ABOUT

We are a multidisciplinary design company developing marine habitat infrastructure for a range of research and commercial applications. We provide products and services to architects, builders, governments and research institutions to help investigate ways we can repair and maintain ecological diversity in the marine and coastal environment. A large part of our work is dedicated to supporting and collaborating with marine researchers in multiple areas including coastal protection, eco engineering of marine infrastructure and coral farming.  

Our in house design and fabrication capabilities allow us to constantly research and experiment with the latest 3D printing and casting technologies to bring new manufacturing ideas to life. We believe that collaborations between designer, scientist and community are essential to improving our relationship between the built and natural environment.

Reef Design Lab acknowledge and pay respects to the Elders and Traditional Owners of the land on which our studio stands. 


DIRECTOR

Alex is an industrial designer and founder of Reef Design Lab. He is passionate about using design for marine restoration and the role it is playing to communicate research to the wider public. His work is focused on combining digital fabrication with traditional techniques to create economically viable habitat solutions that respond to current environmental issues. Alex leads the studio’s collaborative approach to research projects and product development. 

Alex’s work has been exhibited internationally and acquired in the permanent collection of museums including New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Helsinki Design Museum.

The RDL Team

We are a Melbourne-based team of designers, architects, engineers and fabricators who share a love for the marine environment and are dedicated to the art of making.

As well as our in-house team, RDL has ongoing research partnerships with marine ecologists, university researchers and close relationships with specialist contractors to help us deliver industry-leading solutions to our clients.

Opportunities

We are always interested in hearing from exceptional people.

If you have experience in digital design, fabrication or project management with a background in industrial design, architecture or something similar and share our passion for the marine environment - please get in touch.

Please send your folio & CV to studio@reefdesignlab.com


PUBLICATIONS

AWARDS

Dezeen Awards Sustainable design (building product) of the year 2023

Good Design Award Sustainability 2023

Good Design Award Gold Winner (Engineering Design) 2023

Good Design Award Gold Winner (Product Design) 2023

Powerhouse Design Award 2023

Squarespace Make It Awards 2022

Earthshot Prize Finalist (Living Seawalls) 2021

Popular Science Invention Award 2015

James Dyson Award Australia 2014