Acoufelt Sponsors Architects, Not Architecture ‘Sydney Edition’ Live Australian Debut Event

Acoufelt was proud to sponsor the Architects not Architecture (AnA) live Australian debut event held at Brickworks Sydney design studio on April 28th. The event was the first physical AnA event held outside Europe and was classed a great success with rumored plans of a 2023 return across multiple Australian states.  

The drawcard of the event is rooted in its personal and slightly “unconventional” core topic; the architects themselves. The format of the Australian-first Sydney Edition featured the acclaimed architect and co-founder of JPW, Richard Johnson; together with Angelo Candalepas, founder of Candalepas Associates.

The duo spoke candidly about their career paths and own personal growth as architects. In partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), the Institute’s National President, Shannon Battisson, facilitated the open discussion component of the evening, directing questions from the audience for Richard and Angelo.

Richard Johnson’s presentation alluded to a highly academic past, graduating with first class honours in Architecture from the University of New South Wales, before receiving his Master of Philosophy in Town Planning from the University College of London in 1977. In 2001, alongside Adran Pilton and Jeff Walkes, Richard established JPW – a multidisciplinary architectural firm with ongoing projects across Australia, China and New Zealand.  

A love of teaching evolved with multiple academic positions held across New South Wales Universities, Richard confided to the audience that he feels he must teach in order to pass on his knowledge to others, and viewed his pupils as a great source of learning for himself.

“I’ve taught extensively, not only because I think it’s an obligation to pass [my knowledge] on, but I also get enormous benefit and joy from the feedback from young minds, who can see contemporary issues more clearly than someone who has a vested interest in the past”, says Richard.  

Angelo Candelapas was second to present, speaking in depth about his connection to Greece following his parent’s migration to Australia in the 1960’s. After graduating from the University of Technology Sydney in 1992, Angelo established his own architecture studio. Since then, he has won and been shortlisted for several national and international competitions in architecture, and was awarded a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2012. Angelo spoke fervently about his creativity and passion for his family, poetry, music and ancient Greek values, and how they continue to influence his contemporary work today. 

“Family is utterly important. And where I want to end my life is with my wife, ruminating around art. That’s how I see my future”, says Angelo. 

​For a number of the 100 plus in-person guests, this was the first networking event they had attended in 2 years. Acoufelt’s attending staff and VIP guests commented on how refreshing it was to mingle with others in a face-to-face format. With the addition of over 300 livestream attendees from across the globe, Acoufelt and AnA were thrilled with the turnout, and will continue to support events and activities for the architectural community.