PDW 2026: Designing with Purpose

A thoughtful and considered discussion to conclude Perth Design Week with "Designing for Purpose". A multidisciplinary panel was expertly stitched together by our moderator Paula Rogers.

Perth Design Week 2026 concluded last week with our final conversation titled "Designing with Purpose." This session highlighted individuals who create with intention, emphasizing that design should serve a deeper purpose beyond aesthetics. Design is a process that involves making choices that positively impact the world, focusing on sustainability, social justice, and cultural significance.

Key takeaways from our panelists included:

• "Durability over cheap fixes: A preference for steel subframes and reparable, modular products to enhance longevity and reduce waste." Chris Cooke, Head of Design at King Living
• "Social design delivers high value-for-money: Community-led, low-cost, locally sourced solutions yield meaningful outcomes." Joni Sercombe, social sector innovator and systems thinker
• "Climate-responsive housing matters: Simple principles like north-facing orientation and designing according to local sun and wind patterns significantly improve liveability and cost-effectiveness." Matthew Delroy Carr, registered architect and principal of MDC Architects
• "Market levers shifting: Banks, reporting, and emerging home energy ratings are beginning to reward well-performing designs, potentially disrupting real estate choices." Karla Fox-Reynolds, making homes comfortable, efficient and resilient
• "Design for people, not aesthetics only: 'Queer design' framing focuses on creating spaces that support lived experiences rather than adhering to stereotypical aesthetics." Matthew McGivern, a graduate architect making a significant impact

Thank you to our event sponsor, King Living.

Photos by Davide for David Broadway.