The Curved Path, a 30UNDER30 panel discussion at SJB

Last week Australian Design Review and SJB hosted The Curved Path, a Pineapple Soup event, ahead of entries opening for the 2026/2027 30UNDER30 program this week. The event was held in SJB’s Sydney studio and welcomed members of the A+D industry for a panel discussion on the diverse pathways a career in architecture can take.

Spoiled with a beautiful setting in SJB‘s top-floor studio and terrace in Surry Hills, the stage was set with an assortment of cheeses, dips, crackers, wine and picky bits that looked (almost) too good to eat as the sun went down and the doors opened.

After a spot of mingling and grazing, while the room filled, the evening’s proceedings kicked off with SJB’s Studio lead, Aris Ioannou-Marsh, welcoming everyone to the studio with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by ADR‘s brand manager Alvin Wu setting the mood with an interactive quiz.

Three teams from Made For, SJB and DKO competed in the quiz, with the Made For team being fastest (and most boisterous) on the buzzer and snapping up a bottle of wine as their prize. With questions all about the 30UNDER30 program, the audience’s interest and spirit were piqued ahead of the main event.

The four panellists from SJB represented diverse, non-linear career pathways (as the title of the evening suggests) in the architecture and design industry.

Katherine Luu is an architect by trade who has shifted into more of an interiors-focused role. An alumna of the 30UNDER30 program, she spoke of overcoming imposter syndrome throughout the program (and in her career) and why she chose to pivot towards interior design.

Hamish Ginn is also an architect and senior associate who spent the majority of his career as a practising architect, but has taken a step back from project work in recent years to build the practice’s people and culture program. Previously a shortlist judge for the 30UNDER30 program, he spoke of the importance of agency and finding a community of supportive colleagues and mentors.

Monica Edwards, also a senior associate and architect at SJB, spoke of her lifelong love of design, which started in her hometown, as well as her experience mentoring the next generation of architects.

Aris Ioannou-Marsh rounded out the panel as the practice’s studio lead. As a co-founder of Architecture with Pride, he spoke of the importance of diversity and finding your community in the industry. He also reflected on his own pathway, starting out in design before pivoting into a people-focused role that he felt better suited to.

*L-R: Monica Edwards, Katherine Luu, Hamish Ginn, Aris Ioannou-Marsh.*

Like the title, the conversation followed a curved path, meandering from childhood career dreams to the realities of project work and overcoming burnout. All of the panellists reflected on experiencing imposter syndrome and self-doubt, as well as the importance of finding your niche and the things that you’re passionate about. Community was a recurring topic, whether you’re starting out or working as a seasoned professional, it was clear that having people around who can support you and provide some form of mentorship is invaluable.

As with so many industries, the future is murky. Linear paths are becoming a rarity and opportunities to try something different are growing. The panellists agreed that staying open-minded while true to your passions is important to carving out a sustainable career.

Entries for the 2026/2027 30UNDER30 program are now open. Click here for more information and to apply.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 program is brought to you by co-major sponsors Neolith and King Living, 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, BLP, BVN, Cera Stribley, COX Architecture, 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, T. Black and Tom Mark Henry for helping us foster the future of Australian design.