ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Joel Robinson

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> is down to the final Canopy Villa release at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara, as construction continues on the 59-residence gated community positioned above 100 hectares of natural savanna on the Gold Coast.

The remaining Canopy Villa forms part of one of four collections within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>-designed community and has attracted interest from buyers seeking larger-format homes that combine privacy, security and low-maintenance living. Positioned within a private cul-de-sac and facing a protected black she oak forest, the four-bedroom villa includes a large private outdoor area suited to pet owners and families wanting more flexible space.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a>, located at 17 Baltimore Court, comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom villas across the Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview collections. Prices currently range from $1.455 million to $1.895 million, with the final Canopy Villa priced from $1.825 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360477]

The Canopy Collection villas offer four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and approximately 245 sqm of internal space, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. Expansive glazing, open-plan living spaces and private balconies have been designed to maximise natural light and outlooks toward the surrounding savanna landscape.

Construction is now underway across the fully funded development, which VentureCrowd says has become an increasingly important consideration for buyers assessing off-the-plan opportunities on the Gold Coast. The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, which has operated in South East Queensland since 1993 and delivered more than 1,000 homes across the region.

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting previously said the project responds to changing buyer priorities in the prestige Gold Coast market.

“Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Whitting said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360505]

The buyer profile at Cumulus has reflected that shift toward owner-occupier-driven demand. Stuart Towns and Tracey Loynes recently purchased a Canopy Villa, drawn to both the lifestyle offering and the flexibility the home provided for their next stage of living together.

The couple, who met three years ago, sold their Robina home earlier this year after identifying what they saw as strong long-term investment potential at Cumulus while remaining within the same Gold Coast market. The villa’s private backyard was a major drawcard for their dog Luna, while proximity to golf courses including Emerald Lakes also aligned with their lifestyle interests.

Beyond the residences themselves, the community has been planned around shared lifestyle and recreation amenities. The Infinity Terrace will include a 20-metre heated pool, barbecue facilities, alfresco dining spaces and elevated retreat areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. Walking trails, a private nature reserve, orchard and herb garden are also integrated into the masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360473]

BDA Architecture Director Darren Greenaway said the design approach was heavily influenced by the site’s outlook and secluded setting.

The practice sought to create what Greenaway described as a “little piece of paradise,” drawing inspiration from the elevated views, surrounding greenery and quiet location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a> continues to attract buyers seeking larger homes within proximity to the coast but without direct beachfront pricing. Cumulus sits within easy reach of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and the M1, providing connections north to Brisbane and south toward the Gold Coast Airport and northern New South Wales.

The first stage of Cumulus Grand Villas is targeting completion in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Waverley Council has made a call that many councils have been reluctant to make publicly. Growth is coming, regardless of who controls it.

The release of the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan is less about whether the Eastern Suburbs’ primary centre will change, and more about how that change is shaped, funded, and ultimately experienced on the ground. Waverley Council has released a 100-page plan which is effectively the first comprehensive blueprint for Bondi Junction in over two decades, and in doing so, signals a clear shift in how councils are positioning themselves in the current planning environment.

For the past 18 months, the conversation across New South Wales has been dominated by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms and the emergence of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway. Both have created faster, more centralised avenues for development approvals, particularly in well-located, infrastructure-rich areas like Bondi Junction.

Waverley Council’s response has been to move early, and decisively.

Rather than react to individual proposals as they come through the HDA or broader State-led reforms, Council has sought to establish a clear, place-based framework that sets the terms for how Bondi Junction evolves. The underlying position is relatively straightforward: if densification is inevitable, it should be tied to infrastructure, public domain improvements, and a cohesive vision for the centre, not delivered piecemeal through ad hoc applications.

<img alt="bondi junction" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1f729c-ed99-4c6c-bf87-ffbce6991941" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-19%20at%209.58.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ULX4OlXKjeJ5BvNCNGL86evgXCjCfMih" />

At its core, the document is attempting to reposition Bondi Junction from what it largely functions as today, a transport interchange anchored by a major retail centre, into something far more layered. The ambition is to transform it into what the plan describes as the “civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East,” a place that is active beyond commuting hours and capable of supporting a broader mix of uses, experiences and communities.

That repositioning is built around four key ambitions.

The first is to create a true destination. Bondi Junction already attracts significant foot traffic, with more than 86,000 daily transport users and millions of annual retail visits, but much of that activity is transient. People pass through, rather than stay.

The Master Plan seeks to change that dynamic. It leans heavily into the idea of an “18-hour economy,” extending activity well beyond traditional retail hours through dining, cultural programming, events, and a more active night-time offering. This is not just about adding more hospitality venues, but about fundamentally shifting how the centre operates, from a daytime shopping destination to a place that functions across the full span of the day and into the evening.

Oxford Street Mall sits at the centre of that shift.

Long seen as underperforming relative to its potential, the Mall is identified as one of the key catalyst projects in the plan. It is to be reimagined as a day-to-night spine, combining retail, dining, wellness and cultural uses in a way that creates a continuous flow of activity. Outdoor dining, rooftop venues, laneway activation and a curated events program are all part of the strategy, alongside significant public domain upgrades that aim to improve comfort, safety and usability.

&nbsp;

The second ambition is to transform Bondi Junction into a world-class interchange.

Despite being one of the most heavily used transport nodes in Sydney, the current experience is fragmented. Connections between the station, Westfield, Oxford Street Mall and surrounding streets are often unclear, and major roads create physical barriers that disrupt pedestrian movement.

The Master Plan proposes a more seamless, people-focused network. That includes clearer pedestrian links, improved wayfinding, better integration between transport modes, and a rethinking of how arrival into the centre is experienced. The aim is to shift the perception of Bondi Junction from a place people move through, to a place they arrive in.

The third ambition focuses on greening and open space.

One of the more consistent pieces of community feedback throughout the Vision phase was the need for more greenery, better public spaces, and a more comfortable urban environment. Despite being surrounded by major parks, Bondi Junction itself has relatively limited accessible open space, with much of the public realm dominated by hard surfaces and traffic infrastructure.

The plan responds with a network of new and upgraded public spaces, increased tree canopy, and what it terms the “Parkline,” a green link connecting Waverley Park through to Centennial Park. This is not just about aesthetics. It is about addressing heat, improving liveability, and ensuring that increased density is matched by access to high-quality outdoor space.

The fourth ambition is perhaps the most important from a development perspective: growth that gives back.

Bondi Junction is already the primary location for new housing supply in the Waverley LGA, and that is expected to continue. The area carries a target of 2,400 new dwellings by 2029, with further growth projected beyond that as demand for well-located housing continues to rise. The Master Plan does not seek to limit that growth. Instead, it attempts to shape it.

New housing is to be concentrated around transport, with stepped building heights designed to protect the character of surrounding neighbourhoods. At the same time, the plan introduces a more explicit link between development uplift and public benefit. This is where value capture becomes central.

The document outlines a framework where increased development potential is tied to contributions that fund public domain improvements, community infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. It is an approach that recognises that much of the transformation of Bondi Junction will be delivered by the private sector, but seeks to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared more broadly. The Civic Precinct is a key part of that equation.

Leveraging Council-owned land, the plan proposes a consolidated civic and cultural hub centred around Ebley Street. This would include new community facilities, cultural spaces, and potentially a new Council Chambers, creating a focal point for civic life that currently does not exist in Bondi Junction at scale.

It is one of several catalyst projects identified in the Master Plan, alongside the Oxford Street Mall transformation. These projects are intended to anchor change, acting as early interventions that unlock broader investment across the precinct.

Importantly, the Master Plan is not just a design document. It includes a delivery framework that sets out how these ambitions are intended to be realised.

Council is explicit in acknowledging that it cannot deliver the transformation alone. Implementation will require coordination between State agencies, private developers, landowners and the community, with a mix of planning agreements, infrastructure contributions and direct delivery mechanisms used to fund and stage improvements over time.

The plan outlines a mix of short-term, medium-term and long-term actions, from immediate public domain upgrades and planning controls, through to larger-scale projects that will unfold over the next decade or more. In practical terms, the next 12 to 24 months will be the most important.

This is when the Master Plan will move through exhibition, refinement and eventual adoption. It is also the period in which Council will seek to embed the framework into its planning controls, giving it weight in the assessment of future development applications.

Council officers have indicated that once the Master Plan is in place, it could be used as a benchmark when assessing Housing Delivery Authority proposals, and potentially reduce the need for further HDA declarations within Bondi Junction. In effect, it is an attempt to bring planning control back to the local level, while still aligning with State housing targets.

That tension between State-led reform and local planning control is not unique to Waverley. It is playing out across Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If delivered as intended, Bondi Junction will become denser, more active, and more complex. It will support more residents, more workers, and a wider range of uses, extending beyond its current retail core into a more layered urban environment.

“The civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East”: Bondi Junction masterplan revealed

Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

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.

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/630651273&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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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>.
</body></html>

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.

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<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'.

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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.

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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.

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<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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New townhouses

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