As climate change and resource scarcity intensify, sustainable, circular design is more urgent than ever. The construction industry, a major source of carbon emissions and waste, offers huge potential for transformation through innovation and collaboration.
By reusing materials and designing for longevity and social benefit, circular economy principles shift waste from a problem to a resource.
Our panellists—from architecture, government, academia, and social sectors—will explore how to move beyond linear consumption toward regeneration, resilience, and equity. They’ll share insights on turning construction waste into green spaces, sustainable buildings and employment opportunities for a low-carbon, inclusive future.
Moderator: Jim Gall
Speakers: Grant Gabriel – Program Director, ARRC, City of Gold Coast, Dr Ruby Michaels – Founding Director, Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS), Griffith University, Pawan Govind – National Resource Recovery Manager, Endeavour Foundation and Andrew Noonan- Andrew Noonan Architect, Co-Chair AIA Queensland Chapter Climate Action and Sustainability Committee.
MEET THE PANEL
Jim Gall | Director of Gall Architects
Jim’s first degree is in Environmental Science, hence his multi-disciplinary and ecological view of the world. Jim has developed a strong profile in the implementation of sustainable design and the development of thinking and design process. He has won awards in interior design, architecture, urban design, and planning. Jim values communication as part of design practice and to the wider community. He has presented widely to a broad range of audiences in various settings. In addition, Jim has a broad technical understanding, based on extensive experience in a wide range of projects from urban planning to construction details, which is integrated through the design process. He loves wood and makes things.
Dr. Ruby Michael | Founding Director, Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS), Griffith University
Dr Ruby Michael is a Senior Lecturer in Ecological Engineering at the School of Engineering and Built Environment at Griffith University and the founder of Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS), an award-winning transdisciplinary engineering, ecology, architecture and design lab committed to rebuilding urban ecosystems across public and private space. She also co-leads the Resilient Infrastructure theme within the Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience (GIHER) where she works towards the combined flourishing of living and built infrastructures within our cities. She has a particular passion for designing and researching phytocaps, green roofs, sky gardens, bio basins and wildflower meadows.
Pawan Govind | National Resource Recovery Manager – Endeavour Foundation
Pawan Govind is a forward-thinking leader in the waste management and resource recovery sector. With a strong cross-sector background in both government and commercial environments, Pawan currently leads the national Resource Recovery portfolio at Endeavour Foundation— an independent, for-purpose organisation which supports people with disability to live their best lives and remove barriers that prevent people from exploring and realising their potential. In this role, he oversees varied operations across resource recovery centres and waste facilities, reuse markets, e-waste processing, and materials recovery, with a focus on maximising landfill diversion while generating meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.
Grant Gabriel | Program Director, ARRC – City of Gold Coast
Grant Gabriel is a respected Program Manager, with over 20 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects for local government, utilities and the mining industry across Australia. Grant is the City of Gold Coast’s Program Director for the delivery of the Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (the ARRC) for the Gold Coast community. The $1.6 billion ARRC, proposed to be built in the northern Gold Coast suburb of Stapylton, is an integrated precinct aimed to provide best-practice waste management, diverting up to 97% of waste from landfill.
Andrew Noonan | Andrew Noon Architect, Co-Chair AIA Queensland Chapter Climate Action and Sustainability Committee, Member AIA National Climate Action, and Sustainability Committee
Andrew Noonan is a Sustainable Design Lead at Hassell Studio and leads his practice, Andrew Noonan Architect. His house was awarded the Harry Marks Award in 2024 at the AIA Queensland Awards. He also serves as a Councillor at the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter & as a member of the National, and Queensland Chapter Climate Action and Sustainability Committees. Through his career he has been fortunate to have worked on several leading designs, including Australia’s first certified Living Building, the Sustainable Building Research Centre at the University of Wollongong, and has further developed his practical knowledge of sustainability through studies at the University of Cambridge, focusing on the transition to net-zero economies and the circular economy and more recently, he has completed the Regenesis Institute’s Regenerative Practitioner Series and the Living Future Accreditation with the Institute of Living Futures.
Gold Coast Open House 2025 Speaker Series
Happening on Sunday 28 September, the Gold Coast Open House 2025 Speaker Series brings together architects, designers, urban planners, engineers, and creatives for a day of inspiring talks. From urban sketching and clean energy retrofits to circular design and multi-generational living, the series explores how we shape cities that are more sustainable, connected, and inclusive. Whether you’re a design professional or simply curious about the future of the Gold Coast, there’s something here for you. Held in partnership with Griffith University, the series highlights leading voices in design, sustainability, and urban innovation.
