Talking Design

Volker Haug Studio is a decorative lighting practice based in Melbourne, creating lighting informed by a sense of discovery and experimentation. Works are produced by a skilled team of designers and makers, balancing technical precision with a spirit of play. Founded by Volker Haug, the studio is now in its 21st year and reflects his enduring commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and considered...

Chris McCue has been working as an architect and interior designer specialising in high end multi residential projects and bespoke homes for over 25 years; in Australia and across the world. An international design ideology permeates through each of his projects with many currently on site across Melbourne and Sydney since establishing his eponymous studio, STUDIO MCCUE, in mid-2024. Hosted on Aca...

Kristin Green is the director of KGA Architecture and winner of the 2024 Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture. In this deeply layered conversation, Kristin joins Stephen to discuss her award-winning ‘gallery home’—a unique fusion of private residence and public art space nestled in the Dandenongs. The project celebrates Australian craft, local materials, and the power of design to build c...

André Bonnice is the co-founder of Simulaa, alongside his life and business partner Anna Jankovic. From designing amenity facilities in rural Victoria to creating furniture under the term ‘Energy Object’, the two RMIT alumni are continually researching new ways to lower the carbon footprint. Kicking off a brand new season of Talking Design, André talks to Stephen about pushing sustainability to th...

Recipient of numerous awards from the Australian Institute of Architects, including the prestigious Sir Osborne McCutcheon Award in 2023, Lucy brings years of experience to the ‘table’.  In this episode, her and Stephen discuss the differences between rural and city builds, as well as the reasons why modern architects need to stay agile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

Zahava Elenberg is the director of Move-in, one of Australia's leading FF&E studios. In this week’s episode, Zahava talks to Stephen Crafti about how she went from sneaking into her first architecture classes to embarking on a bold new collaboration with Lisa Gorman. Join us for a new episode every fortnight! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mel Bright is the principal and design director of Studio Bright; a name which has been cemented into the fabric of Melbourne’s design landscape. In this week’s episode, Mel talks to Stephen Crafti about not being locked into one style, the importance of creating beautiful spaces for people living with disabilities, and how her practice’s success impacts her current work. Join us for a new episode...

Talking Design is back in time for Melbourne Design Week 2024! Join Stephen Crafti in conversation with the co-founder and director of FIGR Architecture & Design, Michael Artemenko. Now a prolific architect, Michael happened to meet his fellow co-founder while studying at RMIT—where he graduated in 2008. Join us for a new episode every fortnight! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Describing himself as an interior designer and a visual artist, Dr. James Carey switched from studying arts to Interior Design at RMIT University. As well as having worked with a number of practices, both local and global, Carey enjoys heading up the university’s fourth year program -teaching students on the broader aspects of design. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Sprynskyj and Peter Boyd established S!X fashion label in 1994 -Following a deconstructed aesthetic from the outset, they continue to remain strong to their initial vision. Both now with doctorates from RMIT where they also lecture in the School of Fashion & Design, they work continues to attract a strong following and can be found in galleries such as the National Gallery of Victoria....

Established 10 years ago by founder and Creative Principal Rhy Gorgol, The Company You Keep, TCYK is a multi-sectorial design practice that takes a more unconventional approach from everything from band strategies and product development to book publishing -focusing on brands that ‘speak’ rather than ‘shout’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle Whitfield. Curator of Fashion & Textiles talks about the exhibition on Coco Chanel ‘Fashion Manifesto’ that opened at the National Gallery of Victoria in early December and will close at the end of April. She not only takes us through this exhibition but explains Chanel’s important legacy to fashion in the 20th century and beyond - a fascinating insight into the world of a fashion leg...

Initially studying sculpture at the Victorian College of the Arts, Simone Leamon was then given the opportunity to work with contemporary jeweller Susan Cohn. She also later undertook a Masters Degree in Industrial Design at RMIT University. Eight years ago Leamon along with her colleague Ewan McEoin were awarded the positions of the Hugh Williamson Curators at the National Gallery of Victoria and...

Architect Robert Simeoni is masterful when it comes to working with older buildings. His latest project, a large period home in Hawthorn, Melbourne, straddles the fine line of what to retain as much as how to create a fine contemporary home. He discusses his approach, along with other projects. Robert's Webpage - robertsimeoniarchitects.com Instagram - @robertsimeoniarchitects Hosted on Acast. See...

Director of Angelucci Architects, Enza established her practice in 2006 after working for a decade with architect Norman Day, also a writer and critic. Enza, a graduate and alumni of RMIT University, is masterful at working with tight inner-city sites, transforming Victorian cottages into family homes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Architects David and Jacqui Wagner are a husband and wife team behind the practice Atelier Wagner. They have established a reputation for their fine and sensitive approach to restoring and repurposing heritage buildings but also show their skill when designing new homes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally Dan-Cuthbert opened her gallery in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney in 2019 as the pandemic took hold. While the last two years have been challenging, she sees greater interest in functional art, whether it takes the form of chairs, credenzas, mirrors or side tables. Representing leading designers, such as London-based Brodie Neil, to locals, such as Trent Jansen based in rural NSW. It’s a unique gal...

Tapestries are experiencing a revival - perhaps in line with renewed interest in 1970s architecture and design, when tapestries were at their peak. Stephen Crafti caught up with Antonia Syme, Director of Australian Tapestry Workshop in Melbourne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Based in Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, architect Richard Cole has established a strong following in this locale. His fine architect-designed houses, although having their own ‘voice’, find inspiration in the work of architects such as Peter Muller, Peter Stutchbury and Bruce Rickard. Responding to the location, as much as to the given brief, these houses have a string connection to their bu...

Architect Chris Peck is a Director of Art of Architecture (AOA). The name of his architectural practice reflects his interest in both art and architecture. AOA has not only established a reputation for this combo, but also for its work designing schools in regional Victoria, creating places that capture the essence of these communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Smart has made a reputation since establishing his practice in 1997. From modest beginnings, he has received numerous awards for projects, including his own studio and apartment in Alexandria, Sydney. Sculptural and poetic, Smart fashions bricks like they were clay in his hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Textile designer Frances Burke is the subject of this book, which is co authored by Nanette Carter and Robyn Oswald-Jacobs. Titled Frances Burke: Designer of Modern Textiles, the book beautifully covers Burke’s illustrious career from the 1930s until she closed her business in 1970. As well as the insightful story of Burke’s life, the book, produced by The Miegunyah Press, features extensive photo...

Interior designer Paul Hecker was raised and studied in Adelaide before moving to Melbourne in the 1980s. Initially working with architect Daryl Jackson, Hecker worked for a number of practices before establishing his own, Hecker Guthrie, with interior designer Hamish Guthrie. From bespoke homes to multi-res and commercial projects, the award-winning practice works across a number of sectors. Host...

Peter Williams, Director of Williams Boag Architects, is known for his contemporary style. His practice has created a presence in the heritage world, receiving numerous architecture awards. The recent restoration of the Fomeer Mining Exchange in Bendigo took at the prestigious John George Knight Award in 2021 from the AIA (Victorian Chapter). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

Since starting his practice a few years ago, Liam Eastop has made a quiet but impressive entrance on the architectural scene in Melbourne. Receiving awards and accolades for his bespoke work, Eastop thinks about spaces rather than simply styles, a talent to watch out for! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.