Projects
Garth left a distinctive mark and style on each of the homes he created – and there were many.
JEAN WRIGHT
Garth Barnett
Garth Barnett (20 March 1946 – 24 October 2015) was a renowned interior designer based in Sydney, Australia.
In 2000, he founded Garth Barnett Interior Design, a full-service studio offering both corporate and residential design solutions. Located in Woolloomooloo, the studio quickly gained a reputation not only for its sophisticated work but also as a nurturing ground for emerging talent.
Garth was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of designers. His studio became a launchpad for many young creatives—particularly graduates from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)—whom he welcomed into the profession with guidance and opportunity.
In line with his passion for education and support of future designers, Garth bequeathed a significant portion of his estate to establish ongoing support for students pursuing careers in interior design and interior architecture. His legacy lives on through scholarships aimed at students facing hardship, and through the Garth Barnett Prize for Excellence in Interior Design/Interior Architecture—an annual award celebrating outstanding achievement in studies and design.
Through these initiatives, Garth’s vision and generosity continue to inspire and empower the next generation of design talent.
Portrait, Cedric Tourasse
Scholarships & Awards Program
The Garth Barnett Scholarship Trust (GBST) launched its Scholarships and Awards for Excellence program in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2016. Since then, this meaningful collaboration has continued to grow, with UTS playing a vital role in helping facilitate and administer the program.
As of 2025, the Trust has proudly supported over 60 students through scholarships and awards—empowering aspiring interior designers and architects to pursue their creative ambitions, often in the face of personal or financial hardship.
Through these initiatives, the GBST remains committed to honouring Garth Barnett’s legacy by nurturing emerging talent and fostering excellence in design education.
Scholarships
Garth created a successful Interior Design business and prospered from his own projects of buying, renovating and selling homes. With no formal education, he was self-taught and passionate about his work and wanted to encourage and assist students embarking on their Interior Design/Architecture careers.
Excellence Awards
Garth was dedicated to his work and wanted to set up an Award for Excellence to support outstanding student achievement. Since 2015, awards have been given to UTS students completing a Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture who have produced a portfolio of exemplary interior design work and have demonstrated unique and innovative excellence.