaces near the forthcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Conceived by Hassell as a modular kit of parts, the First Building can be disassembled, expanded or relocated as the city continues to evolve. The facility accommodates offices, a multipurpose space for events, a rooftop viewing platform and green roof, as well as an advanced manufacturing hall used to test prototypes and new technologies.

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Kevin Nassif, chief operating officer of Holdmark Property Group, said First Building reflects a commitment to Country-centred design, sustainability and innovation.
“It demonstrates a circular, low-carbon path that creates skilled jobs and new enterprise in Western Sydney. […] Holdmark is proud that this year’s recipient recognises real-world innovations that build stronger, more connected communities.”
The jury for the 2025 award included co-director of Youssofzay Hart Belqis Youssofzay, Powerhouse senior exhibition curator Keinton Butler, Holdmark Property Group chief operating officer Kevin Nassif, Government Architect NSW director of design excellence Olivia Hyde and Professor Greg Morrison of Western Sydney University.
Upon receiving the award, Hassell managing director Liz Westgarth said, “As architects, designing the first building in a new city is both a profound responsibility and a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. We are proud to have created a building that directly responds to the challenges of our climate and our urban environment. The First Building provides more than a place for people to work and innovate – it sets a benchmark. It demonstrates that new cities can be imagined and built differently: with sustainability, adaptability and community at their core. Most importantly, it sets out a vision for the kind of future we want to create.”

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The award is presented to one exemplary Australian-designed project that demonstrates forward-thinking solutions to challenges faced by Australia’s urban environments. A prize of $10,000 is awarded to the winning project. Previously awarded projects include Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity, which received the award in 2024, and Phive in Parramatta Square by Design Inc. with Lacoste and Stevenson, and Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, which was the inaugural recipient in 2023.
The Holdmark Innovation Award program is presented by Powerhouse in partnership with Sydney Design Week principal partner Holdmark Property Group. More