Is “trend” a dirty word? | Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy
Rachel Nolan and Patrick Kennedy are founding partners of the award-winning practice Kennedy Nolan. Along with its many accolades and acknowledgments, the practice has amassed one of the largest Instagram followings of any Australian architecture studio, making it arguably one of the most influential studios in the country today.
Over the years, Kennedy Nolan’s designs have shaped trends in the industry rather, than followed them. But being a so-called “trendsetter” comes with responsibilities.
In today’s episode, we learn about Rachel and Patrick’s approach to staying ahead of the game, how they really feel about imitation and the importance of being mindful of social media’s impact.
Further reading:
First House: Kennedy Nolan Architects
https://architectureau.com/articles/james-street-house-by-kennedy-nolan-architects/
Balam Balam Place by Kennedy Nolan, Openwork and Finding Infinity
https://architectureau.com/articles/balam-balam-place-by-kennedy-nolan-openwork-and-finding-infinity/
Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan
https://architectureau.com/articles/melbourne-place/
The developer’s perspective: Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-developers-perspective-wilam-ngarrang-retrofit-by-kennedy-nolan-with-finding-infinity/
Six Ways House by Kennedy Nolan
https://architectureau.com/articles/Six-Ways-House-by-Kennedy-Nolan/
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23:04
Who, or what, defines Indigenous architecture today? | Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown
In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Carroll Go-Sam and Deidre Brown explore the progress of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Carroll (Dyirbal, Gumbilbara Bama) is a senior lecturer at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Queensland. Deidre (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) is a professor of architecture at the University of Auckland and the recipient of the 2023 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal.
During Deidre’s 2024 Australian tour of her gold medal address, host Georgia Birks sat down with the pair to ask them to reflect on how Indigeneity in architecture and education has shifted over time.
You can read the full interview in the 2025 Jan/Feb issue of Architecture Australia or on ArchitectureAu.com.
Further reading:
Creating space: The rise of Indigenous recognition and representation in architecture
https://architectureau.com/articles/Creating-space-the-rise-of-Indigenous-recognition-and-representation-in-architecture/
Carroll Go-Sam
https://architectureau.com/contributors/Go-Sam-Carroll/
New Zealand Institute of Architects 2023 Gold Medal: Professor Deidre Brown
https://www.nzia.co.nz/awards/gold-medal/2023-gold-medal-professor-deidre-brown/
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20:27
Mastering the art of high-low design | Brahman Perera
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. His portfolio includes fitouts for fashion labels such as Christian Kimber and Henne, alongside hospitality venues like Entrecôte, Hopper Joint and Ursula's Paddington.
Brahman 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.
Further reading:
Hopper Joint by Brahman Perera
https://architectureau.com/articles/Hopper-Joint-by-Brahman-Perera/
Christian Kimber store by Brahman Perera
https://architectureau.com/articles/christian-kimber-store-by-brahman-perera/
Perri Cutten Manuka by Brahman Perera
https://architectureau.com/articles/perri-cutten-manuka-by-brahman-perera/
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16:24
What makes a successful Olympic city? | Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis
This week marks 25 years since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – an event that reshaped the city through an ambitious masterplan developed by a team of built environment professionals, including architects Lawrence Nield and Philip Thalis. Lawrence, a founding director of BVN and the 2012 Gold Medallist, has contributed to three Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Philip, founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects and the 2024 Gold Medallist, also played a significant role in the Sydney masterplan.
In today’s episode, they discuss the city-making potential of the Olympics, the planning and design thinking behind a successful games, and how the profession might shape the urban legacy of Brisbane 2032.
Further reading:
Olympics Update
https://architectureau.com/articles/olympics-update/
Sydney’s Olympics
https://architectureau.com/articles/sydneys-olympics/
Lawrence Nield on deciphering the meaning of architecture and the role of the architect
https://architectureau.com/articles/lawrence-nield-on-deciphering-the-meaning-of-architecture-and-the-role-of-the-architect/
Avoiding substance abuse
https://architectureau.com/articles/avoiding-substance-abuse/
Built environment institutes call for design input over Brisbane 2032 Olympics
https://architectureau.com/articles/Built-environment-bodies-call-for-design-input-over-Brisbane-2032-Olympics/
Don’t let this opportunity go to waste: A tale of two cities
https://architectureau.com/articles/dont-let-this-opportunity-go-to-waste-a-tale-of-two-cities/
Design review is the missing piece of the Olympics puzzle
https://architectureau.com/articles/design-review-is-the-missing-piece-of-the-olympics-puzzle/
Woolloongabba can win gold
https://architectureau.com/articles/woolloongabba-can-win-gold/
Brisbane 2032: pathways to legacy
https://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-2032-pathways-to-legacy/
The complicated Olympics planning process
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-complicated-olympics-planning-process/
The Brisbane olympics: a marathon or a sprint?
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-brisbane-olympics-a-marathon-or-a-sprint/
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21:00
Trusting the chaos | Simone Bliss
In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, Emily Wong, editor of Landscape Architecture 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 Richmond High School by SBLA Studio, Simone reflects on the value of open-ended design – a process that embraces uncertainty and leaves room for change.
Further reading:
Concrete thinking: Richmond High School
https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/concrete-thinking-richmond-high-school/
Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025
https://landscapeaustralia.com/issues/landscape-architecture-australia-may-jun-2025-186/
Landscape Architecture Australia, May 2025
https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/reducing-reusing-and-recycling-in-practice/
Material trajectory: Meg Calkins
https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/material-trajectory-meg-calkins/
Design Speaks Weekly brings you the biggest stories in Australian architecture and design. Produced by Architecture Media, each episode explores a key theme shaping the built environment, paired with the latest industry news and analysis. As an extension of the Design Speaks event series, this podcast opens up vital conversations to a wider audience, wherever you are.
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