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.

Traditional methodologies in interior design are yielding to a more innovative and interdisciplinary approach, driven by the imperative of user experience. Eva Sue, a principal at Woods Bagot, exemplifies this confluence of disciplines with her ability to craft profound and meaningful experiences.

With a predilection for bespoke projects that accentuate human connections and interactions, Sue employs a multifaceted approach that informs her design philosophy as both an architect and interior designer. As a specialist in hotel and hospitality design, and with more than a decade of international experience within Woods Bagot’s esteemed studios, Sue has overseen a diverse range of ambitious projects across the United Kingdom, Europe, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.

ADR recently sat down with Sue to discuss the sharing of knowledge, shaking up the status quo and following the green light.

Australian Design Review: What motivated you to become involved with Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Design stream for 2024/25 and share your expertise with the next generation? 

I was excited to be a part of a national program that brought together a cohort of young designers from around Australia. Programs of this breadth bring a diversity of backgrounds and experiences and help us understand the common challenges affecting emerging designers from state to state. These programs enable the cross-pollination of ideas between peers to help forge a more interconnected discipline.

Was there anything like 30UNDER30 when you were just starting out in your field?

No, there was not! However, working for a large organisation, I had the opportunity to draw influence from multiple leaders from different sectors in disciplines outside of my own and at different stages in their careers. In smaller practices, not everyone gets that opportunity. This forum will enable participants greater exposure, helping them to connect with leaders with a swathe of expertise.

Were there any other early career opportunities that you recall as a turning point for you?

My early years working overseas were formative. I was lucky to start my career in London as a graduate with no fixed plans other than to work and travel. However, I developed a strong alignment with the studio culture, my leaders and my colleagues. I found myself working on resort masterplans throughout Europe and in places like Mauritius, Thailand and Belize. I was afforded the opportunity to combine work, travel and life experiences early in my career and was led by curiosity and passion, rather than ambition. However, these experiences instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility which has never left me.  Focusing on working with the right people, clients and leaders established a solid foundation for my career, built on collaboration and a shared vision.

What is the best advice you have received in your career?

Follow the green light. Identify opportunities and pursue them. It’s important to identify your core values as a practitioner, but that doesn’t need to root you to one place. Your career might take unexpected twists and turns – perhaps it won’t be the route you had anticipated – and it helps to be nimble and agile and approach situations with an open mind. The GFC of 2007-2008 necessitated a pivot in my career trajectory from resort masterplanning to interior design and hotel refurbishments. 

For me, it has largely been an acceptance of new opportunities and having the courage to pursue them. Trust your instincts, be empowered to make your own decisions and be comfortable that getting from point A to point B does not have to be a straight line.  

How important is it for designers to build a community of industry peers and mentors?

Very important. No two careers are the same, and as such, it’s important to draw from external influences, to understand as many different perspectives and ways of engaging with people and spaces. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from informal mentorship from colleagues and industry peers. I have also found great satisfaction in building deep client relationships.

What do you notice about young designers you have worked with that makes them different from generations before?

I have found that work/life balance and diversity are two prominent themes that are very important to the next generation of designers. As an industry, we have a responsibility to make sure that balance exists, and we are encouraging young designers to bring their true selves to work and find ways to harness their life experiences outside of work to inform better design and studio culture.

What will you be looking for when you are judging the entries into this stream?

I will be looking for bravery and authenticity from the entries: bold choices that resist conformity and shake up the status quo. I’ll be looking for submissions that demonstrate an agenda – that sow the seeds of change, demonstrate curiosity, flirt with experimentation and test new possibilities. I’m not looking for entries that are going to change the world per se, but submissions that demonstrate quiet originality and fresh ingenuity.

As well as being a judge of 30UNDER30, you will also mentor the selected cohort. What do you hope to gain from mentoring the 30UNDER30?

Reverse mentoring. I expect I will learn a great deal from the mentees as part of a two-way conversation. I hope to be listening as much as I am sharing my own experiences.  

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.

Lead image: BDO workplace. Photo: Dion Robeson