When done well, competitions can be powerful vehicles for innovation and the creation of exceptional architecture. However, many architects find themselves grappling with opaque processes, disingenuous briefs, limited budgets, onerous deliverables, and little protection against intellectual theft - all for projects that may never be realised.
In this episode of Design Speaks Weekly, director of architectural studio Durbach Block Jaggers Camilla Block tackles the state of architecture competitions in Australia, and asks: are they still working as intended? Reflecting on their history, their evolution and their impact on the profession, Camilla considers what an ideal future for the architectural competition system might entail.
Camilla will be addressing the issue at ArchitectureAu Asks in Canberra on Friday 7 November 2025, where she'll ask a group of industry leaders, including John Wardle, Kerry Clare and Sue Dugdale, to respond to the provocation: "The competition system is under scrutiny - how could it be better?"
Design Speaks Weekly is presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects and with support from Lysaght. A fresh episode will be delivered every Tuesday. You can listen to it on major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and Pocket Casts.
To find out more about the upcoming ArchitectureAu Asks event, visit the Design Speaks website.
