Now in its third year, Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 program has established itself as the leading mentorship and career development program in the architecture and design industry. The unique program brings together game changers, industry leaders, practice founders, product manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors to celebrate and empower the young interior and product designers of the future.

Guided by a philosophy that prioritises community engagement and the unique character of each project, Australian Design Review  30UNDER30 practice partner COX Architecture stands out in the industry as a firm that fosters a dynamic environment where diverse voices thrive, shaping a future of architecture that truly connects with people.

This holistic approach enhances design outcomes and empowers the next generation of architects to reimagine the built environment, ensuring every project resonates with its community and purpose. By championing young talent and embracing cutting-edge technology, COX continues to push the boundaries of what architecture can achieve.

Australian Design Review caught up with COX architecture Director Brooke Lloyd to discuss collaboration, the future of design and the next generation of designers.

Australian Design Review: Can you share with us the driving philosophy or core values behind your studio that make it stand out in the industry?

COX Architecture is guided by a philosophy that emphasises innovation, collaboration and sustainability. Our values, which were derived from a grassroots process of consultation with our people – especially our young people – crystalised a singular focus on creating spaces that enhance community engagement and reflect the unique character of each place and project. We believe in the power of architecture and design to shape experiences and foster connections, putting people at the beginning, middle and end of every process, detail, and decision.

A genuinely collaborative approach brings together diverse perspectives, ensuring that every project is a true reflection of its context and purpose. By embracing creativity and adaptability, we strive to strike the critical balance between functionality and inspiration, durability and innovation. It’s this commitment to holistic excellence and an innate drive to never settle for the ‘or’ but to push harder to find the ‘and’ that means COX will deliver consistently meaningful and lasting contributions to the built environment.

Do you have staff aged 30 and under? What do young designers bring to your practice?

Absolutely! They are both the engine and the embodied vision for our practice. Young designers bring fresh perspectives, often introducing innovative ideas, new technologies and thinking that’s unconstrained by professional dogma or overwhelmed by ‘conventional design wisdom’. Speaking practically, their exposure to AI, the latest design tools and techniques delivers a dynamic fusion of creativity and practicality.

Additionally, they bring a bone-deep commitment to sustainability and an eagerness to push boundaries that give motive force to the practice’s commitment to progressive and forward-thinking design. Their energy and passion is a natural driver of collaboration across all levels of the practice, creating an environment where ideas can’t help but flourish and evolve.

How do you envision the next generation will shape your industry, and how does your firm contribute to their development?

They’re already driving innovation, pushing the boundaries of sustainability and embracing technology to create more responsive, inclusive and resilient spaces. Younger designers bring fresh perspectives and a natural fluency with emerging digital tools that will enable them to reimagine the relationship between the built environment and its users.

Perhaps the most important shift within our own practice is not only a permission for this cohort but an imperative for them to challenge convention, recast established paradigms and redefine what design is and what it can and should do.

We actively contribute our young designers’ development by fostering a culture of mentorship, continuous learning and in providing challenges that engage and provoke. We give them opportunities to work on diverse, complex projects and encourage them to explore new technologies, sustainable practices and interdisciplinary approaches. Through our internships, graduate programs, CPD Workshops, internal design reviews, EPCOX – a forum for emerging professionals to learn, collaborate and network, inside and outside the practice – we ensure that they gain hands-on experience while being guided by industry leaders.  

We’ve invested significantly to create and promote a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity, recognising that the next generation thrives in environments where different perspectives are celebrated. By supporting their growth and creativity, we help shape the future of the industry by providing a dynamic platform for their bold ideas and forward-thinking solutions.

Collaboration often plays a vital role in successful design projects. How does your practice approach collaboration, both internally among team members and externally with clients and stakeholders?

Collaboration is the lifeblood of creativity. Internally, we foster a culture of open communication and teamwork, encouraging diverse perspectives from a truly diverse team of classical ‘design’ and relevant, adjacent professions. Dynamic brainstorming sessions with provocative themes and design charrettes to challenge merely ‘good’ solutions allow us to explore ideas collectively, ensuring that every voice is not only heard, but contributes to improved outcomes.

Externally, we prioritise the strength of our relationships with clients and stakeholders. We believe in a transparent dialogue throughout a project’s lifecycle, involving clients in key decisions and gathering a broad base of feedback to align our vision with their goals. By integrating community input and stakeholder wants and needs early in the process, we create designs that resonate with their needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach not only enhances creativity but invariably leads to more successful and sustainable outcomes.

The interior and product design landscape is constantly evolving. How do you think young interior designers and product designers will need to develop their skill sets to meet the demands of the future practice?

At COX, we recognise that the future of interior and product design is dynamic and multifaceted and it will look very different to the practice of today. As the landscape evolves, young designers will need adaptability at their core to meet the demands of our future clients and stakeholders.

We think key areas of personal and professional growth include things like sustainability and circular design. Designers will need a deep understanding of sustainable practices, materials and life-cycle design. They will have to embrace circularity, aiming to minimise waste and create products and interiors that can be reused, recycled or repurposed.

As technology continues to reshape design, proficiency in digital tools will be essential. Understanding smart systems and how technology can enhance user experience will become a core part of interior and product design.

Future designers will also need strong collaboration skills. The ability to cross-pollinate ideas and work in interdisciplinary teams will be crucial to solving complex design challenges. With increasing focus on wellness, accessibility and human-centred design, young designers must prioritise user experience. Understanding diverse needs and creating inclusive, flexible environments and products will be essential.

Lastly, flexibility in learning and an openness to new approaches, trends and materials will keep young designers agile in the industry.

Why did you come on board as a practice partner of Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Design stream for 2024/25?

We believe in the power of emerging talent to shape the future of the design industry, and therefore, the future of civil society. The aspiration really is that big and the responsibility commensurate. Supporting initiatives like 30UNDER30 aligns with our commitment to fostering the next generation by providing a platform to showcase their ideas and a structure that pushes them to be their best.

We recognise that by partnering with 30UNDER30, we not only celebrate the achievements of young designers but also contribute to the creation of opportunities for their professional growth. This is a chance to connect with industry peers, share knowledge and encourage ideas that drive meaningful design outcomes. It’s an investment in the future of design, ensuring that our young professionals have the mentorship, visibility and resources they need to thrive in the built environment.

What would you say to those designers who are a little dubious about entering the program? Why should they enter 30UNDER30?

To those unsure about entering 30UNDER30, this is a valuable opportunity to showcase your talent, gain recognition and connect with a network of like-minded professionals. Beyond the accolades – it’s a chance to push your limits, sharpen your skills and unlock future opportunities. If you’re passionate about design and ready to challenge yourself, this can be a powerful catalyst for growth, as both a person and as a designer.

COX has seen great success in the program in both the Interior Design Stream and the Architecture stream with Remy Chard and Jacky Chen making it into the final 30. Their selection reflects on their significant personal skills and commitment but is also proof-positive that a key role for COX is one of being a talent incubator.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside gold partners Interface, Miele and Tongue & Groove. The program is supported by practice partners Arent&Pyke, BVN, Billard Leece Partnership, Cera Stribley, COX Architecture, GroupGSA, Hassell, HDR, Richards Stanisich, Rothelowman, SJB and Williams Burton Leopardi.