Dr Kirsty Volz of QUT will discuss the breadth of roles in the architectural profession and how we can use our skills as architects to influence design outcomes in the built environment.

Kirsty is an architect and Senior Lecturer in Architecture whose research bridges practice, community and climate adaptation. Her work focuses on housing and place‑based design guidance.

Sam Charles-Ginn, Principal Advisor Urban Design and Architecture will provide delegates with an update from the Office of the Queensland Government Architect.

A registered architect and with broad experience within the built environment industry, Sam advocates for design quality in the urban environment while contributing to community projects as a designer, strategic planner and advisor. He has worked across various community sectors including cultural facilities, education, tourism, land use, and housing.

The Tait Brisbane team look forward to welcoming RAA delegates to their bigger, better and bolder, new Brisbane showroom for drinks ahead of the Friday dinner at nearby Petite.

After three years of getting to know the Brisbane community, they are thrilled to unveil a significantly expanded showroom that brings the full Tait experience to Queensland. With a great response from locals, they’ve moved into a substantially larger space within the same beloved building in Fortitude Valley, moving from a small upper floor tenancy into a welcoming ground floor tenancy that’s around 3 times larger.

After a day of engaging discussion at the Brisbane Powerhouse , delegates will be treated to dinner at Petite. As QLD In Daily says in their review, “It’s a French affair at Petite, Fortitude Valley’s striking new dining destination. The newest culinary concept from the team that brought you Happy Boy and Snack Man is riffing on French bistro culture, serving a free-wheeling menu of divine dishes alongside a keenly curated list of French wines.”

Brian Clohessy will speak from his perspective as an Architect turned People & Culture practice leader on the skills, capabilities and mindsets that are going to be important for the success of Architects and architectural businesses into the future.

Through Prof Dr M. Hank Haeusler’s presentation, attendees will gain practical guidance on how to identify high-value AI opportunities across design, operations, compliance, and asset lifecycle management; transition from isolated tools to integrated, data-driven workflows that deliver measurable time and cost savings; establish governance, ethical guardrails, and data strategies; and build workforce capability through targeted upskilling and change management.

Join us at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Queensland’s home of contemporary art and culture as we tap into the people behind the design and technical innovation defining the future of architecture.

​​​​​​​At the top of this historic 1920s building, the graffitied control room provides a characterful environment for our day with ample daylight and expansive views of the river. The two generous roof terraces adjacent provide break-out spaces for conversations with technical experts and delegates during program breaks with stunning views of the Maiwar (Brisbane River).

Sarah Aldridge, Director of Space Studio based in Byron Bay, Founding Committee member and current Secretary of RAA, is an experienced event creative director having delivered regional architectural events for over 15 years. Sarah is committed to providing high quality events that support regional practice, for which she is a passionate advocate.

Bianca Smith, founder of Blue Triangle Consulting, has over 20 years' hands-on experience in the management of architectural and engineering practices at all scales. She brings a holistic perspective on the business of architecture - from practice and project management to people and technology - and the challenges that are reshaping how design firms operate. Now based in the Northern Rivers, she works closely with smaller practices throughout Australia helping them build smart and sustainable businesses that are great places to work.