My Design Career

Initially during primary school I had always been concerned with trying to perfect a situation, or tweaking things to make them better somehow. I remember “designing” book covers and creative posters for work in class, avoiding common plastic coloured wraps. In high school I thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in the compulsory art class in year 7 and 8, and from then on aspects of design began to filter through all things that I would do. It was really in these younger years that through browsing and research I became aware of design, though I had no real understanding of the meaning behind it other than that it was beautiful. Architectural design and interiors really began to click and I found that my interest and love for this aspect just grew as I progressed through school.

In year 10, I continued to complete a Visual Arts class and it was in the same year that I also did 2 weeks work experience with Hassell Architects and Durbach Block, meeting chairman Ken Maher (for Hassell) and Co – owner Neil Durbach (for Durbach Block). Conversations and involvement with them really broadened my understanding of what design meant and how and why it is articulated as such.

Later, I finished year 12 having done Design and Technology in which I completed a major design project where I designed an environmentally sustainable house for a beachside location. This was nominated to be presented at the Powerhouse Museum earlier this year.  

When I first applied for uni I knew I wanted a career in design, and Architecture or Interior Design were my first options for study. Due to missing the higher cut – offs I accepted the offer into Industrial Design.

Apart from design, I also have a strong passion for and appreciation of music, and I would really like to somehow incorporate these two aspects in my future career – not so much as to design musical instruments or equipment, but to design spaces, experiences and environments that immerse individuals and stimulate them. Pleasure and company are essential to life and I think there is real potential to explore these mediums further and create something amazing!

Besides this, I also very much love the design work which is done incorporating delicate materials such as porcelain and glass with heavier or denser highlights and features of cork, woods, metals or natural fibres. I think this combination of raw and refined, delicate and dense is a beautiful exploration of form and, to some extent, function, and would love to be a part of this in the future.  

Currently, I’m enjoying aspects what Industrial Design has to offer and have learnt much in the time that I have been here. I think one of the most important things I have learnt is that today the environment plays a large role in the way we design and have to consider design. I think that being resourceful and environmentally conscious also presents new opportunities for design, and a unique chance to create something more.