Kirsteen James recently became the DIA’s Madeline Lester Award recipient and Australian Interior Design Graduate of the Year 2022. In this Q&A, Kirsteen discusses what it's like to graduate, move overseas and get a dream job at Gensler, Houston.

DIA: Please tell us what you are currently working on.

KJ: The main project I am working on is the new Houston office of a global commodities trading company. It's new construction within a downtown commercial high-rise. This has been a team project that I have been a part of since schematic design, through design development and now into issuing RFPs and construction documentation, which has been a fantastic and holistic learning experience.

Some smaller projects I am also working on are the refurbishments of a national investment company based in Houston and an entertainment company's New York office in the Rockefeller Centre. I have also been doing a few test fits for other smaller projects.

DIA: How do you approach multi-disciplinary thinking in your designs?

KJ:The key to incorporating multi-disciplinary thinking into a comprehensive design solution is extensive research and openly seeking input through discussion from others within my team and industry experts/professionals that we engage within projects. This allows me to combine ideas and ensure I am using the vast knowledge base available to me. I also enjoy getting involved with design projects in disciplines other than interiors, as this allows me to expand my knowledge and brings a different perspective to the design process.

DIA: How prepared were you as a recent graduate to enter and work in the design world? Any tips for upcoming graduates?

KJ: With my previous industry work experience and the real-world-based curriculum of the Queensland University of Technology, the transition from university to school was relatively smooth. I felt QUT gave me all the basic knowledge I needed for a graduate role in Interior design; I just needed to learn to trust in myself, which has been the greatest and most daunting experience for me, but one that I have leaned heavily into with an international career move to the USA, with an Interior Design role with Gensler.

For new graduates, I would advocate getting as much work experience as possible while studying and always making sure you start every job, project or class with an open mind. As a new university graduate, you have the basic knowledge but have not yet fully developed the skills. Absorb as much as possible early on and take every opportunity to learn and expand your abilities.

DIA: What's in your future? What's next?

KJ:That's a great question! When I graduated, a design role with Gensler was my highest goal. Since joining Gensler, my goals have shifted to further education and sustainable and resilient design certification. I have recently obtained my accreditation as a Green Associate with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and I hope to sit for the LEEP AP (Accredited Professional) Interior Design and Construction exam in the coming months. I am keen to get involved in and learn as much as possible on designing and constructing environmentally conscious commercial interiors.

DIA: What is your dream project, and why?

KJ: My dream project would be something that intentionally engages sustainable/resilient design with innovation and discovery. I would enjoy being a part of a team that pushes the barriers of the old construction methods to new and dynamic ways of building.

DIA: What's your favourite Pantone colour and why?

KJ: I don't have a favourite Pantone colour, as different colours elicit different emotional responses. It depends on what I am feeling at the time or what the project is trying to achieve. I enjoy following the Pantone Colour of the Year announcements and watching how trending colour filters through the various design fields.

DIA: How have the DIA Graduates of the Year Award and Madeline Lester Award helped support your motivations for nurturing and evolving your future career?

KJ: The biggest motivation this award has given me is further to invest my future career into the sustainable and resilient design. I also feel this award has given me the confidence to continuously pursue learning opportunities and take calculated design risks because you never know where you could end up!

Kirsteen James
DIA’s Madeline Lester Award recipient and Australian Interior Design Graduate of the Year 2022. Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are a DIA Registered Design Entity member.