Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22
It’s a kick-ass class. Young Guns 22 is topping the charts in creativity. But are you even surprised? Of course, not. If you’re new here, let me catch you up. Young Guns is a community of incredibly talented individuals – think amazing cinematographers, animators, illustrators, photographers, designers, and directors – and a new class of winners is chosen by an expert jury every year. This year we have 33 winners and among them, we have some very new, very exciting titles to unveil – an Architectural Designer, Composer, Stage & Show Designer, and Colorist.
We interviewed the winners so we could share their prowess with you. And if you’re a NYC local you can snag a ticket to the official YG22 Party at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, where you will have the chance to meet and greet them.
Young Guns continue to dominate the creative industry, so we’re happily presenting you with the kick-ass class of Young Guns 22.
Nancy Beka
Architectural Designer, Studio Edwards
Based:
Melbourne, Australia
Hometown:
Adelaide, Australia
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I was really lucky to be contacted by the Young Guns team via email. I didn’t know about the awards but after doing a bit of research I noticed that a lot of people I look up to in the creative industry are previous alumni. The competition is an amazing platform to showcase cross-disciplinary designers on a global scale. The community is a testament to this, with alumni from all over the world in different areas of design.
How did you end up in the creative field?
It was sort of accidental– there’s an abstract and creative side to me and then a more detailed, focused, and literal side. I was going to do law and tried International Studies for six months but realised it wasn’t for me when the only subject I was doing well in was Philosophy. Architecture let me further explore my interest in design. I was lucky to start an internship at Studio Edwards in 2018, while I was studying for my masters in Adelaide. Eventually I was offered a more permanent role, which later led to a business partnership. My business partner, Ben, has been pivotal in my growth as a designer, having mentored me for the past six years.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
Thank you! I turned 30 this year in March and had just come back from the Bali Retreat for the ADR 30 Under 30. It felt right and like I should keep the momentum going. I wasn’t sure I would win, but that didn’t matter to me. We enter so many design awards for our projects and always say it’s not about winning. Obviously a win is incredible and I’m really excited, but after seeing the alumni it was really daunting to enter.
You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?
These are all projects I’m super proud of - they showcase the diversity in the types of projects and designs we’ve produced. Each of them has a really strong driving concept and different approach.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
It was 8AM in Melbourne and I was just waking up, so I literally read it in bed. I screenshoted it and sent it to the group chat with my mum and sisters who live in Adelaide and they were all super excited. My mum said, “Yay, can I post it?!” I was like absolutely not, you have to wait. Then I came to the studio and told my business partner and we went out for lunch to celebrate. I honestly was still celebrating being a finalist, so the win was a huge surprise and shock to me.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
Melbourne has an amazing design community and culture. Our studio is in Fitzroy, where we’re surrounded by local designers, architects, furniture designers, and fashion brands. So it’s a great area to be located. Melbourne is the best city in Australia, especially when it comes to the design scene. People really champion design here!
“Melbourne is the best city in Australia, especially when it comes to the design scene. People really champion design here!”
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
Sagmeister & Walsh (YG1) because they’re iconic and bold. Another one I’ve been following for years is Kerby of Pyer Moss (YG14). He’s a disruptor when it comes to the fashion scene. The common theme here is that I’m always looking up to people who are doing something different.
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
I have so many! One dream project is to work on a gallery or a museum. In terms of brands, so many again, but maybe do something conceptual and innovative for A Cold Wall, CDG, Nike or my favourite, Martine Rose! I’d be honoured to collaborate with other architecture studios such as OMA, SANAA, Carmody Groarke, Renzo Piano, SHoP, or Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
Will we see you at the YG22 party in NYC in November?
Yes!
Come party with us and celebrate the class of Young Guns 22 on Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 PM, at Sony Hall in NYC!
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