Events.
Designing Hope.
Reimagining the Future of the Built Environment.
In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the skills of architects and design professionals has never been more critical, yet they are often undervalued. As the 'wicked problems' of the 21st century compound, design thinking as a means to innovate is a common catchcry. So why are designers in the built environment not seen as key changemakers?
The E.G. Cohen Medal, established 100 years ago, has long honoured architectural students who exemplify both academic excellence and a spirit of selflessness.
As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that the values of dedication, empathy, and resilience that the medal represents are more crucial than ever in the face of today’s challenges.
We proudly present this event to explore how we can reshape both our profession and its value in shaping the built environment and society more broadly into a more radically equitable, approachable, and sustainable landscape. As an organization dedicated to fostering inclusion and driving positive change, we believe in the power of collective action and the importance of our role in supporting transformative ideas.
Moderated by Philip Gresley, Chair of Cohen Connect, join us and our panel of experts — leaders driving change both within and outside policy – to discuss how we can break down barriers and create lasting, impactful change.
Our panelists include:
Richard Hassell: Founding Director, WOHA
Emma Williamson: Government Architect
Andrew Lilleyman: Director, ARM Architecture
Jennie Officer: Senior Lecturer - UWA, Director - Officer Woods
Nic Temov: Associate Director, Hames Sharley
Event Sponsors
This event has been made possible in part thanks to the generous support of our event sponsors.
Meet the panelists.
-
Richard Hassell
FOUNDING DIRECTOR - WOHA
Richard is the co-Founding Director of WOHA, an architectural practice in Singapore. As a past recipient of the E.G. Cohen Medal, he graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1989 and was awarded Master of Architecture from Melbourne’s RMIT University in 2002. He served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia and is appointed the Seidler Chair in the Practice of Architecture at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
-
Emma Williamson
GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT
Emma is the Government Architect of Western Australia, Chair of the State Design Review Panel and an adjunct professor at Monash University. For almost three decades prior to this, Emma was a practicing architect and business owner.
-
Andrew Lilleyman
DIRECTOR - ARM ARCHITECTURE
Andrew is a director with ARM Architecture, an Australian architectural practice. His attention to design and delivery includes projects across many sectors - education, sports, and sports science, performing arts, social housing, and community facilities like the recently opened Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in Shepperton, Victoria.
-
Jennie Officer
SENIOR LECTURER - UWA & DIRECTOR - OFFICER WOODS
Jennie is a founding director at Officer Woods Architects, a senior lecturer in the School of Design at the University of Western Australia and a fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects.
-
Nic Temov
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - HAMES SHARLEY
Nic is a planner and urban designer with 20 years of government experience and as an Associate Director at Hames Sharley. He has contributed to state initiatives like Design WA and Metronet and now focuses on masterplanning and housing projects across Perth. Nic is passionate about incorporating community voices into his work, volunteering with Cohen Connect, Jane’s Walks, and Open House Perth.
-
Philip Gresley
DIRECTOR GRESLEY ABAS ARCHITECTS (PANEL MODERATOR)
The grandson of EG Cohen, Philip is a guiding figure for the EG Cohen Medal and Cohen Connect.