Business Matters: People, Culture & the Business of Talent

The ACA QLD/NT + RAA are excited to present a new breakfast forum series: Business Matters, bringing together architects from metropolitan, regional and remote practices to discuss the realities of running an architecture business.

The series is built around honest conversation between practices of different sizes, locations and business models with a simple aim: to  help practitioners leave with ideas they can implement on a Monday morning and places regional voices at the centre of the discussion rather than as an audience. It doesn’t eliminate engagement from city based practices, but its aim is to deliberately support our regional members.

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What is the format? 

This will be an in-person breakfast event, hosted by a studio.  A blend of in-person networking followed up a live streamed panel conversation around a topic or theme. Join a session in one of the satellite networks on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay / Wide Bay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Northern Territory or Toowoomba for some breakfast, networking, a panel dicussion and some key takeaways.

Structure

7:30–8:30am: Breakfast, coffee and networking
8:30–9:00am: Panel discussion
9:00–9:30am: Live Q&A from all participating locations
9:30am : ‘3 Things You’re Changing on Monday’
9:30–10:00am: Local networking

Topic 1: People, Culture & the Business of Talent

Talent is the foundation of every practice, yet it’s rarely discussed with the same rigour as design or delivery. This session brings together practice leaders to talk openly about the real cost of building a team: what it takes to attract and keep good people, why regional firms often struggle to recruit, and what the strongest workplace cultures are getting right. We’ll also look at succession, knowledge retention and the shift toward hybrid and remote working, and what these changes mean for the future shape of practice.

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Meet the Panellists: 

Stephen Sims | Sims White, Toowoomba

Sims White Architects is a local Toowoomba practice combining the extensive combined experience of directors Tony White and Stephen Sims. Since its inception in 2012, the practice has built a strong reputation for reliability and excellent outcomes, servicing clients including the Queensland Department of Education, Catholic Education, Queensland Health, Building and Asset Services and Toowoomba Regional Council, as well as private sector clients. Stephen has more than 20 years’ experience in residential, health care, educational and institutional architecture, with a strong passion for sustainability. Helping clients achieve functional, aesthetic and cost-effective outcomes with minimal environmental impact sits at the core of his philosophy, and he has led teams to some of the sector’s most successful sustainable outcomes.

Tomas O’Malley | Architect, Bundaberg

Tomas has over 10 years experience in major architectural practices, working on projects all around Australia and overseas. Establishing his private practice Tomas O’Malley Architect in Bundaberg in 2011, Tomas aims to combine this experience working on large projects with the personal attention only a small practice can provide. Specialties: Residential Design (houses, multi-unit), Student Accommodation, Retail Design, Interior Design (residential, commerctial, retail), Additions & Alterations to existing buildings including Adaptive Reuse. Tomas will focus on the challenges of resourcing varied work and how this is done through a hybrid model of outsourcing and contracting.

Shreya Khanna, designandarchitecture

Shreya Khanna grew up between cultures and countries, originally from Kathmandu. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in the UK, gaining practical experience with smaller firms in Nepal during breaks, before moving to Australia to complete her Master’s degree. Since joining DesignAA, she has worked across a range of projects in Central Queensland, embracing both unique regional sites and the fast pace of a small studio. Shreya is currently working across varied scales, typologies and project stages as she builds toward completing her architectural registration.

Sarah Aldridge – Space Studio, Byron Bay and Secretary of RAA (Convenor)

Sarah Aldridge is Director of Space Studio, based in Byron Bay, a founding committee member and current Secretary of RAA. She is an experienced event creative director who has delivered regional architectural events for more than 15 years, and a passionate advocate for high-quality events that support regional practice. Since co-founding Space Studio in 2008, Sarah has worked within the Byron community to design and deliver buildings of a high standard that are very much of their place. Her extensive design and project management experience, gained across a broad range of project types in Europe and Japan, has given her deep expertise in client liaison, complex projects and the importance of community engagement.

Where can I attend?

Regional architecture practices where you can join Business Matters include:

• HHH Architecture – 143 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215
• Bark Design – 413 Sunrise Rd, Tinbeerwah QLD 4563
• Bloc Design – Suite 11/58 Torquay Rd, Pialba, Hervey Bay QLD 4655
• Colin Strydom’s Architectural Studio – 29 East Street, Rockhampton City QLD 4700
• Counterpoint Architecture – 487 Flinders St, Townsville City QLD 4810
• Fulton Trotter – Level 1/61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000
• People Orientated Design – Suite 1, Level 1/116 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870
• AJAR – 3 Vickers St, Parap, Northern Territory 0804
• Sims White – Suite 6/111 Campbell St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350

Business Matters is presented in partnership with the Regional Architects Assocation

The Regional Architecture Association (RAA) is a member driven, not for profit organisation formed in 2021 which strengthens the practice of architecture across regional Australia. RAA supports its members through peer connection and information sharing, and advocates for a better understanding of the value architecture brings to local communities. Guided by a belief that good design should celebrate the distinct character of each place, RAA aims to become the peak body representing regional architecture nationally.

Business Matters is proudly supported by Kennedy’s Timbers

Kennedy’s Timbers supplies recycled, reclaimed and sustainably sourced architectural timber for specification across commercial, residential, heritage and landscape projects. Their range extends from cladding and decking to structural posts and beams and bespoke fabrications, offering architects a natural alternative to conventional building products for both new builds and heritage-sensitive work. Discover more.