Last week, the Total Synergy team had the privilege of attending the AIA Australian Architecture Conference, and it didn’t disappoint. We heard bold ideas, thoughtful reflections, and inspiring stories that left us with plenty to think about.
Here are five things that really stuck with us.
1. It’s Time to Move Beyond Numbers
Jing Liu reminded us that housing isn’t just about fitting more people into smaller spaces. It’s about designing homes that improve lives. She called for a shift from purely quantitative goals to more human ones. What if success looked like dignity, comfort, and joy instead of just density?
2. Listening to Country Comes First
Kevin O’Brien and Mel Bright both spoke about the responsibility architects have to understand the places they’re building in. That means acknowledging land history, listening to Indigenous voices, and making sure designs respond to the environment instead of ignoring it. This isn’t a trend, it’s a baseline for good practice.
3. Good Design Supports People
Studio Bright shared the thinking behind one of their recent projects: affordable housing for older women at risk of homelessness. The takeaway? Architecture should give more than it takes. Great design doesn’t erase what’s already there, it adds to it. It empowers communities instead of overpowering them.
4. Sustainability Starts with Materials
Vinu Daniel’s work with Wallmakers was a clear reminder that eco-friendly design doesn’t have to be expensive or high-tech. By using earth, natural waste, and local materials, he’s creating buildings that are both beautiful and practical. It’s about rethinking what we already have and using it in smarter ways.
5. Imagination is the Way Forward
Over and over again, we heard about the need for creativity in tackling today’s challenges. From rethinking density to designing for long-term use, speakers encouraged us to be bold. Imagination isn’t just for the drawing board, it’s what helps architecture stay meaningful and relevant.
What We’re Walking Away With
The 2025 AIA Conference was full of inspiration, but more than that, it felt like a call to action. To build better. To think bigger. And to always put people and place at the heart of design. We’re proud to support architects doing that work every day.
