GP: Can you outline what each day at the retreat involved?

DH: Griffith Consulting kicked off the educational part of the retreat by presenting a workshop on the future of leadership. The key takeaways included the importance of energy over time, state of mind, resilience and our current goals and values. The final day of the retreat was an insightful panel discussion with key industry leaders.

GP: Who were the speakers, and what insights did they share with attendees?

DH: We heard from five notable panellists, including Director of Williams Burton Leopardi Sophia Leopardi, Managing Director of SJB Andrew Par, Principal of Hassell Carolyn Solley, Co-founder of Richards Stanisich Kirsten Stanisich and Co-founder of State of Kin Ara Salomone.

The discussion explored themes relevant to the residential, hospitality and multidisciplinary fields. Topics included:

• Raising a family and working in the industry
• Client communication
• Building a business admin
• Learning processes and asking for help
• Concept development
• The connection between architecture and interiors
• Mentoring junior staff
• Health and wellness

GP: What observations did you share with the other attendees about where the industry is going?

DH: We all shared a curiosity about artificial intelligence and how it impacts our industry. After many discussions, we believe that AI is an incredible tool we should harness, but also something we should use to challenge and inspire new ideas.

GP: What was the most inspiring part of the retreat and why?

DH: Connecting with peers and having the opportunity to strengthen my professional network were the highlights. We talk to suppliers and clients every day in the office, but we don’t often get the chance to form connections with other under 30s within the industry. It was great to share ideas and learn from each other outside of the occasional industry event.

GP: What were your key takeaways, and how will you integrate your learnings into your future work at Gray Puksand?

DH: I discovered the importance of having clear, defined values, living a healthy lifestyle, cultivating energy over time, and setting boundaries at work. We need to work together to achieve the best outcomes while also preserving our mental health and physical well-being to avoid burnout.

GP: What advice would you give someone interested in elevating a career in the interior design industry?

DH: The design industry is something you’ll never get bored of – it’s exciting, constantly evolving, and inspiring – especially if you’re a creative person. My advice would be to set clear boundaries for your mental wellbeing, but also to have an understanding that you will never stop learning. You’ll never reach a point of knowing everything there is to learn, so always have an open mind.

To learn more about the Creative Retreat and the final 30, head to the Australian Design Review website or click here.