Established in 2000 with Koos de Keijzer as founding partner and principal, DKO has grown to now work from six different studios across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Partner – Interiors Michael Drescher joined the practice as a graduate back in 2006, so has personally witnessed its remarkable expansion – increasing tenfold from around 30 staff to closer to 300.

As DKO has grown, so too has its consideration of the career pathways of its younger designers. With an eye to fostering their flourishing and that of other emerging talents, DKO has now joined ADR‘s 30UNDER30 program as a practice partner. Here Michael Drescher, who is also the jury chair for the Interior Design Excellence Awards this year, talks to ADR about the thinking and aspirations behind that move.

Australian Design Review: What was it about Australian Design Review‘s 30UNDER30 program that convinced you to support it as a practice partner?

Michael Drescher: We were impressed by the program’s focus on creating opportunities for emerging practitioners. It helps them broaden their views, build valuable industry connections and grow their confidence. At DKO we believe in investing in initiatives that strengthen the entire industry.

There are many industry initiatives aimed at emerging designers. What makes 30UNDER30 stand out from your perspective?

30UNDER30 is unique because it offers a truly holistic experience. It combines mentorship, leadership development, peer learning and real-world insights. It goes beyond just design skills to help participants learn how to lead teams, navigate challenges, communicate ideas and build enduring professional relationships. These skills are crucial for long-term success.

Why is it important for established practices to invest in the next generation of designers, particularly at this stage of their careers?

Early career moments shape confidence, ambition and professional identity. We believe it is our responsibility to share knowledge, create opportunities and support the upcoming talent as they discover their voice. This helps create a stronger and more innovative profession for the future.

What qualities do you believe distinguish the industry’s future leaders, and how does a program like 30UNDER30 help nurture those qualities?

We encourage our team to always be curious, adaptable, collaborative and accountable. Programs like 30UNDER30 help nurture these qualities by exposing participants to new ideas, diverse perspectives and leadership experiences outside beyond their usual work environment.

As a practice partner, what are you hoping participants will gain from engaging with your team throughout the program?

We hope participants gain a clear understanding of how design ideas turn into real projects and results. If they leave feeling inspired, challenged and more confident in their potential, we will have accomplished something meaningful.

How valuable is it for emerging designers to build relationships across different practices, disciplines and sectors early in their careers?

It’s incredibly valuable. The challenges our cities and communities face are complex, and no single field has all the solutions. Building relationships across practices and sectors encourages broader thinking, inspires innovation and helps emerging designers see how different expertise can come together to achieve better results.

Leadership is a major focus of the 30UNDER30 experience. What does good leadership in design look like to you today, and how has that changed over the course of your own career?

Today, good leadership is less about authority and more about influence, empathy and creating environments where others can thrive. Success is no longer just about personal achievement. It’s about the impact a team can create together.

The program brings together mentoring, peer learning and immersive experiences. Why do you think these kinds of opportunities are so valuable alongside traditional workplace learning?

Workplace learning is essential, but it is often shaped by the needs of specific projects and businesses. Programs like 30UNDER30 create space for broader conversations, reflection and exposure to different ways of thinking. They encourage participants to step outside their immediate surroundings and learn from peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.

What advice would you give to a young designer who is considering applying for the program, but isn’t sure they’re ‘ready’?

Apply now, don’t wait. The program is there to support emerging designers.

From a practice perspective, what do you hope to learn from engaging with the next generation of designers through 30UNDER30?

Emerging designers bring fresh perspectives, different lived experiences and new ways of thinking about design, technology and collaboration. Engaging with the next generation challenges us to remain open, adaptable and relevant. Mentorship is never one-way. We learn as much from these conversations as we hope participants do.

Looking ahead, what do you think Australia’s design industry needs most from its emerging talent over the next decade?

We need designers who are optimistic, adaptable and willing to embrace complexity.

If you could sum up in one sentence why your practice chose to become a 30UNDER30 practice partner, what would you say?

It reflects our belief that sharing knowledge, creating opportunities and investing in the growth of people strengthens both individuals and the profession as a whole.

For more information on DKO’s projects and practice visit the website.