Brought to you by Estilo Furniture + Lighting

Join us for an open and thoughtful discussion on how place shapes designers - the way a city, landscape, or environment can influence thinking, unlock potential, and define creative trajectories. This panel will explore the magnetic pull of certain places, the value of staying rooted, and how Adelaide fits into the broader story of design practice and identity.

Hear from a diverse lineup of voices working across different scales and settings:

Sophia Leopardi (Design by WBL)
Rua Hashlamoun (Brown Falconer)
Jacob Stavrakis (YSG)

Moderated by Sophie Wilkinson (Renewal SA), the event invites candid reflections, shared experiences, and bold ideas on the role place plays in shaping how we work, and why we stay.

Beverages will be provided.

More on the panel:

Sophia Leopardi (Design by WBL)

CREDIT (firm): @designbywbl

CREDIT (headshot): @carolinecameron_

Sophia Leopardi is a powerful driving force in the field of interior design, known for her audacious combination of aesthetic sensitivity and groundbreaking creativity.

A recognised name in the Australian design community, Leopardi consistently pushes the boundaries of design. As a judge and mentor of the 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Design stream, Leopardi is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent.

Implanting a resonating feeling within a space is at the core of her focus, drawing from a globally inspired mindset to remain stimulated, while always responding through a contextually appropriate lens. While Sophia is led by the head-heart, through heightened textures, tactility, and an engagement with the senses, she focuses on imbedding joy and a timeless resolve.

Jacob Stavrakis (YSG)

CREDIT (firm): @ysg.studio

CREDIT (headshot): @prueruscoe

Jacob completed his architectural studies between Adelaide and Valencia, laying a foundation that connects multiple aspects of his cultural heritage. With extensive professional experiences within Sydney's creative spaces, his work has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice, encompassing both Architecture and Interior Design.

He has been able to further explore the interrelationship between these two disciplines working as an Architect at YSG Studio, where he draws from a rich tapestry of global influence to challenge conventional design. His cross-cultural experiences have honed a dynamic creative identity, and a personal perspective shaped by the relationship between place and design.

Rua Hashlamoun (Brown Falconer)

CREDIT (firm): @brownfalconer

CREDIT (headshot): @bash_image

Rua is a passionate and experienced designer with over 20 years of practice across Australia and internationally. Her diverse portfolio spans commercial, retail, education, and arts projects.

In every project, Rua brings a deep commitment to understanding place—researching local narratives, both past and present, and engaging meaningfully with stakeholders to uncover the stories that shape a site and its purpose.

Her approach is always collaborative, valuing the input of both the design team and the wider community. Rua believes it’s this combination of teamwork, experience, and enduring passion that gives each project its unique identity.

Her work is driven by curiosity and crafted with care. What makes Rua’s approach truly unique is her energy - design isn’t something she switches on at 9 and off at 5. It’s her rhythm, her lens, her way of moving through the world.

MODERATOR:

Sophie Wilkinson (Renewal SA)

CREDIT: @sophie.grace.wilkinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilkinsonsophie/

Sophie Wilkinson is a strategic and design-led professional with over 15 years of global experience in architecture, construction, and business strategy.

After working in Adelaide, England and Sydney she moved to New York City with a one-way ticket and a vision to work on complex, high-profile design and construction projects. She joined Common, a co-living startup, as its eighth employee and played a pivotal role in scaling the company to over 300 employees globally. Prior to that, she led the construction of Apple's flagship store on Madison Avenue and worked on The Darling Hotel's penthouse suites in Sydney. In 2020, Sophie returned to Adelaide, bringing with her a wealth of international experience.

Sophie now works at Renewal SA, leading a major high-density housing development and driving new concepts like Build-to-Rent (BTR) and sustainability-focused development in South Australia. Sophie serves on the University of Adelaide Alumni Council, her kids school Governing Council and is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. Sophie is passionate about design, climate change and equality.