Protecting Design Integrity in a Compromised World
As budgets tighten and commercial pressures increase, what should designers be willing to compromise? And what must they fight to protect?
GALLERY
It’s the question that enlivened the room at Riva Ceramica’s Protecting Design Integrity in a Compromised World, a sold-out event presented as part of 2026 Melbourne Design Week.
The discussion brought together three respected architects: Jane Merrylees (Merrylees Architecture & Interiors), Roger Borland (Borland Architecture) and Ivona Golubovic (Studio InArte), each offering a different perspective on the challenges of maintaining design integrity
Merrylees is known for refined residential architecture and craftsmanship, Borland for his commitment to sustainable design, while Golubovic works across complex multi-residential and urban projects involving multiple stakeholders.
The Conversation
Moving beyond aesthetics, the panel addressed the commercial, environmental and practical realities that influence architectural outcomes.
The discussion explored where necessary compromise ends and design dilution begins, what should remain non-negotiable when construction costs rise, and whether clients are becoming more design-literate or simply more opinionated.
Topics ranged from value engineering and sustainability to designing for social media versus creating spaces built to last. The differing perspectives of the three architects highlighted how these challenges play out across residential, sustainable and large-scale architectural projects.
Specification, Substitution & Material Integrity
A particularly relevant theme for Riva was the role of specification and the implications of material substitution.
The panel explored the risks of replacing specified materials with lower-cost alternatives, and how designers can respond when cost-saving measures threaten the original design intent.
The discussion raised an important question: Is specification simply an administrative task, or a fundamental part of the design process?
It also highlighted the shared responsibility of designers, clients, builders and suppliers in protecting the architectural vision throughout a project.
The Morning at Riva
Over morning coffee and pastries, architects, designers and design enthusiasts gained insight into the difficult decisions and negotiations that often take place behind the scenes.
The candid discussion offered a refreshing perspective on the realities of delivering good design, encouraging greater transparency and understanding across the industry.
How Much Compromise Can Good Design Survive?
The discussion reinforced an important distinction: protecting design integrity isn’t necessarily about refusing to compromise. It’s about knowing where to adapt and recognising which decisions are fundamental to a project’s success.
For Riva Ceramica, the event reflected a commitment to thoughtful specification, material knowledge and supporting the conversations that help protect good design from concept through to completion.
Discover more at Riva Ceramica.
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