Alex Goad
As passionate scuba diver and industrial designer, Alex Goad has dedicated his career to merging innovative design with marine conservation. His journey began at Monash University, where he completed a Bachelor of Industrial Design in 2013. During his Honours year, he developed the Modular Artificial Reef Structure (MARS), a ground-breaking system designed to support coral growth and restore damaged reef ecosystems. MARS became the foundation for Goad’s company, Reef Design Lab (RDL), a multidisciplinary studio that collaborates with marine scientists to improve the ecological performance of artificial reefs and marine infrastructure.
Through RDL, Goad has led complex underwater projects both in Australia and internationally, with installations in the Maldives, Netherlands, USA, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia. His designs tackle the environmental and logistical challenges of reef restoration by using lightweight, modular ceramic and concrete units that local divers can easily install without heavy equipment. RDL’s products can also be produced locally using 3D printing and casting techniques, empowering communities to manage their own restoration efforts while reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
In 2018, MARS was integrated into a coral farm program on Summer Island in the Maldives, where it was tested alongside traditional restoration methods. In 2022, Goad led the installation of the Dell Eco Reef along the Clifton Springs Foreshore in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong. This project used low-carbon concrete mixed with shell aggregate to foster mussel and oyster growth while providing wave attenuation and a new snorkelling attraction. Goad’s work has also been exhibited in galleries worldwide and acquired for the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, New York and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Committed to sustainable practices, Goad carefully balances the aesthetic of his work with its ecological benefits. His design philosophy emphasises iterative development, collaboration, and reflective processes that respond to local conditions. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge across disciplines, Goad and RDL continue to push the boundaries of sustainable design for marine restoration.