Architecture shapes the way we experience our world. The quality of built environments can transform everything from public recreation to education and even day-to-day life in the home.

UQ's Architecture alumni are at the vanguard of great design – pushing the industry in new directions right here in Queensland, across Australia and around the world.

Here’s a round-up of just a few recent alumni-designed projects we can’t stop looking at.

1.

Blok Three Sisters, Minjerribah
by Blok Modular (with Vokes and Peters)

This multi-residential modular project consists of 3 coastal terrace houses designed by Blok Modular, led by Director Daniel Burnett (BArch ’06), in collaboration with Vokes and Peters. It was constructed as 12 modules in the Blok Modular factory in Brisbane and assembled on site over 2 days on Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) – significantly reducing the negative impacts of pollution, noise and traffic that can come with building in this fragile coastal wetland environment.

The project was designed for sisters who grew up holidaying on this beachfront site as teenagers, to replace the 1970s house built by their parents. Accommodating 3 generations, the design carefully balances connection and privacy. When the project was finished, the sisters drew straws to see who would get each house.

2.

Fish Lane Town Square, South Brisbane
by Richards & Spence

Tucked beneath an elevated South Brisbane rail corridor, Fish Lane Town Square reimagines an overlooked slice of city infrastructure as a vibrant public gathering space. It was designed by Richards & Spence – founded by UQ alumni Ingrid Richards (BArch ’97) and Adrian Spence (BArch ’98).

Rather than treating the rail line as a constraint, the design turns it into an asset, providing shade, shelter and a strong sense of place. The result is a welcoming destination for hospitality and social connection that encourages lingering and demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock new possibilities within the existing fabric of a city.

3.

Pier Pavilion, Sydney Harbour
Besley & Spresser

Won in a national competition in 2020, the Pier Pavilion is a new permanent civic pavilion on Sydney Harbour designed by Besley & Spresser (led by UQ alumni Peter Besley, (BArch ’96) and Jessica Spresser (BArchDes ’09, MArch ’12).

The building functions as a host for special events and as a sheltered place of public repose to take in harbour views and enjoy the public realm. The envelope of the Pier Pavilion is made of 'oyster terrazzo', a material specially formulated for the project by Besley & Spresser combining whole Sydney Rock Oyster shells with a variety of recycled aggregates.

4.

Clyde House, Runaway Bay
Anna O’Gorman Architects

Clyde House is a multi-generational coastal retreat designed for family, entertaining and a lifestyle centred around the water. Created for clients who value boating, hosting and time with loved ones, the home brings together grand open spaces, private retreats and practical amenities across four levels. With robust materials, timeless detailing and enduring design integrity, it is a legacy home made to support daily life, celebration and connection for decades to come.

Still under construction, the project's renders (featured above) promise a stunning space, imagined by UQ alum Anna O’Gorman (BArch ’05) and her team.

5.

Powerhouse Museum Castle Hill, Sydney
lahznimmo architects

Located on Dharug Land, the Powerhouse Castle Hill is a 9,000 sqm storehouse for the conservation, research and public activation of the Powerhouse Museum's collection.

Serving the needs of a variety of user groups including staff, education groups, researchers and artists, the project aimed to increase public access to the Powerhouse collection. This included a ‘visible store’ to allow viewing into the museum’s 3000 sqm Very Large Object (VLO) storage area.

Awarded the 2024 National AIA Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture, the project delivers a much-needed museum facility for the people of Sydney’s northwest and was designed by lahznimmo architects (established by UQ alumni Annabel Lahz (BArch ’86, University Medal) and Andrew Nimmo (BArch ’87)).

6.

St Marcellin Centre, Marist College Ashgrove
Phorm architecture + design

When designing the St Marcellin Centre at Marist College, Phorm architecture + design responded to the steep, vegetated site by creating a generous undercroft, providing a flexible gathering space and refuge from sun and weather. Acting as both a physical and visual extension of the school's academic and sporting precincts, it establishes a welcoming entry for primary school students into the campus, while remaining open and accessible.

Celebrating life outdoors, external circulation, and natural ventilation through carefully detailed timber elements, the building forms part of a broader masterplan setting the foundation for a collection of future civic spaces.

The project was designed and documented exclusively by UQ alumni: Phorm’s Director Paul Hotston (BArchDes ’88, BArch ’93) alongside Hudson Smith (BArch ’25), Alice Langholt (BArch ’16, MArch ’21), Monique Pousson (BArchDes ’17, MArch ’21), Jesse Grant (BArch ’23) and Lachlan Sweet (BArchDes ’17, MArch ’21).