About

Dr. Kevin Bradley (Registered Architect NSW 8916) completed his PhD in Architecture in 2021. His research critically examines how architectural interventions can produce unintended harm, despite the positive intentions claimed by governments and design firms.

Dr. Bradley's professional focus centers on reframing design practice to ensure architecture's impact is both understood and collaboratively produced by those who experience and benefit from it. This approach expands traditional architectural methodology into a more intersectional and collaborative model of implementation.

Through his work, Dr. Bradley advocates for a fundamental shift in how architectural projects are conceived, developed, and evaluated, creating built environments that meaningfully serve their intended communities.

In addressing complex societal challenges, the desire to effect positive change can often feel overwhelming. Key questions arise: Where does one begin? How should resources and energy be directed? How does one understand their position within these systems? How does this intersect with our obligations to Country? 

Agency by Design emerged from doctoral research examining how architectural practice might support citizenship concepts within correctional facilities. This inquiry developed through a decade of intensive research in custodial environments, incorporating the crucial perspectives of incarcerated individuals. Following the completion of this doctoral work, our focus has expanded beyond correctional settings to address broader societal contexts.

Our practice applies these foundational insights to create architecture that recognizes the agency of all stakeholders and acknowledges the complex systems within which built environments operate.

Three targets of Closing the Gap specifically resonate. These dictate the focus for the Agency by Design: 

• Secure and affordable housing, 
• addressing over representation of First Nations Youth and 
• overrepresentation of First Nations Adults in prison are the concern of the practice.

Our practice is dedicated to addressing the Closing the Gap initiatives by actively collaborating with communities to achieve these established targets. We implement this commitment through strategic design partnerships, targeted research initiatives, and educational engagement within university design studios.

Through this integrated approach of practice, research, and education, we strive to contribute meaningfully to positive social outcomes and equitable community development.

We engage with diverse communities to develop environments specifically tailored to their unique needs and aspirations. Our collaborative process ensures that each project genuinely reflects and supports the communities it serves.

We welcome partnerships across all contexts, regardless of project scale or complexity. Our commitment extends to working with any community seeking thoughtful, responsive design solutions.