In this episode, Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore speak with Paul Boyce, Director of Tridente Boyce Design Studio and Chair of the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia. With decades of experience in Adelaide, Melbourne, and London, Paul reflects on a career spanning master planning, urban design, and architectural practice, alongside his role as a mentor and national convenor shaping standards in the profession.

Our conversation explores what it truly means to be an architect, balancing the pragmatic responsibilities of regulation and professional standards with the creative act of designing spaces that endure. Paul shares insights on the value of programming, form, and spatial quality, the role of architects as guardians of the built environment, and how evolving business models and technology demand new ways of thinking. He also discusses the responsibilities of registration, the importance of sharing knowledge across generations, and how architects can ensure their work continues to serve communities, protect the environment, and provide meaning beyond immediate needs.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Nhi Trinh and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore speak with Dutch-born, Australian-based designer, artist, and environmental activist Joost Bakker about his pioneering work in sustainability, zero waste design, and the circular economy. While not a registered architect, Joost is known for groundbreaking projects such as Greenhouse by Joost, Silo, and the Future Food System at Melbourne’s Fed Square, Joost shares how his upbringing in the Netherlands and later life in Australia shaped his philosophy of designing self-sufficient ecosystems that produce their own energy, water, and food.

Joost discusses why “waste” is a recent human-made phenomenon, exploring how industrialisation disrupted the closed-loop systems humans shared with nature for millennia. He reflects on his commitment to using unconventional materials, like cork, hemp, and magnesium-oxide boards, and the criteria he applies to ensure every material choice aligns with circular economy principles. The conversation also delves into the challenges and breakthroughs of delivering his zero-waste projects, from navigating regulatory barriers to working with unlikely partners to raise industry standards.

Looking ahead, Joost shares his optimism for a future where circular design becomes mainstream, powered by the demands of younger generations for meaningful climate action. He offers advice for emerging architects and designers on integrating sustainability into their practice and reflects on his own collaborative approach, bringing together experts, manufacturers, growers, and chefs to reimagine the built environment. This is an inspiring deep dive into a career built on the belief that beauty, innovation, and environmental responsibility can, and must, coexist.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, hosts Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore speak with Jo Bastian, founder of Bastian Architecture, about the rewards and realities of running a sole architectural practice in regional NSW. Jo shares candid insights into balancing parenting with running a business, navigating the limitations and freedoms of being a sole practitioner, and building a portfolio that reflects her values of sustainability, connection to landscape and Country, flexibility, playfulness, and respect for client budgets.

Jo discusses the gradual process of curating work that truly represents her design ethos, highlighting projects such as Olive Tree House, Gum Tree House, and The Balcony. Each illustrates her approach to creating adaptable, character-filled spaces that connect people to place.

The conversation moves into the dynamics of practising in regional NSW, retaining strong links to larger cities, staying engaged through professional memberships, advocating for regional architects, and collaborating with local councils, trades, certifiers, and builders. Jo also explores the opportunities and constraints of urban infill, drawing on Olive Tree House as a case study in small-lot living that fosters community and street engagement, made possible by Newcastle Council’s progressive subdivision provisions.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Megan Eiman and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.