The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

DesignBUILD 2019

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Day three was the third and final day of the DesignBUILD conference, and many ideas were raised surrounding the future of design and how architecture, engineering and construction industries are changing.

Key points covered:

<ul>
<li>Future technology in the built environment</li>
	<li>Industry changes</li>
	<li>Designing healthier cities</li>
</ul>
<div class="rtecenter">RELATED ARTICLES</div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/designbuild-coverage-wrap-up-of-day-one">DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY ONE</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/designbuild-coverage-wrap-up-of-day-two">DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY TWO</a></div>

<h2> </h2>

<h2>NANDO MOGOLLON FROM CENTRAL INNOVATION</h2>

With the rise of technological advancements at the forefront of conversation, architect and technology consultant Nando Mogollon (Central Innovation) explored some of the key drivers behind technological advancement within the design arena. Mogollon focused primarily on trends behind generative design, artificial intelligence/machine learning and BIM (Building Information Modelling) and where the future of architecture, engineering and construction technology is going and how data can be used effectively.

<h2>PROFESSOR ANDREW HARRIS FROM LAING O’ROURKE</h2>

Professor Andrew Harris expanded on the discussion of future technology including how industries are changing. He also commented on the advancements in robotics, big data, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and intelligent infrastructure.

<h2>KOICHI TAKADA FROM KOICHI TAKADA ARCHITECTS</h2>

To conclude the annual event, Koichi Takada gave one of the final talks and covered the role of architects in naturalising cities – both nationally and globally.

Koichi Takada encouraged discussion as to how designs can be made healthier, more “human”, respectful of heritage, unique and complementary of their surroundings.

He raised the question, “Why shouldn’t Australia be the greenest country in the world?”

Do you think Australia is on track to becoming one of the world's greenest cities? Let us know in the comments.
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Olivia Round

DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY THREE

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This week Olivia is joined by Kate Harris, CEO of Good Environmental Choice Australia. Kate discusses the importance of transparency in supply chains, digital documentation of materials used in construction and more.

Note: The podcast was recorded prior to Kate's DesignBUILD seminar, which has now passed.

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Podcast - Episode 52: GECA CEO Kate Harris

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The highly anticipated DesignBUILD expo began on Tuesday, so here's a wrap up of what was discussed over the course of the day.

Key points covered:

<ul>
<li>Compliance and procurement</li>
	<li>Modern slavery</li>
	<li>Planning for a big Australia</li>
</ul>
<div class="rtecenter">RELATED ARTICLES</div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/designbuild-coverage-wrap-up-of-day-two">DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY TWO</a></div>

<div class="rtecenter"><a href="/news/designbuild-coverage-wrap-up-of-day-three">DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY THREE</a></div>

<h2> </h2>

<h2>Richard Choy from NATSPEC</h2>

Richard Choy kicked off the expo with a talk about construction quality and productivity, as well as the importance of documentation to avoid the use of non-compliant materials.

Choy also noted that the National Construction Code has already had 100 clause changes and 28 standards changes – meaning the industry must be knowledgeable of the constantly adapting continuum of building regulation, and not only choose compliant products, but also install them in a compliant manner.

<h2>Nicole Thompson from Edge Environment</h2>

Later in the morning, Nicole Thompson reiterated Richard Choy’s sentiment regarding the importance of good documentation to identify modern slavery risks within the supply chain. Thompson gave insight into how businesses can ensure they comply with regulations.

<h2>Francesca Muskovic from Property Council of Australia</h2>

Continuing the talk of modern slavery – Francesca Muskovic added that 'modern slavery' in the supply chain can be overcome with industry collaboration, sector-specific initiatives, procurement policies and innovative use of technology.

<h2>Collectivity Talks (panel)</h2>

The panel of industry experts discussed planning for big Australia and focused on the potential of three CBDs in central Sydney.

Rob Mirams of Fender Katsalidis (who was a featured panel member) explained the importance of cultural institutions in the emergence of new cities. Rob also elaborated on the idea of the creation of connectivity through mixed-used, high-density developments.

<h2>Craig Allchin from the University of Technology Sydney</h2>

Craig Allchin discussed the idea of shifting from ‘master planning’ to adopting a framework which reflects the change in modern society and focuses on interconnected communities.

For more information and to check out the DesignBUILD speaker line-up, <a href="http://designbuildexpo.com.au/speaker-series/">click here</a>.
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DesignBUILD coverage: Wrap-up of DAY ONE

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Australia’s largest design and construction exhibition DesignBUILD will open next week at Sydney’s ICC ­– a noteworthy event for industry professionals to gain insight into the future of Australia's built environment.

Whether you’re attending, or want to (<a href="https://register.designbuildexpo.com.au/DESIGNBUILD19S/index.php/">tickets here</a>), we’ve compiled a list of the stand-out events you won’t want to miss this year. <a href="http://register.designbuildexpo.com.au/DESIGNBUILD19S/index.php/">See here</a> for the full list of events. 

<h2 class="rtecenter">TUESDAY</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/designbuild_day_1_0090.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Credit: DesignBUILD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/designbuild_day_1_0090.jpg?itok=z5Bxi5MG" title="Credit: DesignBUILD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Credit: DesignBUILD</figcaption></figure>COLLECTIVITY TALKS

How can architects and urban planners plan for a big Australia?

When: Tuesday 14th May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 2-2:45

Headline speakers: Jake McCallum, News Corp, Craig Allchin, UTS, Karima Palafox, Urbis, David Tickle, Hassell and Mark Curzon, Fender Katsalidis

From talks of the possibility of three CBDs in Sydney to the future of transport, a panel of industry experts will share their thoughts about the future of Australian design.

<hr>
Could a Robot Build Your Next Project – Instead of You?

When: Tuesday 14 May

Where: BUILD Theatre

Time: 3:30-4:15pm

Headline speaker: Kylie Davis, Real Content

Kylie Davis from Real Content will take a look at how technology start-ups are changing the model of traditional real estate through automation of industry jobs.

<hr>
<h2 class="rtecenter">WEDNESDAY</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/designbuild_day_1_0096.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Credit: DesignBUILD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/designbuild_day_1_0096.jpg?itok=8t4rWN25" title="Credit: DesignBUILD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Credit: DesignBUILD</figcaption></figure>COLLECTIVITY TALKS

Are our cities smart enough? Exploring the connection between technology, sustainability and building resilience

When: Wednesday 15 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 10:30 - 11:15am

Headline speakers: Stephanie Stefanovic, Architecture &amp; Design, Lisa McLean, Open Cities, Davina Jackson, Dr Simone Zarpelon Leao, UNSW

The panel will discuss which global cities are leading the way in terms of sustainability, and how Australia's burgeoning smart cities are rapidly evolving as more innovative new-builds commence.

<hr>
Responsibility comes with accountability – the roles of designers in a reformed building regulatory model

When: Wednesday 15 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Times: 11 - 12:30pm

Headline speakers: Bronwyn Weir, Weir Legal and Consulting and Kath Walters, Dream Planet

Bronwyn Weir and Kath Walters discuss the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for architects, engineers and designers in Australia.

<hr>
Was it good for you too?

When: Wednesday 15 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 1 – 1:45pm

Headline speaker: David Green, Australian Insitute of Architects

‘Good design’ is commonly referred to in the world of architecture, but how do you truly define what good design is? David Green from the Australian Institute of Architects delves into the topic and introduces some insightful ways to identify 'good design'.

<hr>
Collectivity Talks: The rise of luxury in Australia’s built environment

When: Wednesday 15 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 2 - 2:45pm

Headline speakers: Jen Melocco, Editor, William Smart, Smart Design Studio and Michelle Ciesielski, Knight Frank Australia

<a href="/news/a-closer-look-at-melbournes-booming-hotel-sector">Melbourne's hotel industry is booming</a>, and the demand for luxury offerings continues to rise. Will this trend continue? Find out at the Collectivity Talks seminar.

<hr>
Materials matter – how to procure for people planet and profit

When: Wednesday 15 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 3 – 3:45pm

Headline speaker: Kate Harris

Health and Safety of construction workers and the wider community are one of the most important considerations when embarking on any project. Kate Harris explores the realm of human rights and human health considerations in construction and takes a closer look at ingredients in materials.

<hr>
<h2 class="rtecenter">THURSDAY</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1w8a2169.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Credit: DesignBUILD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1w8a2169.jpg?itok=Ddbq5f0X" title="Credit: DesignBUILD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Credit: DesignBUILD</figcaption></figure>Urban gardens and the importance of naturalising our cities

When: Thursday 16 May

Where: DESIGN Theatre

Time: 3 - 3:45pm

Headline speakers: David Green, Australian Institute of Architects and Koichi Takada, Koichi Takada Architects

Architect Koichi Takada follows the design philosophy that there is more to architecture than the creation of beautiful forms, and believes architecture should involve all of our senses. In this seminar, Koichi Takada explains the importance of neutralising urban areas to create more enjoyable habitable areas. 
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DesignBUILD 2019: Seminars you won't want to miss this year

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For over three decades, DesignBUILD has supported Australia’s architecture, building, construction and design communities, as the industry's only trade event dedicated to showcasing the latest in design and construction product and materials.

DesignBUILD is the largest design and construction trade exhibition in Australia, spanning the whole build process, with three dedicated zones showcasing products and materials across; Construction &amp; Building Materials, Interior Fixtures &amp; Finishes and Software &amp; Technology.

<a href="https://designbuildexpo.com.au/">DesignBUILD 2019</a> will be held at the ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour from the 14-16th May and in the lead up to the event Apartments.com.au caught up with Conference Producer Pia Argiratos to discuss what's on the agenda this year.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/pia-argiratos.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Conference Producer, Pia Argiratos."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/pia-argiratos.jpg?itok=3wdpmYgY" title="Conference Producer, Pia Argiratos." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>DesignBUILD Conference Producer, Pia Argiratos.</figcaption></figure>Apartments.com.au: The theme for the 2019 program is 'Setting the new standard'. Can you tell us more about this and what this years’ program will explore? 

Pia Argiratos: After many years of boom, the building industry is at a reflective time, as industry leaders call for big improvements in regulation, as well as better quality in our services and products. With the DesignBUILD program this year, we are exploring how both design and building can improve to produce a better outcome for everyone concerned, from the project team on site to the end user or client, as well as the environment and product manufacturers. We are 'taking stock' of the things that we can do better, to set a new standard for what all Australians can expect from the building assets they use every day.

U: DesignBUILD brings together architecture, building and design? What do you think are the key challenges and the key opportunities facing these interconnected industries in Australia? 

PA: The biggest opportunity for architecture, building and design is the multiplicity that is possible when we work together as a team and leverage one another's skill sets. We are creating opportunities in the education program for different industry tribes to come together and share ideas in a positive and constructive way. We want visitors to take away ideas they can try in their own work tomorrow that can improve how they work in cross-disciplinary teams and with clients.

The biggest challenge for the industry is actually making the cultural and process changes required to be more collaborative. Emerging technologies and new approaches that are more efficient and effective will change the game and the cost for those who won't adapt could be high indeed.

U: How is DesignBUILD this year addressing the issues on cladding and building compliance? 

PA: Cladding, product quality and compliance are all important topics on their own, however they are part of the bigger discussion on the allocation and management of responsibility in building. In this year's program, we are referencing the Shergold Weir Report and exploring what the recommendations mean for practitioners. We have sessions detailing what the report means for architecture and design but also a how we can engage regulators to take action in alignment with the report.

U: What should visitors expect to see at this year's DesignBUILD? Is there anything new in this year's program or exhibitors list? 

PA: The education program at DesignBUILD this year has topics to help visitors catch up on the big issues affecting their business and the broader built environment. We are also helping people take home information they can use now, with pragmatic sessions on topics including the new Modern Slavery Act and selecting building products, or how to choose between the difference product rating schemes, for the best result for your project. The program this year reflects the industry’s current challenges and highlights. The sessions will showcase a diverse speaker lineup encompassing experts in their fields who are keen to discuss and share their work, ideas and opinions with the industry.

U: What do you think the program highlights might be?

PA: I am excited about Koichi Takada's session on urban gardens and greening our cities, where he will also talk about some of his incredible projects in Australia and overseas. Another highlight is a session on PropTech which looks at the future and role of tech and pushes us to think 'what’s next'?

U: How have you put this year's speaker program together? 

PA: I work from the industry outwards, to try to build a program that’s interesting and beneficial to our visitors. We consult with industry associations, institutes and thought leaders to ask 'what do we need to be talking about 'and 'what do people want to talk about' to try to get a balance between feeding our visitors' intellectual curiosity but also presenting to them the topics that we all need to face as an industry, so we can move forward together. We have such a high-quality list of speakers this year, every session is going to be helpful to visitors so they will take away insight and ideas to help them in their work.
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DesignBUILD 2019

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