Why do architects need to be advocates? | Jennifer McMaster

Architects have always been advocates for design solutions, but as global challenges grow, so too does pressure on architects to stand up and do more. Jennifer McMaster is a founding director of architectural practice Trias and the recipient of the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 National Emerging Architect Prize. Across her work, she consciously advocates for environmentally responsible design. In this episode, Jen shares insight on how she balances advocacy with the realities of practice, and how the industry can collectively create change in a time of global crises.   Further reading: 2024 National Emerging Architect Prize https://architectureau.com/articles/2024-National-Emerging-Architect-Prize/ Jennifer McMaster on how to broadcast the value of architecture to a wider audience https://architectureau.com/articles/jennifer-mcmaster-on-how-to-broadcast-the-value-of-architecture-to-a-wider-audience/ Draped House by Trias https://architectureau.com/articles/draped-house-by-trias/ Paddington House by Trias https://architectureau.com/articles/paddington-house-by-trias/ 2025 Houses Awards: House Alteration and Addition over 200 square metres https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-Houses-Awards-House-Alteration-and-Addition-over-200-square-metres/ 2025 Houses Awards shortlist: Sustainability https://architectureau.com/articles/2025-houses-awards-shortlist-sustainability/