After days of deliberation by our jury, we are proud to reveal the Australian Design Review 30UNDER30 Architects and Innovators of the Built World Shortlist. 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.
Alexander Lim is a graduate of architecture with a global perspective, having participated in international studio courses in China and Italy. His experiences have exposed him to diverse teaching methods and cultural interpretations of architecture. As a founding member of EM BE CE, he has contributed to its growth and sustainability, embracing the exciting potential of AI.
Courtney Walmsley of DJAS Architecture is driven by a passion for architecture and design aimed at shaping a world she wants to inhabit. Her vision involves creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that honour the past, anticipate the future and address the social and emotional needs of users. In 2022, Courtney undertook a research project sponsored by the Alastair Swayn Foundation, collaborating with the University of Canberra and the ACT Government. This project delved into the contribution of the deceased and spaces for the dead, such as cemeteries, in urban environments.
Darcy Kay, an Associate Architect at Cera Stribley, has spent the past decade navigating diverse architectural realms, from retail and hospitality to substantial commercial and mixed-use projects. With a role extending beyond aesthetics, he orchestrates a symphony of contributions, tackling complex challenges and informing impactful designs through innovative thinking.
Dominic Versace, spearheading Plus Architecture’s new Geelong studio, takes pride in bringing a credible architecture practice to the regional city. His achievements in Geelong fuel his excitement to further grow the studio, providing opportunities for emerging architects and the broader community. Dominic, driven by a passion for design, has seamlessly integrated his entrepreneurial spirit into his career, fostering innovation and creating awe-inspiring spaces.
Emily Lucchesi, an architect at ClarkeHopkinsClarke, approaches her work with a belief in designing for people, crafting unique spaces tailored to users’ specific needs. Constantly challenged in her thinking, she appreciates the importance of small details – such as door jambs, layout flow and window placement – in bringing spaces to life and thriving with people.
Emily Susan Simpson, a designer at Woods Bagot’s Global Studio since March 2020, brings a wealth of architectural experience across various sectors. Her multifaceted skills, including a strong background in art, history and environmental affairs, enrich her approach to design projects. With a deep curiosity for the world, she applies artistic lenses to analyse and understand spaces, fostering a strong connection between her professional and personal interests.
Georgina Hall, an architect at Plus Architecture, is passionate about creating spaces that respond to users’ needs. She envisions designing sustainable, affordable, and healthy homes and buildings that bring joy to their inhabitants. Georgina, raised in a small coastal town, appreciates the benefits of a well-designed home and advocates for comfortable, safe and affordable built environments. Her career in architecture is driven by a belief that design is a method of problem-solving, emphasising functionality over aesthetics.
Gloria Ha, Project Leader at Plus Architecture, approaches design as an opportunity to craft timeless and enduring spaces that authentically reflect the site and consider human experiences. She envisions architecture as a force for positive change in the rapidly evolving urban landscape, addressing current and future social and environmental challenges. Gloria values an iterative, multidisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of knowledge to bring forward-thinking ideas to the table. She is passionate about creating meaningful and inspired designs that contribute to the betterment of the urban fabric.
Hailey Zhang, an architectural student at Woods Bagot, embraces a holistic approach. She marries creativity with functionality, placing a strong emphasis on human-scale design. Influenced by the ‘people architecture philosophy at Woods Bagot, Hailey believes in the power of architecture to serve people and enhance their experiences. Sustainability is at the core of her architectural philosophy, reflecting a commitment to minimising the ecological footprint.
Hannah Clifton an interior and spatial designer, architecture graduate, and educator, is committed to acknowledging and addressing the impact of living and working on stolen land. With a deep sense of responsibility to the future and the planet, she believes in the transformative power of design to influence and change the way we live, interact with each other, and engage with our spaces and environment.
Hunter Crisp, working at Cox, values the opportunity to shape the world through architecture. He sees the profession as a chance to create art that people can live, work, and learn in, using creativity, thoughtfulness, coordination, and dedication. The positive feedback from clients, acknowledging the profound impact of his work on communities, is a rewarding aspect that fuels his passion. Hunter believes architects have the power to leave lasting and meaningful impacts, aiming to create spaces that spark joy and contribute positively to the built environment.
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.
James McRae, an architect at BVN, finds his motivation in architecture, a profession that propels him out of bed each day. Passionate about effective communication, he navigates the complexities of relationships with site teams, junior colleagues and firm principals. This commitment extends beyond work, inspiring him to be a better partner, son, brother and friend. His work on hospitals has provided a new perspective, deepening his passion for improving people’s lives through architecture.
Jun Chang’s approach to architecture extends beyond the conventional boundaries, embracing a holistic understanding of the value of interiors and place. His practice emphasises design leadership, fostering strategic collaboration between disciplines within the field. Engaging in mentoring and leading conversations within the practice, he aims to amplify the essence of living through his work.
Karin Ke, associated with COX Architecture, has dedicated her career to the public sector, concentrating on conceptual design and executed projects. Her portfolio includes educational and cultural landmarks, as well as anchor projects, such as strategic curatorial business cases, tertiary public institutions, adaptive reuse and urban regeneration endeavours. Karin adopts a research-based humanist approach, providing a foundation for her visionary and versatile design philosophy, allowing her architectural expertise to extend to scales and domains beyond traditional boundaries.
After completing her Advanced Diploma in Building Design, Karrie Williams swiftly joined ClarkeHopkinsClarke. Over the past seven years, she has seen substantial growth in her career. Notably, her journey has been unique as, coming from a technical background rather than a traditional architectural one, she hasn’t had the same opportunities to connect with mentors or peers within architectural firms.
Kate Morris, a graduate of architecture specialising in the industrial space, is driven by a profound passion for transforming the functional into the exceptional. Her work reflects the belief that industrial architecture goes beyond creating structures for production and logistics; rather it’s an opportunity to sculpt spaces that harmonise efficiency, sustainability and human experience.
Kayle Butterworth believes that architecture has the potential to enhance people’s lives, whether through the experience of inhabiting a space or by interacting with the public realm. Growing up in a low-income household with a large family in a small space, Kayle gained a deep appreciation for the importance and value of space. His passion lies in creating quality, usable spaces with good amenity, access to natural light, ventilation and private open space. This commitment shapes his approach to his work, aiming to provide impactful and positive experiences for clients.
Lauren Hampton, a Master of Architecture graduate from the University of South Australia, embarked on her architectural journey in Western Australia with Architectus after completing her degree in 2017. Her career has provided a well-rounded experience, contributing to various medium to large-scale projects across Architectus’ studios in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne.
Louisa Rebellato’s passion for architecture was shaped by family holidays structured around iconic structures. Exposure to passionate tutors and a design-led studio during university provided early influences, introducing her to renowned designers like Mies van der Rohe, David Chipperfield, Tadao Ando, Sanaa, Alberto Campo Baeza, and RCR Arquitectes. These influences have shaped Louisa’s approach to design, emphasising integrity and the importance of ethos.
Madeleine Simone Dawson’s design philosophy is encapsulated in the word ‘considered’. While not the most glamorous term, it reflects her intentional approach, influencing every aspect of her design. For her, the final design outcome and every choice made throughout the design process is carefully thought out and deliberate.
Maegan Jade Scott’s design approach is rooted in a profound appreciation for the intimate connection between people and the spaces they inhabit. She values the impact of well-designed spaces on mental states and well-being. Additionally, she believes in the power of ‘good design’ to find solutions in any context.
Michael List emphasises that great design does not happen in isolation, but is the result of a collective effort involving many talented colleagues, consultants, clients and stakeholders. Michael recognises the collaborative nature of the design process and values the contributions of the diverse team involved in the projects he works on.
Moeen Ahmid, an energetic and highly motivated designer, brings a wealth of experience, having worked across various sectors and project scales. With a keen eye for detail, Moeen has witnessed first-hand the profound impact that a well-considered intervention can have on a space, its surroundings and the experiences of those who interact with it. His belief in the transformative power of innovative and contextually designed spaces drives his commitment to enhancing their value within the built environment, contributing positively to the community.
Ryan Graul, an architectural designer, excels in co-designing with clients, communities, Country and the cultural context of the site. His strength lies in fostering a collaborative approach that respects the values and needs of all stakeholders involved. This cooperative spirit enables Ryan to weave strong, inclusive narratives that resonate from grand vision masterplans through to detailed construction documentation.
Samuel Kwan Yew Mok expresses a deep passion for architecture, recognising it as more than just building structures. He believes in enhancing, activating and shaping the way people experience the world. Samuel is driven by the potential of architecture to impact the lives of others.
Shalini Shanmugam is passionate about architecture, with a particular focus on community engagement. She actively participates in projects that prioritise user input, ensuring that designs align with the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. This commitment has resulted in the creation of spaces that authentically resonate with the user cohorts.
Taya Brooks believes that architecture is a universal language with the profound ability to connect people worldwide. Through buildings, she feels that we can learn about not only ourselves, but also others. When travelling, Taya finds that two aspects primarily shape her memories – the people and the buildings. Without people, buildings are mere objects, but when inhabited, they come to life, assuming a vibrant vitality.
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.
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