On Thursday, 7 August 2025, the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) hosted the South Australia/Northern Territory Graduate of the Yr Awards (GOTYAs) at Stylecraft, Waymouth Road, Adelaide. The night gathered educators, trade leaders, and the subsequent technology of designers to have fun rising expertise throughout design disciplines.
That is my collection of photos from the night. For the shopper collection of photos on the DIA web site, see the Occasion Gallery from South Australia.
The occasion opened with a heat welcome and Acknowledgement of Nation, recognising the Kaurna folks as custodians of the land and acknowledging the deep artistic historical past of First Nations designers and makers. DIA SA/NT Chair Nathan James Crane launched this system, reminding visitors that each nominee had already distinguished themselves as a excessive achiever recognized by their educators.
Supporters of this system, together with Stylecraft and Dulux, underscored the significance of nurturing Australia’s design future. Sasha Leonard of Stylecraft welcomed the gathering, adopted by Dulux consultant Jacqueline McShane, who spoke of Dulux’s dedication to encouraging daring concepts and investing within the transformative energy of design and color.
The awards recognise excellence in 4 classes nationally—Place, Use, Work together, and Convey—reflecting the various methods design shapes how folks dwell, work, and join. In South Australia, displays have been made within the Place and Use classes on the increased training degree, culminating within the announcement of the general state winner.
Within the Place class, a commendation was awarded to Madelyn Smith of the College of South Australia, acknowledged for her robust conceptual work. The winner of the Place Graduate of the Yr Award was Amy Pedler, additionally from UniSA. The jury praised Amy for her capability to translate summary concepts into spatial type, noting her creative use of supplies and narrative-driven ideas corresponding to mirrored ceilings and listening lounges.
The Use class highlighted the modern work of Tom Malycha from UniSA. Tom’s venture, the EG8, impressed judges with its modernised redesign of a conventional instrument, mixing aesthetics, sustainability, and performance. His clear communication drawings and regarded strategy marked him as a designer of remarkable promise.
Tom was additional recognised with the distinguished title of South Australian Graduate of the Yr 2025, counseled for his capability to sort out advanced tasks throughout a number of design domains, from defence to product design.
The night concluded with applause for all nominees and winners, adopted by drinks and dialog amongst friends, educators, and professionals. Visitors mingled towards the trendy backdrop of Stylecraft’s Adelaide showroom, celebrating not solely particular person achievements but in addition the way forward for design in Australia.
The GOTYAs, established in 2003, proceed to be the DIA’s flagship program supporting graduates as they embark on their skilled journeys. This yr’s occasion strengthened the power of rising expertise in South Australia and the worth of trade partnerships that guarantee design stays on the forefront of innovation and tradition.
I’m an Adelaide based mostly photographer and am obtainable for images commissions. Please name or textual content 0429048917 or e mail [email protected]
