Check out the highlights from Australian Design Review (ADR)’s intimate dinner on Wednesday 20 February hosting the 30UNDER30 architects and innovators of the built world for 2023/24. 

On Wednesday 20 March, Fitzroy, one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, became just a little bit cooler.  

Behind the inconspicuous facade of Gertrude Street’s Poodle, coincidentally designed by 2020 IDEA finalist Bergman & Co some of Australia’s rising stars of architecture and design gathered to celebrate ADR’s 30UNDER30 architects and innovators of the built world for 2023/24.

As the field blend rosé and natural prosecco flowed in Poodle’s elegant, pared back Melbourne Modern-style private dining room, the conversation was as diverse and interesting as the people in the room. From embedding First Nations narratives into public art, Green Star materials, mapping diasporic experiences, to designing for personal and cultural safety, no aspect of the architecture and design industry was off limits. 

As we took our seats at each of the banquet style tables, course after course of locally sourced, organically grown sharing plates began to arrive. 

Tegan Donaldson of Neolith, 30UNDER30’s major partner, welcomed the group, congratulating them not only for their success to date, but acknowledging the contribution they’re yet to make to the fabric of Australian design. 

The calibre of the talent in the room was best summed up by 30UNDER30 mentor and director of Breathe Architecture Jeremy McLeod: “You are here not because you draw great stair and bathroom details. You’re here because you think differently.”

Check out the photo gallery from the night below: