R|Talk: Regional Design, Global Reach

In an increasingly networked landscape, regional designers have unprecedented access to global conversations, collaborations, and markets. Living and working in regional areas is an opportunity to build design communities  grounded in place and connected to the world. 

Join us for this facilitated panel discussion deep diving into the processes and practices of design leaders, Adelaide Coman (Stanford University - Stanford Ecopreneurship Programs/ D-School) Allan Walker (Numeral - Design Resources) and Charlie Sutton (Head of Design Atlassian) as they share their extensive experience harnessing digital connectivity, cultural exchange, and strategic partnerships with international impact.

Facilitated by Dr Colleen Morgan (Josephmark).

A conversation not to be missed - book early to avoid disappointment.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 21 August, 2025

Time: 5.30pm for 6pm start  

Location: WOTSO Event Space, 1/30 Chancellor Village Boulevard, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556

Cost: $10 SCCA and DIA members, $15 non-members

Presented by The Refinery in partnership with the Design Institute of Australia, this event is a chance to gather and be part of a special conversation celebrating ambition, opportunity, shared purpose and the power of regional perspectives.

Adelaide Coman

Stanford University Ecopreneurship Programs/ D-School 

Adelaide Coman leads sustainability innovation programs at Stanford University, while living and working remotely from regional Queensland. She helps founders and creative teams around the world bring their ideas to life through design thinking, storytelling, and strategy.

With a background in startup ecosystems and regional economic development, Adelaide has spent the past decade helping others turn complex ideas into real-world impact. At Stanford, she collaborates daily with global teams across disciplines; proving that distance doesn't limit creativity when there's clarity, connection, and purpose.

She’s passionate about teaching others how to think creatively, navigate uncertainty, and understand the business-cultural nuances that make global collaboration thrive. Her approach blends systems thinking with hands-on experimentation - making her a strong advocate for bold, thoughtful, and deeply collaborative design 

Allan Walker

Founder, Numeral Studio
Allan is a seasoned technology leader and senior designer with over 20 years of experience delivering enterprise-grade digital solutions. With deep cross-functional expertise in product strategy, engineering leadership, and user experience design, he partners with executive teams to scope and deliver complex web platforms that are scalable, secure, and business-aligned.

As the founder of Numeral, Allan leads teams that consistently deliver high-performing, design-led applications for government, corporate, and high-growth clients. He is trusted by stakeholders to bring clarity to ambiguity, translate strategic goals into actionable roadmaps, and ensure successful outcomes through rigorous delivery management and technical governance.

Charlie Sutton

Head of Design, Atlassian

Charlie Sutton is a senior design executive with over two decades of experience leading high-performing design teams at some of the world’s most influential technology companies. His career spans the full spectrum of design—from speculative R&D and innovation strategy to global consumer mobile experiences, enterprise software platforms, and service delivery.

Charlie’s leadership is defined by his ability to bridge disciplines and cultures. He has guided interdisciplinary teams tackling everything from long-range hardware projects to next-generation digital products, always with an eye toward crafting meaningful, human-centered experiences. This diverse background equips him with a rare, systems-level perspective on design leadership.

In addition to his industry work, Charlie is a passionate educator in Design Strategy and Interaction Design. He has taught at several institutions, most recently serving as a Lecturer at California College of the Arts.

Charlie lives in the Northern Rivers region of Australia, where he balances his creative pursuits with a love for surfing and the outdoors.

Image credits: Image courtesy of Adelaide Coman; Image courtesy of Allan Walker; Image courtesy of Charlie Sutton.

The Refinery is supported by Major Partners: the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster at UniSC and Sunshine Coast Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund.