Collarts x Design Show Australia: Entrance Feature

Providing students with industry connections while allowing them to apply their skills in the real world is central to Collarts’ ethos. In a landmark collaboration with Design Show Australia, Collarts’ Interior Design students were challenged to design an intriguing entrance feature, setting the stage for this year’s event through design innovation.

Interior Design Program Leader Jenni Woods sees this dynamic collaboration as a fitting extension of Collarts core values. “We are so excited to be collaborating with Design Show Australia again in 2023 as Education partner. This partnership provides our students with meaningful, workintegrated learning experiences across a range of design projects.”

Over a two-day intensive workshop, the project created an exciting opportunity for students to tackle a real-world brief, working in groups to create unique concept designs for the Entry feature. Through pitching their concepts to Design Show Australia’s Operations Director Darren Loewy and Event Director Andrew Vaughan, students were able to flex their presentation skills and gain real-world experience liaising with external stakeholders, all while incorporating key materials provided by sponsors Kosny Timber, EC Carpets and Armstrong Flooring. The Entry feature designed by the students will form the visitor’s first experience of the show within.

Jenni Woods believes the challenge has provided students with something truly invaluable. “It is a unique experience to be immersed in innovative local and international design at the highest level in Australia.”

Students Alisha Lawrie and Vanessa Lane are the talented designers who delivered the winning concept, demonstrating a unique point of view and exceptional creative instincts. Their design comes to life at the event, with thousands of design enthusiasts walking through the doors, witnessing their creation.

Vanessa shares, “I loved working on the Design Show Australia challenge! The show is such an important part of the industry calendar so, to have the chance to be involved in the design of the entry space of the event was an amazing experience. It was such a fun couple of days, working on the brief and pitching our concept. Thanks to Collarts, The Design Show and the material suppliers for the opportunity.”

Admire the entry feature activation at the entrance of Design Show Australia 2023.