The Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia’s residential building industry, reports that new dwelling approvals strengthened during May and remain at high levels.

One pocket of professional services that's in a state of change in Australia is the architectural practice. Few mainstream, small to mid-sized firms have the good fortune of a "Starchitect" on their team, so differentiation is a major challenge. After all, the image of the visionary design leader pushing boundaries and sparking great discussion in wider society is a possibility for a small minority of architects only.

It should be simple: Pile used plates, bowls, coffee cups, glasses, forks, spoons and knives into the dishwasher and turn it on. Yet loading the dishwasher is one of the most contentious household chores. Not only is it the rare task often shared by multiple family members, but it is also done in the home’s most central room—the kitchen—where it can be scrutinized, debated and redone.