Talking Architecture & Design

Drawing from his local and overseas architecture experience, recently appointed Plus Studio principal John Walsh, in this episode, unpacks how shared-use, hybrid buildings—blending education, civic, and commercial functions—are redefining how we design for density, community, and long-term value. 
From navigating security and adaptability to stretching the design brief for greater impact, this conversation looks at how architects can respond creatively to the pressures of urban growth.

Derek Layfield, Managing Director of Durra Panel, who has championed straw-based panel technology for decades, and Michael Jones, Studio Lead – Design at AJC Architects, a registered architect with a wealth of experience specifying bio-based materials, including Durra Panel projects and recent Byera Hadley research into straw and prefabricated systems, explain why straw is the ultimate building material when it comes to acoustic and temperature insulation.
This podcast was sponsored by Durra Panel.

David Holm, Principal at Cox Architecture has a career spanning major transport and civic infrastructure—from international airports like the new Western Sydney airport and Changi airport in Singapore to urban masterplans and public spaces—David’s work sits at the intersection of connectivity, culture, and placemaking. 
He’s also a passionate advocate for drawing as a design tool and has contributed widely to architectural discourse and education.
His ideas on the intersection of connectivity, culture, and placemaking are a breath of fresh air for Australia's infrastructure sector.

In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, we speak with Kjetil Thorsen, co-founder of Snøhetta—the Oslo-based, globally recognised practice known for its transdisciplinary approach to architecture, landscape, interiors, and design. 
From iconic cultural landmarks like the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet to the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion, Snøhetta has built a reputation for projects that blur boundaries between disciplines while prioritising social and environmental sustainability.
Kjetil joins us during a milestone visit to Australia, marking ten years of Snøhetta’s permanent presence in the region. With projects spanning Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and a keynote at the University of Melbourne, this conversation explores how architecture can shape culture, public life, and collective futures.

Jacob Burke is the founder of Mijasu, an interdisciplinary group of design practices focused on people‑centred outcomes across the built environment. 
With more than 25 years’ experience in the Australian market, his career was shaped by humble beginnings in a family business and a hands-on experience through design, delivery and business leadership.
 He established Mijasu in 2019 as a parent company designed to acquire, integrate and scale high‑quality design practices within a unified operating model. 
In this interview, Jacob talks about the major emphasis of his company's focus - streamlining the back‑end of design businesses, simplifying systems, centralising shared services, and removing inefficiencies to create operational leverage and a platform for sustainable growth.