Michael Lewarne
@michaellewarne.bsky.social
Rethinking how architects work, lead, and get out of their own way. Full-time MPhil researcher. Part-time coach. Occasional troublemaker.
https://unmeasu.red/
https://unmeasu.red/
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
For all those peddling density at any cost, see here things that need to be considered, together;
“map & fund everything that makes a neighbourhood liveable: parks, tree-lined streets, schools & libraries”
A cluster bomb of towers alone no good
aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
“map & fund everything that makes a neighbourhood liveable: parks, tree-lined streets, schools & libraries”
A cluster bomb of towers alone no good
aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Katherine Sundermann on the rise of high-density housing
ArchitectureAu Asks the Melbourne urban designer, “When it comes to apartment towers in our suburbs, how high is too high?”
aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:49 AM
For all those peddling density at any cost, see here things that need to be considered, together;
“map & fund everything that makes a neighbourhood liveable: parks, tree-lined streets, schools & libraries”
A cluster bomb of towers alone no good
aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
“map & fund everything that makes a neighbourhood liveable: parks, tree-lined streets, schools & libraries”
A cluster bomb of towers alone no good
aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
They did in Auckland with the Unitary Plan
(Mostly)
(Mostly)
November 6, 2025 at 1:58 AM
They did in Auckland with the Unitary Plan
(Mostly)
(Mostly)
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Unfortunately, almost everything in this report is wrong. 3 storey units might be OK, but attached houses are cheaper to build. 6 storey units are expensive to build and the construction cost alone is probably unaffordable. If we’re serious about affordability, then we need to build social housing.
November 6, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Unfortunately, almost everything in this report is wrong. 3 storey units might be OK, but attached houses are cheaper to build. 6 storey units are expensive to build and the construction cost alone is probably unaffordable. If we’re serious about affordability, then we need to build social housing.
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Warning: niche post
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Spec Rep Help Desk
www.specrephelpdesk.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Warning: niche post
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Attn: Australian architects.
I built a free to use ai tool that can help sift through the NCC, find compliant building products and help you consider risks.
You can take a look here:
www.specrephelpdesk.com
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
If you want some insights into contemporary concepts of Country, read this insightful & challenging article by one of our leading 1st Nations thinkers #Danielehromek
architectureau.com/articles/on-...
architectureau.com/articles/on-...
On uncolonisation, decolonisation and spacelessness
Danièle Hromek discusses how uncolonising gives space to decolonisation efforts by Indigenous peoples, leading to built environments that encompass different spatialities and, crucially, spaces specif...
architectureau.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:52 AM
If you want some insights into contemporary concepts of Country, read this insightful & challenging article by one of our leading 1st Nations thinkers #Danielehromek
architectureau.com/articles/on-...
architectureau.com/articles/on-...
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Essential read on D&C.
“How can any architect in their right mind claim to know what’s been installed on a building when others routinely change specification without regard to the documentation setting out what needs to be done?”
@russellcurtis
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
“How can any architect in their right mind claim to know what’s been installed on a building when others routinely change specification without regard to the documentation setting out what needs to be done?”
@russellcurtis
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
The Grenfell inquiry missed the elephant in the room: design and build
The Grenfell report fails to grasp the wider lessons of this tragedy by ignoring the warped procurement culture that encouraged so many awful decisions, argues Russell Curtis
www.architectsjournal.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Essential read on D&C.
“How can any architect in their right mind claim to know what’s been installed on a building when others routinely change specification without regard to the documentation setting out what needs to be done?”
@russellcurtis
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
“How can any architect in their right mind claim to know what’s been installed on a building when others routinely change specification without regard to the documentation setting out what needs to be done?”
@russellcurtis
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion...
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
I’m happy to keep adding to it!
Here is my starter pack of @bluesky people across urbanism/architecture/climate/culture/environment… with a bit of humour & art thrown in.
Would be good if people became more active here, & avoided other XXXX
🙏 @brenttoderian.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/LJyi6W8
Would be good if people became more active here, & avoided other XXXX
🙏 @brenttoderian.bsky.social
go.bsky.app/LJyi6W8
September 6, 2025 at 12:24 AM
I’m happy to keep adding to it!
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Parlour launches second edition of Guides to Equitable Practice
Parlour launches second edition of Guides to Equitable Practice
Coinciding with Equal Pay Day 2025, Parlour has launched the second edition of its Guides to Equitable Practice.
dlvr.it
August 19, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Parlour launches second edition of Guides to Equitable Practice
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Excellent article on our housing conundrum by @roryhyde.bsky.social, challenging all but especially Govts to really engage with improving our housing - by actually leading policy & building exemplar projects
architectureau.com/articles/exp...
architectureau.com/articles/exp...
Expressions of interest
Are competitions and demonstration projects enough to shift the status quo of housing design? Rory Hyde reflects on the role and realities of conceptual ideas for new ways of living.
architectureau.com
August 5, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Excellent article on our housing conundrum by @roryhyde.bsky.social, challenging all but especially Govts to really engage with improving our housing - by actually leading policy & building exemplar projects
architectureau.com/articles/exp...
architectureau.com/articles/exp...
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
He argued the point saying we needed to know *the facts*, suggesting what we have currently from Gaza is not reliable. Every time someone says this they should be reminded that Palestinian journalists get killed, sometimes deliberately, and Israel won’t allow access to International press.
July 28, 2025 at 1:48 AM
He argued the point saying we needed to know *the facts*, suggesting what we have currently from Gaza is not reliable. Every time someone says this they should be reminded that Palestinian journalists get killed, sometimes deliberately, and Israel won’t allow access to International press.
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Interestingly, permissibility of the housing types is tied to permissibility in the underlying LEP. This presents a significant issue given that most councils extinguished permissibility of ‘Multi Dwelling Housing’ in R2 areas with the introduction of the NSW Low Rise Housing Diversity Code in 2018!
July 21, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Interestingly, permissibility of the housing types is tied to permissibility in the underlying LEP. This presents a significant issue given that most councils extinguished permissibility of ‘Multi Dwelling Housing’ in R2 areas with the introduction of the NSW Low Rise Housing Diversity Code in 2018!
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
An interesting overview of the issues surrounding permissibility of the NSW Pattern Book solutions. Suggests that Torrens Title is permissible as complying development.
1/2
1/2
Pattern Book Developments and CDCs | Lindsay Taylor Lawyers
From 30 July 2025 a range of residential development will be able to be carried out as complying development, with a complying development certificate (CDC) to be issued within 10 days, if the develop...
www.lindsaytaylorlawyers.com.au
July 21, 2025 at 1:36 AM
An interesting overview of the issues surrounding permissibility of the NSW Pattern Book solutions. Suggests that Torrens Title is permissible as complying development.
1/2
1/2
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Our #substation175 in Surry Hills afternoon light.
20 years on from its construction, the city around has changed;
Light rail up Devonshire St, street trees lost, new square in front & neighbour beside.
Red external
Blinds on west facade still operating, zinc facade good.
On 45m2 site, all facade
20 years on from its construction, the city around has changed;
Light rail up Devonshire St, street trees lost, new square in front & neighbour beside.
Red external
Blinds on west facade still operating, zinc facade good.
On 45m2 site, all facade
July 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Our #substation175 in Surry Hills afternoon light.
20 years on from its construction, the city around has changed;
Light rail up Devonshire St, street trees lost, new square in front & neighbour beside.
Red external
Blinds on west facade still operating, zinc facade good.
On 45m2 site, all facade
20 years on from its construction, the city around has changed;
Light rail up Devonshire St, street trees lost, new square in front & neighbour beside.
Red external
Blinds on west facade still operating, zinc facade good.
On 45m2 site, all facade
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Nations like Canada, NZ, Finland show how universal, adaptable, participatory human rights laws avoid targeting specific groups by embedding equality into their legal DNA
Australia to adopt best practice needs a national human rights charter informed by public dialogue that protects all citizens
Australia to adopt best practice needs a national human rights charter informed by public dialogue that protects all citizens
July 10, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Nations like Canada, NZ, Finland show how universal, adaptable, participatory human rights laws avoid targeting specific groups by embedding equality into their legal DNA
Australia to adopt best practice needs a national human rights charter informed by public dialogue that protects all citizens
Australia to adopt best practice needs a national human rights charter informed by public dialogue that protects all citizens
Just read a CSIRO study showing a marked increase over 10 yrs in job ads seeking people with interpersonal skills. If architects want uni's to produce job ready grads, maybe there needs to be more focus on teaching human (soft) skills, than just codes and BIMability.
July 7, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Just read a CSIRO study showing a marked increase over 10 yrs in job ads seeking people with interpersonal skills. If architects want uni's to produce job ready grads, maybe there needs to be more focus on teaching human (soft) skills, than just codes and BIMability.
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
It's constantly amazing to me that someone who speaks like a 5 year old bully is the President, that half of Americans actually like this shit AND that the whole world has to grovel to this childish moron.
July 3, 2025 at 2:55 AM
It's constantly amazing to me that someone who speaks like a 5 year old bully is the President, that half of Americans actually like this shit AND that the whole world has to grovel to this childish moron.
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
The Australian Design Centre has had its funding cut. Design is so critically important, and so under appreciated and unsupported in Australian culture. ADC is looking for partners, sponsors, or people who can help them keep supporting designers and makers. Please share.
Important Announcement
Australian Design Centre (ADC) is an integral part of the arts ecology in Australia. This small, dynamic, independent organisation has nurtured and supported thousands of artists since 1964, presentin...
australiandesigncentre.com
June 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The Australian Design Centre has had its funding cut. Design is so critically important, and so under appreciated and unsupported in Australian culture. ADC is looking for partners, sponsors, or people who can help them keep supporting designers and makers. Please share.
Tech shouldn’t feel like a burden.
If it does, you’re probably using the wrong tech.
Or techniques.
If it does, you’re probably using the wrong tech.
Or techniques.
June 12, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Tech shouldn’t feel like a burden.
If it does, you’re probably using the wrong tech.
Or techniques.
If it does, you’re probably using the wrong tech.
Or techniques.
When you give people space to grow...
they'll surprise you.
Then your whole practice grows too.
they'll surprise you.
Then your whole practice grows too.
June 11, 2025 at 10:21 PM
When you give people space to grow...
they'll surprise you.
Then your whole practice grows too.
they'll surprise you.
Then your whole practice grows too.
Don’t hire for fit.
Hire for stretch.
Hire for stretch.
June 11, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Don’t hire for fit.
Hire for stretch.
Hire for stretch.
Reposted by Michael Lewarne
Boy multimillionaires are good at getting media when they feel sad about government tax policy
Imagine if we reported on the feelings of young people who are worried coal and gas expansion will cause catastrophic climate change the way we reported on the crocodile tears of the wealthiest 0.5%…
Imagine if we reported on the feelings of young people who are worried coal and gas expansion will cause catastrophic climate change the way we reported on the crocodile tears of the wealthiest 0.5%…
"The vast majority of Australians have got less than $200,000 worth of super."
"We're having this entire media obsession about a small increase in the amount of tax that will be paid by people with more than 15 times that."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
"We're having this entire media obsession about a small increase in the amount of tax that will be paid by people with more than 15 times that."
@richarddenniss.bsky.social #auspol
June 10, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Boy multimillionaires are good at getting media when they feel sad about government tax policy
Imagine if we reported on the feelings of young people who are worried coal and gas expansion will cause catastrophic climate change the way we reported on the crocodile tears of the wealthiest 0.5%…
Imagine if we reported on the feelings of young people who are worried coal and gas expansion will cause catastrophic climate change the way we reported on the crocodile tears of the wealthiest 0.5%…
Want more work?
Be easier to trust.
Listen. Adapt. Stay in touch.
Be easier to trust.
Listen. Adapt. Stay in touch.
June 10, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Want more work?
Be easier to trust.
Listen. Adapt. Stay in touch.
Be easier to trust.
Listen. Adapt. Stay in touch.
Clients don’t refer great architectural design.
They refer great experiences.
They refer great experiences.
June 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Clients don’t refer great architectural design.
They refer great experiences.
They refer great experiences.
If your practice income is dependant on one project type,
You don’t have a good practice model.
You have a gamble.
You don’t have a good practice model.
You have a gamble.
June 9, 2025 at 2:22 AM
If your practice income is dependant on one project type,
You don’t have a good practice model.
You have a gamble.
You don’t have a good practice model.
You have a gamble.