In this episode, Nick Carfora and Daniel Moore speak with interior designer Nancy Beka (not a registered architect), Co-Director of Studio Edwards, about carving a unique path into Melbourne’s design scene and redefining sustainable practice. Originally from Adelaide, Nancy’s journey began with the challenge of breaking into a competitive industry. After relocating to Melbourne, she quickly made her mark by creating initiatives during the pandemic to keep the design community connected remotely. These projects became a platform for exploring innovative materials, zero-waste strategies, and new ways of thinking about construction.

Nancy shares how founding Alt Material, a collaborative forum for experimental and sustainable design, opened opportunities to work with like-minded creatives and expand her understanding of material life cycles. Her commitment to circular design thinking shines through in projects like Today Studio, a workplace fit-out that champions adaptive reuse, material passports, and honest, low-waste detailing, earning recognition in the Australian Interior Design Awards.

Named to the Australian Design Review 30 Under 30, Nancy reflects on the value of mentorship, community, and storytelling in building a resilient practice. Her experience shows how curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability can transform challenges into opportunities and reshape the way we design, build, and connect.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nick Carfora and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Anjalee Patel and Daniel Moore sit down with Matt McGivern and Seb Robinson from The Flaming Collective, a group of emerging designers and researchers whose work is redefining how we think about space through a queer lens. Formed out of shared conversations on heritage, history, and lived experience, the Collective brings together diverse research interests, from mapping historic queer spaces and reimagining residential living models, to exploring multi-residential inclusivity and the politics of heritage policies.

Their collaborative research has produced the Queer Design Toolkit and The Gay Agenda, frameworks developed to help designers think beyond their own experience and create spaces that prioritise safety, comfort, and inclusion. After presenting their work at the Australian Institute of Architects National Conference, and expanding it further during Perth Design Week, the group has continued to push their ideas into practice, consulting on competitions, tackling questions of public amenity, and addressing the very real challenges of resistance and bureaucracy in the built environment.

Our discussion explores how queer theory can shape design practice, the importance of trauma-informed design, and the tools available to architects who want to create more equitable spaces. By sharing stories, methods, and lived experience, The Flaming Collective challenges the profession to imagine new ways of designing cultural and community spaces that reflect and respect diverse identities.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Anjalee Patel and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Abigail Lee and Daniel Moore speak with Libby Ba-Pe, architect at JDA Co, about her work leading conversations and projects in flood-resilient design. With growing climate risks and repeated flood events across Australia, Libby shares how architects can contribute practical and innovative approaches to designing safer, more adaptable homes.

Libby reflects on the Flood Resilient Homes program, which provides homeowners with tools and strategies to retrofit existing dwellings and design new housing to withstand future flooding events. She explains how JDA Co has worked closely with local councils, government agencies, and communities to embed resilience at both the building and neighbourhood scale.

Our discussion highlights the technical strategies behind flood-resilient design – from material choices and elevated structures to planning decisions that improve recovery times and reduce long-term vulnerability. But just as importantly, Libby emphasises the human dimension, sharing stories of working directly with families whose lives have been profoundly affected by floods and how design can help restore security and dignity.

This conversation shines a light on the crucial role architects play in climate adaptation, demonstrating that resilience is not just about protecting property, but about designing homes and communities that can thrive in the face of uncertainty.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Abigail Lee and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Olivia McKim and Daniel Moore speak with Claire Scorpo, an award-winning architect whose work bridges rigorous design thinking with deep social and community engagement. Claire’s practice began with finely crafted residential projects that champion material sensitivity and passive design, and has since expanded to ambitious commercial and community-led developments. Her recent project, BVIA on Bank, is a groundbreaking female-led commercial development designed to promote gender equity and strengthen the role of women in the built environment.

Our conversation explores Claire’s belief in architecture as both a design discipline and a social catalyst. She reflects on her teaching, where students have worked alongside regional Victorian communities to address issues such as affordable housing, Indigenous engagement, mental health, and declining populations—revealing how architectural processes can forge meaningful civic relationships. Claire also discusses her longstanding advocacy through the Australian Institute of Architects, where her contributions to EmAGN, the Small Practice Forum, and juries led to her recognition as the 2023 Emerging Architect Prize winner for Victoria.

Claire’s story is one of thoughtful practice, consistent advocacy, and community-building. Her insights remind us that architecture is not only about producing buildings, but also about shaping equitable futures, strengthening communities, and amplifying diverse voices across the profession.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Olivia McKim and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Aileen Chew and Daniel Moore speak with Dan Martin, an environmental planner, designer, and academic whose career bridges architecture, geography, and environmental policy. Based in the south-west of Western Australia, Dan co-leads the practice Super Natural while lecturing in landscape architecture at the University of Western Australia. His work reflects a deep commitment to biodiversity, design equity, and the future of sustainable urban growth.

Our conversation explores Dan’s research into the unique biodiversity hotspot of south-west Australia, where ecological richness collides with the pressures of urban sprawl. He shares insights into how planning and design can foster “better infill,” weaving living infrastructure and density models that both respond to climate realities and enhance community wellbeing. Dan also reflects on the power of mapping as a process—more than a technical tool, it’s a way of storytelling and envisioning possibilities for landscapes, ecologies, and urban futures.

From rethinking Perth’s growth patterns to reimagining how data, illustration, and design can communicate complex ecological systems, Dan brings a rare and holistic perspective. His insights remind us that architecture and planning are not only about shaping built form, but about protecting life systems and revaluing the landscapes we depend upon.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Aileen Chew and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore speak with Ali McFayden, Director and Secretary of Parlour, whose career spans more than 15 years across architecture consultancy, research, and advisory roles. Alongside her leadership at Parlour, where she coordinates national programs such as the Seasonal Salons, POD Program, and LAB Series, Ali is also pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne that examines the barriers and enablers to women’s career progression in architecture.

Our conversation delves into Ali’s research, exploring why women continue to leave the profession at higher rates than men despite policy reforms and increasing participation. She discusses emerging findings around enablers and barriers to progression, the impact of workplace culture, and how leadership can be fostered across all levels of practice. Ali also reflects on her own professional journey, including moments of burnout and transition, and how these experiences sharpened her focus on equity, wellbeing, and sustainable career pathways.

This episode offers a candid and insightful look at how architecture must evolve to support women and all practitioners in thriving, long-term careers. Ali’s perspective highlights why genuine structural change is vital if the profession is to retain talent and foster equity at every stage of practice.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore speak with Jefa Greenaway, founding Director of Greenaway Architects. With over three decades of experience championing Indigenous-led design, Jefa has shaped some of Australia’s most significant projects and co-authored the International Indigenous Design Charter, a landmark framework for equity and Country-centred design.

Our conversation explores what Indigenous design equity means in practice and how it can shape the built environment with authenticity and respect for Country. Jefa reflects on his leadership roles across cultural, educational, and infrastructure projects, including the North East Link, the UTS National First Nations College, and the Koorie Heritage Trust, and shares insights on the responsibilities of collaboration, competition procurement, and the growing call for Indigenous representation in public tenders. He discusses the challenges of cultural load, the risks of tokenism, and the importance of shifting beyond decorative stereotypes towards genuine co-design that meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Jefa’s perspective highlights the balance between practical realities of procurement and construction and the deeper responsibility architects have to embed cultural knowledge, equity, and design excellence.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nicole Eadie and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode of Hearing Architecture, Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore speak with Associate Professor Liz Cameron from the University of Newcastle. Since joining the School of Architecture and the Built Environment in 2022, Liz has played a pivotal role as one of four Indigenous academics shaping architectural education and practice in New South Wales. With a background in occupational therapy, spatial design, and art, Liz brings a unique, cross-disciplinary perspective to her work, enriched by her commitment to cultural integrity and authentic engagement with Country.

Our conversation explores the meaning and practice of Design with Country, and the ways in which Indigenous Knowledge Systems and sensory ways of understanding place can expand architectural thinking. Liz reflects on her role as an educator, researcher, and consultant, and introduces the University of Newcastle’s new Designing with Country postgraduate course, launching in 2025. She also speaks to the broader shift underway in the profession, as architects respond to the NSW “Connecting with Country” framework and explore how design can embody cultural values, community identity, and custodianship of land.

Through her work, Liz advocates for an architecture that is both culturally grounded and deeply human-centred, offering valuable insights for practitioners seeking to embed authenticity, respect, and sustainability in their design practice.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore speak with Ella Masters, Registered Architect and Studio Lead of Hayball’s Canberra studio, whose career bridges architecture, education consultancy, and applied research. Originally starting in law before transitioning to architecture, Ella has developed a deep expertise in designing contemporary learning environments for schools and universities.

Ella shares her journey through notable educational projects, her involvement in the Mayfield Project during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the insights she gained while children were learning from home. Now undertaking a PhD in Education and Innovative Practice at the University of Melbourne, she explores the drivers of innovation in educational design, focusing on how outcomes are shaped by engagement processes, procurement methods, and education policy.

The conversation delves into the critical role of both the educational brief and design brief in aligning architectural outcomes with pedagogy, the interplay between educational campuses and public space, and the value of linking academia with practice. Ella also discusses how research can be made more accessible, the benefits and challenges of working across disciplines, and her commitment to ensuring learning spaces are inclusive, flexible, and grounded in evidence-based design.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Vyasa McPherson and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore speak with Paul Boyce, Director of Tridente Boyce Design Studio and Chair of the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia. With decades of experience in Adelaide, Melbourne, and London, Paul reflects on a career spanning master planning, urban design, and architectural practice, alongside his role as a mentor and national convenor shaping standards in the profession.

Our conversation explores what it truly means to be an architect, balancing the pragmatic responsibilities of regulation and professional standards with the creative act of designing spaces that endure. Paul shares insights on the value of programming, form, and spatial quality, the role of architects as guardians of the built environment, and how evolving business models and technology demand new ways of thinking. He also discusses the responsibilities of registration, the importance of sharing knowledge across generations, and how architects can ensure their work continues to serve communities, protect the environment, and provide meaning beyond immediate needs.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded.  We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations.  and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.