Sophia Leopardi’s career has been shaped by mentors. From traditional mentorship to validation by her peers, the Adelaide-based interior designer has mentorship to thank for her partnership with Williams Burton Leopardi.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 is thrilled to welcome Leopardi to the judging panel. It is here where Leopardi will be seeking applicants who are willing to add to the conversation, as well as those who are able to represent who they truly are through their work and vision.

Australian Design Review: When it comes to the next generation of designers and thinkers, what excites you the most?

Sophia Leopardi: This next generation brings such a fresh perspective. They’re quite introspective and aware of their legacy. I certainly feel there is desire within the next generation for their work to hold deeper meaning and ultimately leave a gentler, lighter footprint. Their work shows consideration for being sustainable and culturally respectful – almost an activist’s role in that they constantly want to do better. There is a greater sense of their role as designers to recognise our Indigenous heritage and to actively participate in a path to reconciliation.

I’m hopeful this foundation of thinking will lead to better ways of working, and a broader understanding of the value of design within our community. Although they have grown up with technology, and it is such a natural extension of their critical thinking and processes, it’s so great to see how creating efficiencies and a broader access to design globally can make us all better designers.

I believe teaching is a two-way conversation and, through my time working with students, I’ve always found it such an enriching experience. I’m excited for what I can learn from our next generation, and the joint experience this program will offer.

ADR: In your career, how important has mentorship been to you? 

SL: It’s been very important for me and has come in many different forms. I think the traditional mentor/mentee relationship has changed and evolved, and that is a great thing. Often it is only through airing a challenge or an idea with someone outside of your network or industry, that they bring an entirely new perspective that challenges you to think differently. 

Validation is a powerful thing. A few words of encouragement from those I have respected and admired over the years have helped at pivotal points within my career. Through the lens of experience and sometimes just reflecting my thoughts back to me, these interactions have given me the encouragement to take leaps I perhaps wouldn’t have. Regardless of the delivery or content, both have helped unlock and reframe what has at times felt like immovable obstacles to knowing what was next, or where a current chapter may lead. My advice is to remain open throughout your whole career and be flexible to where opportunities lie.

ADR: In the same vein, how important has it been to network? Do you believe programs like 30UNDER30 help to nurture networking and create deeper connections?

SL: Absolutely. Building a mindset and the confidence to seize opportunities to actively add to the design conversation is vitally important to career growth. It creates an opportunity to hone your unique perspective. Growing as a designer and professional is not served by a singular approach, and it’s only through connecting with allied fields and causes that your own sphere of understanding can be expanded. 

Networking itself can take on so many forms, from digital, remote or in person, but nothing beats the energy of designers sparring off one another. Understanding how you fit within the design landscape, and where you offer your greatest value, comes through having conversations and listening. I love the idea of a structured program that really brings this opportunity forward for the next crop of design talent, to help find your place among all of the noise.

ADR: What do you think are some of the struggles and challenges that the under 30s are facing now, compared to when you were in that cohort?

SL: So much of your early career is defining your perspective and building confidence. And with so much oversaturation and emphasis on ‘profile’ it can be hard to have the space and time to explore and experiment, to find out what that is. There is so much ‘finished’ work and highly stylised design that creates an unrealistic divide between what design is and how people live within it. 

Although it can feel near impossible to not be influenced by constant imagery and the ready accessibility of design, it’s important to curate where your inspiration comes from. You need to create the right environment to grow your perspective and unique view, or problem solving, and retain distance from overstimulation.

ADR: How important is inclusivity to this industry? How much does it shift the industry?

SL: Having a number of voices, perspectives and experiences ‘at the table’ is so incredibly important to the best possible outcomes. One of the main missions of this program is to make that possible by removing boundaries between generations and locations of designers, and creating the opportunity to contribute and be heard. 

To remain relevant both as organisations and for those we service, we need to engage in those conversations and be open to change and in pivoting how we work. Shifting the dial in terms of positive change is unlikely to come from an echo chamber.

ADR: What will you bring to the panel that you think will be different from the others on it?

SL: My work has been a combination of small and medium scale, with a focus on storied spaces and layering in a connection to past and present. I bring an understanding of what it is like to have worked in a smaller city, and the challenges that come with that, and what it takes to remain relevant among the broader context of Australian design. 

I find my approach starts with a deep and active listening phase to absorb and process. Then I rely on my ‘heart brain’ to lead me in navigating the questions, debate and deliberation in finding our 30UNDER30 recipients.

I’m extremely honoured to be a part of this panel and am a huge admirer of my fellow judges. I look forward to being inspired by my colleagues on the panel, and to learning from their respective backgrounds and the unique approaches they will undoubtedly bring.

ADR: What appeals to you, and what are you looking for?

SL: I’m interested in meeting young designers who are hungry to grow. I want to be inspired by their thinking and their approaches and will be looking for applicants with an honest and authentic sensibility. Through the applications, I want to feel like I am being presented with a true representation of who they are. It can be so easy to create a front or profile for yourself that doesn’t necessarily connect to what you value, and I want to discourage that. We’re all constantly learning and identifying areas for growth, and being open to absorbing everything is key to getting the most out of this program. I want to be enriching the conversation of design through a unique approach.

ADR: If someone were nervous to enter into 30UNDER30, what advice would you give them?

SL: Some of the best advice I have been given is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Any trepidation you may be feeling is completely normal, and it means you’re excited and that’s an adrenal response. Use that nervous energy, and channel it into your next challenge. 

Design is a continual process of laying yourself bare and being open for critique, and it can be daunting – but in that space is where you grow. This program is such a great opportunity to have your voice become part of the broader conversation of design in our country and, in your emerging years, this is where you find out what your path and mission really are.

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.