Regional Architecture Association Presents Architectural Intelligence: Redefining AI

When: 28-30 May 2026

Where: Meanjin / Brisbane QLD

Established in 2021, the Regional Architecture Association (RAA) has over 250 members across the country, consisting of architects, affiliated professions and others who have an interest in what is happening in regional Australia and wish to be part of a community of like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds.

RAA produces three in person events each year in this format and has become widely known for connecting architects to communities, industry and decision-makers, while shining a light on the diversity of issues affecting regional practice. All RAA events are open to associated disciplines and community as well as members.

The Location

Meanjin / Brisbane is home to both the Yuggera and Turrbal people and served as a vital cultural and economic landscape for over 22,000 years. European settlement began with the establishment of a penal colony on the Brisbane river in 1825, establishing the site of the modern city. After sustained population growth and widespread infrastructure development, Brisbane is now the third most populous city in Australia and the location of the 2032 Olympics.

Join us at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Queensland’s home of contemporary art and culture as we tap into the people behind the design and technical innovation defining the future of architecture. At the top of this historic 1920s building, the graffitied control room provides a characterful environment for our day with ample daylight and expansive views of the river. The two generous roof terraces adjacent provide break-out spaces for conversations with technical experts and delegates during program breaks with stunning views of the Maiwar (Brisbane River).

The Event

How do we not only survive as practising architects in a rapidly changing world, but adapt with agility to embrace the future? The program will look at some of the challenges we face, the tools available and best practice ways of thinking that are forging the path to an exciting future for our profession.

Employment, practice and the tools available are changing rapidly and the event starts by exploring these changes, the challenges we face as architects and some of the practical solutions at hand. We will also explore projects that are informed by sustainability and regional considerations in a decentralised state like Queensland. One of the big challenges of future development is resource security and resilience in the face of climate change. We will be interrogating best practice thinking and the fundamental impact of climate on our future. The main program will be augmented by a series of fringe events on the Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning that explore some of the exciting places and projects happening in and around Brisbane.

The event’s creative directors, Sarah Aldridge and Bianca Smith, are excited to bring you a diverse and forward-thinking program of talks and events. Sarah Aldridge of Byron Bay practice Space Studio is an architect and passionate regionalist. Bianca Smith is an experienced practice manager with strong connections to the Brisbane architectural community.

Architectural Intelligence – Fringe Events – Thursday 28th May

There will be two fringe events running concurrently on Thursday afternoon. Delegates can choose either a sketching workshop with Peter Richards or an immersive tour of Fish Lane and surrounds with former Queensland Government Architect Malcolm Middleton OAM LFRAIA.

Delegates are then invited to gather at the Brisbane Brewing Co for a buy-your-own community dinner.

Architectural Intelligence – Main Speaker Day – Friday 29th May

The main speaker day at the Brisbane Powerhouse will begin with Brian Clohessy speaking about the skills, capabilities and mindsets that important for the success of architects and architectural businesses into the future.

We will then hear from Prof Dr M. Hank Haeusler as he provides practical guidance on how to identify high-value AI opportunities across design, operations, compliance and asset lifecycle management.

Stuart Vokes of Brisbane practice Vokes and Peters will discuss the process of delivering projects by both modular and traditional procurement pathways and how this shapes the conversations and design processes informing the outcomes.

After the lunch break, Kirsty Volz of QUT will discuss the breadth of roles in the architectural profession and how we can use our skills as architects to influence design outcomes in the built environment.

Sam Charles-Ginn, Principal Advisor Urban Design and Architecture will provide an update from the Office of the Queensland Government Architect.

The day will be rounded out with a panel discussion and Q&A on security and resilience with Tim Elgood (Director / Sustainability & Regeneration Lead at ADP Consulting), Emma Healy (Department of Housing & Public Works) and our speaker Stuart Vokes. This conversation will be led by co-creative director Sarah Aldridge.

Tait are hosting pre-dinner drinks at their Brisbane showroom before dinner at Fortitude Valley’s neighborhood French bistro, Petite.

Architectural Intelligence – Fringe Events – Saturday 30th May

The Saturday program provides two tour options, again running concurrently.

Tour 1 will begin with an optional swim at the Centenary Aquatic Centre ahead of a walking tour of Victoria Park. Delegates will then be treated to a tour of Green House by Steendyk Architecture, an innovative reworking of an historic Queenslander.

Tour 2 will include a visit to Terrarium house by John Elway Architect and One Room Tower by Phorm in collaboration with Silvia Micheli and Antony Moulis.

Both tour groups will finish at the GOMA Bistro for an optional buy-your-own lunch. Each tour can visit the Olafur Eliason Exhibition, tickets to be purchased by the individual in advance.

See the Regional Architecture website for more information

Bookings can be made at Humanitix