30UNDER30 practice partner Rothelowman on designing as a collective

Now in its third year, Australian Design Review’s (ADR) 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.

30UNDER30 practice partner Rothlelowman seeks to safeguard a diverse, sustainable and uplifting future through design. The practice is inspired by the fearlessness and enthusiasm of the successive generation of designers, particularly their penchant for disrupting tradition and exploring “unchartered realms.”

Australian Design Review recently sat down with Rothelowman principal people and culture Jackie Arter and principal for national design Jonothan Cowle to unpack the practice’s humanist approach to design, in addition to their excitement towards coming on board as a 30UNDER30 practice partner and celebrating and nurturing emerging talent in the industry.

Australian Design Review: Can you share the driving philosophy or core values behind your studio that make it stand out in the industry? 

At Rothelowman, our people are the essence of who we are. Our 30-year-old practice is anchored in tradition while remaining open towards embracing new innovations. We aim to create architecture and interiors that serve our clients, nurture communities and invigorate the cities that house them.

We design as a professional collective and not as individuals – our investment in young talent is a recognition of their role as the architects of the future. Central to our philosophy is supporting the next generation of leaders. Through mentorship, hands-on involvement in projects and ongoing learning, we explore our cities and communities and vow to shape a better tomorrow.

We understand a rich culture emerges from celebrating both shared journeys and individual stories – diverse perspectives are inspiring and guide our path forward. The richer our tapestry of perspectives, the more we can pursue innovation and enrich our collaborative spirit.

Our approach to design is rooted in values of humility and humanism, while reflecting a keen eye for observation. From this foundation, we adapt to the evolving demands of our cities and their inhabitants – fostering diversity, sharing experiences, and pursuing positivity in all we do.

Do you have staff aged 30 and under? What do young designers bring to your practice?

We take pride in the fact that 35 percent of our team is under 30. These young designers possess skills indispensable to our practice such as curiosity, creativity, a vision for the future and dynamic energy – ultimately creating an inspiring discourse and exchange of ideas. Their communication style also offers a fresh lens through which to view the global landscape and has transformed how we present our work to clients and the public.

How do you envision the next generation shaping your industry, and how does Rothelowman contribute to their development?

The next generation’s passion for designing solutions that improve is nothing short of inspiring. They delve into unexplored realms, challenge entrenched concepts and dare to tap into ideas that might otherwise remain dormant. This radical exploration will surely redefine our industry for years to come.

At Rothelowman, we are committed to nurturing the successive cohort. We believe innovation results from humility and subverting expectations. Our practice model stands as a testament to this philosophy, reflecting a mission to diversify our team and empower emerging talent. We encourage our younger members to seize control of projects, articulate their visions and craft memorable experiences for our clients.

Collaboration plays a vital role in successful design projects. How does your practice approach collaboration, both internally among team members and externally with clients and stakeholders?

​​At Rothelowman, we create an environment that allows individuals to evolve within the larger team. This approach ignites greater collaboration across studios and unlocks bespoke and thoughtfully crafted experiences for our clients. It’s part of our practice to disrupt expectations in traditional hierarchical settings and empower our younger cohort through collaboration. By fostering an environment where learning accelerates, we cultivate a ‘mastery of the craft’ among our younger staff, equipping them with the tools to be agile and adaptive and fulfil the demands of a contemporary practice.

We seize every opportunity to create immersive experiences for our clients. Instead of simply presenting a project, we aim to bring clients into our studio to be taken on a journey from beginning to end. We understand the power of involving all project members in these client experiences. Our younger team members inject a unique energy into our presentations, alongside dismantling barriers and nurturing stronger relationships within our teams and with our clients.

The interior and product design landscape is constantly evolving. How do you think young interior designers and product designers will need to develop their skill sets to meet the demands of the future practice?

To navigate the complexities of future practice, young interior and product designers should harness their boundless enthusiasm for excellence and continue challenging established ideas.

As the industry evolves, it will be imperative for this next generation of designers to engage in a cycle of learning, collaboration, critical thinking and effective communication. An open-mindedness toward technological advancements will be crucial, particularly as the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the landscape in profound ways. Embracing this dynamic environment will not only define their success but also elevate the discipline itself.

Why did you come on board as a practice partner of Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Design stream for 2024/25?

Rothelowman’s culture is built on collaboration – designing as a professional collective, not as individuals. We came on board as a practice to build on this culture and celebrate emerging talent to the broader industry.

What would you say to those designers who are a little apprehensive about entering the program? Why should they enter 30UNDER30?

Don’t shy away from making your voice heard. Take pride in being part of a dynamic cohort whose insights are crucial to the evolution of our remarkable industry.

The 30UNDER30 program is a tribute to our dedicated, talented and empowered community. Recognise that growth is all around you – the lessons you learn from your peers are invaluable. Embrace the opportunity to engage in conversations, share experiences and exchange knowledge. In doing so, you become part of a transformative dialogue that shapes the future of our field.

Featured Image: Reece by Rothelowman. Photography by Peter Bennetts.

Photography supplied.

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.

Check out the program here.

This article was originally published in Architecture Design Review by Helena Morgan