Stylecraft and GOTYA. Backing What Comes Next
On 20 August, the community will come together across the country to celebrate the next generation of Australian designers at the 2026 Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA). Hosted at Stylecraft showrooms in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, the celebrations recognise outstanding graduates across Australia’s diverse design disciplines and mark an important moment as they step into the profession. Stylecraft has been a valued GOTYA Program Partner since 2020, sharing the DIA’s commitment to recognising emerging practitioners and investing in the future of Australian design. Ahead of this year’s celebrations, we spoke with Tony Russell, Brand Director at Stylecraft, about championing Australian design, the importance of recognising graduates, and his advice to this year’s GOTYA nominees and winners.
Tony Russell, Brand Director at Stylecraft.
Stylecraft has long championed Australian design by representing, selling, and developing original furniture by Australian designers. Where does that commitment stem from, and how does supporting GOTYA fit within it?
T.R: Stylecraft commenced operations in 1953 and since the foundation of the company there has always been a commitment to Australian design and manufacturing. For us, the commitment initially focussed on supporting local industries and local design talent however as the industry has evolved it also is an acknowledgement of the quality and breadth of talent within Australia. Supporting GOTYA is a natural platform for Stylecraft to always be encouraging of the future generations contribution to the design industry.
GOTYA recognises excellence among graduate designers across a range of design disciplines. What value do you see in that recognition, both for the graduates entering the industry and for Stylecraft?
T.R: The GOTYA Awards presented by the DIA provide a launching pad for the winners and nominees as they embark on their careers in their chosen design discipline. To be nominated by the participants relevant tertiary institution and then be evaluated by an industry leading jury panel, demonstrates a high level of skill and achievement and provides the perfect launching pad for a successful career in design. It is an honour for Stylecraft to be partnering with the DIA in recognising this talent.
GOTYA isn't simply a showcase of graduate work; it's a celebration focused on creating an environment of recognition, care and possibility for graduate designers stepping into the design profession. As program partner and host of the annual GOTYA Celebrations, what does that environment look and feel like from Stylecraft's side of the room?
T.R: Even though the interior, product and industrial design segments are most relative to Stylecraft, for us we see the entire design industry as interdependent, and it is in all our interests to foster all elements of the design profession. With advancing technology, it is imperative that graduates recognise that there are a contribution to be made to ensure a thriving design into the future.
Stylecraft has been in business for over 70 years. How have you seen your industry evolve in that time regarding the recognition of Australian design, and do you see your support of the next generation of designers as an investment in the future of Australian design?
T.R: In more recent times, the greatest evolution within the industry is that due to the quality and freedom within the work we produce Australian design has a greater recognition internationally. Across all design disciplines, this creates a level of confidence for the next generation and encourages a level of aspiration for a fulfilling career in design.
If you had one piece of advice for this year's GOTYA finalists as they embark on their careers in design, what would it be?
T.R: Back yourself and go for it! Also, always take the time to learn from your peers and mentors who have the knowledge and experience to help guide you through an exciting and rewarding career.