Now in its third iteration, Australian Design Review’s (ADR’s) 30UNDER30 program has established itself as the leading mentorship and career development program in the architecture and design industry. The 2024/2045 stream brings together industry leaders, practice founders and suppliers to empower emerging interior and product designers who are already making a mark on the industry.
ADR is proud to announce that Krost has come aboard to sponsor 30UNDER30’s Interior and Product Design stream in 2024/2025, as well as the 2025/2026 crop of Architects and Innovators of the Built World. As a leader in the commercial furniture industry, Krost thrives on innovation, collaboration and sustainability – all values mirrored by the program.
Krost has long been a champion of new talent, recognising the importance of nurturing creative minds to drive long-term industry growth. Through 30UNDER30, the supplier has found a new avenue to connect with our country’s rising stars and drive long-term industry growth together.
ADR spoke with Gareth Krost, director at Krost, to explore the motivations behind this sponsorship and what the company hopes to achieve through its involvement in this transformative program.
Gareth Krost: At Krost, we believe in investing in emerging talent who will redefine the spaces we live and work in. Sponsoring the 30UNDER30 program is an extension of our dedication to fostering creativity, diversity and innovation within the design industry. This partnership allows us to connect experienced professionals with young designers, bridging the gap between industry needs and future trends.
GK: Our design philosophy centres on creating functional, sustainable and human-focused solutions. We aim to craft furniture that not only supports productivity and collaboration but also enhances the user experience through thoughtful design. These values resonate strongly with the 30UNDER30 program, which champions forward-thinking ideas and meaningful innovation.
GK: The next generation brings a fresh perspective, challenging traditional norms and introducing transformative ideas. Their focus on inclusivity, sustainability and innovative material use mirrors our commitment to environmentally responsible and adaptive design. Collaborating with these talented individuals ensures that Krost remains at the forefront of industry trends and embraces global influences that enhance the relevance of modern design.
GK: Absolutely. We’re thrilled to offer participants opportunities that bridge the gap between design theory and practical application. For example, we’ll host factory tours and immersive experiences at our state-of-the-art facility in Sydney. These tours will showcase our design-to-production workflows, cutting-edge machinery, and materials library. Participants will also have the chance to engage directly with our expert teams, gaining insight into how ideas come to life as finished products.
GK: Krost’s commitment to talent development extends beyond the 30UNDER30 program. The company actively collaborates with universities and design schools to provide internships that offer hands-on experience across all stages of the design process, from conceptualisation to client engagement. Additionally, Krost hosts regular showroom and factory tours, giving young designers the opportunity to explore innovative solutions and learn about real-world applications of their craft.
Our goal is to empower young designers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to excel in their careers. By fostering these connections, we aim to build a resilient design community that balances innovation with responsibility.
GK: Krost envisions the 30UNDER30 program as a catalyst for meaningful change in the design industry, fostering collaboration across generations and inspiring a culture of excellence. By investing in mentorship and education, Krost hopes to contribute to a thriving design community that not only addresses today’s challenges but also anticipates future opportunities.
We see this program as a way to ensure that the design industry remains resilient and adaptable in the face of evolving societal and environmental needs. Our collaboration with the 30UNDER30 cohort is a step toward a brighter, more innovative future for design.
Through its sponsorship of the 30UNDER30 program, Krost is reaffirming its role as a leader in the architecture and design industry, championing the next generation of designers and shaping a more sustainable and creative future.
Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside gold partners Krost, 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. Learn more about 30UNDER30 here.
Photography supplied.