Regional Architecture Association 5/2/26 Regional Architecture Association 5/2/26

POWER OF COMMUNITY presenter

Dr Jock Gilbert will speak about the Yulendj Weelam Lab at RMIT University and their work combining design thinking with Indigenous cultural heritage knowledge to support the built environment sector through partnerships, advocacy, and community-led projects. Their work builds organisational capacity, embeds First Nations perspectives into practice, facilitates respectful Indigenous-led design processes, and supports First Peoples communities to advance projects that reflect their needs and aspirations.

Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26 Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26

POWER OF COMMUNITY co-creative director

Emily Knight, principal of Emily Knight Design, has been an active member of the RAA Committee and its events since 2022. A self-confessed sustainability nerd and passionate advocate for community, Emily is committed to professional development within our industry, ensuring her work is informed by current ideas, processes, and materials.

Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26 Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26

POWER OF COMMUNITY fringe event

David Booth, aka Ghostpatrol, will discuss his practice generally, particularly around his involvement in Hepburn Energy and his characters Gale and Gusto which are depicted on the turbines there.

He then has “…a fun little drawing exercise game to loosen us up. We’re drawing to laugh and connect, we’re drawing to make something new.”

“My little drawing game is addictive and you’ll be taking home the meme to play with your friends and family. Trust me you’ll love it.”

“Be brave and let’s let the drawings come to life.”

Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26 Regional Architecture Association 3/2/26

POWER OF COMMUNITY presenter

Dr Mark B. Luther will speak about and display his prototype hydronic suspended ceiling panel. Radiant systems are healthy and environmental conditioning systems, operating at about 1/3 of the cost. His ceiling panel has overcome many of the problems of past radiant systems, that are slow, embodied energy intensive and costly.

Regional Architecture Association 29/1/26 Regional Architecture Association 29/1/26

POWER OF COMMUNITY presenter

Geoff Park will speak about Renewable Newstead, a pioneering community-led initiative demonstrating how a small regional town can transition to renewable energy in a way that is technically feasible, commercially viable, and socially equitable. Located in central Victoria, Newstead has delivered a 3MW solar farm and 5MWh battery system capable of generating six times the town’s electricity needs. The project stands as a model for how local leadership, strong partnerships, and deep community engagement can drive meaningful energy transformation.

Regional Architecture Association 28/1/26 Regional Architecture Association 28/1/26

MEET OUR EXPERT - Marcio Da Silva from No.1 Roofing & Building Supplies

Marcio Da Silva, General Manager, Architectural Specification for No. 1 Roofing & Building Supplies, supports architectural projects across New South Wales, the ACT, and now Queensland, where they are currently expanding their presence.

Connecting with regionally based architects is, for Marcio, one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. He deeply appreciates that their designs are intrinsically linked to local context, community, and climate, which often demands inventive solutions. He believes these architects are doing more than just designing buildings; they are "shaping the identity and resilience of their communities."

Regional Architecture Association 28/1/26 Regional Architecture Association 28/1/26

RAA President’s Welcome to 2026

As we move into 2026, the Regional Architecture Association looks forward to extending our presence within the design community and strengthening our role as the peak body representing architects and affiliated professions across regional Australia.