The Australian Health Design Council The Australian Health Design Council


Design for a Changing World


AHDC2025 will explore how partnerships drive innovation, ensuring healthcare spaces are not just functional but also health-promoting, accessible, and resilient.


As the world evolves, so must the environments we create for healthcare. We invite discussions on projects and ideas — big and small — that push the boundaries of sustainable, technology-driven, and community-focused design. Our 2025 topics will foster meaningful discussion and fuel topical debates.

Conference themes

Climate Resilience in Action

The climate crisis is reshaping healthcare investment. Designers and facility operators are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, improve resilience measures and resources efficiency to respond to extreme weather and environmental change.

  • How can we prepare for a climate-resilient future in healthcare?
  • What challenges must Government, industry, and healthcare providers tackle together?
  • How can we accelerate the adoption of climate-adaptive design in healthcare?

Living in the Technological Future

From AI-driven diagnostics to virtual care, technology is redefining healthcare. Rethinking physical and digital spaces to support emerging care models is imperative to enhance accessibility, efficiency and patient outcomes. Additionally, the growing healthcare workforce deficit is impacting attempts to improve healthcare access.

  • How can virtual care expand healthcare access for underserved communities?
  • How is technology reshaping real-world healthcare design projects?
  • How can we enrich personal interactions and care through technology?

Promoting Healthy Communities

Equitable care goes beyond hospitals, requiring investment in diverse, community-based settings. Health-promotive design can help reduce preventable diseases, improve long-term outcomes, and create inclusive, person-centred spaces.

  • How is healthcare design evolving to meet the needs of primary care, aged care, disability care, and mental health?
  • How can healthcare spaces better support carers and families?
  • How can the built environment foster stronger community engagement in healthcare?

Innovation Through Collaboration

With ageing populations, rising demand, and increasing costs, healthcare investment must be reimagined. Strategic partnerships, integrated precincts, and cost-effective strategies such as refurbishment and adaptive reuse are key to delivering high-value care.

  • What cost-effective design strategies have the greatest impact on health outcomes?
  • How can Government and industry collaborate to deliver more accessible, affordable healthcare?
  • How do we balance affordability with bold innovation in healthcare design?

U City Function Centre, Adelaide, South Australia • 28 - 29 October 2025

Agenda

MONDAY

27 OCTOBER 2025

Site Visits

Kick off the conference with an exclusive site visit to a newly completed building, or for a city walk through Adelaide's Biomed City. Site visits are only available to AHDC members, max one visit per member. Please note time of each event as some sessions are overlapping. 

  • Flinders Uni Health and Medical Research Building — Site Visit A  9:00 - 12.00
  • Adelaide Bio-Med City Walk, Bradley, AHMS and SAMHRI — Site Visit B   14:30 - 17:50
  • The Queen Elizabeth Hospital — Site Visit C   14:30 - 17:50


Details

Registration is open!

Discounted tickets are available to members. AHDC Membership is $220 for 12 months, and includes free access to member events and site visits throughout the year. We encourage active participation by members in shaping the Council and its activities.

Early Bird tickets are no longer available.

U City Adelaide

43 Franklin St, Adelaide SA 5000

AHDC2024 will be held on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people. The Australian Health Design Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet and work, all around Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge their wisdom, actions and knowledge in caring for the health of Country and People.

Poster Exhibition

AHDC2025 will showcase research and design from across Australia. We are accepting poster submissions from Students, Researchers and Professionals. These posters will be displayed around the conference space, providing a great opportunity to share your work. Please review the guidelines before submitting.

The conference presentation EOI is now closed. 

Partnerships

AHDC is supported by our Foundation Partners. Becoming a partner provides opportunities to purchase bulk conference tickets and memberships for your team.

We will have a limited number of display tables available to Foundation Partners and Event sponsors. The conference does not include a trade show and there will not be space available for large exhibits. To find out more, please review the Partnership Invitation and contact AHDC Partnerships Lead Garry Coff. 

Note: Sponsors have no editorial control over the conference agenda and do not provide financial or material compensation to presenters. AHDC is a registered non-profit organisation. All funds raised are directed towards conference costs and future AHDC events and initiatives.

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development is available for Project Managers, Engineers and Architects. Registered Architects can log formal CPD points for each session attended (Up to 4 points per day). The session Q&A is an opportunity to allow for feedback and discussion to assist in answering the questions. Please check regulations and recommendations of your registration authority. To receive a certificate of attendance, please provide the following:

  • Your Full Name, Registration No, and State and a list of Sessions attended.

  • Your synopsis of the sessions including; NSCA units relevant to each session; learning outcomes and key discussion points for each session (Guide: 200 words per session).

Become a Member

Join the Australian Health Design Council to become a part of the national health design community. The AHDC is a non-profit, non-government association that provides a forum for all professionals involved in the Australian health design sector to share knowledge, develop expertise, foster research and enhance skills in health facility planning, design and management across both the private and public sectors. Find out more and become a member at www.aushdc.org.au

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@aushdc.org.au


Partners



Testimonials and Insights

What an inspiring experience to attend my first Australian Health Design Conference! The conference was packed with many insightful speakers who shared thought-provoking ideas and innovative approaches to healthcare design, connection to Country and innovations in the delivery of virtual care models. It was amazing to see the passion for creating spaces that prioritise healing, well-being, and connection. 

— Ryan Graul, Billard Leece Partnership


Healthcare is undeniably complex, but it was inspiring to see dedicated professionals coming together to exchange emerging ideas and tackle the unique challenges of this vital sector. Events like AHDC2024 are a testament to the power of collaboration, niche expertise and a focus on patient outcomes. 

Pat Wheaton, Core Connect Group

It was an absolute honour to present my research alongside so many inspiring and thought-provoking presentations at the Australian Health Design Conference. My heartfelt thanks to the AHDC committee members for organising and hosting such a fantastic event. 

Chloe Piper, Deakin University

AHDC2024 was an inspiring blend of cutting-edge insights, innovative solutions, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of healthcare. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with industry leaders and learn about the trends shaping the next phase of health tech and patient care. 

Amy Jordan, Hunt Architects

The Australian Health Design Council Inc is a Non-Profit Incorporated Association A0057375N |  PO Box 3026 Eltham 3095 | ABN 94 786 233 514 | AHDC © 2025 All rights reserved