Program highlights + Panel discussion 'Building strong industry relationships' | 30UNDER30 2025-26

As we reflect upon another year of engaging dialogue, inspirational ideas and meaningful connections with Australia’s best emerging architects and designers, the ADR 30UNDER30 2025 program leaves us optimistic for the future of our built environment.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 program provides mentorship and career development in the architecture and design industry, bringing together game-changers, industry leaders, practice founders, product manufacturers, suppliers and sponsors to highlight and empower young architects and innovators of the future.

As gold partners since 2022, Tongue and Groove’s association reflects our commitment to supporting the industry, and fostering the next generation of talent in the space.

“Tongue & Groove is proud to continue our sponsorship of this program, driven by a deep commitment to the industry’s rising stars. Our goal remains focused on cultivating a space where emerging talent feels truly championed and inspired,” says Tegan Schwarz, General Manager Marketing.

“In these pivotal early years of their careers, providing them with a platform for growth and a community of support is essential to ensuring they—and our industry—thrive for years to come.”

The highlight of the 2025 program was a three-day creative retreat in Bali, bringing the cohort together for an immersive experience centred on connection, exploration, and creative exchange. Set within the breathtaking Potato Head eco-resort, the retreat encouraged participants to step outside their everyday practice, broaden their perspectives, and form meaningful relationships with peers. Across two days of shared experiences and collaborative moments, it became a powerful catalyst for both personal and professional growth.

A fitting end to a year of openness, engagement and connection, the 2025 program ended at Tongue & Groove Brisbane with an insightful panel discussion focused on building strong industry relationships.

Moderated by Ashleigh Sullivan, interior designer at COX Architecture and a member of ADR’s 2024/2025 30UNDER30 cohort. The panel brought together some of the country’s sharpest design minds: Cera Stribley co-founder Dom Cerantonio, Billard Leece Partnership senior associate Tamara Reilly and Carlene Duffy Studio creative director Carlene Duffy.

Honest and candid, the panel drew from their experiences to reflect on the most important relationships of their careers, how mentoring can play a role in long-term relationship building, their advice for when relationships get rocky, the recent shift towards remote work, and more.

Underlying the entire discussion was the importance of generosity, mutual support and the importance of paying it forward, themes the panel often returned to and how the conversation ended.

“If you work for your network, becoming almost like an agent for them, referring work to people and helping people out where you can, and being yourself, being authentic, then you’ll find that those people will actually do the same for you. Think of how you can help people through whatever industry they may be in. That will often be reciprocated and you will reap the benefits.” said Cerantonio.

We extend our sincerest congratulations to all 66 individuals on the recently announced 2025/2026 shortlist. With this year's program already underway, we can’t wait to work with, guide, and learn alongside them.