Session Partner: BlueScope
Session 4C (S4C)
When: 4:00pm–5:00pm, Saturday, 03 May
Where: Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre, University of Sydney
CPD: 1 Formal Points
Architecture has the power to influence not just the built environment but the way people perceive and engage with the world around them. In this session, HY William Chan and WA Government architect, Emma Williamson will explore how architects can lead public opinion by demonstrating the profession’s value beyond aesthetics — advocating for sustainability, public health, and resilience.
Drawing on their extensive experience, insights will be shared on using design to communicate broader social, economic, and cultural benefits. This session will highlight strategies to reposition architecture as a driving force in tackling climate challenges, fostering equity, and building public trust in the profession.
Speakers:
Emma Williamson, Government Architect, Western Australia
As the Government Architect of Western Australia, Emma provides independent, expert advice on significant projects and strategic planning to State Government, the Premier and Minister for Planning. As Chair of Western Australia’s State Design Review Panel, she plays a significant role in the design evaluation of major and city-changing projects.
Emma holds degrees in Architecture and Interior Design and has nearly 30 years’ experience in practice. As an advocate for social issues related to the profession, she was awarded the RAIA Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects. Emma is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University and co-founded award-winning practices TheFulcrum.Agency and CODA Studio.
A/Prof H.Y. William Chan
Adjunct Associate Professor HY William Chan is an architect and emeritus councillor innovating at the intersection of city-making and policy-making. William is the youngest-ever politician elected to the governing team in Sydney City Hall’s 180-year history. He has served three terms as Representative of the Lord Mayor and Council Committees’ Chair responsible for leading the environment, planning, heritage, transport, cultural and creative civic portfolios.
A professor of practice at the UTS School of Architecture, William has shaped some of Australia’s most significant public spaces, affordable housing, transit systems and community infrastructure over the past decade. Bridging local community impact with global cities diplomacy, he is the co-founder of Climate Action Week Sydney and Head of Delegation to the UN General Assemblies and COP Climate Negotiations. William is recognised with distinguished appointments from the Global Covenant of Mayors, Harvard’s Bloomberg CityLab, Columbia’s Center for Sustainable Urban Development and the World Economic Forum for public leadership.
Geoffrey Turnbull
Geoffrey Turnbull is the spokesperson for REDWatch, a group established in 2004 to monitor government interventions in the inner Sydney suburbs of Redfern, Eveleigh, Darlington and Waterloo (REDW), the area covered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA). Geoff was a community member on the RWA’s Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Committee and its Heritage Taskforce.
A sociologist by training, Geoff worked in NGOs and private business before retirement. He plays a coordinating role in the Waterloo Human Services Collaborative focused on public housing tenant issues around that redevelopment. People and place come together in his interest in the Health and Social impacts of development.
www.facebook.com/RedfernEveleighDarlingtonWaterlooWatch
www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-turnbull-37244761
Jocelyn Chiew
Jocelyn Chiew is an architect, landscape architect and experienced leader in place curation, community engagement and public space design. Formerly Director City Design at City of Melbourne and Manager Campus Design and Planning at Monash University, Jocelyn’s expertise spans policy, strategy, implementation and advocacy. Her leadership has produced innovative teams and projects, as recognised through awards, publications and appointments. She has advised state-significant proposals, design competitions and university boards, and is a former Nationally Elected Councillor of the Institute. Jocelyn is a committed advocate for the value of design excellence and inclusive design.
www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynchiew
Michelle Tabet
Michelle Tabet is the Director and Founder of Left Bankj Co.
With 15+ years of experience and a rigorous evidence-led process, Michelle empowers urban leaders to consider the long-term impact of the decisions they are making today. Michelle believes we can do better with our cities.
Sheis a champion of the cultural development of cities and is passionate about generational legacy. She has been involved in the development of several leading creative and cultural policies in NSW and in Victoria that relied on strong data and global benchmarking to make actionable and ambitious recommendations for her clients.
Image: Quay Quarter Tower | 3XN | Photographer: Adam Mork
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
