Behind The Design

In this episode, Camilla sits down with Dani Dean, founder of The Make Haus, to explore the evolution of her multidisciplinary studio, spanning florals, interiors, spatial design, commercial installations, and standout projects like the David Jones Flower Show. Together, we unpack what it truly looks like to juggle creativity, business, and motherhood. Dani shares why she refuses to niche down, ho...

This episode of Behind the Design features Troy Donovan, Principal Facade Designer at Prism Facades, whose work bridges architecture, engineering, and creative storytelling. From sketching in a notebook to leading large-scale projects with firms like Grimshaw Architects, Troy shares how facade design shapes the way we experience buildings, from the Sydney Opera House to the Australian War Memorial...

This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality. In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the...

This episode of Behind the Design features Leon and Victoria Pirrello, the couple behind Vicello. What began in their garage has grown into a thriving joinery and design studio with a team, factory spaces, and a reputation for delivering bespoke interiors across NSW. Their journey is one of courage, collaboration, and saying yes to projects that stretched them well beyond their comfort zone. They...

This episode is a true reflection of creativity, resilience, and the beauty of turning life’s challenges into meaningful design. In this episode of Behind the Design, we sit down with Jenn Bliss, the visionary behind some of Port Stephens’ most admired homes, including the much-loved Talm Beach House. What began as a love for interiors sparked in childhood has grown into a career that blends desig...

This episode is a true testament to the power of taking risks, following your creative instincts, and the beauty of building a business that reflects your passion. In this episode of Behind the Design, we chat with Laura, the creative mind behind Laura Rees Styling. What began as a leap into freelancing has grown into a thriving interior styling business, bringing unique and personal touches to sp...

This chat felt especially authentic and creatively energising. What began as a passion project has unfolded into a full-bodied creative business: storytelling through space, reimagining nostalgic design moments, building community, and saying "why not?" In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla sits down with Nina, the creative founder of Paloma Studios and the visionary behind That 70s Bungal...

In episode 23 of Behind the Design, we sit down with Dimitri Vargas, the visionary behind a flourishing custom furniture business that specialises in handcrafted, Australian-made pieces. Dimitri shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting his career in the design world during the 2020 lockdown to now running a successful furniture company. He dives deep into his creative process, t...

In this episode of Behind the Design , Jonathan Tsoupis takes us through his unique entrepreneurial journey, revealing the story behind his success in the tile and design industry. From humble beginnings as a young tiling apprentice to building a thriving business, Jonathan shares insights into the evolution of his company, Studio xOx. He also dives deep into his mindset on business, work ethic, a...

In this episode of Behind the Design, I sat down with my producer, Andrew for a candid Q&A session unpacking the real-world process of collaboration in the design and construction industry.  From aligning with architects during early-stage planning, working seamlessly with builders to manage schedules and budgets, to guiding clients through joinery decisions - this episode reveals how intentio...

Behind the Design welcomes the incredibly talented Montana Moore, a Sydney-based self-taught mixed-media artist whose creative journey spans from South Africa to Scotland, and now, the Northern Beaches of Australia. From sculptural pieces to layered painted works, Montana’s art is deeply rooted in emotion, texture, and her profound connection to the natural world. In this episode, we explore her t...

In this episode, we sit down with Craig from Artisan Exterior, a leading name in natural stone surfaces for residential and commercial spaces, for a powerful conversation on creative leadership, brand building, and staying visionary in the fast-evolving world of interior design, architecture, and construction. From humble beginnings—two mobile displays on utes and a single container of stock—Craig...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible  Natalie from Pony Design Co. , a powerhouse in commercial design, including hospitality and retail spaces. As the founder of a women-led business, Natalie shares her journey of carving out a space in the industry and leading with creativity, resilience, and vision. We dive into  client relationships, the importance of being on-site, and the hands-on...

Nine years ago, Aidan Anderson was a carpenter with a passion for design. A single Instagram post with just 30 likes sparked what would become The Local Project - now one of the most influential digital design publications, amassing over 3 million followers. Today, he’s expanding the brand internationally, breaking into the New York market, and redefining the design and architecture media landscap...

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Biancardi from Podia Development, whose journey from landscape design to property development is as inspiring as it is dynamic. With a rich creative foundation and a fearless drive to learn, Dominic shares how he broke into the industry, the role mentorship played, and the lessons he gained along the way. We delve into the real story behind developers - th...

Join us for a deep dive into the world of interior design and luxury finishes with Adrian Zipevski, co-founder of Surface Gallery. From launching his business at just 17 to becoming a leader in the Australian tile industry, Adrian shares his journey and insights into selecting the perfect materials to elevate any project. In this episode, we explore how the Australian design community is a strong...

In this episode of Behind the Design, I’m joined by the warm and expressive Anna Carin of ANNA.CARIN. With many years of experience in the design industry, Anna shares her insights on the do’s and don’ts of running a design business, and we discuss the role of AI in our industry, and the power of building authentic client relationships. She opens up about her personal story - a raw and honest refl...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hill of JSH Projects, a dynamic builder and developer based on the Central Coast. Our conversation dives deep into the hustle behind the design and the drive that fuels both his business and personal life. Justin’s energy, fast-paced approach, and commitment to fulfillment in his work and family life are inspiring. As a father of three and a go-getter in th...

In Episode 12 of Behind the Design, we dive into the world of landscape design with Mitch Kushturian, the force behind Exotic Living - a well known landscape design studio on Sydney’s North Shore. Mitch reveals the impact of thoughtful design choices, from planting to final reveal, a process that often unfolds over years. He shares his honest, passionate approach to client expectations and the met...

Join us as we chat with Lucy Beaumont, owner and founder of Scout Pilates. Lucy’s journey started with a Bachelor of Design, followed by Health Science, and then teacher training, before visiting New York for inspiration and returning to Sydney to establish Scout Pilates & Yoga in St Peters. Lucy is currently working on Scout’s third location, creating another version of their warm, inviting,...

Mia Lake of Mia Lake Interiors shares her journey of balancing success in business, scaling her brand, and navigating motherhood. This episode is something different, as Mia, a fellow interior designer, joins me to explore how we, as designers, each bring our own distinctive approach to the table. We dive into what sets our services apart for clients and share insights on juggling daily demands wh...

Our latest guest Chris Walker, owner and co-founder of Nood Co, shares his incredible journey from his early days as a plasterer to now handcrafting concrete basins in Perth, Australia. In this episode of Behind the Design, Chris takes us back to his childhood, the early garage experiments with concrete, and the setbacks that ultimately led to Nood Co’s success. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of prefabricated homes with Ed Callanan from Fab Prefab. We’ll explore how prefab construction is revolutionising the housing industry and discuss the innovative strategies used to maximize small spaces in interior design, and why it's so popular in the current climate. From efficient layouts to clever storage solutions, Ed shares insights on how his te...

Join us for episode 7 of Behind the Design: a fun and insightful chat about the importance of building strong relationships with suppliers to ensure successful projects. Unrivalled Interiors shares their journey of creating a brand from scratch, celebrating their achievements as a married couple, insights into their completed and ongoing projects, and our collaborative efforts to achieve beautiful...

We're excited to share episode six where we sat down with Luke Shadbolt from Luke Shadbolt Photography, a talented architectural photographer and artist. We discuss managing relationships while running your own business, staying open to professional opportunities, and Luke’s journey to becoming the successful photographer he is today. We also touched on the importance of focusing on what you love,...