Bridging academic research with industry practice to foster
socially and ecologically responsible design
The SEED Lab is a hybrid research, learning, and creative agency at Western Sydney University’s School of Humanities and Communication Arts (SoHCA). SEED Lab amplifies research impact, disseminates complex knowledge and information into accessible formats, and provides practical and professional pathways for students.
By bridging the gap between academia and professional practice, we foster an environment where learning meets real-world application. SEED Lab supports a range of programs, including student internships, higher degree research opportunities, live project briefs, and industry partnerships.
Founded by Dr Leo Robba and Matthew Lahoud in 2024, SEED Lab operates at the intersection of design, sustainability, and social innovation. We drive transformative change in design by embedding social and ecological values into every project.
Our goal is to create a more sustainable and equitable world, prioritising both human and planetary health to foster socially responsible design practices that are innovative, ethical, and impactful. We strive to inspire and activate positive change in communities and ecosystems; embracing the notion of ‘thinking globally, acting locally’.
Designing for a
Sustainable Future
We aspire to lead a global shift towards socially and ecologically responsible design. By merging academic insights with real-world applications, we aim to set new standards for innovation and resilience. Our research focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, the future of work, and community engagement is strengthened by partnerships with industry and government entities and participatory design practice.
We envision a future where every design project fosters ecological and social well-being, empowering designers and researchers to make meaningful contributions to our planet.
We equip the next generation of designers with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex global challenges, ensuring they are prepared to lead the way in sustainable and socially engaged design.
Meet the team
behind SEED Lab
SEED is supported by an extensive interdisciplinary group of expert designers, creative practitioners, and researchers, each bringing their own unique skills and perspectives. We believe in the power of collective effort and that meaningful change is best achieved when we work together.
Matthew Lahoud
Director, Co-founder
Dr Leo Robba
Assoc. Dean (Engagement) SoHCA, Co-founder
HDR projects
research clients
industry partners
awards
SEED Ambassadors
Our ongoing work thrives on the support and advocacy of visionary leaders from diverse fields. Their collective expertise helps to ensure that the SEED Lab remains at the forefront of design research and practice.
Uncle David King
Gundungurra Traditional Owner
Prof. Nicky Morrison
Director, Urban Transformations Research Centre
Distinguished Prof. Anthony Uhlmann
Dean, SoHCA
Dr Katrina Sandbach
Deputy Dean, SoHCA
Dr Michelle Catanzaro
Academic Program & Discipline Lead, Design (VisComm)
Jen Dollin
Director, Sustainability Education and Partnerships
Dr Rosemary Dillon
CEO, Blue Mountains City Council
Dr Amy-Marie Gilpin
Invertebrate Ecology, School of Science
Assoc. Prof. Ian Wright
Water Ecology, School of Science
Margaret Hancock
Senior Curator, Western Sydney Creative
Kim Barrett
Manager (City Planning), Blue Mountains City Council
Brett Martin
VP (Programs), United Nations Association of Australia (NSW)
Prof. Tony Capon
Director, Monash Sustainable Development Institute