Isabella White studied architecture and worked in graduate positions before discovering her skills were needed elsewhere. She has since segued into communications roles – most recently as digital content lead at Architectus – and amassed tens of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, where she creates content under the moniker of ‘architecture’s biggest advocate’. Below, White shares the passions that drove her to pivot focus and why 30UNDER30 is her ‘one-shot‘ ticket to have her ideas taken seriously by the industry.

Australian Design Review: Why did you enter the 30UNDER30 program?

Isabella White: I applied for my content creation on TikTok and Instagram. I knew I was making content and media that was outside of the ‘normally’ accepted ways our industry communicates. The 30UNDER30 platform offered an industry-leading arena to get these ideas out into our profession and get them vetted by professionals. I really saw it as one-shot ticket to make sure these ideas were taken seriously by our industry!

What do you hope to get out of the program?

The connections to some of Australia’s best and upcoming designers is an obvious one – but mostly the mentorship. It’s so easy to understand challenges in your specific area of industry, but the more people, ideas and viewpoints you can get exposed to, the better! 

What most excites you about 30UNDER30’s Bali retreat?

There is nothing else like this in the architectural industry in Australia. It’s one of a kind. I feel ridiculously lucky to go overseas with incredibly bright designers. Most of all, I’m excited by the opportunity to use my brain in a way that is so different from my daily life. Creatives need that break and it’s so hard to come by! 

What do you think are the benefits of mingling with professionals from different disciplines – architects with interior designers with product designers etc?

I’ve started segueing out of a traditional architecture role already, so I’ve been exposed to, and already know that diverse viewpoints are the only way of getting the best result… out of anything! Whether it’s designing a building or trying to understand policy and make an impact. The more you can understand about the roles each of us play in our profession you’re more likely to be able to improve it. 

What do you think you personally are able to bring to the program?

I’m forging a unique path in architecture, trying to lead by example regarding how architects should have very public profiles, offering advice and education to the public. I want people to take this new form of media seriously, and I hope I can educate the next generation on the value of public presence. 

What do you think are the most pressing challenges for designers coming up to 2030?

What is becomingly increasingly clear is that if we really want to move the dial to build better outcomes (for environmental or public benefit), the people who make policy need to be thinking about it from the get-go. The biggest challenge is whether our designers can see themselves in public roles beyond our traditional job descriptions. 

What most excites you about the opportunities in the industry currently?

Australia is ripe for big public design discussions. Huge housing reforms, changes to density and the Olympics in Brissie are all opening up conversations with massive design implications for the public. And if my own social media journey has shown me anything – they want to talk! 

Do you remember your first encounter with design?

My mum was an architect, so growing up on the coastline of the Northern Rivers, I was exposed to robust design decisions about daylight, coastal breeze and materiality. My standout memory for design is loving fashion from an early age (shout out Vivienne Westwood) and that quickly grew into an obsession with visual art, then photography and finally design more broadly. 

How would you describe your work?

The way I design and the way I talk about projects online follows the same set of criteria. First, what is the big idea holding this thing together? Next, how is it impacting the environment? Then, how does the community interact with this building? Followed by: how can we make this as functional and practical as possible? And lastly – what does it look like? To answer these questions means you need to be asking a lot of people a lot of questions. So in that sense I suppose I am highly collaborative, but I think a better phrase is highly inquisitive. 

@izzie_white_ MPAVILION #architecture commission by Tadao Ando, a #modernist ♬ original sound – Izzie White

What has been a highlight in your career so far?

This is!

If you could work with any designer, artist or other creative – living or dead – who would it be and why?

Phineas Harper – he is forging a path for architects to have a public presence in the UK and I eagerly watch his every move to learn from it.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I don’t have a lot of spare time if I’m being honest. I’m a very much a ‘sleep when you’re dead’ type of person, who doesn’t stick to a routine easily – but over the years I’ve practised art consistently and recently hosted my first exhibition in Melbourne. I research a lot for the videos I make, and I make sure to keep a roaring social life alive. Outside of my nine-to-five, that keeps me pretty busy! 

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A post shared by Izzie White (@izziewhitecreative)

What do you do to kickstart your creativity when you’re in a rut?

Always leave the screens. Always go outside. Always play your favourite banger song. Sometimes, if it’s really not working for you – do something small and trivial to get the productivity juices flowing. Try not to look at Pinterest! Use your brain and flip through almost anything else to generate ideas.

What guiding values drive you and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?

I am hugely motivated by the health of the planet. I am obsessed with our landscape and animals and colours that exist in our insanely diverse Australian landscapes. I’m hoping that through my work, I can give the public the tools to ask for better outcomes. I’m hoping that it will influence people to write to their councils and government demanding more! Design needs to consider itself part of this complex ecosystem of policy, finance and the environment. 

What’s the movie that you’ve watched most often?

Probably Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. A real comfort film – the animation, the colour the characters. It’s the ultimate escape from reality in these relatively overwhelming times in the media cycle. 

What would be the opening song to your biopic?

‘Alien Superstar’ by Beyoncé. 

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A post shared by Izzie White (@izziewhitecreative)

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

Australian Design Review 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.

Learn more about ADR’s 30UNDER30 here.