There are people in the world who think there is only one Meryl of repute – she of the record-breaking 21 Oscar nominations (and three wins among them). But the Australian A+D industry knows differently…

Meryl Hare established her multi award-winning practice Hare + Klein nearly 40 years ago, and since then has become an absolute stalwart of the industry. Recognised as both an advocate and leading practitioner, she was awarded a Fellowship of the Design Institute of Australia in 2001 and inducted into its Hall of Fame a decade later.

And this year, Hare + Klein has joined Australian Design Review‘s 30UNDER30 as a practice partner. Here, Hare talks to ADR about that decision and why supporting emerging designers is so important for the future of the industry.

Australian Design Review: You have already been a judge (at least twice!) and a Gold Medal winner at IDEA and now Hare + Klein has become involved in another of Niche and Australian Design Review’s flagship programs – 30UNDER30. What was it about the program that attracted you?

Meryl Hare: I have found Niche Media and ADR flagship programs to be authentically working in the interests of our profession. So this program attracted me as an extension of their philosophy – in promoting young designers, who are the future of our profession.

What are the values and overarching guiding principles at Hare + Klein that you consider align with the program?

Finding the balance between our aesthetic and our clients’ needs and aspirations is at the core of our ethos of enriching lives through design. There are no hard and fast rules about how we go about achieving this, but it’s something we try to practise every day, on every project, and it’s grounded in the belief that the homes we create should be authentic.

How important do you think the 30UNDER30 program is for young designers and architects?

I love the idea of 30UNDER30 – as a program supporting outstanding young professionals in interior design and architecture. It’s not only motivational, but recognises individuals who are selected for the program, giving them outstanding opportunities in their careers.

Did you have the benefit of mentorship when you were a young designer?

I did not have the benefit of mentorship when I was a young designer. I stumbled along, forging my own way and building my practice based on my own design philosophy. I have, however – over the years – mentored many young designers, to both our benefits. I always see this as a two-way street – a young designer sees boundless opportunities in creating, having been through the education system where there are few boundaries in terms of budget and other crucial practicalities. In harnessing this fresh approach to design, I am always cognisant of encouraging while guiding.

What do you think being involved in the program means for your practice?

I think being involved in this program will be of benefit to the young team of designers with whom I am privileged to work.

How important are peer-to-peer relationships for designers in the early years of their careers?

Peer-to-peer relationships for designers are of great benefit and it’s pleasing to see this type of interaction between designers becoming more commonplace. Being able to have professional discussions with peers can cut through hours of research or trial and error. And when it comes to major legislative issues affecting designers, peer relationships are invaluable, as there is strength in numbers when making representation for our industry.

As one of the most respected and long-established designers working in the A+D industry, what do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were at the age of the cohort?

Turning back the clock, I wish that I could have had the opportunities that our graduates have today. My career has been built on many years of experience; however, the creative input of young graduates into Hare + Klein has also been impactful and kept our aesthetic youthful when it needs to be.

What projects has Hare + Klein been working on recently?

We are currently working on a number of large country estates, large residential homes in Adelaide and Perth, a spectacular new home on the water’s edge in Manly, as well as new homes and renovations in and around Sydney. At any one time we would have on average approximately 25 projects under construction or in planning.

Images: Supplied.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 program is brought to you by co-major sponsors Neolith and King, 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, Design by WBL, DKO, Genton, GroupGSA, Gray Puksand, Hare + Klein, Hassell, HDR, Lawless & Meyerson, Luchetti Krelle, Made For, Mim Design, Richards Stanisich, RIZEN Atelier, Rothelowman, SJB and T. Black for helping us foster the future of Australian design.

Follow @ausdesignreview and @adr30under30 and subscribe to ADR’s newsletter to stay up-to-date with the program.