In 2023, Australian Design Review (ADR) opened its second annual 30UNDER30 recognition and mentorship program to architects and innovators of the built world. After a rigorous judging process, our final 30 are revealed below.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 initiative launched in 2022, welcoming our first stream of talented interior and product designers aged 30 and under. This recognition and mentorship program has emerged to uplift and connect young talent within Australia’s design community at a pivotal and challenging juncture in their careers.

Following the success of our inaugural program – which saw 30 designers fly to Bali for an immersive creative retreat alongside esteemed industry mentors – ADR received around 200 entries to the next round of 30UNDER30: Architects and Innovators of the Built World.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 pivots to Architects and Innovators of the Built World 

The new stream celebrates emerging talent working in many different corners of the built environment. This includes registered architects, graduates of architecture, building designers, architectural technicians, technologists, documenters and draftspersons, 3D visualisers, animators and storytellers, data analysts, urban planners, specifiers and innovators working with artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

Our judges, including Ninotschka Titchkosky (BVN), Jeremy McLeod (Breathe Architecture), Chi Melhem (EM BE CE), Andrew Geeves (Cumulus Studio), Sally Wilson (Archaea) and Ara Salomone (State of Kin), had the tough task of narrowing down our 61-strong shortlist to just 30. 

The cohort they have selected is a dynamic showcase of the most inspiring and promising multidisciplinary talent, united by a shared passion for the future of the built environment in Australia and beyond. 

ADR’s 30UNDER30 for 2023/2024

Without further ado, ADR presents our final 30 for the Architects and Innovators of the Built World stream in 2023/2024:

Ali Galbraith

Alvin Zhu

Amanda Beck

Annaliese McCarthy

Claire Oh

Eilish Barry

Emma Whettingsteel

Fiona Ho

Gordon Akira Macindoe

Jess Wang

Harry Joe Kealy

Harsha Rajashekar

Hugo Chan

Ian Alcazar

Isabella Peppard Clark

Isabelle Orr

Jacky Chen

James Kennedy

Kaitlin Sells

Leanne Haidar

Matthew McGivern

Naa Effia Atswei Adjei

Nancy Beka

Nguyen Le

Nicole Tan

Petro Zghirin

Sarah Yap

Temitope Adesina

Tonielle Dempers

Zara Pasfield

Niche Media managing director Paul Lidgerwood congratulated the final 30 recipients, as well as those shortlisted, in ADR‘s 2023/2024 30UNDER30.

“All of the entrants showcased their talent, creativity and humanity,” he says.

“More than 25 percent of the successful entrants came from outside traditional architectural paths, which highlights the diversity of skill sets and talent across the architecture and design community.” 

Judges commend the passion and variety of the next generation

The hard work and brilliance of the 30UNDER30 was palpable for the judges, who are now geared up to mentor the cohort.

“In reviewing the entrants’ submissions, I felt inspired to see how the innovators under 30 have already made a mark and impacted the design world around them,” says Sally Wilson, judge and director of Adelaide architecture firm, Archaea. 

“ADR’s 2023/2024 30UNDER30 list presents a powerful tool for shaping the future of our creative landscape.”

Fellow judge and BVN co-CEO Ninotschka Titchkosky says she looks forward to spending time with the 30UNDER30 and seeing how far they can go together under the mentorship program.

“It’s really exciting as a judge to review an entry and realise this person could be transformative to architecture and our industry… it’s even better when you feel that times 30,” she says. “The diversity of the selected group is going to create sparks of energy between them.”

Judge and mentor Chi Melhem says embracing the differences and looking for what was unique to each submission resulted in a very interesting top 30.

“It was very inspiring to see the diversity of experiences, interests, achievements and passion of this generation of architects,” says Melhem, who is director of EM BE CE. “It will be exciting to see how they will continue to grow and transform the future of our industry.” 

30UNDER30 to fly to Bali for an immersive retreat

The final 30 will now be invited to a high-performance leadership and creative retreat at Bali’s Potato Head, taking place from 31 May to 3 June 2024. Serving as the pinnacle of the program, the retreat offers a unique opportunity for the cohort to immerse in an environment designed to spark creativity, expand perspectives, and foster deep connections with each other and their mentors.

ADR’s ultimate goal is to empower the next generation of architects and innovators with the resources, insights, and exposure needed to make a lasting impact. This wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors and partners.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 Architects and Innovators of the Built World stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside Miele, Interface and Tongue & Groove. The program is also supported by practice partners BVN, HDR INC, SJB, Richard Stanisich, Williams Burton Leopardi, and Billard Leece Partnership.

To find out more about the final 30, including their places of work and discipline areas, head to the 30UNDER30 page.