Australia’s Next Top Designers
Australia’s Next Top Designers competition entrants were on display at this year’s Design Show Australia in Melbourne
The Australia’s Next Top Designers competition showcases emerging designers, makers and creatives and their breakthrough products and concepts which will shape the future of the design. The competition shines a spotlight on those leading the next generation of design and provides a platform to generate exposure for new designers. A $10,000 prize was awarded to the winner.
Winner 2025 – Joe Fuchsen
Lighting designer Joe Fuchsen’s passion for creating warm lighting for intimate spaces has come together under the brand Glass Rhythm where his hand-made accent lamps bring dynamic light using bold geometric shapes.
X Lamp
The X Lamp creation is a small table lamp with an equilateral “X” prism that creates strong vertical lines and internal reflection of the glass to create a standout lighting experience in any space.
Highly Commended 2025 – James Walker
James Walker is an Adelaide-based furniture designer and maker, known for his thoughtfully handcrafted, organic timber pieces. Drawing inspiration from natural forms and materials, James’ work blends traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, creating functional, sculptural furniture that emphasises sustainability, craftsmanship, and the inherent beauty of solid timber.
Pyrmont Shelf
The Pyrmont Shelf is a hand-carved floating shelf designed and made in Australia, highlighting the natural beauty of sustainably sourced solid timber. Combining minimalist style with organic, sculptural elegance, it offers easy installation and versatile functionality, making it perfect for home decor and interior styling.
Highly Commended 2025: Sustainability – Marty Whittle
Marty is a passionate cross-disciplinary designer, focusing on decor, furniture and lighting design. Marty is committed to designing timeless, useful, and aesthetic products, that are honest, and sustainably focused. Emotional interaction and evocative expression drive his design intent.
Casper
This design reinterprets a classic Japanese stool. Highlighting simplicity while incorporating cutting-edge manufacturing techniques like 5-axis water jet cutting. Crafted from off-cuts generated by a large dairy industry project, this stool effectively redirects plastic waste away from landfill.
Design Show Australia
Next show: 11-13 June 2026 (ICC Sydney)
