Breaking Into Architecture & Design | Graduate Careers Panel (SOLD OUT)
Location
About
Starting your career in architecture & design isn't easy.
Whether you're looking for your first role, trying to stand out from hundreds of applicants, or simply wondering what employers are really looking for, this event has been designed for you.
Join us for an evening of honest conversations with experienced industry leaders who have built successful careers in architecture & design, and are passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals.
There are no presentations, no sales pitches and no awkward networking activities.
Just practical advice, genuine insights and the opportunity to ask the questions you've always wanted answered.
**What we'll cover**
Our panel discussion will explore topics including:
• Landing your first role
• Standing out in a competitive market
• Building a portfolio that gets noticed
• Interview tips and common mistakes
• Registration and career progression
• Specialising versus staying broad
• Lessons our panellists wish they'd known earlier
• Your questions
Following the panel discussion, you'll have the opportunity to meet the panellists and other graduates over drinks and nibbles.
**Event Details**
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Venue: MODE
Time
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Panel Discussion
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Networking
Host
Lee Stevens
Director, Vivid Recruitment
Confirmed Panellists
Dion Gosling OLY – Director & Melbourne Studio Lead & Kenneth Jimbo, Senior Architect, MODE
Thihoa Gill – Associate & Studio Manager, Grimshaw
Kavan Applegate - Director, Guymer Bailey Architects
Elizabeth Stonehouse – Head of Quality, Associate & People & Culture Manager, Cox
Additional panellists will be announced closer to the event.
In addition, other industry leaders will also be in attendance, including:
Mel Malik - Melbourne Studio Principal, Guymer Bailey Architects
Jennifer Stone - Associate Landscape Architect, MODE
Bradley Chimes - Associate Director & Melbourne Assistant Studio Manager, MODE
Cost
Tickets are $10 per person + booking fees
* 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Parkinson's research and support.
This cause is particularly close to our hearts, with Lee's mum living with Parkinson's. We hope the evening not only supports graduates but also raises funds for an important cause.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided courtesy of Vivid Recruitment.
**Who Should Attend?**
This event is ideal for:
→ Graduate Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects
→ Architectural Graduates looking for their first role
→ Students in the final year of their architecture/design MASTERS degree
→ Emerging architects/designers wanting practical career advice and industry connections
Whether you've just graduated, almost finished your Master's, or you've been searching for that first opportunity for a while, you'll leave with practical advice, new connections and a better understanding of what employers are looking for.
We look forward to seeing you there.
**Thank you to our Venue Partner**
A special thank you to MODE for generously hosting this event in their Melbourne studio.
Their support reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of architects & designers by creating opportunities for graduates to learn, connect and build meaningful relationships within the profession.
Whether you're looking for your first role, trying to stand out from hundreds of applicants, or simply wondering what employers are really looking for, this event has been designed for you.
Join us for an evening of honest conversations with experienced industry leaders who have built successful careers in architecture & design, and are passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals.
There are no presentations, no sales pitches and no awkward networking activities.
Just practical advice, genuine insights and the opportunity to ask the questions you've always wanted answered.
**What we'll cover**
Our panel discussion will explore topics including:
• Landing your first role
• Standing out in a competitive market
• Building a portfolio that gets noticed
• Interview tips and common mistakes
• Registration and career progression
• Specialising versus staying broad
• Lessons our panellists wish they'd known earlier
• Your questions
Following the panel discussion, you'll have the opportunity to meet the panellists and other graduates over drinks and nibbles.
**Event Details**
Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Venue: MODE
Time
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Panel Discussion
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Networking
Host
Lee Stevens
Director, Vivid Recruitment
Confirmed Panellists
Dion Gosling OLY – Director & Melbourne Studio Lead & Kenneth Jimbo, Senior Architect, MODE
Thihoa Gill – Associate & Studio Manager, Grimshaw
Kavan Applegate - Director, Guymer Bailey Architects
Elizabeth Stonehouse – Head of Quality, Associate & People & Culture Manager, Cox
Additional panellists will be announced closer to the event.
In addition, other industry leaders will also be in attendance, including:
Mel Malik - Melbourne Studio Principal, Guymer Bailey Architects
Jennifer Stone - Associate Landscape Architect, MODE
Bradley Chimes - Associate Director & Melbourne Assistant Studio Manager, MODE
Cost
Tickets are $10 per person + booking fees
* 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Parkinson's research and support.
This cause is particularly close to our hearts, with Lee's mum living with Parkinson's. We hope the evening not only supports graduates but also raises funds for an important cause.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided courtesy of Vivid Recruitment.
**Who Should Attend?**
This event is ideal for:
→ Graduate Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects
→ Architectural Graduates looking for their first role
→ Students in the final year of their architecture/design MASTERS degree
→ Emerging architects/designers wanting practical career advice and industry connections
Whether you've just graduated, almost finished your Master's, or you've been searching for that first opportunity for a while, you'll leave with practical advice, new connections and a better understanding of what employers are looking for.
We look forward to seeing you there.
**Thank you to our Venue Partner**
A special thank you to MODE for generously hosting this event in their Melbourne studio.
Their support reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of architects & designers by creating opportunities for graduates to learn, connect and build meaningful relationships within the profession.