EmAGN: Talk to me with EAP winners - Placement

Following their recent Emerging Architect Prize recognition, Stephanie Kitingan, Jacqueline O'Brien and James Flaherty of Placement will present a selection of the practice's recent small-scale projects, reflecting on the ideas, constraints and opportunities that have shaped the work. The presentation will be followed by an open Q&A, offering attendees the chance to discuss questions around design, practice and building an architectural studio. The event will be hosted at Tender, the Brunswick-based yoga, music and event space that recently received a Commendation at the Victorian Architecture Awards. Designed as a contemporary third place, Tender brings together movement, deep listening and arts programming in a space centred on connection and wellbeing. Join us for an evening of conversation alongside the bar and some nibbles included.

SPEAKERS


Stephanie Kitingan 
Stephanie Kitingan is a multidisciplinary architect working across architecture, interiors, music, and community engagement. Her practice explores design excellence. She is alumnus of the 2023 Glen Murcutt International Masterclass and was selected to be on the 2023 National and Victorian Jury for the Institute of Architects. After years tutoring for Melbourne University, she now sits on the ABP Industry Advisory Board as representative of Small Practice. Stephanie’s approach is motivated by social impact, including direct work with Indigenous communities and interdisciplinary artistic initiatives and residencies. Her efforts have culminated as co-founder of Tender, a third space in Merri-Bek dedicated to movement, music, and cultural programming. She is driven by the belief that thoughtful interventions can shape meaningful outcomes and lead to cool things. 

Jacqueline O'Brien
Graduating with a Masters of Architecture at RMIT in 2013 and working for some of Melbourne's most celebrated firms, Jacqueline's foundational experience centers around architecture and interiors with a particular interest in design that spans the creative disciplines. Passionate about holistic design in a changing climate thru an intersectional lens, she became a certified Passive House Designer in 2020. Jacqueline has been a juror for the Victorian Australian Institute of Architects awards, leads Architecture Design Studio's at Monash University since 2019 and participated in the Helsinki International Artists residency Program in 2024.


James Flaherty
Prior to founding Placement James has worked at a number of small to medium sized practices across Australia collaborating with a broad range of client types and briefs. James has a broad experience as a project architect across a range of project types including educational, civic, retail, and residential. James also plays a key leadership role in local community organisations, advocating that quality design outcomes should be available to all.

When:        Wednesday 19 August 2026
Time:          7.30pm - 9:00pm 
Location:   Tender
                    535 Sydney Road, Brunswick [map]
Price:          Members - FREE, Non-members $10
                   Drinks and snacks provided