Paul De Sailly has been appointed to the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter Regional Committee, a group improving architectural practice across regional NSW, driven by those who understand the unique challenges, contexts and climates these projects face.

Now leading Plus Architecture’s Canberra studio, he brings both a national outlook and strong regional insight to the table. Having grown up in Canberra, his connection to place runs deep, as does his commitment to design that responds to context, climate and community.

Clémence Carayol: How does your upbringing in Canberra inform your approach to designing architecture that is responsive to regional contexts and communities?

Paul De Sailly: Growing up in Canberra gave me an early appreciation for how architecture interacts with landscape, climate, and community. It’s a city with a strong civic identity, surrounded by bushland, and that combination really shaped my sensitivity to context from the start.

Leaving to work in other cities around Australia and in Europe was important as it gave me valuable perspective on different urban conditions, scales, and design cultures. But what’s been just as impactful has been returning with a fresh lens and seeing how sophisticated and connected many regional areas already are.

Rather than viewing regional practice as something that needs external input, I’ve come to respect how much regional architects have to teach the broader profession. They work within unique constraints, climatic extremes, limited resources, and tight-knit communities and consistently produce thoughtful, responsive design.

That really informed my own approach: to listen closely, to value local knowledge, and to see design as something that emerges from context, not something imposed onto it.

What do you see as the most pressing challenges currently facing architectural practice in regional New South Wales, and how might the committee address them?

One of the most pressing challenges facing architectural practice in regional New South Wales is the availability of skilled trades and timely access to construction materials.

While this has traditionally been a significant obstacle, we are starting to see improvement in many regional centres, where both the availability and quality of construction resources have increased.

This progress is reflected in recent Australian Institute of Architecture (RAIA) NSW awards, such as Lighthouse by BVN in Byron Bay, which demonstrate that regional projects can achieve excellence on par with those in metropolitan areas.

However, these improvements are not consistent across the state. More remote or less populous areas still face substantial logistical and resourcing difficulties. That’s why the Blacket Prize for Regional Architecture was awarded to the Cobar Ward Oval Pavilion by DunnHillam Architecture and Urban Design.

The project stood out for successfully navigating these regional challenges while also delivering a meaningful contribution to its community.

Similarly, projects like Olive Tree House by Bastian Architecture (2024 Sustainability Award winner) and Ziggy’s Villas by Harley Graham Architects (2024 Commendation for Multiple Housing) demonstrate the high standards that are achievable by regional practices working in regional NSW.

In addressing these ongoing issues, advocacy remains a key priority for the RAIA NSW Regional Committee. A recent example involved the NSW Government’s proposal that all design consultants working with councils carry a minimum of $20 million in professional indemnity insurance.

This requirement risks excluding smaller regional practices from participating in local projects. Through advocacy, the RAIA is petitioning to have this policy relaxed for smaller-scale work, supporting not only equitable access to opportunities for regional architects but also ensuring that local projects benefit from local knowledge and engagement.

Another significant challenge for regional practices is staffing. With architecture schools primarily located in capital cities, attracting qualified staff requires graduates to return to regional communities after completing their studies.

The rise of remote work post-COVID, along with increasing migration from metropolitan areas, has helped improve access to talent. However, we continue to explore more opportunities to support regional members in addressing this issue.

Can you share an example of a project where your commitment to climate-responsive design has had a particularly positive impact?

I feel strongly about the role of adaptive reuse in sustainable architecture. One project that reflects this commitment is our work at 64 Clarence Street in Sydney. Rather than opting for the simpler path of demolition and new construction, we took on the challenge of revitalising an outdated commercial building.

This involved upgrading the core and façade, as well as adding five new storeys to the existing structure. By extending the building’s lifespan and significantly improving its performance, we were able to make a meaningful environmental contribution through retention and reuse.

In terms of new builds, our Studio is currently working on an exciting project called Green Lofts on Green Street in Cremorne, Victoria, which is in the Design Development phase. The project embraces climate-responsive design through a low-carbon CLT (cross-laminated timber) structure and an innovative ‘solar greenhouse’ roof that supports both heat recovery and on-site energy generation.

Green Lofts is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating and is shaping up to be a benchmark for future-focused, sustainable urban living.

In what ways do you hope your national perspective will contribute to shaping the committee’s priorities and initiatives for regional practice?

Rather than shaping the RAIA NSW Regional Committee's direction outright, I see my role as contributing meaningfully to its existing efforts—bringing a national perspective that supports and complements its priorities.

The RAIA is typically well represented by practices of varying scales across its committees, and I aim to add to this by offering the perspective of a national practice to the regional committee. I believe this presents a valuable opportunity to help amplify regional voices and increase exposure for outstanding work across the state.

Through my work at Plus, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to projects in Shoalhaven, Goulburn, Kingscliff, the Central Coast, and hopefully soon, Queanbeyan—where I grew up. These projects span aged care facilities, precinct masterplans, mixed-use retail, commercial and residential developments, and hospitality.

Each has provided valuable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities of working in regional NSW, and I’m excited to represent this work within the committee.

I find the architectural context in regional NSW to be refreshingly distinct from that of Sydney. The context is often picturesque, characterful, and deeply connected to place. I look forward to using this position to raise awareness of the exceptional design quality emerging from these regions.
I'm also keen to strengthen collaboration between chapters.

Many architects are registered in NSW but are based closer to centres like Canberra. I see RAIA-organised industry events and networking as key opportunities to better connect these members and enhance their engagement with the Institute.

Plus also has a presence across Australia, including Victoria, where our Geelong Studio Lead, Dominic Versace, serves on the Victorian Committee. Though I’m still early in my involvement with the RAIA NSW Regional Committee, it’s already been valuable to exchange insights across state lines, and I believe this kind of collaboration can positively inform future initiatives.

Looking ahead, what opportunities do you see for regional architecture to lead innovation and set new benchmarks for design excellence across Australia?

I see regional architecture continuing to be a vital source for design excellence. One promising sign is the recent appointment of Adam Haddow from SJB as RAIA National President.

Adam is not only an outstanding designer but also brings a deep understanding of regional Australia, having grown up in Ararat, Victoria. His recent work in the region further reflects this connection.

I’m excited to see how his leadership may elevate the national conversation around regional design. In a recent interview, he spoke about the importance of visibility for regional work, and I strongly believe that increased exposure and promotion of regional architects and their projects, is a significant opportunity for the profession.

The RAIA’s Regional Committees network is another powerful platform for progress. As of 2025, the RAIA NSW Regional committee has 17 members spread across the state, from Brunswick Heads to Albury, which allows for a genuinely broad and engaged presence.

This enables face-to-face connection and the delivery of local industry events that strengthen our professional community. From my time on the committee so far, I can already see real momentum in building a cohesive and connected network across the regions.

Image: Paul De Sailly / Gabriella Sukkarr

Clémence Carayol

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