Douglas McManus, a textile designer, first made a name with Prin Tin Tin in the 1980s. Since then, McManus has been lecturing at RMIT, as well as developing his own body of work - he recently exhibited some of his work at the Melbourne Now exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Stephen Crafti talks to RMIT's Professor Paul Gough, Pro Vice Chancellor and Vice President Design and Social Context.

Paul's range of skills and experience has seen him produce works as an artist, broadcaster, author and academic.

Stephen Crafti chats with successful fashion designer Linden Blick who, since graduating from Fashion Design at RMIT, has gone on to work for Abercrombie and Fitch and Urban Outfitters.

Dr. Shane Hulbert, Deputy Head of the School of Art at RMIT University started his career studying Media Arts at the Philip Institute of technology, now part of RMIT's campus.

Initially focused on painting, he quickly moved to photography. His work, exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of the Melbourne Now show, displays a different approach to how Australia conveys itself both at home and to world.

Tim and Alex Britten-Finschi started the label From Britten just over four years ago. As sons to fashion designer Linda Britten, the name couldn't be more appropriate. Recipient of L'Oreal Young Designer Award a couple of years ago, the menswear label is now sold by leading retailers in Europe and in Japan.

Interior Designer Amanda Lynn trained in South Africa before moving to Australia 20 years ago. Working with a select group of Melbourne architects, Lynn enjoys the role of problem solving as well as being in tune with client's needs. From contemporary to working with heritage buildings, Lynn's portfolio of work is diverse. Paramount in the process is the need to clearly communicate with both clients and contractors.

Architect Emilio Fuscaldo, Director of strongNest Architects/strong, has received numerous awards although his practice was only established a few years ago. From bespoke homes to bars, Fuscaldo shows great understanding of a building before any design decisions are made. Quiet and thoughtful, NEST Architects create houses people want to live in as well as photograph.

http://www.nestarchitects.com.au/

Rick Eckersley trained at Burnley Horticultural College and has been designing gardens for almost 30 years. He has an innate understanding of plants, with his designs seen in some of Melbourne's best gardens.

Lighting Artist Bruce Ramus started his career in Canada. Drawn to the spectacle of lighting, particularly used for rock concerts, Ramus started to create his own light shows. When he moved to London in the mid-80s, the doors truly opened, working with the likes of David Bowie and U2. He now resides in Melbourne, working with many architects and creatives, presenting buildings in a completely new way.

Architect Grant Amon has established a reputation in the hospitality industry with his many bars and cafes. his latest project Mesa Verde in Curtain House in Melbourne's CBD, illustrates Amon's ability to interpret a client's vision, in this case a spaghetti western. However, Amon is also adept at multi-residential work, as well as retail fit-outs.