Philip Gresley - Commercial Accountability

In this episode, Safia Ibrahim and Daniel Moore speak with architect Philip Gresley about the meaning and value of sustainability certification, including BCorp, in the architectural profession. Philip reflects on how sustainability in architecture must extend beyond environmental concerns to address broader questions of accountability, social equity, and community wellbeing. He shares insights into how design processes and outcomes are evolving in response to these challenges, and how architects can lead with purpose through both practice and advocacy. This conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of how architecture can drive measurable change in the way we live, build, and support one another.

Philip Gresley is a Registered Architect and founding Director of Gresley Abas Architects. He is known for his commitment to socially sustainable and community-centred design. Philip’s work focuses on projects that achieve environmental goals while delivering real benefits to the people they serve. Beyond practice, he actively contributes to the profession through design review panels and as Chair of Cohen Connect, a not-for-profit organisation that oversees the EG Cohen Medal, awarded annually to an architecture graduate who exemplifies generosity and selflessness during their studies. Philip’s career exemplifies how architectural thinking can extend beyond buildings to shape better futures.

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This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Safia Ibrahim and Daniel Moore.

This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time.

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