Australian Architecture Conference line up grows

The 2025 Australian Architecture Conference is approaching fast and anticipation builds with the announcement of more headline speakers. 

Indian architect Vinu Daniel will kick off the Conference with the prestigious UTZON Lecture on day one, presented in partnership with the University of New South Wales. 

On day two, Fatou Kiné Dieye and Harold Vermeiren will join an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Scott Duncan, Damian Madigan, Laura Harding, Andreia Teixeira, Neill McClements, and more.

Image: Chuzhi / Image by Syam Sreesylam

Their diverse expertise will bring fresh perspectives to this year’s discussions on Architecture in Action and the evolving role of architecture in shaping our world.

The Australian Architecture Conference will take place from 2-3 May in Sydney, with Day 1 hosted at the breathtaking Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, where five keynote speakers will set the stage with thought-provoking discussions on architecture’s profound influence on society, culture, and the environment. 

Day 2 will take place at the University of Sydney’s Seymour Centre, where a dynamic mix of speakers will lead interactive sessions, engaging panels, and deep dive into conversations on the future of design, resilience, and innovation. 2025’s program is set to focus on global and local imperatives, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, and housing equity, providing a platform for innovative strategies and forward-thinking solutions to shape a more adaptable and enduring future. 

Nine formal CPD points are available for architects on day one and day two at the 2025 Australian Architecture Conference. An additional 8 formal CPD points will also be available to delegates through the Conference’s Refuel partners who will offer online learning events in the weeks immediately following the conference.

Image: Gulmohar / Image by Fernando Alda Calvo

The new speakers include:

• Harold Vermeiren (Belgium), Partner, 51N4E: Harold Vermeiren is a Brussels-based architect at 51N4E. Harold's architectural ethos centres around a respect for the finer details: the way good design can have a big impact. Through an engagement in projects, programmes and the co-development of Acte, he's implemented these personal visions and enjoys combining it with those of others. 51N4E’s participation in the Conference is supported by Curtin University, the University of Western Australia and University of Notre Dame Australia.
   
• Fatou Kiné Dieye, (Rwanda): Independent Expert Consultant and Advisor Fatou Kiné Dieye is a built environment consultant specialising in facilitating Sub-Saharan Africa’s next generation of green and inclusive cities. Dieye is no stranger to working on large-scale, complex developments having been instrumental in delivering Swiss Cooperation’s construction industry transformation program for Africa’s Great Lakes Region.
   
• Vinu Daniel: He is the founder of Wallmakers – an Indian practice renowned for sustainable and cost-effective architecture. Wallmakers has over a decade of experience crafting eco-conscious projects and was named the only Indian practice in ArchDaily’s 20 Young Practices of 2020. They're also heralded for winning The Royal Academy Dorfman Award. Daniel is recognised for his unexpected use of materials and sensitivity to local contexts in his designs – a tribute to his global perspective on climate action and sustainable architecture.

Note that booking tickets before 4 April will save attendees 10%.

Image: 3-minute pavilion-photo by Oshin Mariam Varughese