Phoebe Allen is one of Australian Design Review‘s 30UNDER30 for 2025/2026. In this Q&A the lead interior designer from Studio Traces shares how her love for design started at her grandmother’s side.

Australian Design Review: Why did you enter the 30UNDER30 program?

Phoebe Allen: I entered the 30UNDER30 program because I’ve been leading and delivering projects independently and felt ready to step into a broader professional conversation. I wanted to connect with a community of like-minded emerging designers and collaborate with peers in my age group. Recognition is meaningful as an emerging designer, it builds confidence and highlights the calibre of work being produced by young individuals across Australia.

What most excites/interests you about the Bali retreat?

What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with designers from across Australia and build relationships beyond the WA community. It feels meaningful to connect with designers navigating similar stages of their careers and to build relationships that may grow into collaborations across states. I’m also looking forward to stepping away from day-to-day work and creating space to reflect. We’re often moving from one project to the next, so having time to pause, acknowledge our achievements and reset in a new environment feels incredibly valuable. I’m really looking forward to being in an environment centred on mentorship and shared learning, taking the time to absorb new ideas, reflect on my own experiences and return home with a broader perspective.

Do you remember your first encounter with design?

One of my earliest memories of design is from when I was around 10 years old. My grandma and I would pretend to design hotels together, sketching floor plans, mapping out room layouts, and even what the view would look like. It was her dream to one day own a hotel, and we would imagine what it might look like. She was deeply creative herself, a model and an oil painter, and I think so much of her influence is reflected in how I approach design today. We valued similar things, beauty, storytelling and the experience of a space.

What guiding values drive you and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?

I value authenticity and storytelling in design. If something doesn’t make sense for the space or the people using it, then I question its purpose. I aim to create a narrative through design elements – whether that’s a material, a finish or a fixture, so every choice contributes to the experience of the space. Through my work, I hope to elevate and contribute to the Perth design community, in particular, in wellness design. As more people embrace the connection between wellbeing and their environments, I hope to attract clients who value how materials, lighting and spatial design shape how a space feels, with a human-centred approach at its core.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I usually like to relax with a new TV show, drink an iced matcha latte or shop for things I probably don’t need online. When I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me at the gym or exploring somewhere new. I’m down for anything, as long as I’m in bed before 9 pm.

Photo of Phoebe Allen: Matt Biocich.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside partners Designer Rugs, Laufen, Krost, Miele, Signature Appliances powered by Miele and Tongue & Groove.

Australian Design Review is also grateful to our 30UNDER30 practice partners AJC Architects, BVN, Cera Stribley, COX Architecture, Genton, GroupGSA, HDR, Richards Stanisich, RIZEN Atelier, Rob Mills Architects, Rothelowman, SJB and Design by WBL for helping us foster the future of Australian design.