Perth Design Week 2026 program launches

Perth Design Week returns this March with a curated, week-long program of panels, exhibitions and activities celebrating architecture and design.

In 2025, the Western Australian government allocated $100,000 to support the 2026 festival, enabling the fourth edition to move from an open-call format to a curated format of larger scale events. The program will continue to highlight design across a variety of scales and disciplines, including architecture, interior design, planning and landscape design.

Among the program highlights is Designing a 24-Hour City, a panel discussion moderated by journalist and design advocate Claire Tyrell, examining the ingredients of a great city. The discussion will bring together Natalie Busch, managing principal of Hassell; Samantha Stewart, associate director at Urbis; Sean Henriques, director of campus environments at Edith Cowan University (ECU); James Sutherland, managing director of Arcade Agency; Kyle Jeavons, director at H-U; and Jim Tsagalis of Lease Equity.

Another panel discussion, Designing the Future, explores the key drivers transforming the design sector, from emerging technologies and sustainability to shifting consumer preferences. Speakers include Chris Kueh, associate professor of design at ECU; Claudia Westermann, associate professor of creative practice in the School of Design and the Built Environment at Curtin University; Huia Adkin, GHD sustainability and circular economy portfolio lead; Ilona McGuire, multidisciplinary artist; Julian Bolleter, director of the Australian Urban Design Research Centre at the University of Western Australia; and Simon Blackwell, associate at Hip v. Hype.

Home is a series of conversations where architects share insights from residential projects. In the first session, Nic Brunsdon, founder of Brunsdon Studio, will be joined by David Gibson co-founder of PTX Architects.

The Chirriger Moort: A 30 Year Retrospective of the Work of Peter Farmer exhibition will trace the three-decade creative journey of Noonga artist and designer Peter Farmer, whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, public art, fashion, interior design and the built environment.

Perth Design Week founder and chair Sandy Anghie said the week-long event supports meaningful conversations about design, place and the future to happen at scale.

"Design is everywhere and for everyone, from the cities we navigate and the buildings we live in to the objects we use every day, yet its influence often goes unnoticed. Perth Design Week exists to make design visible and accessible, and to show how design can help shape a more sustainable, equitable and connected future," said Anghie.

"We cast a spotlight on people creating with intention, highlighting that design serves a deeperpurpose beyond aesthetics. Design is a process. It's about making choices that positively impact the world, whether through sustainability, social justice or cultural significance."

Perth Design Week will be held between 19-26 March. To find out more about the program, visit the Perth Design Week website.