Talking Homes webinars

In this talk, Graeme examines the future of post war concrete tower blocks, reframing them not as outdated mistakes but as important urban assets with potential for renewal, decarbonisation, and community revitalisation. He traces 15 years of research, policy work, and built projects that demonstrate how deep retrofit, resident centred processes, and new delivery models can transform ageing high rise housing into resilient, sustainable, and dignified homes.

Graeme Stewart is Principal of Toronto-based ERA Architects, and a founding director of the Tower Renewal Partnership, a cross-sectoral collaborative supporting the decarbonisation of Canada's existing affordable housing stock through research, policy and action. Through these efforts Graeme and his team have helped to kickstart deep retrofit in housing across Canada.

In this talk, Jonathan explores how overlooked "odd lots" across New Orleans became the basis for innovative, affordable infill housing. It follows the evolution from built prototypes to system‑level tools that help residents and small developers shape their own neighbourhoods.

Jonathan Tate is principal of OJT (Office of Jonathan Tate), an architecture and urban design practice in New Orleans. Along with their conventional architectural practice, the office engages in numerous design-related activities, including applied research, opportunistic planning, and strategic development.

Tate is a graduate of Auburn University, where he was a participant at the Rural Studio, and Harvard University Graduate School of Design. In addition to his role at OJT, he is a Professor of Practice at Tulane University School of Architecture in New Orleans, Louisiana USA.

This talk by Andrew Maynard examines how Austin Maynard Architects are confronting the interconnected challenges of housing, carbon, and mental health crises of today. Through the lens of the award-winning project ParkLife, Andrew explores how design can foster community, encourage moments of connection, and create spaces that support wellbeing. He shares insights into how the Victorian Government is championing innovation and new housing exemplars, such as the upcoming ParkLife 2.

Andrew Maynard is the founder of Austin Maynard Architects, a Melbourne studio known for its bold, sustainable, and socially engaged architecture. His work, which has won numerous accolades including Dezeen's Architecture Studio of the Year, challenges convention to create architecture that is joyful, generous, and provocative. Andrew was also a founding director of Nightingale Housing.

Ben Pomroy discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with the emerging build-to-rent sector, highlighting how place specific research, long term operational thinking, and resident centred design shape this housing model. He explores the sector’s growing focus on sustainability, adaptability, and community building, showing how flexible apartment typologies, robust materials, and generous communal spaces are redefining what this typology can offer.

Ben is a Principal of Rothelowman Architects, where he has led the Sydney studio since its establishment in 2014. Ben’s focus on innovation in the Living Sector drives the energy and focus of the Rothelowman design team. Ben is motivated by improving the delivery of new housing in Australia's cities.

He is an expert in diverse housing typologies, and contemporary urban renewal, working on projects throughout Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. Recent key projects include Design Competition winning schemes for housing in Parramatta, Chatswood and Macquarie Park, along with innovative Seniors housing and aged care communities in Yarralumla ACT, and the recently completed Yugo North Terrace student housing in Adelaide.

By tapping into his role as architect and communicator, Ben has participated in the review and testing of new housing policies, to assist authorities to continually improve and evolve frameworks to not only increase housing supply but prioritise designs that foster strong engagement with future inhabitants. 

Hallum Jennings shares insights into the design processes behind the delivery of Midtown Macquarie Park. Located just 500 metres from Macquarie University metro station, this mixed tenure development incorporates a new school, generous public open space, and 3,300 affordable and market rate apartments.

Hallum Jennings is a Design Director at Frasers Property. With more than 20 years of experience across a wide range of architectural roles and disciplines in Australia and overseas, he is one of the most experienced members of Frasers Property Australia’s design team. In his role as Design Director, he oversees all internally designed medium density projects, as well as externally designed mixed use, multi residential developments.

A Registered Architect and Design Practitioner, Hallum brings a solutions focused approach and believes that strong stakeholder collaboration is essential to achieving successful development outcomes.