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Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Thomas Hamel, founder of Thomas Hamel & Associates, is one of Australia’s most influential luxury interior designers, known for creating timeless interior design that bridges old world craftsmanship with contemporary living. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Thomas shares how his formative years in New York, London, and Europe — including time at the legendary Parrish-Hadley — shaped a design philosophy grounded in history, restraint, and enduring quality. This is a rare, deeply personal conversation about luxury interior design, the business of design, and why truly great interiors are built on relationships, service, and intuition — not trends. Key Takeaways: Thomas Hamel emphasises the significance of balancing historical elements with contemporary design, drawing from his diverse educational and professional experiences.Hamel credits his deep personal connections and serendipitous encounters with influential figures for his success in the interior design world.A staunch advocate for integrity in design, Hamel has chosen to prioritise depth and client relationships over pursuing widespread global expansion.Hamel's mentorship program highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers, focusing on experiential learning and personal growth.Hamel underscores the importance of passion, organisation, and a client-centered approach in building a successful design practice.Notable Quotes: "I live by being in other people's heads." - Thomas Hamel"It's all about the efficiency of, you know, the descriptions, the details, the cost, how it's then invoiced, how it's… it's that structure that's so crucial." - Thomas Hamel"It's nice to have one or two old souls in a room, but then it's got to have the twist." - Thomas Hamel"The most important word and what is required the most is passion." - Thomas HamelResources: Instagram @joem7816 Instagram @1stdibs Instagram @the_london_listThomas Hamel and AssociatesParish Hadley Luxury Interiors Timeless Interior Design Business of Interior Design Avoiding interior design trends History of Interior Design To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Kate Nixon went from Interiors Editor at Australian House and Garden to running her own design studio, bringing her storytelling skills along. She's not your typical interior designer—Kate runs her creative business using the Entrepreneurs Operating System and believes that systems will set you free, proving you can blend beautiful design with smart business structure. We're diving into her transition from magazines to design studio owner, how she's built a sustainable creative practice, and her philosophy on finding joy in the everyday. For anyone wondering how to turn creative passion into a thriving business, this conversation delivers. Key Takeaways: The EOS Framework: Learn how the EOS model has provided Kate Nixon with an efficient, systematic approach to managing and scaling her interior design business, amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.Vision and Values in Business: Nixon emphasises the importance of clearly defining and integrating core values into business processes and team culture, ensuring alignment and fostering a positive work environment.Balance of Creativity and Structure: Discover how systems and structure can enhance rather than limit creative freedom, allowing for more intuitive and impactful design work.Client and Team Dynamics: Effective client relationships and teamwork are built upon transparent communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, all of which are vital for successful project execution.Continuous Learning: Embrace the pivotal role of lifelong learning and adaptability in personal and professional growth, through identified blind spots and constructed feedback systems.Notable Quotes: "Businesses are business regardless of the industry you're in; the same principles of discipline and accountability apply.""Systems will set you free. It's about repeating success and filtering out what doesn't work to liberate time for creativity.""We are all on the same team, working together to make it better, which requires no ego.""Transparency around fees is crucial in ensuring clients understand the value exchange in service-based industries.""If you look for the good, you'll find it; if you look for the bad, you'll find it. It's about gratitude and finding everyday joy."Resources: Kate Nixon StudioEOS (Entrepreneurs Operating System): Learn more about this business model by reading "Traction" by Gino Wickman. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Jane Langof is a renowned feng shui consultant and author with a rich background in finance. Having transitioned from a career as an accountant in corporate Australia, Jane found her calling in the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, complementing her interest in interior design. She has penned the book "Feng Shui: A Homeowner's Guide to Abundance," and collaborates with architects and designers to harmonize energy flow in homes and community spaces. Jane advocates for creating environments that support personal well-being and prosperity, blending technical expertise with intuitive insight. Key Takeaways: Transition from Corporate to Feng Shui: Jane Langof shared her inspiring career transformation and the pivotal moments that guided her towards feng shui.Understanding Feng Shui: Discover how feng shui focuses on optimising energy flow in living spaces to enhance well-being and harmony.Applications in Design: Insights into how feng shui principles can be effectively integrated into architectural and interior design projects.Misconceptions Clarified: Jane addresses common misconceptions about feng shui and offers clarity on its practical and aesthetic integration.The Role of Intuition and Technical Skill: The balance between technical aspects of feng shui and personal intuition plays a crucial role in maximising its benefits.Notable Quotes: "I just had to kind of block out that noise and unlearn… that other people's opinions are not as important as my own.""Feng shui is about your relationship with your environment and how the energy in your surroundings can impact you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level.""I've worked in spaces before where people… lived not like normal people because their feng shui consultant didn't consider practicability.""The ideal is to have a space that is practical and beautiful… feng shui should really enhance your life, not create fear.""Creating an environment that doesn't let you get derailed… that's what living in alignment feels like to me."Resources: LinkedIn: Jane LangofFor more information on feng shui practices and consultations, visit Jane Langof's website.To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Storytelling in interior design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about emotion, intuition, and the courage to create a life of meaning. In this episode of Build Beautiful, London-based AD100 designer Peter Mikic joins Linda Habak to share his remarkable journey — from growing up in Queanbeyan, Australia, to becoming one of the most celebrated names in luxury interior design. From his early days in fashion at RMIT to designing hotels, homes, yachts, and private jets, Peter’s story is one of elegant risk, creativity without borders, and a deep belief that beauty is both art and feeling. He opens up about imposter syndrome, creative leadership, and what it takes to build a studio that honours craftsmanship, intuition, and soul. This is a conversation about courage, colour, and creating from the heart — one that reminds us that to build beautifully is to live beautifully. Key Takeaways: Storytelling in Design: Peter emphasises the importance of storytelling in interiors, drawing from his experiences in fashion and a life full of rich cultural influences.Creative Freedom: A central theme is the value of creative freedom, explored through Peter's work on diverse and ambitious global projects, including high-end residential and commercial spaces.Influence of Origin: Peter attributes his unique design perspective to his upbringing in Australia, highlighting the role of vibrant colors and natural light.Lessons from Fashion: The years spent in fashion taught Peter how to push creative boundaries, a skill he carries into his interior design projects.Embracing Imperfection: Despite his success, Peter discusses the importance of embracing self-doubt and imperfection as drivers of personal and professional growth.Notable Quotes: "Design is about storytelling. It's about building something lasting and doing it with heart.""Honestly, I think once you sort of train your own eye and you sort of believe in what you believe in, things sort of come together.""I always want everything to be just perfect… I must do better.""I like to understand what their skills are, the team, the team skills, because everyone has different skill sets.""I think Build Beautiful means to me it means to create a space that you feel safe in and a place where you can think."Storytelling in interior design, hotel interior design, imposter syndrome, interior design podcast, interview podcast Build Beautiful, luxury interior design, hotel design, Peter Mikic, Queanbeyan, AD100 designer, London interiors, creative leadership, design storytelling, interior architecture, craftsmanship, design thinking, colour and pattern, designer interview, fashion to interiors, Linda Habak To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Female Property Developer Jenn Sinclair shares how she moved from architecture into small-scale development, built a record-setting duplex on the Gold Coast, and why human-centred design beats square-metre maths. We unpack how to start in property development, building your A-team, feasibility basics, and the resilience it takes to thrive as a female property developer. In this episode you’ll learn: How to become a property developer (real steps for property development for beginners)Finding and evaluating sites, reading demand, and trusting your instinctsThe A-Team: builder, town planner, broker, accountant — who to call first and whyDesigning for families vs retirees: floor plans, multi-gen living, and ROI-driven finishesRecord-breaking duplex: the Gold Coast case study and lessons learnedCommunity impact: turning a meth-damaged house into a street that thrivesConfidence & imposter syndrome: navigating a male-dominated industry Female Property Developer Property development for beginners Successful women in property, Gold Coast + female property developer How to become a property developer Property development for beginners How to start in property development #FemalePropertyDeveloper #PropertyDevelopmentForBeginners #SuccessfulWomenInProperty #GoldCoastProperty #HowToBecomeAPropertyDeveloper #HowToStartInPropertyDevelopment #ArchitecturePodcast #DesignPodcast #DuplexDevelopment #BuildBeautiful To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! About the Guest: Caron Grunschlag is the co-founder of KE-ZU, an iconic designer furniture business to Australia's refined office, hospitality and commercial furniture spaces. With a unique background that spans psychology and finance, Caron has seamlessly transitioned into the design industry, bringing a blend of emotional intelligence and business acumen. She plays an integral role in nurturing cultures within the design community through initiatives like the indie group, where she creates supportive networks for architects, designers, and creatives. Key Takeaways: Emotional Intelligence in Business: Caron emphasises the profound role of emotional intelligence in fostering trust and managing relationships within professional settings.Embracing Failure: Viewing failure as a "First Attempt in Learning" contributes to personal and organisational growth, encouraging a mindset shift toward opportunities rather than setbacks.Community Building: Initiatives like the indie group highlight the importance of nurturing networks where professionals can connect, share insights, and grow together.Legacy and Advocacy: Caron's advocacy for neurodiversity through personal experience echoes the significance of building purposeful legacies in business and personal life.AI and the Future: Embracing AI as a transformative tool can lead to enhancements in business operations and strategy, requiring adaptability and strategic input.Notable Quotes: "Anxiety comes from not knowing what's expected. So, we work on systems so people know what's expected of them.""I don't want you to sell, do not sell. I just want you to ask questions. I just want you to understand the needs and match them.""I want to sleep at night. Integrity means the ability to rest, for goals for the long term, and fostering trust.""It's about assessing risk. You must pivot in adversity, examine losses, and remain adaptable to change.""Build Beautiful means momentum moving forward… with our senses and aesthetics and purpose and intelligence."Resources: KE-ZUBook: "Mindset" by Carol DweckMarshall Rosenberg's Non Violent CommunicationTo get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! About the Guest: Tammy Miconi believes your home should tell your story, not follow trends. As founder of Lot One Design, this talented interior designer's soulful approach prioritises emotional connection over Instagram-worthy aesthetics—and it's earning serious recognition, including her 2024 Interior Excellence Award nomination. Tammy's career journey hasn't been linear, but that's exactly what makes her design philosophy so authentic. Her work focuses on restraint, intention, and genuine client connection, ensuring every project becomes a deeply personal experience rather than just another beautiful space. Key Takeaways: Intention in Design: Tammy highlights the importance of basing design decisions on a comprehensive understanding of client needs rather than following trends, ensuring every aspect of a project is purposeful and relevant. Emotional Resonance: Creating spaces that feel right emotionally is as crucial as their physical appearance, focusing on how environments support and reflect the inhabitants' true selves. Personal Growth Through Challenges: Tammy shares lessons learned from business and personal hurdles, advocating for self-forgiveness and growth from failures rather than being defined by them. Authenticity Over Perfection: The episode underscores the courage required to maintain creative authenticity, particularly in industries that promote perfectionism. Client Connection: Emphasising the role of trust and open communication, Tammy explains her client-focused approach, anchoring her design process in building meaningful relationships. Notable Quotes: "This should be an enjoyable process for you. This should be fun. Most people only ever get to renovate once if they're lucky." "You're not even sure who you are… you grow up. Not really." "Build Beautiful means building with honesty and restraint." "Creating and creating for life." "My mum always says, don't hate something, it might be good for you." Resources: Tammy Miconi on Instagram: @lot1designLot One Design: Learn more about Tammy's design philosophy and current projects on their website. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Alix Helps breaks down interior design business foundations: profit, pricing, process, and pipeline—how to keep a design studio profitable through feast and famine. We cover P&L, Xero reconciliation, procurement markup, boundaries, and more.  Alix has spent 12 years proving that beautiful interiors and smart business sense aren't mutually exclusive. As founder of Alix Helps Interiors, Alix brings something most designers lack - serious business chops earned from running a successful family enterprise before switching to the creative world. Her spaces are known for their grace and meticulous attention to detail, but what sets Alix apart is her mentoring approach. She's passionate about teaching fellow designers that creating stunning interiors means nothing if your business is broke. This conversation explores balancing creativity with commercial reality, building sustainable design practices, and why financial literacy matters in Australia's competitive interior design scene. Key Takeaways: Financial Foundations: Alix underscores the importance of financial discipline, maintaining multiple bank accounts for business operations, and scrutinising income and expenditure to build a sustainable practice.Creative Endurance: Aligning business management skills with artistic vision is essential to remain relevant and resilient in the fluctuating world of design.Mentorship: Alix's commitment to mentoring stems from her desire to guide emerging designers in valuing their worth and realising financial success alongside creative fulfillment.Client Relationships: Establishing clear communication and boundaries with clients can significantly impact project success and personal satisfaction in the design profession.Authentic Success: Persistence, self-belief, and adherence to a sound structure are indispensable assets in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and achieving long-term creative success.Notable Quotes: "Profit is not a dirty word. Profit is actually essential because that's what's going to allow you to endure.""Sometimes the most powerful thing a designer can do is stay true.""Greatness is in the agency of others.""It's going to be harder than you thought, but it's also going to be more rewarding than you thought.""If you aren't here to make money and have fun, what are you doing here?"#InteriorDesignBusiness #DesignStudioFinance #BuildBeautiful Resources: Follow Alix Helps and her work on instagramBook Referenced: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Eva Marie Prineas is proving that sustainable design doesn't mean starting from scratch. As founder of Studio Prineas - a female-led, B Corp certified practice, Eva Marie's made her mark by breathing new life into existing structures rather than bulldozing them. In our conversation she reflects on the entrepreneurial path of building a practice rooted in sustainability, responsibility, and design depth. Her approach? Honour what's already there while creating something genuinely future-focused. From residential renovations to commercial projects, Eva Marie's team specialises in thoughtful architecture that goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials - it's about cultural and emotional responsibility too. This conversation explores heritage-sensitive design, building with restraint, and why Australia's architectural future lies in respecting its past. Key Takeaways: Restraint as a Design Principle: Eva Marie underlines the significance of restraint in architecture, emphasising that building less is often more impactful.Sustainability Beyond Materials: Sustainability is woven deeply into architectural practices, encompassing mindset, usage, and environmental responsibility.Heritage and Reinterpretation: Heritage design isn't about replication but creatively reimagining and respecting what already exists.Guiding Principal: A well-considered plan is fundamental as "the plan doesn't lie," with comprehensive forethought ensuring functionality and beauty.Cultural Connection: Eva Marie shares how her rich cultural upbringing and personal heritage deeply influence her work, creating spaces that resonate with history and contemporary needs.Notable Quotes: "The most important thing we can do is build less." - Eva Marie Prineas"Restraint is a design principle." - Eva Marie Prineas"It's not trend-driven, it's very much about there's meaning behind it." - Eva Marie Prineas"Sustainability is a mindset, not just a materials list." - Eva Marie Prineas"The plan doesn't lie. Just get the plan right and the rest will come." - Eva Marie PrineasTo get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected]. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Aidan Anderson, Founder of The Local Project, shares his entrepreneurial journey from carpenter to media visionary — a story of resilience, creativity, and business growth. He is putting Australian design on the world map. Aidan's transformed his love for craftsmanship into a global platform that's become the go-to voice for authentic architecture and design storytelling. What started with Aidan's hands-on background in furniture making has evolved into something massive - The Local Project now reaches international markets, including a serious presence across the States. But here's what makes Aidan different: he's never lost sight of celebrating genuine innovation and community connection. This conversation explores building authentic brands, scaling without losing soul, and why Australian design deserves global recognition. Key Takeaways: Aidan Anderson emphasises the value of storytelling in design and how authentic narratives fuel The Local Project's growth.The strategic use of video content during the rise of digital media has been pivotal in expanding The Local Project’s reach and influence.Aidan's leadership is defined by fostering community, supporting other creatives, and maintaining precision and excellence in The Local Project’s productions.The U.S. expansion underscores the global appeal of Australian and New Zealand design, as recognised by international audiences.Aidan’s open embrace of AI showcases his commitment to innovation and efficiency, aiming to enhance team capabilities and business operations.Notable Quotes: "I knew I wanted to create and pivot into the video world, but at the same time, like, video was so incredibly costly.""Audiences can pick up on authenticity and as soon as you start bending it, it's when you lose a lot of brand loyalty and audience trust.""The beauty of the content we do, it's raw, authentic, it's beautifully produced, but it is of a home and AI can't replicate that.""Build Beautiful to me just kind of feels like, just stay true to yourself. Design what you love for you, with you, for your family.""You need to sell the vision and the dream and use that as your vessel."Resources: The Local ProjectThe Local Project - YouTubeThe Local Project - InstagramAidan Anderson - LinkedIn  To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected]. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Sally Dan-Cuthbert, gallerist and creative entrepreneur, reveals the risks and vision behind building a gallery that champions art and design. About the Guest: Meet Sally Dan-Cuthbert, the art dealer blurring the lines between gallery pieces and functional design. Since launching Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert in 2019, Sally champions functional art you can actually live with not just admire from afar. From her days at Christie’s to building her own gallery, Sally’s obsessed with handmade quality and giving artists proper platforms across different mediums. This conversation explores her philosophy on making art accessible, navigating Australia’s competitive gallery scene, and why the best art is stuff you touch and use daily. Key Takeaways: Cultural Influence: Developing an early appreciation for art and culture through travel and familial influence has profound effects on one's creative and professional trajectory. Navigating Career Pivots: Embracing unexpected opportunities and taking calculated risks can lead to fulfilling and successful career paths in the art world. Value of Patronage: Supporting artists by purchasing artworks is a direct form of patronage that sustains their creative practices and contributes to the broader cultural landscape. Art Advisory: Advising on art involves understanding a client's taste and needs, ensuring that art acquisitions are meaningful, informed, and emotionally resonant. Art in the Digital Age: Technology and AI are reshaping the art industry, yet the human touch and creative mistakes integral to art-making maintain their irreplaceable value. Notable Quotes: “You can ask questions and be comfortable. And then at the end of the day, if you can afford it and you've got the place to put it… then just do it.” "It's the curiosity, so the curiosity of the artist exploring different ways, and that's what AI can't really produce." "Having these things around you does change you. And I don't think until people start actually bringing the works into their space that they realize how much it transforms their lives." "Trust your instincts… young people are so… they dart around, believing they can do anything." "Build holistically from the heart and the head." Resources: Gallery Sally Dan-CuthbertInstagram: Build Beautiful PodcastTo get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Interior designer and founder of Hare + Klein, Meryl Hare shares the journey of building a timeless interior design practice — a story of resilience, creativity, and legacy. Key Takeaways: Meryl Hare's design journey showcases the importance of intuitive decision-making and resilience amidst challenges.Emigrating from South Africa to Australia, Meryl established Hare + Klein and gained renown for timeless, intelligent designs.Collaborative relationships with clients and consultants are integral to achieving exceptional outcomes in interior design.Embracing trends selectively, while maintaining a focus on timeless elements, ensures lasting aesthetic appeal.Building a meaningful legacy involves advocating for the interior design profession and mentoring future generations of designers.Notable Quotes: "I'm never, ever satisfied. I think it's a little bit like an artist...if you think that you've done everything perfectly, then you probably won’t get better.""The jobs that have given me and our practice the most satisfaction have not necessarily been the biggest.""When I first came here, I remember the first architect I worked with said, oh, you're an inferior desecrator.""If it helps in the work that I'm trying to do through the DIA and recognition of registering interior designers...then I'm delighted.""Making people cry...that to me, that's the joy. That's the joy."Resources: Hare + Klein WebsiteHare + Klein on Instagram: @harekleinTo get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Build Beautiful is Where Design Meets Depth. This podcast is about the journeys of creative entrepreneurs - architects, designers, developers, artists, and cultural voices, who are building lives and businesses shaped with intention. Hosted by creative entrepreneur Linda Habak, each conversation looks beyond the surface of beautiful work to uncover the entrepreneurial path behind it: the resilience, the risks, the pivots, and the quiet moments that change everything. From architecture and interiors to art, culture, and property, Build Beautiful explores what it really takes to build a creative business - and a meaningful life. If you believe in creating with purpose and living with intention, you’ll feel right at home here. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].