Category: People

From drawing supermarket checkouts at 16 to shaping some of Australia’s most recognisable retail brands, Anthony Hoffman shares the experiences, instincts and design philosophy behind ACRD’s enduring success – and why the future of retail is all about human connection.

At 23, Joshua Muckert is already running sites and delivering major retail fitouts across Australia. An award-winning shopfitter, he credits strong mentorship and hard work for his rapid rise, overcoming personal health challenges while continuing to grow as a trusted young leader in the industry.

At just 36, Paris Young leads two thriving businesses: Storepro, where she drives retail innovation, and Pascal Satori, an all-women strategic design consultancy creating impactful customer experiences. From a foundation in graphic design and marketing, Paris blends creativity with strategic leadership, championing purpose-driven growth, human-centred design, and next-generation retail innovation – all while staying grounded in family and collaboration.

Two interior design leaders, Megan du Preez and Amanda Leeson, are making their mark as Co-Directors of Collectivus, blending creativity with business acumen to redefine design-led practice and steer the studio into an exciting new chapter of independent leadership.

Alicia Buffinton, an accredited Green Star professional and Group Store Design & Development Manager at Country Road Group, has led her team to deliver Australia’s first 6‑Star Green Star‑rated retail store – cementing the brand’s leadership in sustainable fitout design and ambitious environmental performance goals.

With a career spanning award-winning residential, workplace and retail projects, James Hookham is recognised for his thoughtful approach to spatial storytelling, material innovation and design-led business leadership.

Nicholas Kingsley is a rising star in the shopfitting industry, launching his own business at just 20 during the global pandemic. Now Managing Director of Kingsley Building Solutions, he’s building a strong reputation for leadership, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial drive in a fast-moving sector.

Justin Worden, Director of Austaron Surfaces NZ, has built a strong presence in the surface materials sector — bringing technical insight, passion and creativity to support architects and designers across New Zealand as they bring innovative interiors to life. His journey from materials engineering to leading Austaron’s NZ operations makes him a standout rising voice in surfacing and specification.

Pragya Gupta’s journey from Delhi to Australia has been shaped by resilience, creativity and a deep commitment to inclusive design. Now a Senior Associate at Gray Puksand, she leads complex projects while championing diversity, community and representation across the built environment — inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

Kriti Gupta is a multidisciplinary designer and strategist whose work spans interior design, brand experience and spatial storytelling. With a focus on thoughtful user‑centred environments, she blends creativity and insight to shape projects that are both functional and memorable — making her a dynamic voice in Australia’s design community.

Ashlea Pearce is a seasoned recruitment specialist in the fitout and shopfitting industry, bringing over six years’ experience placing skilled tradespeople and professionals into roles and building strong workforce connections across South East Queensland. Her deep industry insight and commitment to long‑term partnerships make her a trusted connector between talent and employers.

Meika Doonan of Deco Australia is driving growth and innovation in the decorative products sector with her leadership in sales, sustainability and market strategy. Her passion for quality finishes and strong industry relationships helps bridge manufacturers, designers and clients — supporting better specification and outcomes across interiors.