The Abedian School of Architecture Lecture Series launched in 2013. It has since hosted an impressive guest list of Australian and internationally notable architecture experts, bringing some of the world's most creative and talented architects to Bond University to share their insights with our community.
This year, the lecture series has centred around the theme of Lineages - exploring the rich connections between contemporary Queensland architectural practices.
We are pleased to welcome James Russell and John Ellway for our final ASA Lecture of 2025, two Brisbane-based architects whose work reflects thoughtful engagement with people, place and the practice of architecture.
The lectures are free and open to all members of the public.
ASA Lecture Series 2025 | with James Russell & John Ellway
Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Time: 5.30pm Arrival & Drinks | 6.00pm Lecture
Where: Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University
Introducing James Russell:
James leads the Brisbane-based design practice Russell with Co. His design approach incorporates three elements into every project – people, place and making. The practice is composed of an architect, students, a landscape architect and an engineer that use building as a tool for investigating and developing our knowledge of a material and the way we put it together. James is known for approaching architecture in its simplest form, a shelter, and encouraging people to interact with their surrounding environments. Through using architecture and building as a method of investigation, James is able to question common practices and break the mold of architectural design by exploring what it means to not have complete control over your environment.
Introducing John Ellway:
John Ellway runs a small solo practice with a love for creating places where people live, inspired by their stories of travel and family memories. His goal is to create simple functional buildings that delight and surprise through the control of light, shadow and landscape, with a focus on local materials, climate, and social relationships. The practice was established in 2017 after working with architect mentor James Russell in the preceding 7 years. John was educated at the Queensland College of Art, gaining a Bachelor of Design in 2001, and went on to complete a Master of Architecture at the University of Queensland. Before working in architecture, John worked in the fields of graphic design, 3D design and wayfinding, with a number of multidisciplinary design companies in Australia and the UK.