TRICKS

Of the trade

WHAT HAS INFORMED AND INSPIRED YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC? It’s always changing and adapting. I’m a big believer in being inspired and looking at things differently, and we like to change our aesthetic from project to project. Obviously our clients are the most important aspect, but the ability to create something new is always exciting. IS THERE A COMMON ELEMENT THAT RUNS THROUGH YOUR WORK? Yes – we seek purpose and reason to all aspects of design. Some design can be frivolous, but there is always a reason for it. WHAT INITIALLY APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE SITE OF YOUR STUDIO AND WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? What appealed was the abundance of natural daylight, the ability to open all the windows and the fact that the space did not look like a corporate of ce. When we moved in we had half the oor with a decent-sized library, which we use a lot. That was ve years ago. Early this year, we decided to expand to take the whole oor, which is 358 square metres. This enabled us to completely redesign the space to include a new boardroom, a separate meeting room, a new library zone, new furniture, kitchen and bathroom. We wanted a space that the staff felt comfortable in and enabled our clients to come into the full studio, whether for a meeting in the library or coffee in the kitchen. WHAT WERE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR STUDIO AND HOW ARE THESE REFLECTED IN YOUR DESIGN? Our requirements were for good light, ease of communication, great layout, social interaction, as well as a relaxed work environment. Mind you, deadlines often counteract that. The design of the studio consists of quality materials, nishes and furniture. As we work in the residential sector, this was paramount. The open plan encourages team communication, a key objective within our studio.

WERE THERE ASPECTS OF YOUR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN PRACTICE THAT YOU APPLIED TO YOUR OFFICE SPACE? We have used a lot of nishes that we would consider for a residential project. At the entry is polished concrete with exposed aggregate oors, with timber lining boards on all corridors and meeting room walls. Our board table is a custom table in stone, and the carpet is a hardy woven one from RC+D. Our of ce is sophisticated, yet pared back. We have a lot of pinboard space for projects and concepts in progress. We have a few ‘green thumbs’ so we have an abundance of plant life too. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED INTERIOR? It’s a true working studio that is light, airy and refreshing. WHAT ARE SOME FAVOURITE DESIGN ELEMENTS? My personal pinboard. As an avid art lover, I have covered the wall with my favourites. WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND YOUR WORK AND HOW IS THIS REFLECTED IN THE DESIGN OF YOUR SPACE? We design individually for each client and each project. We like to creatively challenge each project by delivering something different. It’s also important our design responds with reason. Our studio is designed to feel good, be functional and help deliver inspiration every day. IS THERE A PARTICULAR DESIGN ERA OR STYLE THAT RESONATES WITH YOU? So many – from European modernism and art deco, to modern Australian design. I love mid-century modern; after a trip to Palm Springs I became completely addicted to the architecture. WHICH ARCHITECTS OR INTERIOR DESIGNERS DO YOU ADMIRE? Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta for his bold, powerful and sometimes colourful buildings; Richard Neutra – particularly the Kaufmann and Lovell houses. Patricia Urquiola is my all-time favourite; her work with Moroso is inspirational. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON? We have boutique developments in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, we are refurbishing a penthouse apartment in a Harry Seidler building in Darlinghurst, and we have our rst project in Hong Kong – a penthouse apartment. Also boutique corporate work, hotel refurbishments, and some custom-designed furniture. mimdesign.com.au