Brisbane, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is continuously evolving. As we look to the future, the importance of thoughtful and innovative design becomes paramount. Australian Institute of Architecture (AIA) CEO, Cameron Bruhn, led a discussion on how we can best design and build a lasting legacy in ‘Designing Now for the Future: Our Local Design Legacy’, a conversation that celebrates the city’s architectural achievements.
“Designing Now for the Future” is an invitation to all of us—architects, planners, builders, and citizens alike—to contribute to a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.
The panel featured a number of design experts:
- Troy Casey Managing Director, Blaklash (Kamilaroi) – Troy is passionate about harnessing economic opportunities to create positive social change for First Nations Australians. He combines his extensive community engagement experience spanning the government, not-for-profit and higher education sectors, with his curatorial practice, working collaboratively with communities to ensure First Nations voices are embedded across projects within public art, placemaking, and urban design.
- Sheree Taylor Commercial & Civil Construction, BlueScope Steel | President, NAWIC QLD – Sheree is a passionate, relationship orientated Sales & Marketing professional with 15 years experience in the Australian manufacturing and construction and architectural sectors.
- Liehan Janse van Rensburg Registered architect at Architectus Conrad Gargett, specializes in heritage conservation. He has contributed to multi-residential, commercial, health, and institutional projects. Active in professional organizations, he promotes diversity, supports parents, and champions international architects. Currently, he leads UN projects in Ethiopia and serves as EmAGN national President and AIA National Councillor.
- Adrian Taylor, Regenerative Practice Coordinator at BVN, offers data-driven environmental solutions via education and bespoke software. With over ten years in practice and academia, he advances digitally enabled design processes in generative design, robotic fabrication, virtual reality, and digital urban planning. Adrian aims to democratize technology to enhance the built environment.
- Moderated by Cameron Bruhn: Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Architects. He is a writer, editor, curator, and advocate for architecture. Formerly editorial director of Architecture Media, he co-directed key architecture events, edited notable publications, and initiated the Asia Pacific Architecture Forum. Cameron holds a PhD from RMIT University.