CREATIVE SPACE
Not shy of bygone charm, a restored terrace in Sydney’s Woollahra plays host to interior design firm Decus, spearheaded by founder and managing director Alexandra Donohoe Church.
Tour the glamorous home base of Decus in Sydney’s Woollahra.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN? Our design language leans towards the experimental, expressing our unique way of thinking and, of course, designing. We are detail-driven, layered yet always refined, and love experimenting with opposing elements for a sense of polarity. There’s something intangible but powerful about injecting a little tension and the unexpected into every design. We also really value our client relationships, striving for intimacy and trust as this allows us to achieve the best outcome. IS THERE A COMMON ELEMENT THAT RUNS THROUGH ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK? We love the beauty in layering and the nuances of textures and materiality. These elements convey great richness to a space. We like to think our projects are instilled with something of a rebellious spirit, and ultimately it’s about creating interiors that our clients love. We’re really passionate about expression through design and therefore we strive to attract an open-minded clientele who allow us to realise their vision – and ours – through the creation of really special homes that they love to spend time in. WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE STUDIO SITE AND WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? In looking for a site I was drawn to Queen Street, Woollahra. In a low-lying area with limited building heights, the studio has incredible natural light at street level. With stunning architectural bones, we were able to reinvent the duallevel terrace to maximise light, seamlessly integrating the outside in from the streetscape to the rear courtyard. We love creative collaboration and are fortunate [often] to find ourselves working with and supporting our neighbours. These relationships allow for the cross-pollination of ideas, which is always exciting.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SPACE? Delicate and feminine, reflecting our design ethos and commitment to exceptional quality, materiality and texture. Our studio has many design moments, from our decorative exterior and bold bathroom to a wall filled with handwritten quotes that are both cheeky and humorous. My favourite space is our front room, filled with design pieces that are luxurious yet liveable. This room benefits from amazing light and is the perfect area for informal meetings or a quiet moment.
HOW DOES THE SPACE REFLECT YOUR WORK? Creative collaboration is central to our process, and designing the studio was an opportunity to work with our network of talented architects, builders and craftspeople. We’re really passionate about taking
a considered approach to the selection of furniture and artwork, and the studio allows us to showcase some of our favourite pieces, often rotating them. Finding balance in opposing elements is another theme in our design language, and in the studio you’ll note a decorative bathroom juxtaposed with the more minimal, clean lines of the work floor. We love this sense of contradiction.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR ARCHITECTURAL ERA THAT RESONATES WITH YOU? I love Brazilian modernism from the 50s and 60s with its honest, clean simplicity and focus on the connection with nature. I also admire Italian design, seamlessly marrying materiality and restraint with the right amount of detailing and textured finishes. WHO OR WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR ENDURING CREATIVE INFLUENCES? I find the design language of Brazilian architects such as Sergio Rodrigues and Jorge Zalszupin to be honest and relatable. I greatly admire Gio Ponti. He was an exceptional architect as well as furniture designer, artist, writer and teacher.
WHICH DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE? Brazilian sculptor Sérgio de Camargo and his experimentation with wood relief, geometric abstractionism and constructivism is beautiful. Artist Jan Albers and his ability to work with structural depth and complexity compels you to look into his work rather than at, suggesting an entirely different reading of space and form. Coen Young is an artist I’m fascinated with. His recent paintings on paper draw an interesting and intriguing relationship to photography. Australian photographer Justine Varga’s ability to capture instantaneous moments or distil lengthy periods is striking. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? The completion of a breathtaking residential project in WA and an exciting heritage residence in Sydney going through council planning. We feel privileged to be part of a dynamic industry and are excited to continue forging our unique design language within the residential interior landscape in Australian and abroad. decus.com.au