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Calling All Emerging Designers

This is your opportunity to go beyond the classroom and experience the future of design firsthand.

At the National Festival of Design, student designers aren’t just watching from the sidelines you’re in the room, at the table, and in the conversation. With a 3-day curated experience designed specifically for students, you’ll connect directly with senior professionals, industry leaders, and fellow future thinkers shaping the built environment.

Student Designer Pass Includes
$220 (exclusive student pricing)

Full 2-Day National Conference Access. Sit in on keynote sessions, expert panels, and breakout discussions shaping the future of design.
Exclusive Student Trade Show Entry. Explore the latest products, tools, and innovations from leading suppliers.
Curated Roundtable Opportunities. Connect face-to-face with industry leaders, BDAA senior members, and fellow students.
Networking Night Entry. Unwind after Day 1 with fellow students and professionals at our Friday night mixer and build your network in a relaxed setting.
Official BDAA Certificate of Attendance. Perfect for your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio.

Meet the Speakers

The National Festival of Design 2025 brings together a dynamic lineup of industry changemakers, policy leaders, economists, and technical experts all ready to tackle Australia’s housing future, from affordability and regulation to community design, sustainability, and resilience.

Here are just a few of the outstanding voices you’ll hear from

Tim Reardon

Chief Economist, Housing Industry Association

Tim’s national housing forecast is not to be missed. He’ll break down the pressures on supply, interest rates, migration, and planning reform, giving designers and consultants the data-driven context to navigate change confidently.

Janine Strachan

CEO Insulation Council of Australia and NZ (ICANZ)

With extensive industry leadership, Janine will unpack the overlooked hero of building performance: insulation and why quality control matters more than ever.

Rob Pradolin

Executive Director, Housing All Australians

Rob brings decades of experience and a passionate voice for housing as essential infrastructure. His keynote will explore real-world applications of mid-rise timber builds and how they can support housing affordability and sustainability goals.

Pete Morrison

CEO, Green Timber Tech

Learn how precision, scale and speed can redefine housing affordability, as Pete unveils the transformative potential of flat pack delivery models.

Check out the full Agenda and Speakers lineup now

AGENDA

Here’s what you’ll gain by attending

The National Festival of Design isn’t just another industry event it’s where Australia’s design future takes shape.

Over three action-packed days, you’ll immerse yourself in conversations that matter, connect with the country’s most innovative design thinkers, and experience a celebration of creativity, impact, and professional excellence.

Big Conversations on Housing and Affordability

This year’s conference theme tackles one of Australia’s most urgent issues the housing crisis. Hear from economists, government leaders, consultants, and practitioners who are rethinking the way we design, build, and live.

Inspiring Keynotes and Panels

With headline speaker Mark Bouris, HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon, and a powerful lineup of expert voices, you’ll get insight into where the industry is headed and how you can stay ahead.

Unmissable Networking Opportunities

Whether you’re connecting over cocktails at the themed “Peaky Blinders” networking night, or toasting excellence at the Gala Awards, you’ll build relationships that spark ideas, partnerships, and new projects.

Engage with the Latest Products and Innovations

Explore the free Trade Show and see what’s new in materials, technology, and services. It’s your chance to connect with suppliers, get inspired by product demos, and find solutions you can implement right away.

Whether you’re a building designer, energy assessor, consultant, or part of the broader built environment community, this is your chance to grow, connect, and be part of something bigger.