The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) has announced Kirsti Simpson among seven eminent Australian designers to be inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrates Simpson’s outstanding contributions to workplace design and her role in shaping the future of Australian (and international) design.

The DIA Hall of Fame represents the ultimate industry recognition for design leaders across various disciplines, including industrial, furniture, interior, and graphic design. Simpson’s induction not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the growing importance of workplace design as an evolving sector.

“This commendation is a great honour, and is truly humbling,” says Simpson. “It’s a huge reminder to me of the responsibility I have within my profession, to continue paving the way for future designers to think creatively about how to tackle projects that have positive ripple effects throughout the industry.”

This recognition comes at the most exciting time of Simpson’s career, acknowledging her active influence on the global workplace and design landscape.

“Being recognised mid-career rather than at its conclusion is particularly meaningful,” says Simpson. “It gives me momentum to continue pushing boundaries in our profession, especially during this unique point in history for workplace design.”

Simpson’s career has been defined by a series of “firsts”. As part of the first cohort to graduate from the Bachelor of Applied Science, Built Environment program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), she commenced her career at Bligh Voller Neild in Brisbane, where she went on to lead the Interior Design discipline in Brisbane. She then moved on to a 25-year career at Hassell where she was the first female partner, first female managing partner and first female board member.

At Woods Bagot, where she has been Brisbane’s Executive Chair since 2022, Simpson has been instrumental in advancing workplace design that flexibly responds to contemporary challenges. Her philosophy emphasises creating spaces that are not just beautiful, but “magnetic,” fostering community while recognising the spatial, cultural and contextual.

Simpson’s work is reflected in Australia’s pioneering approach to workplace design. “I’ve always believed that Australia’s youthfulness—both as a nation and in our design professions—gives us a unique advantage,” says Simpson. “Our relative isolation from other global economies has created a sense of bravery and community. We work closely together, constantly challenging each other to excel. We are less constrained by issues that might limit innovation in other geographies. This has made us braver, more experimental, and more collaborative.”

“This has made us braver, more experimental, and more collaborative. As a practice, we operate as a workplace sector in 17 locations in which we are based, where the innovative thinking developed here can be applied in a global context. Of course, it’s crucial to recognise that design manifests differently across various geographies—the duration of workspace occupation in Asian economies differs from Australia, just as the enclosed nature of spaces in the UK varies from our approach.”

Simpson notes that a remarkable influx of international clients have started seeking out Australian projects as exemplars for future work – to take the innovation, flexibility and sheer sense of joy, and adapt that for their respective regions.

“What remains consistent in Australia is our commitment to experimentation, bravery, and innovation in workplace design. In recent years, we’ve seen unprecedented interest from global clients seeking to understand our approach—which is incredibly encouraging and reinforces our reputation for adventurous design,” says Simpson.

Her induction to the DIA Hall of Fame comes at a time when workplace design, and the cultural view of the office, is transforming.

“There were a lot of lessons learned during the pandemic, particularly about creating spaces that acknowledge human diversity. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of this discipline, and I feel fortunate to carry this legacy at Woods Bagot, as we set our sights to total place design.”

Kirsti Simpson has been inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame on 20 February 2025, alongside fellow inductees Bruce Hall, Robyn Lindsey, Steve Martinuzzo, Les Mason, Ross Renwick and Hugh Whisson.

Learn more about the Design Institute of Australia here.

Media enquiries
Adrien Moffatt
Content and Communications Specialist (Australia)