About me
I’m an Interior Designer with a creative style and I enjoy drawing on both contemporary and traditional elements. My designs can be both functional and inspirational, often creating a unique juxtaposition through a carefully considered use of contrasting elements. Through a true understanding of the basic driving elements of any given project I seek to offer innovative design solutions that balance form and function.
Having run my own art supply business, I also offer advice on the effective use of artworks. I am passionate about furniture design, building materials, textiles and artwork, all of which can be called upon to create simple and elegant interiors, and expressive designs.
I have recently relocated from Australia to the UK and I am excited at the prospect of further developing this new chapter in my career.
Projects
- Belle Property Warehouse OfficeThe design brief was to take an underutilised warehouse office space and convert it into a dynamic workplace capable of creating and supporting an agile working environment. The aim of the project was not merely functional but was also required to be compatible with the client’s image and branding and dominant market presence. The client: Belle Property – the property agency affiliate of Belle Magazine, widely acknowledged as Australia’s premier design publication showcasing the best in design, decor, architecture and fashionable living. The project needed to achieve a balance of form and function – it had to reflect an imperious style, yet also remain relevant while simultaneously drawing on the building’s historic structure and retaining key visible characteristics of its industrial heritage. To fully understand the functional demands of the project it was necessary to explore the concept of “agile working” with Belle, and to fully comprehend and appreciate the client’s requirements. It became clear through a process of consultation that the agile working environment had to be a space that allowed work to happen seamlessly and flexibly without the constraints of static workstations and designated use areas. The necessary technology and peripherals had to be accessible instantly to support workers wherever they choose to work within the building. Versatility was key to creating a truly dynamic and fully interconnected office environment – a truly agile working environment. Design Concept The design concept was intended to elicit a range of contrasts and juxtaposition throughout the space. This was achieved through an arrangement of opposing elements so as to create visual interest and versatile function. I wanted to create an environment that, when viewed from the perspective of those working within the space, would be convenient yet also inspirational. I wanted to create a space that would be staff-friendly but which would also radiate the prestige synonymous with Belle. Such contrasts and juxtaposition adopted in the design included: - Colour blocked hues contrasted with greys, blacks and neutrals. - Shiny surfaces contrasted with matte. - Linear forms contrasted with organic and curved. - Contemporary innovative elements contrasted with historic features. - Functional industrial architecture contrasted with elements of Piet - Mondrian's Neo-Plasticism aesthetic and materials demonstrating the Mod Fashion principles of the 1960s. An extensive and strategic use of colour-blocking was implemented throughout the building to informally demarcate various zones without limiting or restricting those areas to a particular task or use. The differing use of both clashing and complementing colour-blocking themes was used to both accentuate interesting features and create refreshing and fluctuating ambiances throughout. Design Solution Implementing this design project created a vibrant and renewed experience for both Belle Property clients and personnel alike. Upon entering the building the immediate line of sight provides maximum impact – walking past the seating area which is on the right, visitors to Belle Property at Surry Hills will arrive at a tactile bespoke polished concrete reception desk located in front of a wall clad in reclaimed timbers of varying widths. Juxtaposed to the reclaimed timber and polished concrete is the shiny new mirrored Belle Property sign which hangs on the wall creating a focal point of visual contrast and reflected light. Completing the reception space is a contemporary industrial style chandelier of pendant lights constructed with Edison globes on cords featuring handmade concrete sockets and hanging from a custom steal frame. From this vantage point, when glancing back toward the entrance of the building the visitor’s attention is drawn to the original row of large historical and imposing industrial windows featuring factory glazing and allowing ample light to flood the space during the day. To the left of the entrance sets a stage for board meetings – placed atop a raised platform the elevated boardroom seems to float into the space at the front of the building. The immediately striking feature here is the boardroom table – a custom-made 4.2 metre top of camphor laurel and a relative colossus on the platform. Imperfectly asymmetric, the table top is made from a single trunk of a camphor laurel tree which has been split and then seamlessly joined without any visible fixings. This unique wooden slab firmly rests on two roughly machined and bevelled tree stumps. Shining a light on this completely unique and beautifully crafted table is the contrasting over sized drum light shade with a mirrored finish complementing the Belle Property brand sign and subtly transitioning the impact of the entrance into the boardroom. The scene is further contrasted with use of iconic white plastic Verner Panton chairs. Behind the reception area beats the heart of the office – the immediately accessible and multi-functional space has everything from printers to miscellaneous stationary and supplies and transitions seamlessly toward to the centre of the open-plan room to become a flexible collaboration area. Flanking this area on either side are tables and hot-desks containing laptop docks and housing multimedia outlets and power-boards. These versatile pieces are sporadically punctuated by occasional tables and modular breakout furniture. A private meeting area with a high-backed privacy booth is located at the very back of the room. Further to the upper level – we arrive at a twin raised mezzanine. This area also features an open plan layout and draws heavily upon the colour-blocking principles used throughout the building. Here we benefit from a lofted vista which takes in the entrance to the building, the client lounge and the imperious boardroom. The twin raised areas contain informal meeting rooms, additional breakout spaces, an entertainment and function area, and meeting spaces capable of immersive multimedia presentations. The upper mezzanine is perfect for smaller client events, breakout meetings, or for simply making use of the down-time areas and taking a well-earned lunch! Materiality Industrial Materials: - Polished concrete - Reclaimed timbers - Aged leathers Contrasted with: - Matte cotton velvets in rich colour blocking hues - Mirrored surfaces - Brass - White plastic - Furniture: - Mid-Century and Modernist style statement pieces. - Breakout and privacy furniture. - Occasional pieces, including contemporary ottomans mixed with mobile modular pieces to encourage collaboration.
Skills
- Space Planning
- Kitchen Design
- Presentation Board Design
- Bathroom Design
- Textile Knowledge
- Specifications Scheduling
- Custom Furniture
- Conceptual Development
- Sourcing Supplier Mngmt
- Hand Sketching
- CAD Vectorworks
- Multiple Project Management
- Construction Documentation
- Adobe Indesign Photoshop
- Furniture Fixtures Equipment
Education
Bachelor of Interior Design Decoration
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Bachelor of Science (psychology
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