CPD + WORKSHOP | DESIGNING SMARTER: EFFICIENT & ECONOMICAL DESIGN FOR RENOVATION, REUSE & HERITAGE HOMES

THURS 20 AUGUST | CPD + WORKSHOP - DESIGNING SMARTER: EFFICIENT & ECONOMICAL DESIGN FOR RENOVATION, REUSE & HERITAGE HOMES

Date: Thursday 20 August 2026

Time: 9am - 12pm AEST (3hrs)

Location: Zoom

CPD Points: 3 Formal Points

Cost: ArchiTeam Members - FREE / RAA Members $47 / ACA Members $47 / Non-Members $59 / Students $25 (No CPD Points) 

Overview:

With rising construction costs and an increasing focus on sustainability, architects are under greater pressure to deliver projects that maximise value while making the most of existing buildings.

This session explores practical design strategies for renovation, adaptive reuse and heritage homes, focusing on how thoughtful planning and early design decisions can improve project outcomes while reducing cost, waste and construction complexity. Through built case studies and real project examples, participants will examine approaches to retaining existing building fabric, balancing heritage with contemporary living, designing for future adaptability and identifying where investment delivers the greatest value.

Whether working on heritage-listed homes or contemporary renovations, this session provides practical insights into creating architecture that is efficient, economical and enduring.

Speakers:

Dylan Farquhar | Alwyn Projects
James Lesh | Heritage Workshop
Ben Duverger | Victorian Stonemasons Co-Operative
Jennifer McMaster | Trias Studio

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Apply strategies that improve the efficiency and economic performance of renovation and heritage projects.

• Identify opportunities to retain and reuse existing buildings to reduce cost, waste and embodied carbon.

• Balance heritage significance with contemporary design and client requirements.

• Design adaptable residential environments that provide long-term value and flexibility.

• Understand how early design decisions can improve buildability and project outcomes.

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AACA competencies (2021-NSCA)

Project Initiation and Conceptual Design

• Evaluating existing buildings and identifying opportunities for retention, reuse and adaptation.

• Developing design responses that balance heritage, sustainability, functionality and budget.

Detailed Design and Documentation

• Designing for construction efficiency and coordination.

• Responding appropriately to the opportunities and constraints of existing buildings.

Practice Management and Professional Conduct

• Advising clients on value-based design decisions.