KTA

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2025 Victorian School Design Awards Winner

Thank you to the Victorian School Building Authority for acknowledging the Northcote High School STEM + Library in the 2025 Victorian School Design Awards – winning the Best School Project above $15 million Award.

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The commission of the STEM + Library building followed KTA’s successful delivery of the Northcote High School Performing Arts + VCE Centre in 2019. The completed building accommodates student services, learning spaces and breakout areas, all designed to support and enrich the school’s diverse curriculum.

Thank you to everyone who made this project possible.

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Designing Minds: Building workplaces that thrive

Lynn Chew, Associate Principal at KTA, has been invited to partake in the upcoming ACA panel ‘Designing Minds: Building workplaces that thrive’.

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She will be joined by fellow panellists Kim Singline, Founder of Inner Growth Psychology & Consulting, Adrian Doohan, Principal, DesignInc Melbourne, Richard Bryant, Director, Bryant Alsop Architects and Sam Matheson, CEO, Built Environment Channel.

Come along to join the conversation on how to build more engaged, productive, high-performing and happy practices and teams. Learn how to measure culture, the role leaders play in shaping it, and practical strategies for supporting people, business and culture.

The session will be held in South Melbourne on Thursday 30th of October from 6pm.

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The Vine

KTA is excited to have been invited by Parlour to partake in The Vine, a student and graduate speed mentoring event. The evening will be hosted by Grimshaw and will focus on lively, fast-paced exchange and friendly conversations.

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KTA representatives will include Lynn Chew (Associate Principal), Andy Ferguson (Associate), Hannah Wilson (Project Lead), Nathan Brandrick (Graduate of Architecture | First Nations Lead) and KTA Graduate Representatives, Darcie Vella (Graduate of Architecture) and Blake Hillebrand (Graduate of Architecture).

The session will take place on the 29th of October from 6pm.

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PLOT Issue 79 _Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge

The Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge as seen in Revista PLOT issue 79.

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Published and designed in Buenos Aires, the publication is split into three sections: Magazine, Practice and Theory. This Practice issue focuses on bridges – a section dedicated to works that intersect architecture and infrastructure. The Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge is featured alongside OMA’s Simone-Veil Bridge and Junya.Ishigami + Associates Zaishui Art Museum.

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2025 Victorian School Design Awards Finalist

We are excited to share that the Northcote High School STEM + Library has been selected as a finalist in the 2025 Victorian School Design Awards.

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The commission of the STEM + Library building followed KTA’s successful delivery of the Northcote High School Performing Arts + VCE Centre in 2019. The completed building accommodates student services, learning spaces and breakout areas, all designed to support and enrich the school’s diverse curriculum.

The 2025 Victorian School Design Awards winners will be announced on 23rd October.

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The Australian Housing Atlas Grant

We are very fortunate to share that the Australian Housing Atlas has been a recipient of the The Alastair Swayn Foundation 2025 Australian Design Grant.

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The Australian Housing Atlas is a body of work by Monash Urban Lab and Kerstin Thompson Architects that will document outstanding Australian multi-residential housing from the past 100 years through an online nationwide portal. This funding will help support the first 30 exemplary cases, providing an instructive guide for housing design excellence.

Thank you to Lee-Anne Khor, Maryam Gusheh, Louise Wright and Kerstin Thompson for their ongoing contributions towards this project.

We are very grateful for the funding that will allow us to continue this great work alongside our collaborators.

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2026 Brick Awards Shortlist

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum has been shortlisted for the 2026 Brick Awards for outstanding international brick architecture. With only 50 projects nominated worldwide, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum was selected as one of 14 in the ‘Sharing Public Spaces’ category.

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The Brick Award is an independent award run every two years by Wienerberger AG. Although Weinerberger AG hosts the award, nominations as well as winners are selected from projects using a wide range of brick manufacturers and brick types. Through exemplary projects and applications, the award aims to strengthen the public perception of brick as a building material.

Winners announced June 2026.

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First Nations Lead

KTA is delighted to announce Nathan Brandrick’s appointment as our new First Nations Lead.

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Nathan is a proud Gureng Gureng man with roughly 5 years of experience working within and leading Designing with Country processes across Architecture, and a wealth of experience working directly with First Peoples’ communities in order to celebrate and educate people about their rich and resourceful history through design. His appointment demonstrates our commitment to meaningful collaboration with First Peoples’ communities, moving beyond consultation toward authentic partnerships with Traditional Owners.

In this key role, Nathan will guide us in embedding First Peoples’ knowledges into our projects and practice, honouring the relationship between people and Country. He will help guide our design approach, stewarding our work to acknowledge and respond to the environmental, cultural, and social needs of the lands we practice on. We look forward to learning and growing alongside Nathan.

KTA Mission Statement
KTA recognises the need to embed the perspectives of First Nations peoples and cultures into our projects and thinking. We work in a space centred around improving the lives and spatial experiences of the user but lacks an emphasis on a genuine appreciation for the natural system that it exists within. Understanding this, KTA is committed to developing and enhancing our capacity in this space by incorporating Country centred processes and design strategies that work to elevate the voices of Traditional Owners and uncover the environmental, cultural, and social needs of the land. We recognise the importance of using our voice and platform to assist the evolution of decolonial frameworks within our industry that look to meaningfully celebrate the rich and resourceful history of First Peoples through the built environment.

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German Embassy Design Competition

Kerstin Thompson Architects’ scheme has been shortlisted in the first round of the competition for the new German Embassy in Canberra. The competition saw a total of 67 applications, with KTA’s team placing in second place. The scheme, developed in partnership with Buro Hacke and OpenWork, will now proceed into the next stages of judging.

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The proposal for the German Embassy in Canberra is grounded in a strategy of valuing and retaining – honouring both the existing building and its surrounding park landscape. The Ambassador’s Residence, graciously positioned and deeply embedded in the site’s natural and diplomatic history, embodies a unique relationship between architecture and garden. Preserving it avoids unnecessary demolition, and safeguards cultural memory. Most importantly, it reduces carbon impact and embodies a contemporary approach to sustainability, guided by the principle that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists. This act of maintenance and thoughtful transformation not only alludes to a contemporary ethos of adaptive reuse – it is also a continuation of the German diplomatic mission on Australian soil, Ngambri Country.

At the same time, we propose a more visible, secure, and distinguished Chancellery. Positioned to take advantage of the site’s dual frontages, its slender north–south volume establishes a strong civic presence, while the Residence remains more discreetly placed. A generous garden buffer separates the two, reinforcing their distinct identities—official and domestic—while a covered walkway provides a secure, direct connection.

The full list of placed entries can be found here

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Open House Melbourne 2025

We are excited to be involved in the upcoming Open House Melbourne _Stories of the City weekend, taking place from Friday 25th to Sunday the 27th of July.

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We will be taking part in the following events:

Queen and Collins | Saturday 26 July
Join Grant Dixon, Senior Architect at KTA, and Suzanne Zahra, Associate Principal at Lovell Chen for a guided tour showcasing the transformation of the iconic Gothic Bank Complex in Melbourne’s CBD.

Readings Chadstone | Saturday 26 July
Sarah Cooper, associate at KTA and the project lead, will give a series of short talks focused on the design concepts steering the new Readings bookstore; including principles of re-use and modular flexibility to support different modes of use/display.

Abbotsford Convent | Saturday 26 July
Lynn Chew, Associate Principal at KTA, will be taking tours of the Sacred Heart building at Abbotsford Convent and following will be partaking in a panel discussion on the topic ‘ Living Heritage: Innovative Design Approaches’

Melbourne Holocaust Museum | Friday 25 July + Sunday 27 July
Anne-Claire Deville, Associate at KTA, and Hilary Sleigh, Architect on the project, will be running tours of the award-winning building to view and discuss the building’s structure.

Link to more information on the sessions, ticketing and program

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Team Promotions

We are delighted to welcome Michaela Kalinka to our leadership team in the role of Associate, while also announcing the appointment of Darcy Dunn as our new Sustainability Lead.

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Michaela has 20 years of experience in successfully delivering large-scale projects in commercial, retail, and multi-residential sectors across Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, Michaela demonstrates an admirable commitment to her work. Her design-focused approach and keen attention to detail empower her to navigate complex architectural challenges with creativity and insight. Currently overseeing one of our largest multi-residential developments, Michaela brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to our leadership team.

Darcy joined us in 2018, and over the last few years has developed considerable expertise in environmental and sustainable design through his contributions to projects such as the Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge and, numerous school developments. His strong technical knowledge and passion for sustainable practice make him a natural fit to lead our ESD initiatives. In this role, Darcy will lead our internal ESD working group, support project teams with sustainability input, and help establish improved practices across all project types. His guidance will be integral in strengthening our sustainable design capabilities and meeting the evolving challenges.

We look forward to their contributions and thoughtful leadership that will inspire and mentor our team.

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2025 Victorian Architecture Award Wins

Our projects received three awards at the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards:
Eva and Marc Besen Centre received the William Wardell Award for Public Architecture – our first named award for public architecture in Victoria – alongside an Interior Architecture Award
Otway Beach House received a Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Award

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We thank the jury members for their consideration of our nominations. These achievements reflect the collaborative effort between our clients and project teams.
Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who contributed to these projects.

Awards media coverage
The Guardian
The Age
The Sydney Morning Herald
ArchitectureAU

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Singapore Archifest Conference

Kerstin has been invited to deliver a keynote talk at this year’s Singapore Archifest Conference, taking place from the 25th – 27th of June. She will be addressing this year’s theme ‘Don’t (just) think like an Architect!’ which aims to challenge conventional mindsets, inviting new and unconventional ways of thinking in architecture.

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Hearing from a diverse range of speakers, from Architects and Designers to Chefs and Restaurateurs, the conference is sure to host some interesting discourse surrounding contemporary architectural issues.

Kerstin will touch on the below KTA projects, listed in picture order.
Eva and Marc Besen Centre, TarraWarra
Melbourne Holocaust Museum
Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge
The Stables, VCA, University of Melbourne

Kerstin’s keynote speech will be followed by Riken Yamamoto from Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop on the evening of the 25th of June.

Link to conference speakers

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INDE.Awards _Eva and Marc Besen Centre Shortlisted

The Eva and Marc Besen Centre has been shortlisted in the ‘The Building’ category at the 2025 INDE.Awards. This category recognises projects that represent a new direction for architecture in the Indo-Pacific region – those that demonstrate both design innovation and a strong connection to place and culture.

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The Centre is one of just 12 projects selected for this category.

“An incredibly diverse range of buildings, spaces, objects and people were submitted for the 2025 INDE.Awards. Each shortlisted entry reflects the bold, visionary and innovative nature of architecture and design in the Indo-Pacific. The work of our esteemed jury in analysing the entries, which totalled over 500, was not easy. They have collectively praised architects’ and designers’ creativity, ingenuity and commitment to quality across practice, process and final outcome.”

Winners will be announced on July 31, 2025.

Link to shortlist

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Architecture Australia _Eva and Marc Besen Centre

May/June issue of AA honours the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2025 National Prize winners.

In this issue you can find Kerstin in discussion with Timothy Hill, the 2025 Gold Medallist recipient, and the Eva and Marc Besen Centre in print.

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Excerpt by Katelin Butler
“Even though the new Eva and Marc Besen Centre at the Tarrawarra Museum of Art (page 20) is a standalone building, it has been designed as a response to the layered history of landscape and significant architectural works on site. Kerstin Thompson Architects’ addition supports the function of the original museum building and offers a new perspective on what exists – including the retained poplar trees that line the new sculpture walk. A respect for what has come before allows for a richer and more layered architectural outcome.”

Link to article

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Challenging Heritage or Heritage Challenges?: A Panel Conversation

Following the release of the Draft Melbourne Heritage Strategy: Stories of People and Place, Open House Melbourne in partnership with the City of Melbourne, will be running several consultation activities to share and unpack the City’s key heritage priorities.

As a part of this series, Kerstin has been invited to join an expert panel discussing ‘Challenging Heritage or Heritage Challenges?’

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Kerstin will be joined by Patrick Kennedy, Principal at Kennedy Nolan, and Dr James Lesh, Founding Director of Heritage Workshop in conversation with Jo Cannington, Director City Strategy at the City of Melbourne.

Thursday 5 June 6.30pm—8pm at Solidarity Hall, Trades Hall

More information and tickets available on Open House Melbourne’s website

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We are Hiring

KTA is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Senior Architect to join our North Melbourne studio. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in multi-residential and high-rise design and delivery, with the ability to lead design development and documentation, navigate ECI processes and D&C delivery all whilst safeguarding design integrity.

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KTA is an equal opportunities employer. We believe in a studio culture that reflects the richness and diversity of our communities. We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, and we encourage First Nations people and individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Link to position description

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AIA Victorian Chapter Awards Jury Chair

Thank you to Claire Humphreys for her dedication as Jury Chair for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing at the AIA Victorian Chapter Awards!
Her expertise, thoughtful insights, and commitment to excellence in architecture make her an invaluable member of our leadership team.

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We’re proud to have Claire representing us while leading this category and recognising outstanding architectural achievements across Victoria. The award winners will be announced June 27.
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A New Normal x Melbourne Design Week

A New Normal returns for Melbourne Design Week with an epic five days of festivities at the Boyd Baker House, Long Forest. This unique experience will bring together some of the greatest minds in Australia to showcase a range of projects in motion to help transform our cities. On exhibition; the next round of 12 projects, with each architect selecting a room across the Robin Boyd / Roy Grounds compound with the goal of realising them.
May 19th – 23rd 2025

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We will take the opportunity to lay down the required policy to transform the city into self-sufficiency by 2030. Expect guided tours, fresh talks, long lush lunches by the legends at Hope St Radio with Long Prawn, all combined as an experiential exhibition to feel the future. Limited to only 50 tickets available each day, get in while you still can. We are all very excited about this unique partnership with Robin Boyd Foundation, Hope St Radio with Long Prawn, NGV Melbourne and many more.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets here

In collaboration with: Public Realm Lab, baracco+wright, Kosloff Architecture, MUIR Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Esther Stewart, NH Architecture, Openwork, KTA, Josh Riesel, OCULUS, WinsorKerr, SBLA Studio, Breathe, Architect BrewKoch

Stay tuned for more information about the launch event at Melbourne Design Week 2025.

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2025 AIA Victorian Architecture Awards Shortlist

We have two projects shortlisted for the 2025 AIA Victorian Architecture Awards, the Eva and Marc Besen Centre and Otway Beach House.

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Eva and Marc Besen Centre has been shortlisted in:
_ Public Architecture
_ Interior Architecture
_ Regional Architecture

And, Otway Beach House has been shortlisted in
_Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Thank you to the jury members for nominating the Centre and our coastal house.

Winners will be announced in June.

Link to review all winners

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The Local Project: profile on Kerstin Thompson

Recently published interview with Kerstin in The Local Project.
The interview discusses several past projects along with more recent works.

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Excerpt
“In rural Victoria, West Coast House (1998) is an important early project, formative to Thompson’s ideals of weaving a house across its site, around trees and slopes without having to clear and flatten everything ‘just for architecture to begin’. The house responds topographically, drawing landscape in, with a concertinaed concrete block wall and cedar box that together establish ‘protected territories’ inside the building envelope.
More recent projects explore the relationship between architecture, ecology and environmental systems for flood and fire management integrated in their design, including the Bundanon Project… “

Link to magazine

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Kerstin Thompson named Honorary Fellow

Kerstin was named an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) earlier this month.
Kerstin was one of ten international architects recognised for ‘their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society on an international level’

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Honorary Fellows being elevated this year:

_ Tatiana Bilbao, Mexico City, Mexico
_ Alison Brooks, London, England
_ Kain Bon Albert Chan, Shanghai, China
_ Jun’ya Ishigami, Tokyo, Japan
_ Hu Li, Beijing, China
_ Lyndon Uykim Neri, Shanghai, China
_ Michel Rojkind, Mexico City, Mexico
_ Masaharu Rokushika, Tokyo, Japan
_ Brinda Somaya, Mumbai, India
_ Kerstin Thompson, Melbourne, Australia

‘Each year when candidates apply to be Fellows, the jury considers how they have shown distinction in the context of their object, in relation to AIA’s values, and whether their work has had a ripple effect. The objects of nomination are essentially the award categories candidates apply under, and each object has specific criteria and requirements associated with it.’

Link to AIA announcement

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Eva and Marc Besen Centre is open

The Eva and Marc Besen Centre, will be open to the public on 4 March 2025, recent article in Architecture & Design.

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Excerpt
“It’s an elegant space beneath an overpass, merging infrastructure with experience,” Thompson says.
“The landscape isn’t just a backdrop – it’s an active participant in the experience of the building interior. The transparency of the primary floor level forms an expanded ground plane linking art storage, learning areas, Sculpture Walk, Cellar Door and TarraWarra Museum of Art courtyard.” says Claire Humphreys, Associate Principal.

Link to article

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Social Infrastructures Lecture by Max Hacke

Thank you Max Hacke, director of Büro Hacke, for setting aside some time to present a lecture at the University of Melbourne, supported by KTA.

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The Lecture focused on the topic of architecture as social infrastructure, as well as the principles of collaborative practice. Max presented a series of recently completed as well as works in progress, illustrating the role of architecture in shaping new social and collective dynamics. Through a focus on changeability and flexibility, architecture is understood as a process rather than an object.

Also thanks to Rory Hyde, Associate Professor in Architecture, Curatorial Design and Practice, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning for facilitating.

Lecture was held on Monday 17 February, 11.30am – 12.30pm at Melbourne School of Design

Image: Study Pavilion by Max Hacke in collaboration with Gustav Düsing

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AIA Member Lean-In: Sustainable Architecture Awards Masterclass 2025

Lean-In Session on Sustainable Architecture Awards masterclass features Lloyd McCathie, Associate Principal, who will share insights on Preston South Primary School.

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‘This Lean In will showcase four of the projects recognised in the 2024 RAIA Victoria Sustainable Architecture category, including:

_ Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity (Commendation)
_ Preston South Primary School by Kerstin Thompson Architects (Commendation)
_ Northcote House by LLDS (Award)
_ Powerhouse Place by Public Realm Lab (The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture).

Each practice will share and expand upon their jury presentation from last year, including strategies for pursuing best practice ESD in a wide range of typologies, and valuable lessons learnt.’

Lean-In Session: Thursday, January 30, 2025

Link to event details

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Diversity in Architecture Awards 2025

Kerstin has been nominated for the 2025 Diversity in Architecture (DIVIA) Award. ‘DIVIA’s international advisory board selected 25 women architects from more than 20 countries — recognised for their innovative design approaches in urban living spaces and impactful contributions to their societal contexts.’

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The jury included Itohan Osayimwese, Rahul Mehrotra, Martha Thorne, Odile Decq, and Sol Camacho.

‘Diversity in Architecture (DIVIA), believe diverse perspectives drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the built environment. Their ultimate goal is to promote diversity in all its forms, they are committed to taking meaningful steps to achieve this mission. Their first initiative focused on promoting the visibility and contributions of women in architecture.’

Three Australians are among the nominees: Brit Andresen, Maggie Edmond, and Kerstin Thompson.

Five finalists will be selected in January, and the winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony in Berlin in May 2025.

Link to all nominees

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KTA turns 30

This November, KTA celebrates 30 years of practice, education and advocating for architecture. Over the month, we’ll share reflections on the areas that have shaped the studio – housing, education, cultural and civic projects.

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The studio was established in 1994 by Kerstin Thompson, with a vision to design buildings that meaningfully connect people with place; and to foster a stimulating and supportive workplace culture.

Because architecture is the work of many – we would like to thank our dedicated team, our clients and collaborators, and everyone who has contributed along the way.

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Open House Melbourne Summer Fun(draiser)

KTA is excited to announce our participation in Open House Melbourne Summer Fun(draisers) with our Apartments Walking Tour.
The tour will commence at Kerr Street Residences and includes visits to George Street Residences, Napier Street Housing, and Church on Napier.

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Every project has its unique features, and we look forward to sharing insights, highlights, and valuable lessons learned about each.

When: 10am-11am, Saturday 8 February 2025

Open House Melbourne Summer Fun(draiser)
“Brought to you with the generous support of our friends and partners, this year’s Summer Fun(draisers) offer new and special opportunities as well as returning crowd favourites. These intimate, limited capacity talks + tours will take you up close and behind-the-scenes with design experts, all the while making a valued contribution to Open House Melbourne.”

Tickets are limited. If you are interested, please book through link.

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The Age_Grand Designs: The types of homes the Victorian Government wants to see more of

Great to see Balfe Park Lane featured in The Age on Sunday 27th October, as an exemplar medium density housing project, supported by The State Government.

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Article excerpt:
‘The government has identified examples of what it says should be emulated around the state: they include the Merri four-storey apartment project by Six Degrees Architecture in Northcote; the Averi five-storey apartments in Hawthorn by architects Jackson Clements Burrows; and the six-storey Balfe Park Lane in Brunswick East from architect Kerstin Thompson.’

Minister for Planning of Victoria, Sonya Kilkenny comments:
“The community deserves affordable buildings that look great on the outside and feel solid as a rock on the inside. Our plan is for more grand designs but without the grand cost.”

“We have an incredible opportunity before us to renew our suburbs and streets with well-designed apartments and townhouses that are great for singles, families and downsizers – and which add to the architectural fabric of our state.”

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Monterey Design Conference

The Monterey Design Conference is taking place next week, featuring Kerstin as one of the invited international keynote speakers. Over three days, the conference will host a variety of diverse and globally recognised speakers who will discuss and share their experiences in architectural practice.

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Kerstin will be talking across a range of topics including the role of the architect in practice, case studies of KTA houses, civic, educational, public, landscape projects and advocacy for the profession.

International keynote speakers: Go Hasegawa, Tatiana Bilbao, Fuensanta Nieto and Enrique Sobejano

October 25 – 27, 2024
Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, California

A virtual event is being held via live stream, link to event details

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Think Brick Awards 2024 Winners Announced

Thank you, Think Brick Awards, for selecting the Melbourne Holocaust Museum as the winner of the Horbury Hunt Commercial Award for 2024. Additionally, The Round also received highly commended recognition in the same category, the project was a collaborative effort with BKK Architects.

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“Brick becomes the silent hero within the project that actually creates a very particular quality of light which advocates for the reflection, calmness and serenity with what could be a really interesting and challenging environment. However, it does this with a light that is perforated and a material that ultimately celebrates the existing building while enhancing the atmosphere of the space.”
Jury Citation, Melbourne Holocaust Museum

This year’s theme recognised projects that ‘demonstrated resilience through innovative and thoughtful use of bricks, blocks, pavers, and roof tiles’.

Link to award

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Open House Melbourne 2024

We have three (+3) projects in this year’s Open House Melbourne program ‘Rediscover your City’. There are over 170 programs to explore over weekend including buildings, places and spaces.

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1. The Round in collaboration with BKK Architects
- Tours: 9:00am Saturday 27 and 9.30am Sunday 28 July
- Special event: Saturday 10.30am panel discussion with Whitehorse City Council and the design team from BKK Architects and KTA

2. KTA Apartments Walking Tour in Fitzroy
- Date: Saturday 27 July, first tour starts: 10:30am at Kerr Street Residences

3. Melbourne Holocaust Museum
- Date: Sunday 28 July, guided tours: 11:30am and 1:30pm

“Discovery is about the unexpected. It’s something for the curious at heart, the adventurer and the life-long-learner interested in exploring Melbourne’s most unique places and spaces.
Open House Melbourne invites you to rediscover your city—to seek out new places and to reconnect with old favourites.”

For more information and to book tickets, please visit the link

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ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact 2024

The Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra- jarra-noun (Family Healing Centre) has received a commendation at the 2024 ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact. The project is a collaboration with Anthony Clarke, BLOXAS. The awards recognise ‘projects that demonstrate the potential for widespread, nationally applicable impact, and the transferability of their design strategy across different built environments, beyond their immediate contexts and communities’.

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From 104 entries from across Australia, 32 were shortlisted, 5 received commendations with 1 winner.

Jury citation
Part of Austin Health in Victoria, Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarrda-noun (Family Healing Centre) is a mental health recovery and support facility for children who have experienced trauma. Importantly, it also supports their families in a care model that reflects the recommendations of the 2021 Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system.

The jury commends the design’s sensitivity, elegance and fine resolution, which has resulted in a calming, de-institutionalised, home-like environment of independent living units and consulting spaces, encircled by a safe, private, landscaped garden.

This groundbreaking project, developed in close consultation and co-design with clinicians, occupational therapists and youth advisors, is the first of its kind in Australia. Booboop demonstrates an innovative and transformative approach to the ongoing support and care of affected children and their families. The jury agreed that the approach and its manifestation in this sophisticated design could be a widely adopted template for a profound shift to a more positive model of care.

Thanks to the jury and awards program, it’s great to ‘celebrate good design for the common good’.

Link to award winners

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Think Brick Awards 2024

Two projects, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and The Round, have been shortlisted in the 2024 Think Brick Awards. The awards recognised 40 projects that exemplify this year’s theme of resilience, showcasing creative and innovative applications of bricks, blocks, tiles, and pavers. The Round was designed in collaboration with BKK Architects.

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The award recipients will be revealed in September.
We extend our thanks to the judging panel for nominating both of our projects.

Link to shortlisted projects

Image of The Round, Whitehorse Centre

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Bundanon wins 2024 RIBA International Award for Excellence

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Awards for Excellence have selected Bundanon Art Museum & Bridge as one of their winners for 2024. Twenty-two projects were chosen from 14 countries, and each was visited in person by local ambassadors appointed by RIBA.

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“Each project is an example of the highest calibre of architectural response to social, cultural and environmental challenges. Irrespective of style, complexity and size of both scheme and budget, successful projects demonstrate visionary or innovative thinking and excellence of execution.”

The jury cited;
The masterplan offers a paradigm shift in the way we think about landscape, from the purely picturesque to an ecological one. Ultimately Bundanon is extraordinary for the manner in which it attunes the visitor to the landscape, and in so doing to nature and climate, place and time.

With thanks to RIBA and the jury for nominating Bundanon.

Link to all winners
Link to ArchitetcureAU article on Australian winners

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Winners Announced _2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

We have received four commendations at the AIA 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards:

The Round – Public Architecture + Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
Dandenong High School Design & Technology Hub – Educational Architecture
Preston South Primary School – Sustainable Architecture

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With thanks to the juries and all involved, including our clients, extended project, and consultant teams, for their support and collective efforts.

The Round, public jury citation
“The Round has a dignified civic presence with its high level of architectural virtuosity and built craftsmanship in becoming a new cultural hub for the Whitehorse community. Engaging thoroughly with local Indigenous connections and histories, this sophisticated building with its diverse program seamlessly integrates landscape, ecology, sustainability, and infrastructure to become a premier event and performance facility.”

Link to all winners

Image of The Round

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2024 Dezeen Awards _Kerstin on Judging Panel

Kerstin has been selected as one of the judges for the 2024 Dezeen Awards.
“Dezeen Awards will be judged by an international panel comprising 90 leading figures from the architecture and design world.”

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Kerstin joins a stellar lineup of architects, designers, sustainable developers and design entrepreneurs as judges for this years Dezeen Awards.

We are thrilled that Kerstin will be a judge, alongside Ben Edwards, Jonas Pettersson, Jonathan Smales, Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat.

There are 41 project categories in total: 15 architecture categories, nine interior categories, 11 design categories and six sustainability categories. Longlists will be announced in September, shortlists November and winners in November.

Link to details

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Reimagining Where We Live

The Australian Government has announced the winners of the ‘Reimagining Where We Live’ aged care design ideas competition. The competition challenged architects and designers to reimagine the future of aged care accommodation design.

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Kerstin was selected as a member of the jury for the competition. The jury selected four winners across the two competition categories – urban metro and regional town. The quality of the entries was impressive with innovative designs showcasing aged care homes that are welcoming, safe, accessible, dementia friendly and consider small-home models.

Congratulations to the teams, visit the link competition website
Link to ArchitectureAU article showcasing the winning designs

Urban Metro Category:
1_ Scales of Care by LM2A with Super Natural
2_ Connection, Community and Movement by Walter&Walter

Regional Town Category:
1_ Manu Place by Monash Urban Lab with NMBW Architecture Studio, BoardGrove Architects, BLOXAS and Glas Landscape Architects
2_ All Together Now by Other Architects, Openwork, Andy Fergus and Alicia Pozniak

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2024 Social Impact Awards _Shortlist

The 2024 Social Impact Awards have announced the shortlisted projects, and Booboop Narrkwarren Nagarra-jarra-noun (The Family Healing Centre) is one of the 32 projects.

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The award “recognises architectural work that promotes the common good and preferences empathy over aesthetics.”
We would like to extend our thanks to our collaborating partner Anthony Clarke, BLOXAS, and clients Austin Health and Victorian Health Building Authority.
The awards finalists will be announced on July 4.

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National Gallery of Australia Cafe

Concept design phase has commenced for a new hospitality venture at the National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri / Canberra. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this important cultural institution, aiming to enhance visitor experience and foster deeper connections within the gallery grounds.

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Excerpt from media release

“Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said, ‘The National Gallery is thrilled to have KTA on board to deliver a new dining destination here at the National Gallery.’

‘The National Gallery looks forward to creating a new dining venue to add significant dimension to the amenity and the experience of the National Gallery – great food and beverage served in an inspiring new space will provide new opportunities for connection, reflection and enjoyment,’ said Mitzevich.”

Link to media release

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AIA VIC Chapter Awards Shortlist

We have had four of our projects shortlisted for the 2024 AIA VIC Chapter Awards. It is worth mentioning that Victoria received 228 submissions across 15 categories this year, making it the state with the highest number of entries.

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Shortlisted projects and categories:
Preston South Primary School – Educational Architecture + Sustainable Architecture
Dandenong High School Design &Technology Hub – Educational Architecture
Wirrng Wirrng – Public Architecture + Regional Architecture
The Round (with BKK Architects) – Public Architecture + Melbourne + Colourbond

The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in June.

Link to full list

Australian Interior Design Awards Shortlist

The Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) have announced their shortlist for 2024, and we’re delighted to see Antara 128 made it onto the hospitality category shortlist, and The Round on the public category shortlist.

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“The AIDA recognise and celebrate interior design excellence via a credible, industry-based program, which is backed by the Design Institute of Australia, the professional body representing Australian designers.”

AIDA winners of the will be announced June 14.

Image of Antara 128

Link to all shortlisted projects

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IWD 50 Most Powerful Women

Dezeen compiled a list of 50 powerful women in honour of International Women’s Day 2024.

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And selected Kerstin as one of their 50 most influential and powerful women from around the world .
List includes; Carol Ross Barney, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, Anne Lacaton, Lesley Lokko, Yasmeen Lari and many more

Link to full list

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RIBA 100 Women: Architects in Practice

The recently published ’100 Women: Architects in Practice’ by the RIBA has included Kerstin on their list!!
The book celebrates and acknowledges a rich, diverse, and fascinating survey of exceptional women architects from around the world and their contributions to the built environment.

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Multiple award winner and leading industry voice Professor Harriet Harriss, together with senior academics and writers Naomi House and Monika Parrinder and multi-award-winning architecture journalist and editor of Dezeen Tom Ravenscroft, showcase the largely overlooked stories of 100 women currently making their mark in the architectural world.

Geographically balanced to feature architects across six continents from no less than 79 countries, from Argentina to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between. The book explores “the different worlds, different forms of architecture and the place-sensitive approaches” each architect has taken to fulfil their vision through a series of insightful profiles and inspiring imagery.

With many thanks to the authors Harriet Harriss, Naomi House, Monika Parrinder, and Tom Ravenscroft

Available via RIBA books

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KTA Laneway Event _Talking Gold

Parlour and KTA to kick-start the year with an invigorating conversation between three gold medallists in the KTA laneway!
We are delighted to welcome Carol Ross Barney on her brief (and first) visit to Australia. Hailing from Chicago, Carol is the recipient of the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. She is recognised for her bold body of work, her dedication to the design of public spaces that improve everyday lives and her determined advocacy – “excellent design is a right, not a privilege”.

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Maggie Edmond is the recipient of the 2003 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, awarded retrospectively in 2023, and Kerstin Thompson is the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medallist.

Gather in KTA’s laneway for a prize-winning conversation about architecture, practice, equity and the direction of the profession, chaired by Justine Clark of Parlour

When: Thursday 8 February, 6–8pm

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Architectural Digest AD100

Thanks AD100 for including Kerstin Thompson on your 100 list for 2024.

Each year Architectural Digest Germany chooses 100 ‘top talents and icons from design, interior and architecture’ from around the world. AD note the ‘visionary designers are currently setting the tone worldwide and shaping our world with their work.’

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We also want to acknowledge our fellow Australians who also made the 100 list Other Architects, Kennedy Nolan and YSG Studio.

Link to article

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2023 Victorian Premier's Design Awards Finalist

The Melbourne Holocaust Museum (MHM) has been selected as a finalist at the 2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards in the Architectural Design category.
The awards ‘showcase the depth of design talent in Victoria and the capability and capacity of the Victorian design industry.’

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Light played a central role in shaping the architecture of MHM. Linked to illumination and knowledge, light was used as a motif to create welcoming and functional spaces, especially for education, research, and events, aligning with the museum’s purpose. By using windows, skylights, and mirrors, the design ingeniously reflects the sky, clouds, rooftops, and the local context into the building.

Thanks to the jury for selecting the MHM as one of the 22 finalists.

Link to awards

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Team Announcements

We would like to share our teams promotions and new roles, these changes reflect KTA’s priorities for 2024, increasing our capacity to design and deliver exceptional projects, ensuring our team are supported and able to increase their acumen, and finding new ways to engage with our clients and peers.

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Charlie Emery has been promoted to the role of Associate Principal – Engagement. Joining KTA in 2019, Charlie has successfully directed KTA’s communications, submissions, and branding efforts. Her strategic approach to business development and communication has changed the way we operate and engage with our peers and clients. Charlie has been an active and valued participant in senior leadership discussions for the last two years, and this promotion validates the work she has already been doing.

Andy Ferguson and John Hajko have been promoted to the role of Associate, having demonstrated unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and exemplary leadership – reinforcing and extending KTA’s capacity to make meaningful and thoughtful architecture.

Andy joined KTA in 2021, and his dynamic energy and leadership on our Social Housing and Tertiary education projects has been influential in their success. His infectious energy, positivity, wit, and skill allows him to deliver exceptional project outcomes, building highly effective relationships with our clients, collaborators and teams. He has co-lead KTA’s practice studio in the master of Architecture program at RMIT for the last two years, and has been a key contributor to the development of our endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan.

John also joined KTA in 2021, initially working with the residential team on a complex residential project in Sydney. He is an architect deeply committed to his craft, and in his time at KTA has demonstrated his expertise across multiple typologies. John possesses a natural ability to support, mentor, and champion design, as evidenced by his contributions as design coordinator for KTA’s component of the Queen Victoria Market Southern Development Site project, shepherding the design intent for tower and heritage components from project inception.

We recognise the significance of Andy and John’s promotions to the future of KTA and eagerly anticipate their continued leadership and contributions within the leadership team.

In addition to these advancements, our Associate Michael Archibald, is taking on role dedicated to the management of our Quality Assurance and project delivery systems. His focus will be on the continual improvement of our documentation and delivery systems, standards and quality assurance processes, and providing support across projects with milestone reviews, technical advice, and delivery strategy.

Finally, Lynn Chew will be shifting her focus to a new role of Associate Principal – People and Culture. Lynn’s wealth of project experience combined with her first-hand knowledge of KTA’s founding culture will allow her to guide our studio, with direct responsibility for the wellbeing of our team, with a focus on ongoing professional development, mentoring and wellbeing.

From top left: Andy Ferguson, John Hajko, Charlie Emery, Viet Truong, Michael Archibald, Lynn Chew