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Our conversationalists for this episode are architect Katerina Dracopoulos and landscape architect Simone Bliss. Katerina is a director of Brisbane practice Fulton Trotter and Simone is founder and director of Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, based in Launceston and Melbourne. The lively discussion explores the delights of discovering places, both new and familiar – Simone had recently moved to Launceston at the time of the conversation, while Katerina talks of the pleasure she found in her home town of Brisbane after returning from working overseas for a decade. The conversation is full of humour and serious commitment to quality, professional integrity and the meaningful contributions that can be made through design. We also find out where they would go on a blind date – a small Greek island with delicious food anyone? This Salon was recorded live on Zoom in Spring 2021. Organised by Ali McFadyen and Emma Healy, it was supported by then Parlour Partner AWS.  We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Lee Syminton and Rachel Tindall. Lee is a Senior Lecturer, and Rachel a Lecturer in Architecture at Curtin University. Rachel describes her childhood moving around Mount Lawley, growing up amid a long-term house renovation – “I loved it, I love the smell of concrete” – and her extreme shyness as a child. Lee recalls her early years in Zimbabwe, the shock of moving to Perth, and later being encouraged to pursue architecture rather than art. They discuss practice and the gradual moves into teaching and research. We are treated to an extended discussion of their (very different) PhD topics and findings, the experiences of learning new modes of thinking and disciplinary languages, and how all of this combines with busy personal and professional lives.  Both emphasise the importance of supporting women, and reflect on the 'legs up' extended to them over the course of their careers. This episode was recorded live on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country at the Perth Winter Salon on 21 August 2025. Hosted by Curtin University and convened by Suzie Hunt, it was a collaboration with #WorkWomenWisdom. Photos: Dan McBride We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are friends and one-time colleagues Lily Pepper and Angela Chua. At the time of the recording Angela was a graduate of architecture at ARUP, and Lily a graduate of architecture at Wallace Brice. Lily also now hosts the Seasonal Salons in Brisbane, and this conversation helped introduced her to the Parlour community. Committed to the potential of the profession, Angela and Lily also articulately resist its more problematic mythologies and habits. In this episode they speak of their growing confidence as ‘emerging practitioners’, their will to shape positive professional futures from the grassroots, and where and how graduates can find leverage and impact. Angela talks of digging her heels in to find opportunity, balancing work and study, and having to “grow up quickly”. Lily describes the challenge of finding her way into the profession after the arrival of COVID-19, and the surprising bureaucratic complexities of practice. She highlights her work on the Resilient Homes Flood Program as a formative experience that demonstrated how small, practical interventions can produce meaningful community outcomes. Together they discuss the changes they want to see – breaking down hierarchies and more collaborative approaches. They canvas the problematic framing of architecture as a ‘passion’ and the unhelpful behaviours that flow from this. They describe environments in which graduates mentor and learn from each other, and the potential of more sustainable and rewarding models of architectural practice. This is a hopeful conversation with two of our profession’s bright sparks! This episode was recorded live on Yuggerah and Turrbal Country at the 2024 Brisbane Spring Salon. Held at the Brickworks Design Studio on 7 November 2024, it was convened by Justine Clark. Photos: Alanna McTiernan.  We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Dani Martin, Director of Projects and Growth at Open Architecture Studio; and Geraldine Dawson, who at the time of the recording was a senior project architect at Plus studio. She is now a senior architect at BSPN Architecture. Geri starts off by joking that “architecture is a disease in our family”. She grew up with a builder father and architect brother, "and it doesn’t stop there.” In contrast, Dani didn’t know any architects – or even anyone who went to uni. Having been told drafting was “for boys”, she dug her heels in and went into architecture anyway. Their conversation canvases Dani's peripatetic early life, her 18 years in a single practice in Perth, and the sudden decision to move to Brisbane to continue to learn and grow (and finding she had to prove herself all over again!). Geri's career has involved working in a wide range of Brisbane practices, and she speaks in moving detail about her favourite project, the Hummingbird House children's hospice. Dani prompts Geri to reflect on how becoming a parent has changed the way she thinks about the built environment, and the impacts of parenting on her working life. They discuss the importance of flexibility, with Dani reflecting on her role as an employer, commenting that “you want the right person for the job. This matters much more than how many hours they can work.” They chat about their shared experience of a fantastic mentor, the importance of women in leadership roles and their ongoing work to address bias and improve the profession for others. This episode was recorded live on Yuggerah and Turrbal Country at the 2025 Brisbane Winter Salon. Held at the Brickworks Design Studio on 30 July 2025, it was convened by Lily Pepper. Photos: Alanna McTiernan.  We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Zoe King, a Director at Cox Architecture, and Miranda Spencer an architect at Design Inc. They share candid insights into their career journeys, leadership experiences, and the realities of balancing work with parenthood. They describe learning to manage teams, navigating business development and taking on the financial responsibilities of running a practice. Parenthood introduced another layer of complexity. Both speakers describe the emotional and logistical challenges of becoming, and being parents – from surrogacy to sleep deprivation, building connection and solidarity through ArchiBubs, parental rights and to returning to work. They emphasise the importance of having supportive partners, flexible workplaces and inclusive parental leave policies.  This episode was recorded live on Kaurna Country at the 2024 Adelaide Winter Salon. Held at Brickworks on 30 May 2024, the Salon was organised by Alison McFadyen. Photos: Benjamin Lieu. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Mia Larsen, a architecture student currently studying a Master of Architecture at the University of Tasmania and has hands-on experience in bamboo and earth building. Rosie Shield is a Manager, Project Leader, Engagement + Content Developer across Designful Studio and Homeful by Designful This conversation offers a thoughtful, grounded look at what’s possible when we build with intention, innovation and with sustainability in mind. Mia and Rosie discuss the barriers and breakthroughs in introducing natural and regenerative materials, like hempcrete and rammed earth. They reflect on the importance of aligning building practices with ecological principles, and explore how community-driven projects can create  sustainable buildings and more engaged and empowered communities. This episode was recorded live on Kanamaluka Country at the 2025 Launceston Summer Salon. Held at Brickworks on 13 March 2025, the Salon was held in collaboration with The Finlay Project and convened by Helen Norrie. Photos: Bruce Moyle We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Justine Ebzery, a director at Fulton Trotter Architects and Romina Richardson a senior associate at Architectus Conrad Gargett.  In this episode, Justine and Romina share practical insights into navigating the profession, stepping into leadership, and balancing ambition, career and parenthood. They reflect on the critical role that communication, empathy and trust play when engaging with stakeholders and leading successful, collaborative teams. Justine and Romina touch on the future of the industry, including the inevitable impact of AI, and acknowledge that women still face significant barriers in ownership and leadership. They highlight the persistent gender gap in architecture practice ownership, explore its causes, and share advice for architects pursuing the pathway to ownership. Generous, candid and packed with good advice. Well worth a listen. This episode was recorded live on Yuggerah and Turrbal Country at the 2024 Brisbane Spring Salon. Held at the Brickworks Design Studio on 7 November 2024, it was convened by Justine Clark. Photos: Alanna McTiernan. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Jenny Newman and Rebecca Boland. Jenny has over 25 years’ experience in architecture and planning, including 15 years serving on State and Local Government planning panels in South Australia. She is currently a Senior Associate at Swanbury Penglase Architects.  Rebecca Boland works for Studio Nine Architects and became a registered architect in the same week of the Salon. Rebecca’s interest in the housing affordability crisis specifically for displaced women, led to her receiving the Peter Corrigan Memorial Medal and an honourable mention in the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work for her public housing concept design ‘Lost Property’. With candour and generosity, Rebecca and Jenny share their circuitous paths to working in architecture in Adelaide and the professional experiences that have enriched their work. Rebecca is grateful for her unconventional path into architecture and says she wouldn’t change a thing. Jenny describes the arduous process of getting registered in Australia again after realising her UK registration was not transferable (at the time). The setback merely increased her drive to progress, take on fresh challenges, and “say yes to everything”.  Topics range from AI and the rapid pace of technological change to the progress women have made in the industry, the challenges of being the only woman in the room, and the importance of collaboration and mutual support.  This episode was recorded live on Kaurna Country at the 2025 Adelaide Winter Salon. Held at the Australian Institute of Architect on 19 June 2025, the Salon was organised by Alison McFadyen. Photos: Benjamin Lieu. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this first ever Newcastle Salon are Natalie Galea and Sam Spurr. Sam is Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Newcastle. Natalie is an expert in gender justice and human rights in the construction sector and human rights in elite sport.  Sam and Nat dubbed their wide-ranging, entertaining conversation as speed dating but longer (and with an audience). They discuss their careers, the powerful influences in their lives and the appealing "tempo of Newcastle". Nat explores her shift from construction project management work in the Middle East (where she was always the only woman in the room) to a PhD and focus on social justice. She spoke of the privilege of "holding truth to power" and her research on the effects of the intense male breadwinner model in construction (with its "diabolical" hours and impacts on their health, their families and wider society). Sam critiques the narrow view of excellence in architecture – the super competitive "keep going, do more all-nighters, work harder, bleed on your projects" approach – and calls for more innovation, listening, collaboration and ethical drive. She discusses the need for "muscular hope" in the face of a daunting future  – "hope with the sleeves rolled up". It was a rich, generous conversation.  This episode was recorded live on Awabakal and Worimi Country at the 2024 Newcastle Winter Salon. Held at the University of Newcastle on 9th August 2024, the Salon was organised by Justine Clark. Photos: Roni Bintang. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Alexandra Lawlor and Felicity Stewart. Alex is an Associate Principal and new Studio Leader for  Architectus Canberra office. Born and raised in Canberra, Felicity leads the Stewart Architecture Sydney studio and manages projects in Canberra, Sydney and broader NSW.  This rich conversation is full of career reflections, sharp insights and wise-cracking anecdotes. Alex and Felicity share stories and observations about Canberra, from its architectural heritage and vibrant (but often hidden) cultural life to its surplus of sprawling, ambiguous spaces and festering rabbit population (“Watership down” in the city). They explore the big picture of architecture and urban design, and their shared fascination with scale, density and inclusiveness in cities. Their discussion spans non-linear career paths, travel and global perspectives, the benefits of working alongside government decision-makers, and the critical role of publicly owned public spaces in the centre of our cities. This episode was recorded live on Ngunnawal Country at the 2025 Canberra Autumn Salon on 6 March. The Salon was hosted by Stewart Architecture with support from Brickworks. Photos: Andrew Campbell. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Sharon Mackay and Wei Hsu. Sharon is a Director at JPE Design Studio, a role she took up following extensive experience in government and policy roles, and in communicating architecture and design to broad public audiences. Wei is an architect at Phillips/Pilkington Architects, and a huge stalwart of the Adelaide Salons.   A “child of the 70s”, Sharon spent her formative years building resilience in the country surrounded by nature. Drawn to landscape architecture, she found her people, passion for sustainability and environmental protests at RMIT. Wei describes her early but short-lived career as a photographer before discovering design and architecture. Her love for details and composition remain.  In this generous, wide-ranging conversation, Sharon and Wei discuss the strength to be found in standing up for yourself, following your instincts (in architecture and life), taking risks, and being curious. They offer wise observations on work and career – from a commitment to lifelong learning, to the power in building networks and listening to as many different perspectives as possible. Their advice to others? Get out and about, meet people, expand your horizons. Have a go at something new, take risks, don’t be afraid. Make the dining table, take the trip, take the risk. This episode was recorded live on Kaurna Country at the 2025 Adelaide Autumn Salon. Held at Brickworks Design Studio on 27 March 2025, the Salon was organised by Alison McFadyen. Photos: Shaun Li. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Lucy Burke Smith, a heritage expert and Associate Partner at Purcell, and Gabrielle Phillips, a project architect at Taylor and Hinds Architects. Their conversation was open, generous and wide-ranging, discussing everything from early mentors and influences to lessons learned, the transformative nature of travel, and the joys of living and working in Tasmania. Lucy shares her path from studying in Launceston and Melbourne to working in Hobart and London, emphasising the value of travel and diverse experiences. Gabby reflects on her determination to pursue architecture and the impact of her gap year. This episode was recorded live on Muwinina Country at the 2025 Hobart Summer Salon. Held at Brickworks Design Studio on 30 January 2025, it was convened by Nicky Adams and held in collaboration with the Findlay Project. Photos: Nina Hamilton. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Kavita Gonsalves and Tanya Golitschenko. Tanya is a principal at Hassell and recipient of the 2022 Queensland Emerging Architect Prize. Kavita is the Sustainability Design Lead – APAC at Populous. Both care deeply about good leadership, advocacy and mentorship. In this open and generous discussion, Kavita describes her nomadic life, studying and working her way around the world, from Bahrain to India, Scotland and Finland, to Brisbane. Constant movement has required constant adaptation and new network creation. Building supportive networks in practice, the profession and in life is a theme that resonates for Tanya.  Our speakers trade tales of poor leadership and behaviour in practice and beyond. They call for more collaboration and inclusion in meeting rooms, and fewer power plays, egos and emotional outbursts. Both seek a kinder, more empathetic and supportive way. “It doesn’t need to be hard and it doesn’t need to be a struggle. We shouldn’t have to fight. We shouldn’t have to prove ourselves. Everyone in the room has something valuable to add. I hope I’m making the space for people to be who they are without feeling like they’re limited by their gender or whatever. I think I’m just always looking for opportunities to make things better.”—Tanya Golitschenko A conversation that unpacks the challenges and struggles of the profession ends with optimism and hope, with Tanya and Kavita both outlining ambitious plans for the future. This episode was recorded live on Yuggerah and Turrbal Country at the 2025 Brisbane Autumn Salon. Held at the Brickworks Design Studio on 30 April 2025, it was convened by Lily Pepper. Photos: Alanna McTiernan. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Iranian born Parisa Izadpanahi and Koosha Saririan. Parisa is an Associate Professor and the Architecture Course Leader and Coordinator at Curtin University. Koosha is a registered architect and Project Planning Manager at Curtin. Parisa and her husband made their “dramatic move” to Australia after she was awarded a full scholarship from Deakin University to study the impact of sustainable school design on children’s attitude and behaviours. Koosha moved to Perth with their family when they were 18, attracted to study architecture for its intersection of art and science. After a two-year stint in Iran from 2022 to be part of the Women Life Freedom movement, they recently moved back to Perth and took up a position on the client side at Curtin. Parisa reminisces about her time at Tehran University as a young, energetic and provocative architecture student with an interest in feminism and a fascination with Simone de Beauvoir’s Second Sex. Koosha describes how they come from a long line of powerful women and sensitive men – an important part of their identity. Parisa and Koosha share their experiences of being underestimated in both Iran and Australia, and the power of self-belief in changing others’ perceptions. Koosha advises to carry yourself with confidence and explains how dropping a swear word or two on site can help. Parisa examines the way the meaning of equity has evolved for her over the last 20 years, while Koosha discusses the multiple things to consider when discussing equity. “Coming from Iran and being in the construction industry, feminism and activism and social justice have always been a backbone for me – and transectional feminism is very interesting to me. It comes down to a few factors. It’s not just your gender. It comes down to your sexual orientation, your race, your ability as well... So, in terms of equity there are so many things to consider.”—Koosha Saririan Other topics in this episode include the future of architecture, the need to make architecture more accessible and affordable to more people, the potential of AI to help underserved communities at times of disaster or war, and the need for hope and optimism in a complex world. This episode was recorded live on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country at the 2024 Perth Winter Salon. Held at the AIA WA Chapter Office on 12 September 2024, it was convened by Suzie Hunt and  run in collaboration with #WorkWomenWisdom . Photos: Kate Drennan. We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!

Our conversationalists for this episode are Rana Mohamed and Julia Bell. New to Tasmania at the time of this conversation in early 2024, Dr Rana Mohamed is an architect and interior designer from Egypt with a PhD in sustainability.  Julia Bell is Director of Urban Design at Urbis. Julia started out as a town planner working for a local council in Victoria but she “desperately wanted design in my life”, so went on to study urban design in the UK. Rana and Julia discuss the benefits of studying abroad, the importance of educating clients about sustainability and embodied carbon, and how to exert influence and change people’s minds. Their conversation moves from integrated design processes, to research and automated tools to enhance sustainability.  They also discuss the importance of mentors and allies, how to stay motivated while doing a PhD, and how to learn from critique rather than be rattled by it. Other strong themes include life balance, flexibility and overcoming cultural and gender biases in their careers.  We hope you  enjoy Parlour POD, live recordings from our much loved Seasonal Salon series.  For more great Parlour content, head to our website, and follow Parlour on Instagram or LinkedIn. To support our ongoing work, join the Parlour Collective!