COX Architecture director Brooke Lloyd credits her early-career accomplishments to a willingness to say yes and figure things out later – a lesson she is eager to impart as a mentor to the next cohort of Australian Design Review (ADR)’s 30UNDER30.

Australian Design Review (ADR)’s 30UNDER30 program provides mentorship and career development in the architecture and design industry, bringing together game-changers, industry leaders, practice founders, product manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors to highlight and empower young architects and innovators of the future.

Ahead of the selection of the 2025/26 finalists of ADR’s 30UNDER30 program, mentor Brooke Lloyd, an interior designer and director at COX Architecture in Sydney, talks to ADR about the generational differences she has noticed at design practices, as well as the lessons she learned from her mentors and from 10 formative years spent in London firms.

COX director Brooke Lloyd. Photo: Alina Gozina.

Australian Design Review: What was it that attracted you to the 30UNDER30 program?

Brooke Lloyd: We have many accolades that recognise designers and architects at the pinnacle of their careers, but it’s tough navigating through your first decade. I love that this program focuses on the formative years, setting the foundation and helping establish a network.

ADR: You’re obviously very busy as a director at a major architecture and design firm. Why do you find it worthwhile to carve out time to mentor younger designers?

BL: I feel very indebted to my own mentors and very lucky to have had so many. I would like to offer the next generation of designers the same generosity. I also want to encourage a spirit of curiosity. We need them to push boundaries, innovate and think beyond the status quo.

IAG’s Melbourne workplace, designed by COX. Photo: Nicole England.

ADR: Who were your mentors when you were starting out as a young interior designer? What did they teach you?

BL: I had several in my first role as a graduate and have been lucky enough to engage with mentors in each subsequent practice, including now at COX.

In the early stages of my career, my mentors taught me to say yes more than no, which opened a lot of opportunities across projects and positions. They also taught me to present to clients with confidence and conviction. If you can gain a client’s trust, they’ll give you much more freedom creatively.

ADR: Are you still in contact?

BL: Yes, I’m in contact with all of them, scattered across the globe. I still call on them for advice.

Genzo, designed by Cox. Photo: Alec Bruce-Mason.

ADR: With the next generation of designers coming through at your practice, do you think they have vastly different approaches to the work? 

BL: I’ve noticed a phenomenal shift. There is a much healthier approach to work-life balance, which is resulting in more women staying in the industry. 

Our younger generation at COX feels more comfortable than my generation did about contributing design ideas to projects. The idea of a singular autocratic design voice in practice has shifted towards a much more collaborative approach and our design work is richer for it.

Midtown Workplace, designed by COX. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones.

ADR: You spent a bit of time working in London. How did that experience influence your outlook on your career and inform your approach to design?

BL: My experience working in London for over 10 years was very broad and very intense. It’s such a fast-paced city and design industry [that] it somewhat turbo-charges your career. It perpetuated this pattern of me saying yes to opportunities and then figuring it out. 

My approach to design was cemented under the influence of the two practices I worked with. They were overtly modernist, which instilled in me a leaning towards a more rational and restrained approach to interior design.

100 Market Street Workplace, designed by COX. Photo: Nicole England.

ADR: What would you say to a young architect or designer thinking about taking the leap and working in London or elsewhere overseas?

BL: Do it! It will be the making of you. There really is no downside.

ADR: What other pearls of wisdom do you hope to impart to the next generation?

BL: Say yes, stretch yourself and take on more than you think you’re capable of, and be curious and open to new ideas.

Sol Bread and Wine, designed by COX. Photo: Alec Bruce-Mason.

ADR: When it comes to pairing off each mentor with a mentee, what are you looking for? Are there any particular qualities that you have in mind?

BL: Enthusiasm and curiosity.

ADR: What excites you most about taking part in the 30UNDER30 program?

BL: I’m really excited about the mix of interior designers, architects and product designers. The design industry is multidisciplinary and it’s brilliant this program is reflecting that.

Australian Retirement Trust’s workplace, designed by COX. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Photography supplied.

Entries are now open to the 2025/2026 stream of 3UNDER30. If you’re an interior designer, architect, product designer or innovator of the built world aged 30 or under, who is seeking mentorship and career-defining networking opportunities, enter here. 

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside partners Miele, Krost, 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, Rob Mills Architects, Rothelowman, SJB and Design by WBL for helping us foster the future of Australian design.