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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 Collectivehttps://youreinvited.behindthedesignco.au/ Follow the guesthttps://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 everything01:00 Welcome to Behind the Design02:50 20 years of Woods & Warner03:51 IVF, bed rest and being forced to step back06:10 Mother guilt and a studio that supports motherhood08:27 Structure, chaos and a week in the studio09:24 Two directors, two lanes11:57 Settling creative disagreements13:01 The advice they ignored: one style, five suppliers15:21 No signature look: connection as the signature17:02 A word from Unfolded17:39 Budget problem or fear problem?21:23 The year they broke down in tears24:34 Hiring for passion27:12 Using AI to cut the admin30:07 Hire like a corporate: paid trial days32:28 The seven-bedroom job they never got paid for38:50 Contracts, staff and the 50% nobody sees40:43 Working with architects and builders45:37 A Belle cover and a hacked website48:45 The next 20 years49:56 Success, gratitude and taking the plunge interior designresidential interiorscreative businessdesign consultancyBehind the Design podcastCamilla IngallWoods and WarnerSonia WarnerJacinta WoodsSydney interior designerscharging for design feeshiring in a design studioworking mothers in businessBelle magazine ChaptersKeywords

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 designStefan’s journey in coming out and what happened when he finally didWhat years of hands-on joinery experience taught him that formal education couldn'tHow he built a referral-based business without chasing growthThe underrated power of setting boundaries with his workWhy the details behind great joinery matter more than most people realiseHow 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

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

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 businessWhy confidence often comes from taking action rather than waiting to feel readyThe reality of running a creative business while trying to maintain a life outside of workWhat burnout revealed about boundaries, people-pleasing and choosing the right clientsLearning when to say no and recognising when something simply isn't the right fitThe challenge of letting go, delegating and trusting other peopleWhy building a business can teach you as much about yourself as it does about businessWhat 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

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

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

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_

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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_