Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 and Neolith – Elevating sustainability in high-end design
Overview
The Australian Design Review (ADR) 30UNDER30 program celebrates the next generation of design leaders— the interior designers, product designers, architects, and innovators shaping the built environment. By connecting rising stars with industry leaders, founders, and key suppliers, the program provides life-changing mentorship and career development opportunities to amplify emerging talent.
Niche Content developed this industry-first reward and recognition program in response to an increase in ADR’s clients seeking novel avenues to foster community and nurture talent within the architecture and design (A&D) sector.
Through strategic industry partnerships, the 30UNDER30 program creates a genuine community and provides brands with an opportunity to connect with the future leaders of the industry – it’s a win win.
For over a decade, Spanish family-owned sintered stone manufacturer Neolith has been redefining living spaces with sustainable materials that seamlessly blend beauty and functionality. Sustainability is embedded in Neolith’s brand DNA, guiding every aspect of its sintered stone production. Recognising the importance of educating and engaging the next generation of design professionals, alongside the value of engaging events as part of an overall brand strategy, Neolith partnered with ADR’s prestigious 30UNDER30 program.
“Events are an essential element of our strategy. In our business, touching, feeling and living our products is essential.”
~ Neolith group marketing director, Andreas Manero.
The Challenge
As a leading brand with a rich history, Neolith understood that long-term success relies on both product innovation and fostering strong relationships within the design community. With the next generation of professionals set to shape the industry’s future, Neolith’s challenge lay in capturing their attention in a meaningful way.
Traditional marketing and outreach methods often struggled to engage emerging designers, who sought inspiration, education and opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Neolith needed to go beyond conventional approaches, finding a platform that would showcase its brand and provide real value to up-and-coming talent. The solution had to align with the company’s broader brand strategy, one that prioritised engagement, experience, and education.
The Opportunity
Neolith saw an opportunity to inspire and nurture the next generation of designers who are reshaping industry standards. By supporting young talent, they sought to contribute to the growth and vitality of the architecture and design industry while promoting innovative and sustainable design practices. Neolith also identified benefits for the broader community by creating more beautiful, functional and environmentally responsible spaces.
Recognising the growing importance of sustainability in the luxury design market, the company sought to position it as a fundamental value. At the same time, Neolith aimed to build relationships with future decision-makers, ensuring its influence on long-term material specifications.
By partnering with ADR’s 30UNDER30 program, Neolith positioned itself as a thought leader among Australia’s brightest emerging designers while highlighting the synergy between sustainability and luxury.
This collaboration provided a platform to showcase Neolith’s commitment to eco-friendly practices while inspiring young professionals to adopt sustainable materials in their high-end projects across multiple touch points within the ADR ecosystem.
Through participating in the retreat and hosting a bespoke industry event and creating a custom white paper, Niche Content enabled Neolith to:
- Showcase its premium sintered stone solutions in interactive and inspiring settings.
- Educate young designers about the intersection of sustainability and high-end aesthetics.
- Build authentic relationships with the next generation of industry influencers.
A highlight of the program was a three-day creative retreat at Bali’s Potato Head hotel—a five-star sustainable resort renowned for its innovative architectural design. This immersive experience allowed the Neolith team to:
- Engage directly with 30UNDER30 participants in a setting that embodied sustainability and luxury.
- Lead discussions on material innovation and sustainable design choices.
- Inspire and educate rising talent, reinforcing the importance of conscious material selection.
The Result
Through this collaboration, Neolith:
- Strengthened its position as a sustainability leader in high-end design.
- Built long-term relationships with emerging design talent, influencing future project specifications.
- Amplified its brand presence within the Australian architecture and design community.
- Reinforced its mission to merge sustainability, innovation, and luxury in the built environment.
“The program is building an inspirational community for the future of design in Australia. We definitely built lifetime connections and amazing memories with the inspirational 30 at the Bali retreat.” Neolith Australia managing director, Con Papadakis
By leveraging Niche Content’s strategic, omni-channel marketing approach, Neolith maximized the impact of its participation—extending beyond the event itself to drive engagement across digital platforms, industry publications, and networking opportunities
This case study exemplifies how strategic partnerships and experiential marketing can transform industry perceptions, demonstrating that sustainability and luxury can coexist harmoniously in high-end design.
