In this episode of Lex Talk Design, Renée sits down with Krista Shearer from Bespoke Careers for a wide-ranging conversation about design, recruitment, career pivots, workplace culture, and the shifting needs of the architecture and interiors industry.
Krista began her career as an architect before making the leap into recruitment - a move that eventually led her to launch the Sydney office of Bespoke Careers in 2009. Since then, she has helped connect talent with some of the biggest names in architecture and design, while building a deep understanding of what both candidates and businesses really need from one another.
Renée and Krista discuss the realities of moving from creative practice into a more people-focused role, the importance of backing yourself when a new opportunity appears, and why looking after your team is one of the strongest foundations any business can have.
They also explore what’s happening in the design employment market right now, including the rise of contract roles, shifting expectations around flexibility, the challenges of attracting and retaining talent, and how AI is beginning to influence the future of design work.
Warm, insightful, and full of practical industry perspective, this conversation is a fascinating look at the people behind the projects - and the evolving landscape of design careers.
In this episode, Renée and Krista discuss:
- Krista’s journey from architecture into recruitment
- The early growth of Bespoke Careers in Sydney and internationally
- Why career pivots often require boldness, timing, and a little bit of useful naivety
- What architecture and recruitment can learn from each other
- The importance of people-first business culture
- Current hiring trends across architecture and design
- The rise of contract and freelance roles in the industry
- What candidates and employers are looking for now
- How AI may shape the future of design careers
- Why relationships, integrity, and good timing still matter
Connect with Krista and Bespoke Careers:
Bespoke Careers website: https://www.bespokecareers.com/
Bespoke Careers events: https://www.bespokecareers.com/whats-on/
Bespoke Careers podcast: https://www.bespokecareers.com/podcasts/
Krista Shearer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristashearer
Thanks for listening!
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