Designing with Country: In Conversation with Kevin O'Brien

FORUM is an ongoing series of conversations developed by Blaklash to amplify First Nations voices within the built environment. A platform for honest discussions about the world we are collectively creating. FORUM will let us continue the conversation, continue the impact, and come together to change the future with Country, Culture and Community at the forefront.

This CPD event aims to increase industry knowledge of engaging with Country, Culture, and Community within the built environment.

Blaklash will donate 30% of the ticket price towards the Blaklash Community Fund, supporting university scholarships to increase representation in the sector and sponsorship of local community projects.

Designing with Country: In Conversation with Kevin O'Brien

Kevin O’Brien is a Brisbane-based architect. In 2018 he joined BVN as a Principal, becoming part of one of Australia’s largest and most highly acclaimed architectural practices. In 2020 he was appointed an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture, Design, and Planning at the University of Sydney, and was previously a Professor of Creative Practice there between 2016-2019. He was a Board member of La Boite Theatre from 2015-2020, and the Institute of Modern Art 2017-2019.

Kevin’s expertise over the past 20 years in cultural, educational, health, and commercial projects has generated a reputation for achieving meaningful architecture and authentic outcomes for the communities and clients they serve. Numerous projects have been recognised through the Australian Institute of Architects’ awards in regional, state, and national categories.

Of significance is the Finding Country project that began in 2005 and continues to this day as a guide for practice, teaching, and thinking about architecture and its fraught relationship with place-making. In 2012 this endeavor took the form of the Finding Country Exhibition as an official collateral event of the 13th Venice Architectural Biennale, enjoying international attention, and was awarded the 2013 AIA Karl Langer Award for Urban Design in Queensland and a 2013 AIA National Award for International Architecture.

This approach to Country informed the QUT Campus to Country Positioning Strategy completed in 2020. The Strategy complements the QUT long-term masterplan vision by articulating a track through the campus that establishes opportunities for urban and architectural moves to connect directly with Country by drawing to the surface the presence of culture. The project was awarded the 2021 AIA Karl Langer Award for Urban Design in Queensland and a 2021 AIA National Commendation for Urban Design.