In August, a new wave of Australian architects will converge in Sydney to present their innovative ideas at The Architecture Symposium. This event will showcase their vision for the future of architectural practice, emphasizing new methodologies and groundbreaking projects. The full-day symposium will feature nine presenters and three intergenerational conversations, all focused on the evolving landscape of architectural practice.
The symposium, scheduled for August 1, promises to be a pivotal moment for the architectural community, as it will also coincide with the 2025 Houses Awards later that evening. Tickets are now available, with attendees eligible to earn up to 4.5 formal CPD points, and Design Institute of Australia members can earn 6 DIA CPD points.
Innovative Voices in Architecture
Among the presenters is Amelia Borg of Sibling Architecture, a 2025 juror and 2024 winner of the ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact. Borg is committed to creating projects that enhance people’s lives, employing a user-first approach that is both research-led and multidisciplinary.
Ben Berwick of Prevalent will also take the stage. His interdisciplinary practice in Sydney integrates architectural rigor with industrial innovation and ESG-driven design. Berwick’s presentation is expected to challenge current sustainability paradigms, drawing from his recent interview with Rwanda-based consultant Fatou Kiné Dieye.
Simon Robinson of Office, a not-for-profit practice, will discuss alternative modes of practice. His work focuses on the retention and repair of Melbourne’s public housing towers and social housing estates. Robinson’s initiatives, such as the 3553 exhibition space in Collingwood, highlight his commitment to design, research, and activism.
Emerging Talent and Innovative Practices
Liz Walsh of So. Architecture, recently awarded the 2025 Australian Institute of Architecture Tasmanian Architecture Awards Emerging Architect Prize, will share her unique practice model. Alongside her partner Alex Nielsen, Walsh has developed small-scale accommodation projects in Hobart, including The Barn Tas and The Bae Tas.
Jack Gillmer-Lilley of SJB, a key figure in the Home exhibition at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, will discuss his approach to Indigenising practice and creating equitable outcomes for Country. As an advocate for First Nations design, his insights are highly anticipated.
Technological Innovations and Sustainability
London-based architect and technologist Xavier De Kestelier of Hassell will explore the integration of AI in architectural practice. His work underscores the potential of digital innovation in shaping the future of architecture.
Nic Brunsdon of Brunsdon Studio will address how he has diversified his practice over the past decade. His contributions to discussions on the circular economy and his role as a juror for the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work underscore his commitment to sustainable design.
Redefining Architectural Narratives
Billy Maynard of Billy Maynard Architects will share his unconventional journey in architecture, which includes leading a studio focused on residential projects and winning a design competition for a new Sydney war memorial.
Finally, Belqis Youssofzay of Youssofzay Hart will present her practice’s collaborative approach, which is informed by a shift towards environmental consciousness. Her work emphasizes architecture’s impact on the environment, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s climate-conscious world.
“The Architecture Symposium is a Design Speaks program organized by Architecture Media, supported by premium partners Planned Cover and Bondor, and hotel partner Ovolo.”
The symposium not only highlights individual achievements but also fosters a collective dialogue on the future of architectural practice. As these emerging architects present their visions, they pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive architectural landscape.
