Now in its third year, Australian Design Review’s (ADR) 30UNDER30 program has established itself as the leading mentorship and career development program in the architecture and design industry. The unique program brings together game changers, industry leaders, practice founders, product manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors to celebrate and empower the young interior and product designers of the future.

30UNDER30 practice partner Cera Stribley is a self-proclaimed “youthful practice at heart”, dedicated to harnessing the multidisciplinary powers of its team to deliver projects with integrity, discipline and zest. The practice champions a habit of “designing by dialogue” and collaborating to uplift the voices of all designers – regardless of age or rank – avoiding a ‘starchitect’ environment where only one vision reigns supreme. 

Cera Stribley director of interior design Jessica Coulter says the practice is inspired by how 30UNDER30 strives to be more than just an accolade for young designers – it provides emerging talent with a vast and connected ecosystem conducive to personal and professional development. 

Coulter maintains that a successful design practice is reliant on the wisdom of experienced architects fused with the “fresh ideas and progressive spirit” of young designers. “Finding the balance between experience and fresh ideas is the secret sauce of a successful design practice,” she says. 

As a first-time 30UNDER30 practice partner, Cera Stribley is excited to play a part in helping young designers achieve their goals by assisting in building their profiles and refining their specialty areas.

“Young designers are embracing new technologies and working in a more collaborative and interdisciplinary way,” says Coulter. “We’re passionate about supporting that shift.”

Australian Design Review: What are the driving philosophies and values behind your studio that make it stand out in the industry?

Vicki Wilson: At the heart of our studio is a philosophy we call ‘design by dialogue.’ Collaboration is at the core of everything we do – whether we’re shaping urban centres, creating hospitality spaces or designing private homes, it all starts with open conversations within our team and clients. We believe the best ideas come from listening and sharing perspectives.

We’re really proud of our diverse team and the variety of projects we work on. We’re not tied to any particular scale or typology – a mixture of large commercial developments and bespoke residential homes keeps things exciting for us, while also allowing everyone the chance to focus on their strengths or explore new areas. Our multidisciplinary team brings a range of expertise that gives us the ability to approach projects from multiple angles.

Beyond that, we work with integrity, respect and transparency. It’s really important to us that everyone has a voice – this isn’t a ‘starchitect’ environment where only one vision dominates. We value professional accountability and excellence and we’ve built a culture where everyone feels heard.

Do you have staff aged 30 and under? What do young designers bring to your practice?

We are a youthful practice at heart. Our founders – Dom Cerantonio and Chris Stribley – were under 30 when they started Cera Stribley. Chris will tell you himself, “I was 29 – I made sure to do it before turning 30.” 

This belief in the power of emerging talent is central to our practice. With tenure comes valuable knowledge and experience, yet with youth comes fresh ideas and a progressive spirit. Finding the balance between those qualities is the secret sauce of a successful design practice.

How do you envision the next generation shaping the industry and how does Cera Stribley contribute to the development of young designers?

In many ways, we’re already seeing next-generation designers make their mark on the industry with an increasing focus on sustainability, creating flexible and adaptable spaces and designing with wellbeing in mind. Young designers are embracing new technologies and working in a more collaborative and interdisciplinary way. We’re passionate about supporting that shift. 

We mentor emerging designers, provide access to the latest tools and encourage them to explore innovative and socially responsible design solutions. It’s exciting to see how they’re shaping the future and we’re committed to being a part of that journey.

Collaboration often plays a vital role in successful design projects. How does your practice approach collaboration internally and externally?

We believe great design is not possible without open collaboration with each other, alongside our clients, consultants, community and other designers. This collaborative spirit and open dialogue drives our success and helps us deliver thoughtful, responsive, and well-rounded designs. 

We foster a culture where every team member – regardless of their role – has a chance to contribute. This culture creates a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives help shape the design process. We take the same approach with clients and stakeholders. We view them as partners in the design journey – not just recipients of the final product – and ensure their visions, needs and insights are reflected in the outcome.

The interior and product design landscape is constantly evolving. What do you think young interior designers and product designers should do to develop their skill sets and meet the demands of the future industry?

Although the industry is constantly evolving, the skills of talented designers remain the same. You’ve got to be aware of the times to succeed as a designer: what are people aspiring for? What matters are prevalent to the collective social conscience? What emerging products, materials and technologies can they use to enhance the way we live and work?

My advice to young designers would be to develop an intimate understanding of materials. Circular design and product lifecycles are going to become increasingly important, so incorporating this mentality in your process will set you up to drive change in the long run. 

Additionally, be proactive with building a profile. Social media has allowed young designers to establish a ‘brand identity’ early in their careers, but it takes time, patience and a lot of trial and error. Learning how to harness social media as a tool to complement your career can put you on the fast track for success – a skill that 30UNDER30 nurtures. 

Why did you come on board as a practice partner for ADR’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Design stream for 2024/25?

As a studio, we are committed to supporting emerging talent, whether through our Graduate Program, partnerships with student organisations like SONA or initiatives such as 30UNDER30.

Having one of our own – senior interior designer at Cera Stribley Melanie Ting – be an alumna of the 2022/23 program has given us insight into the program’s value. It goes beyond being just an accolade for young designers – it offers mentorship, growth and a platform to build lasting connections with peers and industry leaders.

What would you say to designers who are apprehensive about entering the program? Why should they enter 30UNDER30?

What do you have to lose? 30UNDER30 is an ideal way to build your profile and take advantage of the industry’s network. It’s a chance to gain recognition, mentorship and connections that can help shape your career.

Photography supplied.

Featured Image: Jessica Coulter.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside gold partners Interface, Miele and Tongue & Groove. The program is supported by practice partners Arent&Pyke, BVN, Billard Leece Partnership, Cera Stribley, COX Architecture, GroupGSA, Hassell, HDR, Richards Stanisich, Rothelowman, SJB and Williams Burton Leopardi.

Check out the program here!