First and Last, Brisbane 2026

First and Last is making its Brisbane debut! Join Fiona Lynch (Fiona Lynch Office) and Stuart Vokes (Vokes and Peters) for a new series that invites notable designers and architects to reflect on one of the earliest projects in their career and contrast it with a recent work.

Through candid presentations and conversations, the session will explore how creative practices evolve over time, what remains constant, and how the design landscape has shifted. It’s a chance to hear personal insights into a career in practice, how to achieve longevity in the design industry, and what they have each learnt along the way. Hear stories from behind the work – from humble beginnings to current-day milestones.

TALKS

Lee Mathews • Melbourne Penthouse

Fiona Lynch, founder of Fiona Lynch Office, will speak about Lee Mathews retail store on James Street, Fortitude Valley, one of her first projects after establishing her own studio. In contrast, she will also present Melbourne Penthouse, an art-filled residence characterised by a sensory, multi-layered materiality.

Balmoral House • La Grotta

Stuart Vokes is co-founder of Vokes and Peters and will present Balmoral House (2007), a case study in sustainable design through the provision of adaptable space. He will also discuss La Grotta, a home in Brisbane’s Holland Park that he designed for his own family over ten years.

Program updates here.

We acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera/Yuggera peoples as the traditional custodians of the land on which this event is taking place. We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.


Notes
Tickets are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another name.

All details are correct at the time of publication, however changes in format, content and speaker line-up may become necessary, at the discretion of Architecture Media.