MPARNTWE presenters

16 May

Written By Regional Architecture Association

Miriam Wallace (left) and Sue Dugdale (right)

Sue Dugdale and Miriam Wallace work in arguably one of Australia's toughest places to run an architecture practice, Mparntwe (Alice Springs). An extreme climate, transient work force and political tug-of-wars are some of the forces they work with and against. After 30 years they still find more questions than answers: what is the best climatic response for buildings in Australia’s vast interior? Why do living environments for many Aboriginal people continue to fall short? What is the best way to give form to the cultural complexity and environment of the region?

SUE DUGDALE
Susan Dugdale & Associates

Sue Dugdale is based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and works with a great team of architects committed to the region and better outcomes for the community, the town and the environment. She has produced a body of work whose influence is notable in the fabric of Alice Springs and beyond, has won numerous awards and was featured in the 2014 and 2020 Venice Biennales.

MIRIAM WALLACE
Susan Dugdale & Associates

Miriam graduated with first-class honours from the University of Canberra in 2006. She was awarded the 2007 Advancement of Architecture Award and worked in Canberra for Colin Stewart before moving to Mparntwe, Alice Springs, to work with Sue Dugdale in 2008. Miriam has worked with NGOs in India, Burundi, and Thailand. She holds a Diploma of Project Management, was named the 2018 NT Emerging Architect and is the current AIA NT Chapter President.

Miriam finds the unique nature of architectural work in Central Australia as addictive as it is challenging. Consultation and the social support of clients is equally or more important to a project’s success than a traditional Architectural role. Social expectations for building performance and aesthetics create an environment where outcomes easily achievable on the coast require the architectural advocacy all project levels. Every project is different making iterative design development very slow. However, the high reward and impact that even a small successful project can have on the community and urban environment keeps her engaged in the ever changing and challenging environment of the central desert.

EVENT INFO

MPARNTWE (Alice Springs)

DATES September 11-13 2025

LOCATION Mparntwe (Alice Springs) & Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National park)

CPD 10 formal points available across the event

EVENT OVERVIEW & BOOKING INFO