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Behind The Design

Camilla Ingall

Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives.
If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

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  • 30 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 47 min
  • English

Episodes 30

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  • Wednesday · 35 min

    56. How to Save a Project's Budget and Keep Its Soul: Matt Lane of Unita

    Every project has a moment when the pricing comes back and the room goes quiet. Matt Lane, CEO of Unita, has spent his career in that moment. Unita is a national fit-out and construction business that has delivered more than 5,000 projects over two decades for brands including Supernormal, Sephora and Uniqlo, and Matt treats the money conversation as part of the design process. Camilla and Matt go back to where it started, after school in his parents' building supply store in Grafton, then into construction management and a stint on the client side that changed how he works as a builder. They unpack what value engineering really means once you're in the room, where to start when a project comes back over budget, and how Unita protects the hero elements by finding savings in the places customers never see. Matt walks through a GP clinic that priced at almost double the client's budget, the alternative sink that became a go-to spec, and the concrete bar at Hamsi at the new Sydney Fish Market that couldn't physically be poured. It's a conversation about being honest early, protecting what matters most, and making sure everyone leaves the job wanting to work together again. In this episode: How growing up in a country hardware store and sitting on the client side shaped the way Matt works as a builder What value engineering actually means, and the difference between smart solutions and cutting the guts out of a job Where to start when a project comes back over budget, and why function and durability come before finishes Keeping the design intent on a GP clinic that priced at almost double, and why a little extra time finds a better solution than the cheapest option Why trades are subject matter experts, and why you should never throw the architect under the bus Workshopping the micro cement bar at Hamsi at the new Sydney Fish Market, and how systems keep five teams in four states consistent Join The Behind The Design Collective https://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guest Unita website: https://unita.com.au Unita Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unita/ Photography Hamsi: Sam van Dyke, Kosk Photography Place Wooloongabba: Scott Burrows Photography Follow Unfolded & Behind The Design: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ 00:00 Intro 01:02 Welcome to Behind the Design 01:37 When the pricing comes back and the room goes quiet 02:36 Growing up in a Grafton building supply store 03:19 What the client side taught him 04:20 Choosing uni over the family business 04:59 Construction management and learning on the job 05:47 His first job: a bar for hospitality training 06:21 How he came to Unita 07:26 What value engineering actually means 10:56 When a project comes back over budget 12:25 A GP clinic priced at almost double 15:50 A word from Unfolded 16:06 The sink that became a spec 17:50 Earning a designer's trust 18:30 How many options is too many? 19:04 What trades see in a set of drawings 21:17 The line he won't cross 21:48 Never throw the architect under the bus 23:07 When something goes wrong on site 25:39 The concrete bar at the new Sydney Fish Market 26:58 What workshopping a problem looks like 28:27 Does Unita ever say no? 29:30 Systems and processes across four states 30:37 Staying technical as CEO 31:30 Three questions in three minutes 33:43 What people should understand about what goes on behind the design 34:13 Wrap up interior design residential interiors creative business design consultancy Behind the Design podcast Camilla Ingall Matt Lane Unita value engineering commercial fit-out hospitality fit-out office fit-out construction budgets design intent builder and designer collaboration working with trades Sydney Fish Market Hamsi Place Wooloongabba national construction business ChaptersKeywords

  • November 4 · 40 min

    55. Why Builders Aren't Charging Enough: Andrew George on AI, Pre-Construction and Systems For Builders

    Two years ago, Andrew George sat in this chair known as the Passive House guy. Now he's back, and he's not so sure he ever was. In this return conversation, the owner of Lou Projects looks back on the hardest stretch of his career: a run of complex projects, rushed contracts, countless variations, supply issues and long-distance jobs that left his business running on fumes, all while building a new shed, workshop and office and welcoming his son, Enzo. Camilla and Andrew talk about what it took to rebuild. Andrew shares how he turned dozens of spreadsheets into his own pre-construction platform, why he cut his subcontractor checklist from 50 items down to 10 or 15 quality questions, and why bringing 3D modelling in-house saves time and money. He also explains why he's let go of the Passive House label, how he talks to clients about budget, and why he believes most builders aren't charging enough because they don't understand the cost of running their business. It's a conversation about taking responsibility, slowing down pre-construction to speed up construction, and the kind of resilience that comes from quietly rebuilding one system at a time. In this episode: What growing the team to around a dozen people really costs Why rushed contracts and unasked questions lead to variations, and the simple process to avoid this Turning dozens of spreadsheets into a pre-construction platform The difference between being thorough and being useful Why he no longer wants to be "the Passive House guy" Why builders aren't charging enough, how overheads explain the gap between quotes, and why he'd like to mentor other builders How Andrew uses AI in his business to save time and money Join The Behind The Design Collective https://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guest Lou Projects Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lou.projects/ Website: https://louprojects.com.au/ Follow Unfolded & Behind The Design: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ 00:00 Builders aren't charging enough 01:27 Welcome back to Behind the Design 02:07 Engaged, a baby, a new home and a hard-fought business 03:15 What growth actually cost 05:36 Custom homes roaring in, and Lou Homes on hold 06:24 The hardest stretch: rushed contracts and variations 09:50 A series of chaos, and the moment things had to change 11:49 Taking responsibility and weekly team meetings 14:01 A word from Unfolded 14:28 Pulling back to the Central Coast 16:04 Who you bring into a project 16:52 Building his own pre-construction platform 19:41 RFIs and the discover, develop, deliver stages 21:30 Thorough vs useful: cutting the checklist down 23:14 Bringing 3D modelling in-house 25:28 No longer "the Passive House guy" 28:28 Passive House windows and long lead times 29:14 Talking budget and Passive House principles with clients 30:19 Status symbol, or health and durability? 31:43 Why builders aren't charging enough 33:28 What would surprise him from two years ago: resilience 35:17 Demystifying overheads and mentoring builders 37:57 Three questions in three minutes 40:02 Wrap up interior design residential interiors creative business design consultancy Behind the Design podcast Camilla Ingall Andrew George Lou Projects Central Coast builder custom home builder pre-construction building variations scope of works builder overheads quoting a build 3D modelling for builders Passive House Passive House principles heat recovery ventilation resilience in business ChaptersKeywords

  • October 28 · 35 min

    54. Chloe Matters on Walking Away From Tom Mark Henry to Build Something More True

    Chloe Matters co-founded Tom Mark Henry, one of Sydney's most recognised design studios, and then walked away from it. Pregnant and working hours that left no room for family, she stepped back to work out what kind of mother, designer and business owner she actually wanted to be. That reset became Matters and Made, a studio known for calm, tonal, deeply tactile homes. In this episode, Camilla and Chloe get honest about what happened next. Chloe relaunched the studio during Covid with a one-year-old and a six-month-old, grew it far too fast without the systems to hold it, then made the call to downsize the team so she could stop feeding the machine and get back to the work she loves. She shares how her behavioural studies background shapes the way she reads clients, why she tailors her process to every one of them, and how a divorce and a rental she couldn't renovate led to her newest venture, Slow Matters. It's a conversation about reinvention, saying no, and the quiet power of a home that genuinely supports you. In this episode: How saying yes to every client after returning from Europe turned into co-founding Tom Mark Henry What a creative partnership teaches you, and why it only works when everyone stays in their lane Why her behavioural studies degree has been more useful than her design degree for reading what clients really need Growing too fast during Covid, missing time with her kids, and why she chose to trim the business back The rental, the lamps on timers and the small changes that sparked Slow Matters, plus how the home wellness check and 21-day reset work The hard questions Chloe asks herself before saying yes, and what's ahead for Matters and Made Join The Behind The Design Collective https://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guest Matters and Made: https://www.mattersandmade.com https://www.instagram.com/mattersandmade_ Slow Matters: https://www.instagram.com/slow_matters/ Follow Unfolded & Behind The Design: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ 00:00 Intro 02:25 Welcome to Behind the Design 03:34 Co-founding Tom Mark Henry 04:21 What a design partnership teaches you 05:12 Why hospitality design builds a name fast 07:13 Pregnancy and the decision to leave 08:23 Behavioural studies and hearing what clients really need 09:59 Ten Pinterest styles and trend-led clients 10:59 Concrete pots on the balcony 11:57 Defining a calm, tonal aesthetic 13:37 Going solo: one vision, not a shared one 14:22 A word from Unfolded 14:52 Relaunching during Covid and growing too fast 15:47 Systems, structure and what she'd change 16:11 Downsizing to stop feeding the beast 17:53 Two babies, divorce and learning to prioritise herself 19:25 What the studio looks like day to day now 20:36 Four-year projects and earning client trust 21:51 Adapting the process for every client 22:51 The rental that sparked Slow Matters 25:44 Naming the problem: the home wellness check 27:02 Why your home deserves the same attention as your body 28:16 The 21-day reset, three minutes a day 31:20 Turning something personal into a product 32:45 Where the name Slow Matters came from 33:14 Trust your gut: the questions to ask yourself 34:48 What's next for Matters and Made and Slow Matters 35:25 Three questions in three minutes 36:11 Wrap up interior design residential interiors creative business design consultancy Behind the Design podcast Camilla Ingall Chloe Matters Matters and Made Tom Mark Henry Slow Matters Sydney interior designers home wellness designing a calm home rental styling business partnerships working mothers in business reinvention after divorce ChaptersKeywords

  • October 21 · 53 min

    53. 20 Years of Woods & Warner: What Running a Design Studio Really Takes

    Twenty years ago, Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods started Woods & Warner with two people, no plan B and a shared goal of creating beautiful spaces. Today they lead a seven-person Sydney studio, and most of what they know about running it was learned the hard way. In this episode, Camilla sits down with both directors for an honest look at what it really takes to build a design studio that lasts. They share the seven-bedroom project they designed without charging a cent, only to have it cancelled in a ten-minute meeting. They talk about IVF, bed rest and the mother guilt of building a business with three children under five, and how those years shaped a studio culture that genuinely supports motherhood. And they relive the morning their Hunters Hill project landed the front cover of Belle, just as their website and Instagram were hacked. It's a conversation about knowing the value of your design intellect, hiring properly, reading your clients and finding joy in the work for the long haul. In this episode: Why they ignored a mentor's advice to stick to one style and five suppliers, and what that choice has cost and given them The unpaid seven-bedroom job that taught them to charge for their time and put contracts first How IVF, bed rest and early motherhood forced them to build a business that could run without them Reading clients: telling the difference between a budget problem and a fear problem The year they broke down in tears over the wrong team, and why paid trial days are now non-negotiable Using AI to cut hours of admin, collaborating with architects and builders, and how they define success after 20 years Join The Behind The Design Collective https://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guest https://www.woodsandwarner.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/woodsandwarner/ (confirm handle) Follow Unfolded & Behind The Design: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ 00:00 The job that changed everything 01:00 Welcome to Behind the Design 02:50 20 years of Woods & Warner 03:51 IVF, bed rest and being forced to step back 06:10 Mother guilt and a studio that supports motherhood 08:27 Structure, chaos and a week in the studio 09:24 Two directors, two lanes 11:57 Settling creative disagreements 13:01 The advice they ignored: one style, five suppliers 15:21 No signature look: connection as the signature 17:02 A word from Unfolded 17:39 Budget problem or fear problem? 21:23 The year they broke down in tears 24:34 Hiring for passion 27:12 Using AI to cut the admin 30:07 Hire like a corporate: paid trial days 32:28 The seven-bedroom job they never got paid for 38:50 Contracts, staff and the 50% nobody sees 40:43 Working with architects and builders 45:37 A Belle cover and a hacked website 48:45 The next 20 years 49:56 Success, gratitude and taking the plunge interior design residential interiors creative business design consultancy Behind the Design podcast Camilla Ingall Woods and Warner Sonia Warner Jacinta Woods Sydney interior designers charging for design fees hiring in a design studio working mothers in business Belle magazine ChaptersKeywords

  • October 14 · 37 min

    52. I Studied Law to Hide Who I Was. Design Brought Me Back

    What happens when a designer spends years pursuing the practical path before finally trusting his creative instincts? Stefan Vignogna of Bespoke Joinery Design built his career around bespoke kitchens, considered interiors and technical expertise. In this episode of Behind the Design, he joins Camilla Ingall to share the personal and professional decisions that shaped his journey, from studying law to building a design business on his own terms. They explore why Stefan chooses to stay small, what eight years on the workshop floor taught him, and why great joinery involves far more than beautiful finishes. In this episode: Why Stefan walked away from law to pursue design Stefan’s journey in coming out and what happened when he finally did What years of hands-on joinery experience taught him that formal education couldn't How he built a referral-based business without chasing growth The underrated power of setting boundaries with his work Why the details behind great joinery matter more than most people realise How he's making specialist design knowledge more accessible It's an honest conversation about finding your creative direction, building a business around your values, and deciding what success actually looks like. —------------------------ Follow Stefan Vignogna https://www.stefanvignogna.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stefan_vignogna https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanvignognadesigner/ https://www.facebook.com/stefanvignognadesigner/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 Why Stefan Vignogna Chose Interior Design Over Law 02:15 Growing Up Creative and Discovering a Passion for Design 03:46 Why Stefan Studied Law Instead of Following His Creativity 06:20 From Office Furniture to a Career in Interior Design 08:25 Embracing His Identity and Finding Creative Confidence 11:03 How Life Experience Shaped Stefan’s Design Philosophy 12:47 What Eight Years of Hands-On Joinery Experience Taught Him 14:45 Building a Referral-Based Interior Design Business 15:48 Why Stefan Chooses Quality Over Business Growth 19:39 Why Interior Designers Do More Than Design 22:27 What Makes Bespoke Joinery More Than Just Cabinetry 23:42 Making Kitchen Design More Accessible to Homeowners 27:49 Building a More Profitable and Sustainable Design Business Keywords bespoke joinery designkitchen designcustom joineryinterior designjoinery designkitchen renovationcabinetry designresidential interiorsjoinery detailingkitchen functionalityspatial planninginterior design businesscreative businessdesign consultancydesign business growthclient relationshipscreative entrepreneurshipStefan VignognaBespoke Joinery DesignBehind the Design podcastCamilla IngallAdelaide interior design

  • October 7 · 58 min

    51. From Small Styling Business to Large-Scale Operation | Bowerbird Interiors

    Bowerbird Interior’s success isn’t just a story about beautiful design. It’s a story about what happens when the business behind the design keeps getting bigger. Lauren Lewis, co-founder of Bowerbird Interior, joins Camilla to explore the side of the design industry we rarely see: the people, systems, logistics and commercial decisions behind the finished spaces. What started as a property styling business has grown into a much bigger operation spanning residential homes, commercial spaces, build-to-rent and large-scale furnishing projects. But what happens behind the scenes when a creative business reaches that kind of scale? Lauren shares what she has learned about building the infrastructure behind the creativity, working alongside her husband Jeff, finding the right people, and knowing when the founder needs to step back and let others take the lead. In this episode: • How Bowerbird evolved from property styling into a much larger furnishing operation • The systems, logistics and procurement required to operate at scale • Why creative instinct alone may not be enough to grow a sustainable business • How commercial thinking can influence creative decision-making • How Lauren and Jeff built complementary roles around their different strengths • What separates people who want something to happen from those who make it happen • Why delegation becomes harder, but more important, as a business grows • Knowing when to step away from the details and focus on higher-value work • What can sit behind the success people see from the outside There’s often a lot more behind a finished space than meets the eye. For Lauren, growing Bowerbird has meant navigating the tension between creativity, people, systems and the realities of running a much bigger business. But as a creative business grows, one question becomes harder to ignore: how do you scale the business without scaling away what made it special in the first place? ------------------------ Follow Lauren Lewis and Bowerbird Interior https://www.instagram.com/lauren_lewis84/ https://www.facebook.com/BowerbirdInt https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ https://www.instagram.com/bowerbirdinteriors https://bowerbirdinteriors.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 - From Property Styling to Bowerbird 02:15 - The Story Behind Bowerbird’s Growth 05:40 - What Happens Behind Beautiful Spaces 09:25 - Scaling a Creative Business 13:10 - The Systems Behind Property Styling 17:05 - Procurement, Warehousing and Logistics 21:30 - Why Creative Businesses Need Commercial Thinking 25:45 - Building a Business Around Different Strengths 30:10 - Lauren and Jeff’s Roles at Bowerbird 34:20 - Building the Right Team and Culture 38:15 - What Makes a Great Team Member? 42:05 - Knowing When to Delegate 46:00 - Letting Go as Your Business Grows 49:40 - The Reality Behind Business Success 53:15 - Relationships and Community in Design 56:30 - What Lauren Would Do Differently 59:10 - The Future of Bowerbird and Creative Business Growth Keywords Bowerbird Lauren Lewis Bowerbird Australia Bowerbird furniture Bowerbird property styling property styling Australia furniture hire Australia furniture styling interior design business creative business creative entrepreneurship creative business growth scaling a creative business design business growth creative business strategy business systems for creatives creative business systems property styling business property styling business growth interior styling business design entrepreneurship creative leadership business operations commercial design

  • September 30 · 51 min

    50. Interior Designers Reveal What Really Goes On Behind The Design

    What do two successful designers admit when there is no guest to interview and the questions are coming straight back at them? Sarah Reid is the host of Her Design Her Story, and in this special episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall and Sarah Reid turn the questions on each other, reflecting on the careers, shows, businesses and lessons that have shaped where they are today. As the conversation unfolds, they revisit the moments that challenged their confidence, changed their direction and made them rethink what they actually wanted from their careers. They also share what they have learned from years of working with clients, building businesses and having conversations with people across the design industry. Both have taken different paths through the design industry, but there are surprising parallels in what they've learned along the way. In this episode: How two very different career paths led into interior design and creative business Why confidence often comes from taking action rather than waiting to feel ready The reality of running a creative business while trying to maintain a life outside of work What burnout revealed about boundaries, people-pleasing and choosing the right clients Learning when to say no and recognising when something simply isn't the right fit The challenge of letting go, delegating and trusting other people Why building a business can teach you as much about yourself as it does about business What podcasting has taught them about listening, communication and making people feel heard At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: what happens when you stop trying to be everything to everyone and start paying attention to what actually works for you? It's an honest conversation about the less visible side of design careers and creative businesses, and the lessons that only seem to come with experience. —------------------------ Follow Sarah Reid https://www.instagram.com/herdesign_herstory/ https://www.instagram.com/s_r_and_o/ https://www.herdesignherstory.com/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ ----------------------- Chapters 00:00 Two Designers Turn the Mic on Each Other 02:28 Camilla’s Journey Into Interior Design 04:01 Sarah’s Journey From Architecture to Interiors 07:30 What Inspired Behind the Design 09:06 The Reality Behind the Pretty Pictures 10:00 When Your Career Takes an Unexpected Path 13:07 What Running a Business Teaches You 16:17 What Actually Brings You Joy? 17:25 Building a Business and Making Time for Family 19:14 Does Confidence Come Before Action? 21:15 What Really Happens Behind the Scenes 23:14 Learning When to Say No 24:40 When Doing Everything Becomes Too Much 33:06 Learning to Qualify Your Clients 34:29 Which Opportunities Are Worth Pursuing? 37:49 How Their Definition of Success Changed 42:38 What Podcasting Has Taught Them About People 46:57 What They Want Listeners to Take Away Keywords interior design podcast interior design business interior designers design business interior design Australia Australian interior designers Behind the Design podcast creative business design industry interior design career interior design journey starting an interior design business running a creative business creative entrepreneurship design business owner interior design career path interior design challenges interior designer burnout imposter syndrome in design confidence in business creative industry Australia women in design women in business design podcast Australia interior design podcast Australia podcasting for creatives behind the scenes design design business lessons interior design success

  • September 16 · 50 min

    49. From Granny Flat Scam to Luxury Property Development

    What happens when the business you're building almost ends before it really begins? Phil and Lina Strati, the husband-and-wife team behind L.P StratiCo Builders and Aesthetic Developments, share the real story behind their journey from secure corporate and construction careers to building businesses of their own. It wasn't a straight line. After quitting their jobs in the most unexpected way, they spent their early years taking on whatever work they could find, only to become caught in a builders worst nightmare, before their first project had barely started. But the conversation goes well beyond business. They talk openly about navigating fertility challenges, personal loss, the pressure behind a successful-looking business, and the shift from chasing growth to building something more intentional. In this episode: — Why they quit their jobs at the worst possible time — The scam that nearly ended their business — How one difficult project led to six thriving opportunities — The unexpected path into insurance and remediation — How they competed with 9 figure builders as a small company — Balancing stable, commercial work with creative development — Building a business as a couple — How grief changed Lina’s definition of success A conversation about resilience, partnership and what really happens behind a successful building business. ------------------------ Follow Phil and Lina Strati https://www.aestheticdevelopments.com.au/about https://www.instagram.com/aestheticdevelopments_/ https://www.instagram.com/lpstratico/ https://www.lpstratico.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ Other resources: DHR Season 4 - Award Winning Homes: https://vimeo.com/1088921733/aed056c68e?share=copyFlorence i15 by Greenridge Publishing - Issuu: https://issuu.com/greenridgepublishing/docs/florence_i15 Architecture & Design: https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/projects/houses/the-fairview-aesthetic-developments Chapters 00:00 - The Risky Decision That Started Their Business 02:47 - From Corporate Careers to Construction and Design 06:19 - Why They Quit Their Jobs on Their Honeymoon 12:42 - The Granny Flat Scam That Nearly Ended Their Business 16:07 - Discovering the Construction Scam and Starting Over 20:55 - How One Difficult Project Led to Six More Opportunities 21:47 - How COVID Changed Their Construction Business 23:37 - Finding Sustainable Revenue Through Insurance Work 24:28 - Becoming One of 12 Builders on a Major Insurance Panel 25:21 - Finding a Niche in Complex Insurance Claims 30:33 - Returning to Luxury Property Development 31:44 - The Fairview Project and Their First Major Development 32:23 - Winning a Master Builders Award 33:37 - Building a Brand Through Design and Storytelling 35:04 - Grief, Mental Health, and Redefining Success Keywords building business Australia construction business Australia construction business owners builder business building company Australia property development Australia luxury home builder construction entrepreneurship starting a construction business building business journey construction business growth property development granny flat builder insurance construction insurance remediation business setbacks business resilience husband and wife business family business construction industry Australia luxury property development building industry Australia entrepreneurship Australia

  • September 2 · 54 min

    48. A Builder’s Guide to Luxury, Design & Construction With Jakin Luxury Living

    What actually makes a home luxurious? According to luxury builder James from Jakin Luxury Living, it has far less to do with expensive finishes and far more to do with how a home performs, feels and supports the way you live. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with James, founder of Jakin Luxury Living, to unpack what really goes into building high-end residential homes and why the best projects are about so much more than beautiful finishes. We explore how the definition of luxury is changing. From home automation and high-performance glazing to saunas, ice baths, gyms and dedicated wellness spaces, today's luxury homes are increasingly designed around health, comfort, technology and the way families actually live. And beyond construction, James opens up about business growth, delegation, burnout and finding the balance between working in the business and working on it. In this episode, we also discuss: • What luxury really means beyond expensive finishes • Why a luxury home needs to perform, not just look beautiful • Why bigger isn't always better in business • How builders and designers can collaborate more effectively • Why communication can make or break a construction project • The importance of choosing the right trades and site manager • What to look for when comparing builders and building quotes • The growing importance of insulation and glazing • How James approaches forecasting, budgeting and project programming • Managing burnout in the construction and creative industries • Knowing when to delegate and stay in your lane • Why the story behind a finished project can be more interesting than the polished result If you're building, renovating or designing a luxury home, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, relationships and details that can ultimately determine whether a project simply looks impressive or genuinely feels exceptional. Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping the architecture, interior design, construction and creative industries. Follow James Watkin and Jakin Luxury Living https://jakin.com.au/about/ https://www.instagram.com/jakin_luxury_living/ https://www.instagram.com/james_r_watkin/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignpod_/ —------Chapters 00:00 - What Really Makes a Luxury Home? 01:45 - Inside Luxury Home Building 03:15 - From Carpenter to Luxury Builder 04:33 - Why Bigger Isn't Always Better 13:06 - The Problem With Micromanaging 15:43 - Builder & Designer Collaboration 18:33 - Why Communication Makes or Breaks a Build 27:25 - What Does Luxury Really Mean? 30:51 - The Rise of Wellness Spaces at Home 33:48 - The Future of Luxury Home Design 35:07 - 3 Things to Look for in a Builder 38:26 - Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost More 49:48 - Burnout in the Building & Creative Industries Keywords luxury home builder luxury home building luxury homes luxury residential construction building a luxury home luxury home design luxury home construction high end home builder custom home builder luxury residential builder choosing a builder how to choose a builder builder and designer collaboration luxury home trends home automation wellness rooms home wellness spaces sauna in luxury home luxury home features luxury home renovation custom home construction residential construction building a custom home luxury property development high end residential construction

  • August 19 · 1 hr 22 min

    47. Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think | Objects for Thought

    Lighting is often one of the last things considered in a project, but it can completely change how we experience a space, from the way materials and colours are perceived to how the room actually feels. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Jay and CJ, founders of Objects for Thought, to explore the thinking, process and business decisions behind their contemporary lighting brand. This is a conversation about much more than beautiful light fittings. Jay and CJ share how their very different backgrounds in design, art, finance and electrical work eventually led them to build a lighting company, and why they deliberately chose to focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. We talk about why lighting can make or break an interior, what happens when beautiful finishes are paired with poor-quality lighting, and the technical details that designers and homeowners often don't see. And most importantly, Jay and CJ share what they've learned about building a creative business without letting ego drive every decision. In this episode: • How Objects for Thought began and how Jay and CJ found their way into lighting• Why constructive criticism is central to their creative partnership • How they divide the business across Melbourne and Brisbane • Why good lighting is about more than aesthetics • How lighting quality affects colour, materials and finishes • What electricians and trades bring to the design process • Why Objects for Thought deliberately says no to some custom work • How direct relationships with designers create a valuable feedback loop • Why solving problems well can strengthen long-term client relationships • The importance of patience when building a product-based design business For architects, interior designers, builders and anyone interested in how thoughtful design actually comes together, this episode offers a look behind the finished product and into the decisions that make it work. Follow Behind the Design for more conversations with the people, businesses and creatives shaping the design industry. Follow Jay, CJ and Object for Thought https://www.of-t.com/about https://www.instagram.com/objectsforthought/ https://www.instagram.com/jay_jermyn/ https://www.instagram.com/cjand/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_

  • August 5 · 39 min

    46. Why Furniture Hire Matters More Than You Think | Huntley + Co

    When people think about preparing a home for sale, they usually picture the finished styling. What they don't see is everything happening behind the scenes to make that transformation possible. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Amy Smith, founder of Huntley + Co, a Sydney-based furniture hire business created specifically to support property stylists, interior designers and creative professionals. After spending more than a decade as a senior stylist, Amy recognised a growing gap in the industry. Independent stylists needed access to beautiful furniture, reliable logistics and an easier way to hire pieces without managing their own warehouse. That insight became Huntley + Co. We talk about the evolution of the property styling industry, what it takes to build a business that supports other creatives, and why furniture hire has become such an important part of preparing homes for sale. Whether you're a property stylist, interior designer, supplier or creative business owner, this conversation offers an honest look at what happens behind one of the industry's most essential businesses. In this episode we cover: · Why Amy founded Huntley + Co after 13 years in property styling · The difference between furniture hire and property styling · How Huntley + Co supports independent stylists and designers · Building a business around solving industry pain points · Designing a furniture collection that balances timeless pieces with current trends · The role technology plays in simplifying furniture hire · Growing through uncertainty during COVID · Supporting creatives beyond furniture through the Style Minds community · Building long-term client relationships through reliability and trust · What success looks like after building a thriving creative business If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry. Follow Amy Smith and Huntley + Co https://huntleyandco.com.au/about-us/ https://www.instagram.com/huntley_and_co/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090875392637 Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------ Chapters 00:59 - Behind the Design with Amy Smith 02:47 - The Evolution of Property Styling 05:33 - Finding a Gap in the Property Styling Industry 08:03 - The Reality of Starting a Creative Business 11:07 - What a Furniture Hire Company Really Does 15:00 - How Technology Is Changing Property Styling 17:16 - Choosing Furniture That Appeals to Buyers 20:42 - Design Trends vs Timeless Interiors 22:47 - Building a Community Around Your Business 25:36 - Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business 29:07 - Why Trust Matters More Than Talent 32:43 - The Biggest Challenge of Growing Huntley & Co 35:04 - Redefining Success as a Business Owner 36:50 - Quickfire Questions with Amy Smith Keywords furniture hire furniture hire Australia furniture hire Sydney Huntley + Co Amy Smith Huntley + Co property styling property stylist home staging Australia home staging furniture interior styling business interior designers Australia property styling business furniture rental for stylists styling homes for sale interior design podcast Behind the Design Podcast Camilla Engel home presentation styling industry design business

  • July 22 · 44 min

    45. How to Choose the Right Stone Without Costly Mistakes | Nathan Karpenko, CAV'ART

    Choosing natural stone is about far more than aesthetics. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Nathan Karpenko, co-owner of CAV'ART Designer Stone, to explore what really happens behind the scenes when selecting one of the most important materials in a home. Nathan shares his journey from working in luxury hotels to leading one of Australia's most respected natural stone suppliers. Along the way, we talk about the power of relationships, starting a business during COVID, the life-changing impact of a bowel cancer diagnosis, and why trust has become the foundation of everything he does. We also unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about natural stone, how designers and suppliers work together to create better outcomes, and why the best projects always start with honest conversations. Whether you're an interior designer, architect, builder or homeowner planning your next renovation, this episode offers practical insights into choosing the right materials while building stronger relationships throughout the design process. In this episode, we cover: • Nathan's unexpected path from hospitality into the natural stone industry • How a bowel cancer diagnosis changed his outlook on business and life • Starting CAV'ART during the uncertainty of COVID • Why trust matters more than selling products • The biggest misconceptions about marble, granite and quartzite • How designers and suppliers collaborate to achieve better project outcomes • Choosing the right stone for your lifestyle, not just the look • Why customer experience is just as important as the materials themselves • Building a business around quality, honesty and long-term relationships If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Behind the Design for more conversations with the people shaping Australia's design industry. We'd also love it if you left a review and shared this episode with someone planning their next project. Follow Nathan Karpenko and CAV'ART Designer Stone https://au.linkedin.com/in/nathan-karpenko-53350617 https://www.instagram.com/nathankarpenko/ https://au.linkedin.com/company/cav-art-designer-stone?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company https://cavart.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------ Chapters 01:29 — Nathan Capon's Journey Into the Stone Industry 05:46 — How a Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything 10:17 — Starting a Business During COVID 15:16 — Building Trust Instead of Chasing Sales 21:34 — Why Quality Matters More Than Quantity 25:02 — How Designers and Stone Suppliers Work Together 30:02 — Marble vs Quartzite: Choosing the Right Stone 32:01 — Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Stone 34:18 — How to Choose the Perfect Stone Slab 37:32 — Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience 41:10 — Business Lessons on Leadership, Relationships & Growth 45:12— Final Advice for Designers, Builders & Homeowners Keywords Natural Stone Stone Selection Kitchen Benchtops Marble Benchtops Quartzite Benchtops Interior Design Australia Interior Design Podcast Home Renovation Tips Kitchen Renovation Bathroom Renovation Stone Supplier Australia Marble vs Quartzite Choosing Natural Stone Interior Designers Australia Building Relationships in Business Cava Stone Camilla Ingall Behind the Design Podcast Design Industry Residential Design

  • July 8 · 1 hr 1 min

    44. Service Over Style: Chris Trotta on Building a Sustainable Architecture Business

    What actually keeps an architecture business alive past the first project? Most people judge an architecture firm by the finished home. The clean lines, the light-filled kitchen, the project that lands on Instagram. Behind that image sits a business built on budget conversations, team trust, and a reputation that took years to earn. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Chris Trotta, founder of Trotter Architecture, to talk about the parts of running a design business that rarely make it into a portfolio. We cover his path from working inside large firms to launching his own practice during Covid, why he built a board of advisors with zero designers on it, and why he walked away from wanting to be seen as difficult in the industry. We also get into his 85% rule for avoiding perfectionism, why he still sketches every project by hand before touching a computer, and what success looks like for him now that the business runs itself day to day. In This Episode, We Discuss: ➡️ Why relationships, service, and trust matter more than design skill long term ➡️ How he handles honest budget conversations with clients ➡️ Why he built a personal board of advisors with no designers or architects on it ➡️ How giving up creative control helped him build a stronger team ➡️ Why protecting his reputation matters more than winning every argument on site ➡️ How his confidence in front of the camera grew over the past year ➡️ Why every project at Trotter Architecture starts with a hand sketch, not a screen ➡️ His 85% rule for finishing work without over-laboring the last details ➡️ What success looks like for him personally and professionally right now One takeaway from this conversation is Chris's view that architects are hired for temperament and patience, not just a beautiful portfolio. Clients spend years working alongside their architect. That relationship carries more weight than any single render. If you run a creative business or work with clients on long-term projects, this episode gives you a direct look at what holds a design practice together once the pretty pictures are done. Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow design enthusiast, and follow the podcast for more conversations on the people, processes, and passion behind great design. Follow Chris Trotta: https://www.trottaarchitecture.com/studio https://www.instagram.com/trotta_architecture/ https://www.instagram.com/christrotta/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ —------ Chapters 00:00 - Why Relationships Matter More Than Design 01:25 - Meet Architect Chris Trotter 02:34 - From Big Firms to Starting His Own Practice 05:24 - Why Launching an Architecture Business During COVID Worked 08:06 - Designing Homes as Investments, Not Just Beautiful Spaces 11:23 - Budget Conversations Every Architect Should Have 14:26 - The Truth About Running a Design Business 16:35 - Building a Team Without Micromanaging 22:17 - Why Client Experience Is More Important Than Great Design26:15 - The Business Advice Every Creative Needs 28:02 - The Power of Reputation, Trust & Collaboration 39:17 - Why Architects Need to Show Up on Social Media 48:04 - The 85% Rule That Makes Better Business Decisions Keywords Trotter Architecture Chris Trotta architecture business podcast running a design firm architecture leadership client budget conversation architecture team management design industry reputation Behind the Design podcast Camilla Ingall starting an architecture practice architect branding hand sketching in architecture design intent sustainable creative business architecture and personal branding

  • June 24 · 57 min

    43. Design vs Styling: The Hidden Steps Behind Every Great Project with Bea Lambos

    What does an interior stylist actually do? It's a role that most people only notice in the final image. The beautifully photographed home, the perfectly layered living room, or the project that lands in a magazine. But behind those images is a creative process that most people never see. In this episode of “Behind The Design”, I sit down with interior stylist Bea Lambos to talk about the world of styling, photography, and visual storytelling. We discuss what happens before a project is photographed, how stylists work alongside photographers and designers, and why styling is about much more than placing beautiful objects in a room. We also explore the challenge many homeowners face when trying to define their style, and Bea shares a simple piece of advice that can make the process feel far less overwhelming. In This Episode, We Discuss: ➡️ Why Bea transitioned from interior design into styling ➡️ What really happens on a photoshoot day ➡️ The relationship between stylists, photographers, and designers ➡️ How styling helps tell the story of a project ➡️ The difference between styling for everyday living and styling for photography ➡️ Why some of the best creative outcomes come from flexible briefs ➡️ The role emotion plays in creating memorable spaces ➡️ How to discover your personal style by identifying what you don't like ➡️ Common misconceptions about interior photography and publication shoots ➡️ Why great styling often goes unnoticed when it's done well One of my favourite insights from this conversation is Bea's belief that finding your style doesn't always start with what you love. Sometimes it starts with understanding what you don't. If you've ever looked at a finished project and wondered how it all comes together, this episode offers a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important and least understood parts of the design process. Enjoyed this episode? Feel free to share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow design enthusiast, and don't forget to follow the podcast for more conversations exploring the people, processes, and passion behind great design. ------------ Follow Bea Lambos:IG - https://www.instagram.com/beaandcostyle/Website - https://beaandcostyle.comPinterest - https://au.pinterest.com/Beaandcostyle/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bea-lambos-622aa7143/Substack - https://substack.com/@bealambos1 Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ ------------ Chapters 00:00 - Why Finding Your Style Starts With What You Don't Like 03:09 - Why Bea Chose Interior Styling Over Interior Design 05:20 - The Reality of Styling for Professional Photoshoots 08:49 - What Happens Before an Interior Photography Shoot? 09:35 - How Long Does It Take to Style a Home for Photography? 10:32 - The Hidden Tricks Behind Magazine-Worthy Interiors 14:51 - What Most People Get Wrong About Interior Styling 15:17 - Styling to the Frame: How Great Interior Photos Are Created 17:28 - Professional Styling vs Everyday Living 18:38 - How Styling Shapes the Story of a Space 19:44 - Inside the Stylist and Photographer Partnership 28:35 - Building Confidence in Your Personal Design Style 51:35 - Will AI Change the Future of Interior Styling? ------------ Keywords interior styling interior stylist home styling tips interior photography design photography magazine worthy homes interior design process styling for photoshoots architectural photography how to find your design style interior design inspiration home decorating tips design storytelling interior design podcast Bea Lambos Camilla Ingall Behind the Design podcast

  • June 10 · 34 min

    42. Building the Vision: A Builder's Perspective on Design with JW Projects

    A beautiful home rarely tells the full story. Behind every completed project is a team navigating site constraints, heritage restrictions, unforeseen challenges, client expectations, and hundreds of decisions that never make it into the final photographs. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Jack Williams, founder of JW Projects, to unpack the realities of residential construction in Sydney's eastern suburbs. From heritage terraces in Paddington and Surry Hills to architecturally designed homes overlooking Sydney Harbour, Jack shares what it takes to bring ambitious design visions to life while managing the practical challenges that come with construction. Together, we explore the relationship between builders and designers, the importance of communication throughout a project, and why some of the biggest decisions happen long before the finishes are installed. In this episode: • The unique challenges of building in Sydney's eastern suburbs • Why heritage renovations require a different approach to new builds • What builders uncover once demolition begins • Managing expectations when site conditions change • The role communication plays in successful projects • Building strong relationships between designers, architects and builders • Growing a construction business while maintaining quality • Lessons learned from challenging projects and unexpected setbacks • The realities of leading a team across multiple active sites • What clients rarely see behind a finished home If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast and share it with a fellow designer, builder, architect or industry professional. Follow Jack Williams and JW Projects https://www.instagram.com/jackwill/ https://www.instagram.com/jackwill/ https://www.jwprojects.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ CHAPTERS 02:21 - How Jack Williams Became a High-End Residential Builder 05:03 - Building in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs: Challenges & Opportunities 05:53 - Heritage Home Renovations: What Homeowners Need to Know 06:52 - Hidden Problems Found During Home Renovations 08:08 - Managing Renovation Budgets, Variations & Client Expectations 09:02 - Builder vs Interior Designer: Creating Successful Projects Together 11:33 - What Instagram Doesn’t Show About Luxury Home Construction 13:01 - Growing a Construction Business and Building the Right Team 15:23 - A Day in the Life of a Luxury Home Builder 17:03 - Costly Construction Mistakes and Lessons From the Job Site 20:51 - Dealing With Neighbours, Council Approvals & Tight Building Sites 27:06 - Future Trends in Luxury Home Building, Design & Development Keywords luxury home builder luxury home construction Sydney luxury homes Sydney eastern suburbs builde rhigh end home builder residential builder Sydney heritage home renovation home renovation Sydney luxury home renovation custom home builder architectural homes Sydney residential construction construction project management building a luxury home renovation builder Sydney heritage house renovation home building challenges high end residential construction builder and interior designer collaboration luxury property development custom home construction Sydney renovation specialist renovation budget planning construction industry insights building heritage homes luxury home design and build eastern suburbs construction residential renovation expert construction business owner behind the scenes construction property renovation tips luxury home building process architectural renovation Sydney builders construction podcast home renovation podcast interior design and construction building in Sydney luxury renovation projects property development Sydney high end renovation builder custom luxury homes construction leadership home building expert renovation project management Sydney architecture and design residential building contractor luxury property renovation

  • May 27 · 1 hr 7 min

    41. Scaling a Trade Supply Business with GatherCo

    Finished homes, polished brands, and resolved details are what we usually see. What’s less visible is the pressure underneath: the hard decisions, constant judgment calls, and the reality of sustaining growth. James McCarthy knows that reality well. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with James McCarthy, co-founder of GatherCo, a trade-only supplier in the architecture and interiors industry known for its relationship-led approach, adaptability, and willingness to do things differently. What began as a small business trying to stay afloat has grown into a trusted supplier working with architects, designers, and builders across Australia. But this conversation is less about polished success and more about what sits behind long-term growth. We talk about the early pressure to say yes to everything, why boundaries become essential as a business matures, and the mindset shift that comes with realising not all growth is good growth. We also explore sustainable scaling, how partnerships evolve, and why understanding your lane is one of the most important lessons for founders. In this episode, we also covered this: — Why saying yes to every opportunity early in business eventually becomes unsustainable — The lesson that completely changed James’ perspective on business challenges and competition — How Gather Co built trust with architects and designers through honesty and long-term thinking — Why the business chose not to follow the traditional showroom model and what happened instead — The importance of boundaries, systems, and internal accountability as a team grows — What founders often misunderstand about scaling a product-based business — How small businesses can use adaptability and speed as competitive advantages — The reality of managing client expectations, timelines, and decision fatigue within the design industry — Why relationships remain at the centre of everything Gather Co does — The emotional side of entrepreneurship and the importance of remembering why you started If you enjoyed this episode, follow Behind the Design for more conversations unpacking the people, processes, and realities behind the design industry. Follow James McCarthy and GatherCo https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mccarthy-90a215140/ https://www.gatherco.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters 03:02 — Why Gather Co Built a Trade-Only Supply Business 06:00 — The Importance of Honesty & Long-Term Relationships 07:12 — Fighting to Survive: The Early “Say Yes to Everything” Mentality 10:30 — Why Strong Teams Matter More Than Founders Doing Everything 12:27 — Learning to Love the Journey of Building a Business 15:50 — The Story That Changed How Gather Co Worked With Clients 20:12 — Why Boundaries & Policies Are Essential for Growth 23:47 — Balancing Creativity, Timelines & Commercial Reality 25:07 — Why Gather Co Chose Digital Over a Physical Showroom 29:48 — Creating a Better Sample Process for Designers & Architects 34:18 — The Mindset Shift That Turned Problems Into Competitive Advantages 45:45 — Competition, Ego & the Fear That Still Drives Business Growth Keywords Gather Co James McCarthy Gather Co trade supply business scaling a supply business business growth mindset entrepreneurship podcast design industry podcast interior design business architecture and design industry supplier relationships in business business lessons for entrepreneurs creative business growth building a trade-only business online showroom strategy digital-first business model natural stone supplier trade-only supplier Australia business operations and systems founder mindset scaling a creative business business leadership lessons long-term client relationships architecture supplier insights design and construction podcast entrepreneurship in construction growing a product-based business

  • May 13 · 46 min

    40. Inside Folk Studio: People-First Design and the Discipline of No

    Colour gets the attention, but it is rarely where the real work happens. Mariah Burton built Folk Studio on something quieter than a signature aesthetic, a belief that the person living in the space is always the starting point and that the brief is never really the Pinterest board, the budget, or the timeline. It is the human being sitting across from you at that first meeting, and everything that flows from understanding them well enough to design something that genuinely feels like theirs. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Mariah Burton, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Folk Studio, a Sydney-based interior design practice recognised for its layered, expressive interiors and a client experience that feels as considered as the design itself. Eight years in, Folk is turning away more work than it takes on, the projects are more varied, the team is bigger, and yet the studio still feels unmistakably like Mariah. This conversation is about how that happens, how you build something that continues to grow without losing the thing that made it worth building in the first place. In this episode, we also covered this: • What it looks like to back yourself when nothing is guaranteed and you are building something from scratch with no real roadmap • How a casual conversation with a stranger became the project that changed everything for Folk Studio • Why the best design decisions are not always the most obvious ones, and how knowing when to stop is its own kind of skill • What staying true to yourself looks like when clients, budgets and timelines are all pulling in different directions • How to protect the thing that makes your work yours, even as your team grows and more people are involved • The quiet work that happens before a client ever gets on a call with you and why that part matters just as much as the design • What nobody tells you about the emotional side of running a creative business and how to find your footing when it gets heavy. If you enjoyed this episode, follow Behind the Design for more conversations unpacking the people, processes, and ideas shaping the design industry. Follow Mariah Burton and Folk Studio https://www.instagram.com/mariah.burton_/ https://au.linkedin.com/in/mariah-burton-281165ab https://www.folkstudiodesign.com/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters 02:20 - How Childhood & Creativity Shaped Mariah Burton’s Design Style 04:42 - The Early Career Lessons That Built Folk Studio’s Culture 06:28 - Landing Major Interior Design Projects in the Early Days 07:36 - Working 3 Jobs While Launching a Design Business 09:22 - The Confidence to Pivot a Client’s Vision Completely 10:24 - Building a Successful Interior Design Studio Without Pressure 11:37 - Creative Restraint, Color & Designing Functional Spaces 15:30 - Why Folk Studio Prioritizes People Over Trends 20:41 - How Folk Studio Chooses the Right Design Clients 27:31 - The Reality Behind Interior Design Photoshoots & Styling 31:56 - Balancing Business, Creativity & Mental Wellbeing as a Designer 39:10 - The Biggest Lessons From 8 Years Running Folk Studio Keywords interior design studio Sydney folk studio interior design starting an interior design busines show to build a design brand interior design client process color in interior design residential interior design Australia behind the scenes interior design design studio philosophy timeless interior design creative restraint in design how to start an interior design studio young saying no to clients as a designer interior design business starting a design studio interior designer tips design studio growth client selection design creative business advice interior design proces show to build a design brand design studio success creative entrepreneurship interior design career design philosophy working with clients design design business lessons folk studio mariah burton

  • April 29 · 39 min

    39. Inside Cosentino: How Stone Innovation Is Redefining Surfaces

    Most material decisions are still driven by aesthetics. But the real shift is happening in safety, performance, and sustainability, the layers a renovator or end user often doesn’t see, and rarely gets guided through. That’s the conversation missing across the broader industry. In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Erin Payne from Cosentino to explore how one of the world’s leading surface manufacturers is reshaping the future of architecture and interior design. From engineered stone to zero silica innovation, this is not just a conversation about benchtops. It is a conversation about responsibility. How materials are evolving, how decisions are made, and what designers need to understand to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting industry.With over 20 years as an interior designer before moving into the supply side, Erin brings a perspective most conversations miss. She understands both the creative intent and the commercial reality, and where they often do not align. In this episode, we also covered this: • Why “all stone is the same” is one of the biggest misconceptions in design • The real difference between engineered, natural, and ultra-compact surfaces • Zero silica and why this shift matters globally, not just in Australia • How performance is becoming as critical as aesthetics • What true sustainability looks like at a manufacturing level • The role designers play in educating clients and where it often breaks down • Where surface design is heading next and what to pay attention to If you enjoyed this episode, follow Behind the Design for more conversations unpacking the people, processes, and ideas shaping the design industry. Follow Erin Payne and Cosentino https://www.instagram.com/erin_payne_design/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-payne-a99783121/ https://www.cosentino.com/en-au Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_

  • April 15 · 42 min

    38. Details That Define Merivale: Secrets of Great Design with Nasim Köerting

    From chasing design milestones to discovering what truly makes work meaningful, this episode takes you behind the scenes of large-scale hospitality design. In this episode of Behind the Design Podcast, I chat with Nasim Köerting, Design Director at Merivale, about the realities of leading some of Australia’s most recognised hospitality projects. From her early career in London to managing complex, high-profile designs today, Nasim shares what it really takes to succeed at this level. We also explore a turning point in her career: the moment she realized that achieving awards and hitting milestones brought only brief excitement. What matters most is the experience of the process: seeing her team thrive, collaborating effectively, and watching people genuinely enjoy the spaces she creates. For Nasim, the real reward is the human impact of design, not the accolades and keeping creativity and collaboration enjoyable. This conversation goes beyond the finished product and dives into the choices, pressures, and mindset behind exceptional design. From balancing creativity with leadership to designing environments that feel thoughtful and inclusive, this is an honest look at what happens behind the scenes. Topics covered in this conversation: • Nasim’s journey from London to Design Director at Merivale • Managing the responsibility and pressures of large-scale design • Leading teams while staying creatively involved • Moving past the fleeting thrill of milestones to find lasting fulfillment • How collaboration enhances design outcomes • Designing spaces that feel welcoming and considered • The subtle details that make a space memorable If you want insight into what makes great design more than just a pretty photo, this conversation offers a candid view behind the scenes. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations that go beyond aesthetics and into the real thinking behind design. Follow Nasim Köerting and Merivale https://www.instagram.com/nasimkoerting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasim-k%C3%B6erting-78511a4a/ https://www.instagram.com/merivale/ https://merivale.com/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters 01:07 – Meet Nassim: Design Director Behind Merivale’s Iconic Spaces 02:09 – From Sydney to London: Building a Global Interior Design Career 03:51 – Landing a Dream Role at Merivale (Hospitality Design Insights) 04:46 – Leading Creative Teams in High-End Hospitality Projects 07:30 – Why Hospitality Design is About Experience, Not Just Aesthetics 10:21 – The Real Design Process: Collaboration, Ideas & Innovation 13:26 – Designing with Old Buildings: Creating “Lived-In” Spaces 15:12 – Diversity & Inclusion in Interior Design (Why It Matters) 18:47 – Small Design Details 27:32 – Redefining Success: Beyond Awards & Recognition in Design 32:14 – The Future of Design Keywords Merivale hospitality design interior design podcast interior design process design leadership creative careers interior designer interview design director hospitality interiors commercial interior design design inspiration interior design career hospitality design process managing creative teams design collaboration guest experience design experiential design human-centered design inclusive design adaptive reuse design imposter syndrome creatives

  • April 1 · 42 min

    37. Beyond Trends: Creating Timeless Design with Nelli Hegi

    “Design doesn’t need to please everyone. Designers like McQueen, Schiaparelli, and Margiela showed me that discomfort, exaggeration, and vulnerability aren’t flaws—they’re tools.” In this episode of Behind the Design, I talk with Nelli Hegi, founder and creative director of Hegi Design House, about creating furniture that’s more than functional, it tells a story. Nelli blends furniture, art, fashion, and architecture into bold pieces meant to spark emotion and conversation. We explore her journey of finding her voice, why she stopped chasing validation, and the lessons haute couture taught her about creativity and risk. As Nelli says, “Evolution isn't a lack of direction, it's part of finding your voice.” What You learn in this episode: → Finding and trusting your creative voice → Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, and couture → Making furniture that’s emotional and story-driven → Balancing craft, collaboration, and sustainable business → Connecting with clients through storytelling For anyone interested in expressive, personal design, this episode is full of insights on creating work that truly reflects who you are. Follow Nelli Hegi: https://www.instagram.com/hegi_designhouse/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelli-hegi-67704765/ https://hegidesignhouse.com/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters 02:00 – Signature Style vs Evolution 04:00 – Childhood & Personal Experiences 07:00 – Craftsmanship & Studio Life 10:00 – Haute Couture Inspiration 13:00 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Industry Pressure 16:00 – Creating Emotional Connections Through Furniture 18:00 – Storytelling & Client Interaction 20:00 – Dreams, Inspiration & New Collections Keywords interior design podcast furniture design inspiration how to find your design style creative confidence design design career advice how to get featured in design magazines design storytelling art vs commercial design building a design brand creative entrepreneurship behind the design podcast Camilla Ingall podcast Nelli Hegi Authentic Design

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