2025 Emerging Architect Prize Tour: Insights from emerging leaders shaping practice and perspective

The EmAGN SA Chapter hosted the 2025 Emerging Architect Prize Tour at Design Inc on Tuesday the 24th of March, as supported by exclusive partner Bluescope | Colorbond.

The tour featured presentations from both the National Emerging Architect Prize recipient Dr Kali Marnane, and SA Chapter recipient Gabrielle Seymour.

Kali’s presentation outlined work she undertook in remote communities, both through PhD research in India and strategic planning initiatives within Australia.

In her research studies, drawing was used as a tool to document and understand community nuances, moving toward outcomes that support and foster community agency and identity.

Gabrielle spoke about her work in establishing the Archi-bubs initiative to support parents in architecture, and the importance of strong mentors for emerging or developing practitioners. Presentations were followed by a Q+A, featuring questions from the recipients to each other and from the audience.

Those attending broadly represented the EmAGN spectrum, and it was fantastic to have a sold-out event that was inclusive of students, early-career Architects and practice directors.

As a key takeaway, Kali and Gabrielle touched on the way parenting can change your perspective to architecture, and the importance of diverse experiences in providing different lenses for design.