Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 cohort for 2025/2026 is here

What do a product designer, an interior design practice founder, a graduate of architecture, a computational designer and ‘architecture’s biggest advocate’ on TikTok have in common? Together, they’re advancing Australia’s built environment and have been named among Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 for 2025/2026.

Australian Design Review (ADR) is thrilled to finally reveal the cohort of 30 talented young interior designers, architects, product designers and innovators of the built world from around Australia who will take part in our prestigious 30UNDER30 program this year.

Since its launch in 2022, the program has provided a platform to progress budding architecture and design careers and strengthen the industry at large. Those named take part in the high-performance leadership and creativity retreat, which brings together the 30UNDER30, their mentors and the program’s sponsors at Potato Head in Bali.

In past years, ADR’s 30UNDER30 alternated annually between an interior and product designers stream and an architects and innovators stream. This edition marks the first time all disciplines will combine.

From 22 to 25 May, the 30UNDER30 will enjoy career-development workshops, group discussions, dinners and networking opportunities with peers and mentors in Bali. They will also receive ongoing mentorship for a year after the retreat.

Mentors this year include acclaimed product designer Ross Gardam, COX Architecture director Brooke Lloyd, co-founding and managing principal of Cera Stribley Chris Stribley, AJC Architects CEO Dua Green and BVN principal Sally Campbell. These industry leaders recently came together to select the final 30 from the shortlist, which had been refined from more than 250 entries by dedicated shortlist judges, Genton Studio principal Steven Toia and HDR design principals Alison Potter and Simon Fleet.

Selecting the final 30 was “very challenging”, according to Lloyd.

“The process was incredibly inspiring. The finalists showcased an abundance of creativity and clarity of thought,” she says. “The future of our industry is in good hands.”

Gardam concurs: “Everyone in the shortlist was so inspiring, but it was not about how polished the portfolio was; the overall approach and individual outlook had a greater weight. I tried to also think of it through the lens of who can offer the best future outcomes to the A+D community as a whole.”

**Presenting Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 cohort for 2025/2026**

The following have been selected to take part in ADR’s 30UNDER30 program:

Phoebe Allen

Sarah Barrett

Anny Benjamin

Alana Beveridge

Levi Birks

Milica Božić

Nguyen Hoang Nam Bui

Nissie Bungbrakearti

Simone Carmody

Kiara Carroll

Jack Crowe

Pearl Dempsey

Sidney Ford

Blake Hillebrand

Benjamin Hovav

Candyce James

Ava Minji Kim

Lachlan Kirkland

Joss Knight

Angela Liang

Marlo Lyda

Maeve Mullane

Carmelo Nastasi

Shalini Rautela

Rhiana Roberts

Awkar Ruel

Dasha Tolotchkov

Zac Vassallo

Isabella White

Morgan Wolpers

Learn more about each person here.

Bridging disciplines

The occupations represented among this cohort include interior designer, architect, graduate of architecture, product designer, researcher, educator, urban designer, computational designer, exhibition designer, marketing professional and content creator. They come from a mix of small and large practices, have founded their own studios or work solo.

In judging submissions, Green observed: “There is a fascinating intersection between technology and artisanship as this next generation seeks solutions to the challenges facing the industry, blurring the lines between disciplines,” she says. “This cross-pollination of design, making and technology is inspiring and demonstrates the possibility for transformation.”

Congratulations and thank you

ADR congratulates all those who made the final 30 and encourages anyone who just missed out to apply again for the next round in September if they are still eligible. We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to 30UNDER30’s supporters, without whom this program would not be possible.

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

ADR 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.