Kevin O’Brien is a Brisbane-based architect of Kaurereg and Meriam heritage and principal at BVN Architecture.
Over the past three decades, Kevin has worked across numerous projects and typologies in architecture and the arts, notably the exhibition design for Kith and Kin– Archie Moore’s exhibition for the 2024 Venice Biennale and the first Australian work to win the prestigious Golden Lion.
With his many accolades and appointments, Kevin has become a mentor for young First Nations graduates and architects, and a leader in Designing with Country approaches.
In Australia, we’re witnessing more and more built projects that champion Indigenous collaborations, histories and knowledge. At last week’s Design Speaks symposium, discussions explored the progress of Indigeneity in architecture over the past 30 years. We heard, however, that there is still a long way to go, and education is key to this shift.
To continue the conversation, we sat down with Kevin to reflect on the evolution of his work over his storied career and discuss what the growing number of Indigenous architects means for the profession.

Further reading:

Brisbane South State Secondary College by BVN
https://architectureau.com/articles/brisbane-south-state-secondary-college/
A space for storytelling: Blak Box
https://architectureau.com/articles/blak-box/
Yarrila Place by BVN
https://architectureau.com/articles/Yarrila-Place-by-BVN/
BVN designs new ATO headquarters
https://architectureau.com/articles/bvn-designs-new-ato-headquarters/
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable: Supporting First Nations practitioners
https://architectureau.com/articles/get-comfortable-with-being-uncomfortable-supporting-first-nations-practitioners/
Obituary: Rewi Thompson
https://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/obituary-rewi-thompson/

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