Architects without Frontiers (AWF) has been working with disadvantaged communities, irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation, in 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific, Africa and beyond since its formation in 1999.

The rooftop terrace of ARCH's Brisbane studio came alive with conversation, connection, and shared purpose as ARCH hosted the Community Impact: Design in Partnership event with AWF. This gathering marked AWF's announcement of ARCH as the newest network partner. It celebrated our commitment to design excellence that places people and the planet at the heart of every project.

Through partnerships like the one with AWF, ARCH continues to champion architecture as a tool for positive social impact.

Insights and Inspirations

Neil Carter, the Principal Architect and Sustainability Leader at ARCH, served as the master of ceremonies for the afternoon. He introduced Songwoman Maroochy Barambah, who delivered a moving Welcome to Country. The audience was captivated by her talent and the profound depth of her message. We sincerely thank Songwoman Maroochy Barambah for such an inspiring welcome.

Neil then guided the audience through a program celebrating the breadth and depth of ARCH and AWF's work:

• David Rose, our Chairperson, highlighted the Suters ARCH legacy, reflecting on how meaningful partnerships and innovative design have driven the firm's growth.
• Dr Esther Charlesworth AM, the driving force behind AWF, showcased the organisation's transformative humanitarian projects, which align seamlessly with ARCH's ethos of purpose-driven architecture.
• Geoff Marsdon, Executive General Manager, Bondor, shared insights as AWF's first foundation partner, exploring how industry support can elevate the mission to build resilient communities.
• Ron Bridgefoot, ARCH Principal Architect, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Designing for Wellbeing: Clinical Health Planning in the Pacific Context, shedding light on healthcare design's unique challenges and opportunities in remote and vulnerable regions.
• Maricel Marbus, ARCH Architect, explored the concept of resilient architectures of identity, emphasising how design can preserve and celebrate cultural narratives.
• Scott Chapple, Principal Architect and Director of ARCH concluded with an inspiring profile of ARCH's evolution into The Community Experience Specialist.
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A Commitment to People, Place, Planet, and Purpose

As Australia's only national firm of community architects, ARCH uniquely addresses complex challenges in clinical health planning, sports and aquatic facility design, and the design of educational campuses. Our partnership with AWF reflects a shared vision of creating resilient civic infrastructure, engaging communities in participatory design, promoting sustainable practices, and advancing humanitarian architecture.

Moving Forward Together

ARCH supports Architects Without Frontiers’ mission to build projects with communities in need, focusing on Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

We thank all attendees and contributors for making Community Impact: Design in Partnership a resounding success. We're building a future where architecture catalyses change and community wellbeing.