[5] O'Brien directed the Finding Country Exhibition at the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2012,[6][7] and he was appointed as a Professor of Design at the Queensland University of Technology.
[10] A large drawing highlighting the city method of title management (by labelling places such as parks or roads), was emptied through a 50% population reduction as a way into revealing Country as something found;[1][11] the exhibition developed from discussions with Michael Markham in 2005.
To achieve an effective energy consumption, the house was designed to make use of building orientation, ventilation access, thermal mass, insulation systems and energy-economical openings.
[12] This project began its construction in 2009, poured on site concrete tilt panels, with steel structure, and clear finished plywood linings in the interiors with the completion in 2011.
National Award for International Architecture: Finding Country Exhibition (jointly with Finding Country Collective and Venti di Cultura)[13] Karl Langer Award for Urban Design: Finding Country Exhibition Commercial Award: Lockhart River Retail Store and Offices Central QLD regional commendation for Public Buildings: Woorabinda State School Brisbane regional commendation for Residential building: Archibald Street House Exhibition Commendation: Dandiiri Maiwar at Queensland Museum Environmental Commitment: Wilcannia Health Service [14]