Principal, BVN
Kevin O’Brien is an architect, practising in Brisbane. He is a Principal at BVN, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and in 2022 was the Distinguished Visiting Professor at Portland State University in Oregon.
Kevin’s understanding of architecture is that it is the exception in the city. Where the project embodies the cultural and technical requirements as a matter of excellence. Grounding each project is a demonstration of a larger pursuit. Where an idea of Australia as a continental city, with its origin in Country to a future in technology, is a way into how we might design, build, and tell our stories.
Alongside architectural projects, Kevin frequently collaborates with performing and visual artists as part of his multi-disciplinary design practice. In 2024 he worked on the exhibition design for Kith and Kin by artist Archie Moore and curator Ellie Buttrose for the 2024 Venice Arts Biennale that was awarded the Golden Lion for national participation.
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.
