Australian Architecture Conference 2026
Together.
Or not at all?
Brisbane (Meanjin), Friday 30 – Saturday 31 October
The profession’s most important conversation in a decade: practice, advocacy, climate, housing, equity, and what it means to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Until early bird pricing closes
Why attend
Here's what you take home
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Actionable ideas and strategies you can apply immediately in practice.
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Meet peers, leaders and collaborators from across the profession.
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Earn formal CPD while engaging with the issues shaping practice.
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New ways of thinking about practice, advocacy, climate and the future of the profession.
Keynote speakers
Featured speakers
Practitioners and thinkers whose work is reshaping how architecture engages with place, culture and systems.
Marta Peris
Barcelona, Spain
Co-founder of PERIS+TORAL ARQUITECTES. Architect and researcher recognised internationally for advancing innovative housing design and sustainable construction solutions.
José Toral
Barcelona, Spain
Co-founder of PERIS+TORAL ARQUITECTES. Architect and researcher whose work explores new models of living, combining social innovation with sustainable building practices.
Ilze wolff
Cape Town, South Africa
Co-founder at Wolff Architects. Architect and scholar with experience in design, teaching and heritage consulting.
Heinrich wolff
Cape Town, South Africa
Co-founder at Wolff Architects. Architect and project manager developing an architectural practice of consequence.
Simon Pendal FRAIA
Fremantle, Western Australia
Principal of Simon Pendal Architect. Architect, educator and researcher focused on place-responsive design.
Patrick Kennedy FRAIA
Melbourne, Victoria
Rachel Nolan LFRAIA
Melbourne, Victoria
Founding partner of Kennedy Nolan. Curious about people, culture, and the mystery and magic of place.
Laura Lee Hon. FRAIA
Europe
Architect and professor advancing global systems transformation through collaborative innovation, regenerative design, policy, and education.
Elizabeth Watson-Brown LFRAIA
Brisbane, Queensland
Award-winning architect, urban design leader and federal Greens MP for Ryan.
Jimmy Frank Jupurrurla
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
simon quilty
Tennant Creek, Northern Territory
Carroll Go-Sam Hon. FRAIA
Brisbane, Queensland
Adam Haddow LFRAIA
Sydney, New South Wales
The Immediate Past National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, former NSW Chapter President, and Partner at SJB.
Testimonials
What previous attendees have said
“The Australian Architecture Conference strengthens my connections with like-minded professionals and expands how I think about design. It challenges my assumptions, sparks new ideas, and offers valuable perspectives. Fringe events explore broader issues while providing opportunities to reconnect socially with old friends.”
John Hay FRAIA
Senior Associate at Fulton Trotter Architects
“Attendance to the annual RAIA Conference is a must. It’s the only time in the year when we can exchange ideas and connect with our peers on a large scale in an environment that is open and non-competitive. The culture of architecture depends on these exchanges and opportunities for the profession.”
Eli Gianni AM
Principal at MGS Architects
“As designers and architects, we shape the environments that define how people live, connect, and endure. Today’s challenges demand collective action; only through collaboration can we create lasting impact. Without it, the future we design cannot exist, and that future may never be realised.”
Yashvi Talati
Architecture student
Venue
Brisbane as the backdrop, the profession as the focus
This year’s conference takes place in Brisbane (Meanjin), a city navigating rapid growth, climate resilience, and the gap between design ambition and delivery.
The pressures shaping its built environment are the pressures this conference addresses.
The Concert Hall at QPAC and the BCEC were chosen for utility: accessibility, acoustics, and spaces that make thinking easier and conversation natural.
Some of the most valuable exchanges will happen between sessions. In the breaks. At the evening events. This is where ideas become collaborations.
Have questions about registration?
Contact the AAC 2026 team at conference@architecture.com.au
Venues
Concert Hall
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
South Bank, Brisbane
Convention Centre
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
South Bank, Brisbane
Fringe events
Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November
Tickets
Pricing designed to meet you
where you are
Early bird pricing closes June 19. Member and non-member rates available.
Archi Pass premium experience limited to 100 passes.
View ticket inclusions here.
Full conference
2-day pass
✓ Both days access
✓ All keynotes and sessions
✓ Up to 10 CPD points
Starting from
$860 AUD
(Graduate early bird)
Day
pass
Single day access
✓ One day of your choice
✓ All sessions on selected day
✓ CPD points
Starting from
$540 AUD
(Graduate early bird)
Conference Steering committee
Dr Cameron Bruhn Hon. FRAIA (Chair)
Andrew D'Occhio RAIA
Gina Engelhardt Affiliate RAIA
Dr Shaneen Fantin FRAIA
Jack Gillmer-Lilley RAIA
Blake Hillebrand Grad. RAIA
Ian Moore FRAIA
Debjani Sarkar RAIA
David Wagner FRAIA
Fringe committee
James du Plessis RAIA (Chair)
Dr Ashley Paine
Dr Cecilia Bisheri
Hudson Smith
Dr Kirsty Volz RAIA
Liehan Janse van Rensburg RAIA
Prof Paul Loh
Sam Bowstead RAIA
Senlina Mayer
Yolande Vorster RAIA
Fringe events
Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November
Parallel programme of walking tours, installations, talks, and workshops celebrating emerging voices and experimental practice.
Get involved. Volunteer with us.
Expressions of interest are now open for volunteers. Join us to be part of the experience and bring the conference to life.
Partners and sponsors
Making it possible
Organisations that share our commitment to a stronger, more connected built environment profession.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available. Contact us at conference@architecture.com.au to find out how your organisation can be part of Australia’s most important built environment conversation.
Conference Principal Partner
Institute Principal Partner
Conference Partners
