In this episode, we speak with Katerina Dracopoulos, Director at Fulton Trotter Architects, about her journey through the profession and the personal experiences that have shaped her approach to design. Katerina reflects on the profound impact of living abroad during her formative years, and how exposure to different cultures and ways of life broadened her perspective both as a person and as an architect.

Our conversation delves into the importance of diversity in architecture, not only in the makeup of our teams but in the range of ideas and experiences we bring to our work. Katerina shares candid insights on the value of embracing mistakes early in her career, and how a willingness to learn, adapt, and take risks helped her build confidence and develop a thoughtful, human-centred design practice over time. She also speaks passionately about the need for architects to regain their place in the project team as respected project leads, advocating for the profession to reclaim its vital role in shaping better outcomes for clients and communities.

Katerina is a dynamic leader and designer, striving to create transformative architecture that enriches people’s lives. As a collaborative designer, she works to create a visual and tactile language that conveys the narrative of the client, the building and its users. Katerina’s portfolio of projects spans bespoke learning environments, commercial and civic spaces, social infrastructure and adaptive reuse projects, and her breadth of experience includes working in Sydney and Paris.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Madelynn Jenkins, and Claudia McCarthy, and the EmAGN production team was Abigail Lee and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode, we speak with Elliot Spring from MGS Architects about her journey from studying at Columbia University in New York and living in Norway, to her current role as an architect, urban planner, and master planning specialist in Australia. Elliot reflects on her formative years in New York and the influence of that education on her approach to design back home.

Our conversation explores the importance of embedding strong ideas and human-centred principles at the master planning stage for projects of all scales. Elliot shares thoughtful insights on the value of investing in master plans, even knowing that the practice may never be invited to design any of the individual buildings within them. She explains how rigorous, people-focused planning can deliver extraordinary outcomes for communities by shaping precincts that prioritise livability, inclusivity, and long-term value.

Elliet Spring is a director of MGS Architects, having joined the practice in 2014. Her formative professional years spent living and working in Norway and New York have helped shape her approach to architecture, from her focus on civic responsibility to her passion for architecture and urban design as catalysts for enriching human experience. She works comfortably between architecture and urban design and has been instrumental in broadening her practice’s Campus Master Plan portfolio.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The miniseries Again&Again&Again is proudly supported by the Alstair Swayne Foundation. The Institute production team was Madelynn Jenkins, and Claudia McCarthy, and the EmAGN production team was Alistair Noncarrow and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.

In this episode of the Hearing Architecture podcast, Anthony Burke, Professor of Architecture at the University of Technology Sydney and renowned television presenter, delves into the critical importance of effectively communicating architectural ideas to diverse audiences. Drawing from his extensive experience across various media platforms, including hosting Grand Designs Australia, contributing to ABC News, and participating in architecture awards programs, Burke emphasizes that architects must tailor their messaging to resonate beyond the professional sphere. He advocates for storytelling that connects with the public's values and experiences, thereby demystifying architecture and highlighting its relevance in everyday life. Burke's insights underscore the necessity for architects to engage in broader dialogues, ensuring that the significance of design is accessible and appreciated by all.

Anthony Burke is a TV presenter, Professor of Architecture, international tour leader and global lecturer on all things architectural. He publishes regularly on a range of contemporary topics, and has an endless fascination for the role of architecture and design in shaping our lives.

Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform.

If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au

This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The miniseries Again&Again&Again is proudly supported by the Alstair Swayne Foundation. The Institute production team was Madelynn Jenkins, and Claudia McCarthy, and the EmAGN production team was Sally Hsu and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.