Celebrating World Architecture Day
Celebrate World Architecture Day with the ACA QLD/NT on Wednesday 8 October with a thought-provoking panel discussion over lunch. Gain insights from some of Queensland’s most experienced practitioners, as they reflect on how architecture can create enduring, adaptable and resilient outcomes for all.
BOOK NOW!
World Architecture Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday of October. This year’s global theme, Design for Strength, calls on architects and industry leaders around the world to look beyond short-term solutions and embrace approaches that reinforce the ability of the built environment to withstand, adapt, and be rebuilt.
Building on this theme, the ACA panel will delve into what strength means in the context of practice management, exploring strategies to navigate growth while maintaining profitability, creativity, and a robust practice culture. This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights from some of Queensland’s most experienced practitioners, in practices large and small, as they reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary architectural practice. See speaker bios below. The discussion will address issues such as leadership, business sustainability, and the evolving role of architects within a rapidly changing industry.
The event will conclude with an audience Q&A.
WHEN
12pm–2pm Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Panel starts at 12.30pm
WHERE
The University of Queensland – Brisbane City
0M08 Teaching Suite
308 Queen St, Brisbane
COST & BOOKING
Members/Non-Members/Online: $45/$55/$25
In-person ticket includes a light lunch and panel discussion. Online tickets also available.
CPD
1.5 CPD points. More information to come.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Alexandra Buchanan – Founder and Director, Alexandra Buchanan Architecture
Alexandra established her practice, Alexandra Buchanan Architecture, in Melbourne in 2011. Engaged in projects large and small, the studio has a particular speciality in housing and projects that engage the community. Registered in both Australia and the United Kingdom, Alexandra’s portfolio spans public buildings, mixed-use development, master-planning, bespoke residential and hospitality.
Alexandra’s founding belief is that the architectural journey should be collaborative, dynamic and enjoyable. Her approach to lifestyle design incorporates a respectful use of materials, passive design, and manipulation of light.
Michael Christensen – Director, m3architecture
Michael Christensen brings a depth of experience to his role as Director of m3architecture, a practice renowned for its innovative, culturally relevant architecture. Michael believes in the power of design to reflect the stories of clients and communities, fostering spaces that are both highly functional and deeply meaningful.
m3architecture’s ethos is grounded in the search for ideas unique to each project, creating architecture with a strong connection to contemporary culture and context. Working across all sectors and scales, the practice is widely recognised for its leadership in the design and delivery of projects of lasting significance. Michael’s work reflects a balance between visionary creativity and the practical realities of running a sustainable practice, offering insights into how architecture can flourish as both an artistic pursuit and a resilient business.
James Davidson – Founder and Principal, JDA Co.
James Davidson is the founder and Principal of JDA Co. – the preferred architecture and design practice for governments, councils and private enterprises, adapting urban environments to withstand floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and extreme heat.
James is a lead technical advisor to the Queensland Government’s $741M Resilient Homes Fund. JDA Co. assisted in the design and implementation of this landmark program, which has since been replicated in other Australian states. It follows the rollout of the Flood Resilient Homes Program for the Brisbane City Council – Australia’s largest local government authority – for which JDA Co. was a delivery partner. James has also partnered with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and local Queensland councils to deliver flood-resilient building guidelines.
John Ellway – Founder and Director, John Ellway Architect
John Ellway leads a small practice with a passion for creating places that enrich everyday life, drawing inspiration from travel, memories, landscapes, materials and location. John designs functional, simple spaces, with each project emerging from a deep understanding of its context and the people who will inhabit it.
John’s practice is rooted in collaboration and exploration. Projects evolve through open dialogue with clients, experimentation, and partnerships with other professionals and craftspeople. This process-driven approach ensures that each project develops a strong relationship to the client’s brief and moves seamlessly from concept to completion. Established in 2017, John Ellway Architect is marked by a commitment to nurturing creativity and craft within a small-practice framework.
Lindy Johnson – Director, Lindy Johnson Creative (Moderator)
Lindy provides marketing, business development and publicity and media services to leading architecture and design firms in Australia and the UK. She has 30 years’ experience working at senior levels of government and industry, creating national and global demand for artists, designers and architects.
Lindy conceived and branded world-first government-to-business programs like HEAT Architecture. HEAT was a highly successful program for architects and designers, which generated millions of dollars in international editorial and new commissions. She also created Australia’s first whole-of-government 2% for public art policy and the Ulysses program, which continues to use design to transform Australian businesses. Lindy is a judge for Australia’s Good Design Awards, is on the Advisory Board of Bond University’s Abedian School of Architecture, and a regular guest lecturer to universities and industry associations.