2025 LEA Conference: A Learning Space Odyssey

Several members of the Deicke Richards team attended the 2025 Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) Conference, and a number of our projects were visited as part of the conference tour.

LEA is an advocacy body which promotes innovative learning environments and high quality learning spaces in universities, schools, and childcare centres. Their annual conference is organised by architects and educators, and is attended by over 11,700 people each year.

The 2025 Conference was held in Brisbane, and the theme was all about exploring the horizon and beyond, from AI-powered classrooms and blended learning environments to the influence of community, culture, and Queensland’s unique climate.

The tour groups visited the following Deicke Richards projects:

-All Hallows’ School.

-Hymba Yumba Independent School.

-John Paul College.

-The Construction Training Centre’s Bob Marshman Building.

Our Principal Tim Zieth is highly engaged with educational projects, and attended the whole conference, including several project tours. He reflects further on the conference below:

“Reflecting on my experience at the LEA conference, it’s clear that environments must not just accommodate learning but actively inspire it.  The key is creating spaces that are not static, but dynamic—built to grow and adapt alongside the needs of the learners they serve.

Gus Balbontin’s keynote was a captivating and energising experience that has motivated a real shift in my approach to change – evolve or die!
“Comfort in our lives, careers and businesses can mean we are silently but progressively losing our tolerance to change. If we want to stay relevant and make our businesses thrive we must be ok with discomfort, even embrace it” – Gus Balbontin.

The use of natural light, warm finishes and flexible interior spaces in the Everton Park Library (pictured above) has inspired my work in education projects to deliver welcoming places for learning, activity and creativity.  I have since returned to the library several times to enjoy it with my family.

The future of learning environment design prioritises flexibility, inclusivity, and adaptability – spaces that empower students and educators to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”