Immersive hands-on learning at First Peoples Architecture event
Beginnings – First Peoples Architecture presented by the RAA, took place 19th-21st October. Hands-on in its learnings, attendees also gained CPD Points.
22nd November 2023
BEGINNINGS - FIRST PEOPLES’ ARCHITECTURE | A REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE ASSOCIATION EXPERIENCE
A continuation of their support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Regional Architecture Association (RAA)’s next event, BEGINNINGS – First Peoples’ Architecture is a chance to be immersed in a deep cultural experience of architecture and language from the families and elders who have an ancient connection to Coolendel.
Beginnings: First People’s Architecture
A deep cultural experience, Beginnings is an opportunity to learn from First Nations peoples about the link between architecture and connection to Country. As part of the event, First People’s will build structures in the spirit of ancestors who historically built on the same land, in Coolendel.
Australia’s Indigenous Architecture on show at RAA’s Coolendel Event in October
The Regional Architecture Association (RAA) is organising an immersive event designed to provide attendees a comprehensive experiential introduction to First Nations’ design and building practices.
20th September 2023
POWER OF COMMUNITY fringe event
The Saturday morning program of fringe events will include a site visit to a modest Goldfields home by Melbourne firm Design Office where architect Mark Simpson will show delegates around and provide insight into the project.
At last, regional architecture takes centre stage
Following the devastation of bushfires, floods, and the pandemic, in 2021, a group of like-minded regional architects banded together to form a new, member-driven organisation with a focus on bringing about positive change in Australia’s regional areas. Thus, the Regional Architecture Association (RAA) was born.
6th July 2023
Architecture to affect change: Regional Architecture Association
In the regions, architects and those interested in the built environment are pooling their knowledge to help affect change. Jan Henderson introduces us to the Regional Architecture Association and what it does.
23rd November 2022
Renovation Collaborative Podcast
Three of our RAA members were interviewed across season 3 of the Renovation Collaborative podcast put together by respected Australian residential architect Stephanie Skyring who collaborates with design and construction industry experts to share up-to-date knowledge.
David Donald on ABC Australia Wide
Presenter from RAA’s MPARNTWE event, Architect and Director of Healthabitat David Donald, recently featured on the ABC’s Australia Wide program, following an interview on the sidelines while in Alice Springs. You can catch him at the 13 minute mark.
11th September 2025
Celebrating regional architecture
In this edition of The Conversation Hour the team delve into what distinguishes regional architecture from metro architecture.
The team meet architects based in regional areas and discuss the environmental and aesthetic considerations.
19th January 2023
Does architecture impact student learning?
How much does your built environment at school impact your learning and do you learn differently in a more beautiful environment?
This edition of The Conversation Hour looks at what advances are being made in how we design schools and to what degree architecture and design in education important.
2nd February 2023, ABC Melbourne
How do we build better to meet our housing needs?
RAA committee member and founder of Space Studio Sarah Aldridge spoke to The Conversation Hour on ABC Radio Melbourne about how higher-density housing can best meet our needs.
2nd May 2023, ABC Melbourne
Could prefab be a solution to the housing crisis?
Homes built off-site and trucked to the regions are being proposed as a quick solution to the housing affordability issue, in this edition of The Conversation Hour Brent Dunn, RAA committee member and co-director of Takt Studio and others discussed its merits.
28th March 2023, ABC Melbourne
RAA END OF YEAR WRAP | 2025
As the year winds down, let’s take a moment to reflect on and celebrate RAA’s significant achievements this year. Our Association continues its work advocating for, supporting and creating community amongst those practising in regional Australia.
POWER OF COMMUNITY fringe event
A tour of Hepburn Energy will be our first fringe event for Power of Community. Hepburn Energy is a member owned co-operative and Australia’s first community owned wind farm, now looking to add solar and battery storage.
Hepburn Energy owns and operates Australia’s first community-owned wind farm. The 2 wind turbines, known as Gale and Gusto have been offsetting the town of Daylesford since 2011. Now the organisation are working on being the first hybrid wind, solar and battery co-operative and showcasing to other communities a successful community energy model.
POWER OF COMMUNITY presenter
Marnie Hawson will discuss where businesses who want to “do better for nature” can start, and how they can move beyond carbon. Her workshop will make biodiversity real, accessible, and directly connected to business reality — bringing nature into the room in a tangible, practical way.
RAA Journal Release
Field is a new annual publication that celebrates regional architecture, its people and visions.
Order now.
RAA | Supporting Graduates
This year, RAA sponsored the University of Newcastle Masters of Architecture exhibition for the third year running and, for the first time, also sponsored the University of Canberra’s graduating student showcase that featured the applied work of graduating students from the discipline of design & the built environment. Relevant students completing their studies have received a complimentary year of membership in RAA’s graduate category and will have access to invaluable opportunities for networking and engagement with established professionals who understand the unique challenges and rewards of practicing in regional settings.
RAA would like to congratulate all graduates and remains dedicated to backing the next generation of architects, recognising their pivotal role in driving the movement towards a brighter, more sustainable future for built environments and their communities in regional Australia.
POWER OF COMMUNITY venue
The Guildford Public Hall is a much-loved venue central to its local community and will become the hub for discussion, conversation and learning at RAA’s March 2026 event. Powered by community itself, it is the fitting space for a gathering that aims to inspire and empower delegates to instigate change in their own local area.
POWER OF COMMUNITY co-creative director
Now local to Yarrayne / Guildford, Robert Mierisch is a semi-retired Mechanical Engineer and inventor of several innovative systems in mechanical engineering. Currently, Robert is working on a Rural Residential Energy System that will provide electricity, hot water, winter heating, summer cooling and electric car charging, at night.