Paul Hecker is the founding principal of the Melbourne design practice Hecker Guthrie. He is widely recognised for his spirited contributions to interior design, furniture, manufacturing and design education. An avid collector of design, Hecker’s interest in the ephemeral is tempered by the pursuit of enduring solutions that transcend time.

Melissa Leung is an associate director and head of interior design at Fraser & Partners. Leung is driven by a deep understanding of brands, clients and the users of the spaces and places she creates. With a background specialising in FF&E design, Leung’s passion and attention to detail are fundamental in the curation and realisation of designs. Leung’s pragmatic and organised approach, combined with extensive knowledge of material and furniture selections, results in functional, well-executed, high-end hospitality and residential environments.

Jade Whittaker’s design practice is rooted in sustainability. Whittaker is known for her circular design thinking, rigorous assessment of materials and process-driven approach to creating healthy, low-impact spaces. With experience ranging from multi- and single-residential to workplace and furniture design, she advocates for the adoption of sustainable practices to enhance outcomes without compromising quality or craft.

Andrew Glover, an associate director at GroupGSA’s Brisbane studio, is a design industry expert with more than 20 years of experience working across a wide range of sectors and projects of all scales, including workplace, health, retail, public, residential and hospitality. He is deeply aware of the built environment’s profound impact on our lives, a realisation that fuels his daily inspiration. Glover is passionate about project delivery excellence. He brings this dedication to every project, ensuring the integrity of the design intent is upheld.

With experience from luxury homes to townhouses and apartments, entertainment and hospitality venues, Conrad Lowry is inspired by the experience of the environments around him. Since university, he has worked on more than 40 projects of varying scale from inception to completion and design and documentation, to detailing and specification. This breadth of experience has been characterised by meaningful engagement with all involved. Lowry believes it is only through this establishment of relationships that we create meaningful spaces.