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30UNDER30 2023-24 Final 30

Australian Design Review's 30UNDER30 Final 30

Brought to you by

Neolith
Miele Tongue n Groove Interface
Billard Leece Partnership BVN HDR Richards Stanisich

After days of deliberation by our judges, we are proud to reveal the Australian Design Review 30UNDER30 Architects and Innovators of the Built World Final 30. This cohort is the future: the thinkers, dreamers, and doers; the creatives, researchers, planners, designers and technology specialists who will shape our world. They have demonstrated exceptional talent and we are proud to elevate and empower them.

Final 30

Ali Galbraith
Final 30

Amanda Beck
Final 30

Annaliese McCarthy
Final 30

Claire Oh
Final 30

Eilish Barry
Final 30

Emma Whettingsteel
Final 30

Fiona Ho
Final 30

Gordon Akira Macindoe
Final 30

Harry Joe Kealy
Final 30

Harsha Rajashekar
Final 30

Hugo Chan
Final 30

Ian Alcazar
Final 30

Isabella Peppard
Final 30

Isabelle Orr
Final 30

Jacky Chen
Final 30

Ali Galbraith

Ali Galbraith, a pivotal member of Breathe since 2019, spearheads the front-end design team with a focus on urban, master planning, and concept design for highly sustainable architecture. Renowned for her big-picture thinking, she excels in diverse projects, from residential developments to strategic planning. Ali’s expertise, efficiency, and commitment to sustainability make her a sought-after and respected figure in the architectural community. As a mentor, she generously shares her knowledge with young architects and designers.

Final 30

Amanda Beck

Amanda Beck’s architectural journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning and real-world experiences. Her pivotal step studying in the Netherlands led to a five-year role, becoming a registered architect in Europe. At BLP, her focus on hospital projects has revealed the crucial role of these spaces in society, shaping her dedication to designing modern healing environments. Passionate about healthcare architecture, Amanda’s time at Gortemaker Algra Feenstra in the Netherlands, renowned for innovative health projects, left a profound impact. Her experiences in Europe extended to primary school projects, fostering innovative learning spaces. Now back in Australia, Amanda integrates diverse insights into local primary school projects, aiming to enhance the architectural landscape.

Final 30

Annaliese McCarthy

Annaliese McCarthy is a visionary designer at Blaklash, committed to reshaping cities into inclusive spaces for marginalised communities, driven by her identity as a proud queer, Aboriginal woman. Her passion centres on infusing First Nations’ cultures into designs to foster sustainability and inclusivity. Acknowledging architecture’s historical role in colonisation, she seeks to challenge this narrative by leveraging her experiences as an Aurora Education Foundation Scholar in 2019 and a New Colombo Plan Scholar in 2023. Her work in Japan, connecting with Indigenous Ainu people, underscores her dedication to learning from Traditional Knowledge Holders and exemplifies how architecture can be a catalyst for social change and healing, as seen in the transformative Upopoy National Ainu Museum.

Final 30

Claire Oh

Claire Oh, an graduate of architecture at BVN, brings a unique perspective shaped by a family legacy of female architects. Growing up surrounded by the stories of her grandmother, one of the first female architects in Korea, and her mother, Claire gained insight into the challenges women face in the field. Motivated by these experiences, she views her work as part of a community of women navigating the architectural world together. Claire’s passion extends to sustainability, driving her to explore regenerative practices in architecture. Her commitment to reducing environmental impact led her to shift focus from traditional architecture to computational design, aiming to integrate more sustainable approaches into her work.

Final 30

Eilish Barry

Eilish Barry, a project lead at Hayball, found her passion for architecture through a pivotal conversation with a family friend who emphasised the profound impact architects have on shaping the built environment. This inspiration has guided her professional journey, predominantly focused on social infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life and well-being of communities. Eilish’s work showcases a commitment to designing for both social and environmental well-being, incorporating considerations such as local materials, communal spaces and support for local labour opportunities. Through these endeavours, she has witnessed the tangible value of good design for communities.

Final 30

Emma Whettingsteel

Emma Whettingsteel, Project Lead at Innovation Unit, is driven by a belief in using architectural skills and opportunities to care for others. Her approach to work is exemplified in her diverse projects, including a PhD on the sense of belonging for Aboriginal young people in boarding schools, commercial research on collaborative practices with First Nations stakeholders at COX Architecture and the development of ‘Place Imagination’. This toolkit, created in collaboration with Innovation Unit ANZ, industry leaders and a local transitional housing provider in Perth, focuses on enabling conditions for architecture with social impact.

Final 30

Fiona Ho

Fiona Ho, Senior Interior Designer at Basalt Studio, co-founded the studio with her brother in 2014, navigating the challenges of running a business with no prior experience. Their philosophy, ‘Design is Thought and not Bought’, led them to self-teach the professional management and practice of business. Fiona takes pride in leading, teaching and mentoring her team, delivering successful projects and building the studio’s brand. Their hard work has shattered the barriers of a small design studio, allowing them to enter prestigious shopping centre portfolios, gain recognition as renowned designers in Sydney and become part of the recommended list of retail designers for Scentre Group.

Final 30

Gordon Akira Macindoe

Gordon Akira Macindoe, born in Japan and raised between Japan, the UK and Australia, brings a deep appreciation for diversity to his architectural practice. Having gained experience at renowned practices like Atelier Bow-Wow, Vokes and Peters, and Phorm, he has recently embarked on his own venture. Despite his architectural background, Gordon is committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional practice, addressing environmental challenges by minimising building and exploring alternative methods. His projects range from residential extensions to research on innovative housing solutions. He is also involved in teaching, research and pursuits aligned with his commitment to innovative and impactful design.

Final 30

Harry Joe Kealy

Harry Joe Kealy embarked on a diverse career journey, transitioning from fine arts to graphic design and eventually settling in architecture. His work reflects a broad perspective, drawing inspiration from adjoining disciplines like art, industrial design, graphic design and computational design. Embracing evolution and diversity, Harry’s approach mirrors the creative ethos of pushing boundaries and exploring the new, infusing his architectural endeavours with a dynamic and innovative spirit.

Final 30

Harsha Rajashekar

Harsha Rajashekar’s work at BLP focuses on the logical and functional aspects of architecture, particularly in the design of hospitals. Based on his personal childhood experiences, Harsha is dedicated to making the hospital experience, especially for children, less daunting and more inviting. His current project involves designing a children’s hospital in Sydney, driven by his aspirations to positively impact the lives of patients, clinicians and families.

Final 30

Hugo Chan

Hugo Chan, an architect with a diverse range of experiences, finds his passion for architecture shaped by various roles in advocacy, research, teaching and practice. Holding a practice management role at CLA, he refines project coordination skills, while in his own studio, Studio HC, he specialises in adaptation, tailoring solutions to repurpose existing building fabric for client needs.

Final 30

Ian Alcazar

Ian Alcazar recognises architecture’s power in creating agency at every stage, emphasising a philosophy that goes beyond grand designs. His passion lies in building a practice that empowers and inspires, evident in his volunteer work driving community development projects and professional designs with collaborative elements. Ian extends this ethos to his role within the Government’s Department of Health, aiming to influence how health environments are planned and designed, viewing architecture as a transformative tool. Working on the client side, he seeks to learn the broader business of architecture to enhance decision-making.

Final 30

Isabella Peppard

Isabella Peppard Clark, a registered architect in Victoria (ARBV), is deeply invested in sustainable design, with a specific focus on materials. In 2018, she earned her Master of Architecture from Monash University, concentrating on the history of structural materials, material science and educational architecture.

Final 30

Isabelle Orr

Isabelle Orr holds a profound passion for architecture, viewing it as a medium to transcend boundaries and create a positive impact. This enthusiasm propels her constant exploration of creativity, innovation and sustainability in her architectural endeavours. In addition to her professional work, Isabelle volunteers her time to design an outdoor classroom, yarning circle and bush tucker garden master plan at La Perouse Public School. Collaborating with the school community on a modest budget showcases the transformative potential of architecture in enhancing lives.

Final 30

Jacky Chen

Jacky Chen is passionate about architecture and sees it as an opportunity to express creativity, bring ideas to life and make positive contributions to the city. Additionally, Jacky had the privilege of tutoring the Master of Architecture final design studio at the University of New South Wales, where he was continually inspired by the students and their innovative ideas. The prospect of seeing these ideas come to life in the future excites him.

Final 30

James Kennedy
Final 30

Jess Wang
Final 30

Kaitlin Sells
Final 30

Leanne Haidar
Final 30

Matthew McGivern
Final 30

Naa Effia Atswei Adjei
Final 30

Nancy Beka
Final 30

Nguyen Le
Final 30

Nicole Tan
Final 30

Petro Zghirin
Final 30

Sarah Yap
Final 30

Temitope Adesina
Final 30

Tonielle Dempers
Final 30

Xi Yao Alvin Zhu
Final 30

Zara Pasfield
Final 30

James Kennedy

James Kennedy is employed as the National Communications Manager at the design and town planning firm SJB. His work revolves around storytelling – amplifying ideas, values, voices and built outcomes of peers across various media. As a media and communications professional, James excels at translating complex architectural language into layman’s terms, making architecture more accessible to a wider audience.

Final 30

Jess Wang

Yue Wang is a graduate of architecture with BVN who is committed to humanising the built environment via making cities and neighbourhoods inclusive, accessible, sustainable and inviting. Wang believes design is undergoing a major transformation to meet goals of social impact, optimum sustainability and climate-responsiveness, and that this change starts with open and honest discussions and knowledge sharing. The graduate has a particular interest in making spaces pedestrian and transit friendly, which is what led them to joining BVN and becoming involved on projects such as the Canberra Hospital Expansion and the new Sydney Fish Markets. Wang will relish engaging in deep and nourishing conversations with fellow architects through 30UNDER30 and will strategise ways to overcome industry challenges with innovation and resilience.

Final 30

Kaitlin Sells

Kaitlin Sells has had the privilege of working with both professional and private clients across various project scales and typologies. These experiences have significantly influenced her design philosophy, which revolves around principles of resourcefulness, reuse and minimisation of construction – a distinctive and unconventional approach within the field of architecture.

Final 30

Leanne Haidar

Leanne Haidar, a graduate of Monash University’s double degree in architecture and civil engineering, is currently working at SJB Architects. She has always been drawn to architecture because of the emphasis on community values inherent in the design and design thinking process. Leanne strongly believes in the profession’s capacity to offer infrastructure that supports these values. For her, the architectural studio serves as an exemplar of how design and design thinking contribute to a culture that fosters thriving communities.

Final 30

Matthew McGivern

Matthew McGivern’s work focuses on incorporating queer theory into architecture and the built environment. By examining the spatial requirements of queer individuals through qualitative research and studying influential queer designers, he seeks to create spaces that cater to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Final 30

Naa Effia Atswei Adjei

Naa Effia Atswei Adjei is driven by a passion for understanding the real-life implications created through the built environment. With a keen interest in the intersection of architecture and people, she explores how architectural design affects individuals in their daily lives.

Final 30

Nancy Beka

Nancy Beka is a distinguished graduate of architecture and one of the directors at Studio Edwards – a dynamic cross-disciplinary design studio. Nancy has made significant contributions across architecture, interior design, and furniture and product design.

Final 30

Nguyen Le

Nguyen Le is fuelled by enthusiasm and a perpetual desire to explore and experiment within the realm of design. With an academic background in architecture and fine art, Nguyen’s journey has been an extraordinary exploration, pushing the boundaries of design. After several years as an architectural graduate, Nguyen consistently seeks to think radically outside the box.

Final 30

Nicole Tan

Nicole Tan believes in the profound impact architecture can have on individuals and communities, recognising that many people interact with the built environment daily. This awareness guides her decision-making process, motivating her to contribute meaningfully at various levels. Nicole finds motivation in shaping individual experiences within spaces, contributing to the creation of healthy, diverse cities and communities, and working towards a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive future for the architecture industry.

Final 30

Petro Zghirin

Petro Zghirin honed his skills in understanding the built environment and its impact on individuals and communities. This foundational knowledge laid the groundwork for his transition into technology, where he has leveraged his architectural insights to pioneer groundbreaking solutions, including creating Adam, the first human-like AI real estate agent.

Final 30

Sarah Yap

Sarah Yap sees design as the language that empowers her the most. It provides an opportunity to think broadly and diversely, inviting insight and opinion. Sarah values the creative, analytical and thoughtful aspects of design in finding solutions.

Final 30

Temitope Adesina

Innately curious and inquisitive, Temitope Adesina is a graduate of architecture from Sibling Architecture and Studio Tope who aims to highlight the beauty of mundane and quotidian moments through multilayered, community-centric and reactive design. Temitope believes design should connect to the public more than the physcial layout of the site, and interrogate both memory and history. 30UNDER30 will allow Temitope to interact with fellow young architects and industry experts, hopefully sustain strong professional and personal relationships and be challenged to branch into other disciplines and take risks. The graduate architect is also eager to discuss the often perilous task of balancing passion, work and life.

Final 30

Tonielle Dempers

As an architect, Tonielle Dempers believes that good design, like education, should be available to all. She is interested in how the power of design can influence our surroundings and enhance our shared built fabric and quality of life.

Final 30

Xi Yao Alvin Zhu

Xi Yao Alvin Zhu is a passionate content creator, filmmaker, recipient of the Kay Leaf-Milham prize and Master of Architecture student guided by a belief in human-centric design and designing spaces to enhance community well-being. Skilled in digital technologies, Zhu believes digital platforms can be harnessed to motivate a global design community to create spaces that are functional, practical and empowering. Zhu would embrace connecting with future leaders via 30UNDER30 to develop a supportive and nurturing professional network – while also using social media plaforms popular among designers to advertise the immense benefits of 30UNDER30.

Final 30

Zara Pasfield

Brimming with unshakeable passion and determination, Zara Pasfield is an architectural designer with self-founded Atelier Sisu, who is driven to use creative work to examine the blurred boundaries between art and architecture, and democratise these two creative disciplines. Zara relies on abstract froms, illumination and soundscapes to create energising and invigorating public spaces for people – aiming to subvert traditional expectations and assumptions of public spaces, increasing inclusivity, accessibility and duraility, and designing for current and future users. Zara is excited to speak with other young founders to share successes and struggles, and also engage in discussions regarding new materials and technologies, industry obstacles and placemaking.

ADR

© Niche Media 2024

© Niche Media 2024