GREEN DESIGN SEMINAR SERIES

GD1: 11:00am – 11:45am

Speakers: Sally Evans (Studio x Us), Sonia Simpfendorfer (Studio x Us), Madeline Sewell (Up to Something), Jennifer Synders (House of Bamboo), Tamsin O'Neill (Green Magazine)

Join this session for fascinating insights into how the 2026 Green Design Pavilion 3 was brought to life by the top design firms and suppliers responsible, and how they adhered to circular design principles.

Gain insights for your own practice and valuable tips on materials and processes.

GD3: 2:45pm – 3:30pm

Speakers: Amy Hallett (Topology Studio), Julia Hall (Hydrowood), Katherine Featherstone (Green Building Council of Australia)

Join this session for fascinating insights into how the 2026 Green Design Pavilion 2 was brought to life by the top design firms and suppliers responsible, and how they adhered to circular design principles.

Gain insights for your own practice and valuable tips on materials and processes.

GD4: 4:00pm – 4:45pm

Speakers: Dr Elizabeth Farrelly (Author, columnist, radio host & CEO, The Better Cities Initiative), Dr Jefa Greenaway (Founder & CEO, Greenaway Architects), Qutaibah Al-Atafi (Circularity Lead, Breathe Architecture)

Join acclaimed experts in architecture for an unmissable exploration of urban evolution and sustainable city design.

As urban populations continue to surge globally, the conversation around liveable, resilient, and environmentally conscious cities has never been more urgent. This session will delve into the transformative approaches needed to reimagine our urban landscapes - from sustainable architecture and green infrastructure to community-centred design and climate adaptation strategies.

Dr Elizabeth Farrelly is an acclaimed architecture critic, author, columnist, radio host and CEO of The Better Cities Initiative. She brings a sharp analytical perspective on urbanism, architecture, and the political forces that shape our built environment. Her insights challenge conventional thinking about how cities should grow and function in an era of climate crisis and social change.

Dr Jefa Greenaway FRAIA MDIA is a founding Director of Greenaway Architects (est. 1998), an Adjunct Industry Fellow at Swinburne University, and an Honorary Fellow of Design at Deakin University. His award-winning projects include the UTS National First Nations College (winner 2024 WAFX Cultural Identity awards), the Garma Institute in North East Arnhem Land, and the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square. A 2020 Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame inductee and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Jefa is recognised globally for his pioneering work in Indigenous-led architecture, education and advocacy.

Qutaibah Al-Atafi is an architect, writer and Circularity Lead at Breathe Architecture. His passion lies in working with values-aligned clients, trades and fellow industry professionals to create site-responsive, low environmental impact architecture with a strong sense of place.

GD9: 11:00am – 11:45am

Hear from an expert panel on what it really means to 'walk the talk' in circularity, particularly when it comes to commercial fit outs.

Hosted by the Green Building Council of Australia, this will be an engaging discussion that explores the practical realities of implementing circular design principles in commercial spaces. Our panellists will share real-world insights from their projects, discussing the challenges they've faced, the innovative solutions they've developed, and the tangible outcomes they've achieved in embedding circularity into fit-out design and delivery.

This is an opportunity to learn from pioneers who are actively leading the shift toward a circular economy in the built environment. Whether you're navigating material selection, designing for disassembly, or building the business case for circular approaches, this session will provide practical takeaways and inspire new ways of thinking about sustainable commercial design.

GD10: 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Speakers: John Halpin & Liza Tazewell (Interiaura)

This session will spotlight the growing "Makers Movement," featuring makers from across the Green Design Show. They will discuss how small-scale, sustainable production methods are transforming the design landscape.

Artisans taking part in this session will include John Halpin and Liza Tazewell from Interiaura.

John Halpin is a certified Master Upholsterer and has worked on stellar projects such as refurbishing the iconic Harrods of Knightsbridge London Tea Rooms. Liza has studied at Central Saint Martins and the National Design Academy UK and is a talented curtain maker.

GD11: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Speakers: Karie Soehardi (Circular Design Thinking), Josh Ellis (Cultivated), Elyse Rann (Studio Spillane), Tamsin O'Neill (Green Magazine), Steve Higgs (e9 Design), Kat Featherstone (Green Building Council of Australia)

This session will bring together members of the GDS 2026 Committee to discuss how crucial community is in driving sustainable design initiatives. Attendees will gain insights into the deeply collaborative efforts shaping the future of green design and be inspired to get involved in the movement.

The 2026 Green Design Show Committee is comprised of industry leaders and innovators who are passionate about shaping the future of circular design. They are Karie Soehardi - Circular Design Thinking, Josh Ellis - Cultivated, Elyse Rann - Studio Spillane, Steve Higgs – e9 Design, Tamsin O'Neill - Green Magazine and Katherine Featherstone – Green Building Council of Australia.