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S2 Ep 6 - The Queenslander

March 10, 2026 · 38 min

Show notes

Tim and Kev head to Brisbane to meet architect John Ellway, who has quietly built a reputation for
transforming one of Australia’s most iconic house types - the Queenslander.

Working almost entirely in his own neighbourhood, John carefully adapts these classic timber-and-tin
homes so they can handle contemporary living while still embracing the subtropical climate that shaped them.

Recorded in his own inventive house, John is one of a number of local architects responsible for some of the most exciting Australian architecture of recent years. In a typically laid-back Brisbane manner, he unpacks the thinking behind his work and explains why relationships with clients are central to his
practice.

Follow John Ellway on Instagram @jellway and more details on his website jellway.com

Other Brisbane architects doing interesting work include:
Vokes and Peters – vokesandpeters.com
Russell & Co – russelwith.co
Owen Architecture – owenarchitecture.com.au

To view images from this episode, head to our Instagram page - @big_design_adventure
And be sure to follow Tim Ross (@modernister) and Kevin McCloud (@kevin.mccloud1)
We’d love to hear from you, reach out to us on [email protected]
Know someone who would love this podcast? Please help us share this exciting new adventure.

 

Big Design Adventure is proudly sponsored by Space Furniture (@spacefurniture), the Australian Institute of Architects (@institute_architects_aus) and is produced with the support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation (@alastairswaynfoundation) in Australia, Royal Institute of British Architects (@RIBA) in the UK and New Zealand Institute of Architects (@nziarchitects) in New Zealand. 

 

Hosts: Tim Ross and Kevin McCloud
Guest: John Ellway
Big Design Adventure is produced by Modernister Films on Wallumedegal land, Australia.
Executive Producer: Shelley Kemp
Audio Production: Madeline Joannou – Mylk Media
Music: Kit Warhurst (@kitwarhurst)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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