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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 Langof
• For more information on feng shui practices and consultations, visit Jane Langof's website.

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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

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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: 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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 instincts
• The A-Team: builder, town planner, broker, accountant — who to call first and why
• Designing for families vs retirees: floor plans, multi-gen living, and ROI-driven finishes
• Record-breaking duplex: the Gold Coast case study and lessons learned
• Community impact: turning a meth-damaged house into a street that thrives
• Confidence & 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

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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-ZU
• Book: "Mindset" by Carol Dweck
• Marshall Rosenberg's Non Violent Communication

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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: @lot1design
• Lot One Design: Learn more about Tammy's design philosophy and current projects on their website.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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:

1. "Profit is not a dirty word. Profit is actually essential because that's what's going to allow you to endure."
2. "Sometimes the most powerful thing a designer can do is stay true."
3. "Greatness is in the agency of others."
4. "It's going to be harder than you thought, but it's also going to be more rewarding than you thought."
5. "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 instagram
• Book Referenced: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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:

1. "The most important thing we can do is build less." - Eva Marie Prineas
2. "Restraint is a design principle." - Eva Marie Prineas
3. "It's not trend-driven, it's very much about there's meaning behind it." - Eva Marie Prineas
4. "Sustainability is a mindset, not just a materials list." - Eva Marie Prineas
5. "The plan doesn't lie. Just get the plan right and the rest will come." - Eva Marie Prineas

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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:

1. "I knew I wanted to create and pivot into the video world, but at the same time, like, video was so incredibly costly."
2. "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."
3. "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."
4. "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."
5. "You need to sell the vision and the dream and use that as your vessel."

Resources:

• The Local Project
• The Local Project - YouTube
• The Local Project - Instagram
• Aidan Anderson - LinkedIn 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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-Cuthbert
• Instagram: Build Beautiful Podcast

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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:

1. "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."
2. "The jobs that have given me and our practice the most satisfaction have not necessarily been the biggest."
3. "When I first came here, I remember the first architect I worked with said, oh, you're an inferior desecrator."
4. "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."
5. "Making people cry...that to me, that's the joy. That's the joy."

Resources:

• Hare + Klein Website
• Hare + Klein on Instagram: @hareklein

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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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 Studio
• EOS (Entrepreneurs Operating System): Learn more about this business model by reading "Traction" by Gino Wickman.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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Refugee Roots to Merivale Design Director: Nasim Koerting on Creative Freedom

In this episode of Build Beautiful, Refugee Roots to Merivale Design Director: Nasim Koerting on Creative Freedom, Nasim Koerting shares how her refugee background shaped her identity, leadership style, and creative direction at Merivale — Australia’s most iconic hospitality group. From migrant identity and self-worth to creative freedom, intuition in design, and leading large-scale hospitality projects, this is a deeply personal conversation about building atmosphere, soul, and meaning into public spaces.

As Design Director at Merivale, Nasim works across some of Australia’s most recognised venues, helping shape spaces that are known not just for their style, but for their emotional impact. We explore what it means to design from intuition, how constraints can elevate creativity, and why the journey matters more than the outcome.

If you are a designer, creative, migrant child, or anyone navigating identity and ambition, this conversation will resonate.

In This Episode:
00:00 – Introduction: From Refugee Roots to Merivale

01:20 – Discovering interior architecture by accident

03:00 – Growing up as a migrant child in Australia

05:55 – Breaking cultural expectations in creative careers

09:50 – The pressure to prove yourself as a refugee’s child

11:03 – Publication, ambition, and the myth of “making it”

14:20 – Moving overseas: Israel, Spain, and London

16:38 – Creative direction in London and non-linear career paths

17:40 – The call from Merivale

18:13 – Leading design at scale across iconic hospitality venues

19:51 – Creative freedom vs brand and business constraints

21:00 – Sourcing vintage pieces in France

23:36 – When design mistakes become breakthroughs

25:42 – The collaborative Merivale design process

31:26 – Why Merivale built an in-house design team

32:21 – Living with your spaces and constantly evolving them

36:31 – Where creativity really happens

38:36 – Leadership, self-doubt, and managing large teams

41:12 – Burnout, boundaries, and reclaiming creative energy

45:45 – Advice to young designers from migrant backgrounds

53:25 – What “Build Beautiful” means to Nasim

Connect with Nasim Koerting 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasimkoerting/

Connect with Build Beautiful

Instagram: @buildbeautiful_podcast

Website: buildbeautifulpodcast.com

Subscribe for more conversations about design, property, art, and the people behind the work.

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How does an online art gallery grow into one of Sydney’s largest contemporary gallery spaces?

In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Sophie Vander, founder of Curatorial & Co., to explore her journey from launching an online art gallery in 2015 to building one of the most visible and welcoming contemporary art galleries in Sydney.

Located on William Street, Woolloomooloo, Curatorial & Co. is known for its floor-to-ceiling glass frontage, accessible approach to art, and commitment to supporting emerging Australian artists. But Sophie’s story is more than business growth — it’s about vision, motherhood, leadership, and redefining what a modern art gallery can be.

We talk about pricing transparency in the art world, scaling a creative business, opening a gallery in March 2020 just as COVID hit, building an art consultancy arm, and expanding into international art fairs.

This is a conversation about courage, accessibility, and building something meaningful — slowly, intentionally, and with heart.

About Sophie Vander
Sophie Vander is the founder of Curatorial & Co., a Sydney-based contemporary art gallery that began as an online art platform in 2015. Today, Curatorial & Co. operates one of Sydney’s largest gallery spaces and supports emerging and mid-career Australian artists through exhibitions, art consultancy, and international art fairs.

Her work sits at the intersection of curation, entrepreneurship, and motherhood — building a business while raising four daughters and redefining accessibility in the art world.

Connect with Sophie & Curatorial & Co.

Website: https://curatorialandco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatorialandco/

Location: 80 William Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney

Connect with Build Beautiful

Instagram: @buildbeautiful_podcast

Website: buildbeautifulpodcast.com

If you’re interested in contemporary art, Sydney art galleries, emerging Australian artists, art consultancy, women in business, or creative entrepreneurship — this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations about design, property, art, and the people behind the work.

Together — we build beautiful.

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One moment changed everything - architect Carla Middleton saved her husband’s life during a sudden cardiac arrest. What followed was trauma, burnout, and the slow, intentional work of rebuilding her nervous system, her life, and a thriving architecture practice.

In this deeply honest conversation, Carla shares how meditation, nervous system regulation, and values-led leadership helped her move through trauma and why success without wellbeing is not sustainable. This episode is for anyone navigating burnout, creative pressure, or building a business after a life-altering moment.

Topics include trauma recovery, burnout recovery, transcendental meditation, nervous system regulation, and the real life of an architect running a successful practice.

#BurnoutRecovery #TraumaHealing #NervousSystemRegulation 

#Meditation #TranscendentalMeditation #LifeOfAnArchitect 

#WomenInBusiness #CreativeLeadership #BuildBeautiful

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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:

1. "I live by being in other people's heads." - Thomas Hamel
2. "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
3. "It's nice to have one or two old souls in a room, but then it's got to have the twist." - Thomas Hamel
4. "The most important word and what is required the most is passion." - Thomas Hamel

Resources:

• Instagram @joem7816
  Instagram @1stdibs
  Instagram @the_london_list
• Thomas Hamel and Associates
• Parish Hadley

Luxury Interiors

Timeless Interior Design

Business of Interior Design

Avoiding interior design trends

History of Interior Design

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Darren Genner, co-founder of Studio Minosa, is one of Australia's most awarded interior designers — a man who began his career on a factory floor producing 34 kitchens a day, and built one of the country's most quietly powerful design studios over 24 years. Alongside his partner Simona, his studio is known for its signature approach to 3D visualisation, its "Design Life Better" philosophy, and an unwavering belief that great design starts with function — not finish.

This is a conversation about what it means to build a creative life from the ground up. From sawdust and apprenticeship to bespoke interiors, award-winning process, and the resilience required to survive the GFC, a studio robbery, and the strange fog that followed Covid. It is also — in the most unexpected and moving way — a love story.

In this episode, we explore:

• How a kitchen factory apprenticeship on a production line became the unlikely foundation of a world-class design philosophy
• The mentor who told a young Darren: "A chef will never tell you the ingredients" — and why watching became his greatest tool
• Meeting Simona at a Poliform showroom — the chance connection over Italian kitchens that changed everything
• Starting Studio Minosa with $400, a shared dinner idea, and a water-conscious Corian washbasin called the Puddle Scoop
• The white box method: stripping all colour from 3D renders so clients can truly understand space, function and scale before choosing materials
• Why being an early adopter of 3D visualisation — long before SketchUp — gave Studio Minosa a 24-year competitive edge
• The bad client experience that forced them to rethink contracts, communication, and the courage to have hard conversations
• How the GFC, a studio robbery, and the post-Covid slump each tested — and ultimately forged — their resilience
• The "Design Life Better" tagline: not a catchphrase but a moral compass, developed with a Nike brand strategist in 2016
• Hiring for personality over skill, building a team that stays for 10+ years, and why fewer clients done better is now the goal

Why this conversation matters

In an industry that often chases aesthetics over substance, Darren Genner is a reminder that the most enduring design practices are built on craft, curiosity, and the courage to put process before polish. Twenty-four years in, Studio Minosa is proof that when you genuinely design life better — for your clients and for yourself — the work takes care of itself.

If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe and share — it helps Build Beautiful continue to tell deeper stories from the world of design, architecture and creative life.

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Alexandra Donohoe Church is one of Australia's most sought-after interior designers — founder of Decus Interiors, a Sydney-based studio she has led for over 16 years that has become synonymous with a rare kind of beauty: restrained, layered, and deeply felt. Her work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Vogue Living, and Belle. But what sets Alexandra apart is not her portfolio — it's how she thinks. She grew up between Sydney and Seattle, came to design via landscape architecture, and built a business starting alone from her apartment in 2009. That she now leads a team of 10–12 on some of Australia's most exquisite residential projects is both a triumph of vision and a testament to something quieter: the courage to do less, not more.

In this episode of Build Beautiful, we go beneath the surfaces Alexandra creates — into the psychology, discipline, and emotional intelligence that make her work unforgettable. This is a conversation about what it means to truly listen. To read a client's life, not just their brief. And to build a studio — and a creative self — that lasts.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up between Sydney and Seattle — and how living across cultures shaped her eye for space
• The unexpected path from landscape architecture to interior design — and why she never looked back
• How she reads between the lines of a client brief: decoding desire, not just preference
• What clients think they want vs. what they truly need — and the art of delivering both with integrity
• Creating 'tension in a space' — why conversation between art, furnishings and architecture matters more than matching
• The psychology of restraint: why editing is her most powerful design tool
• Running a studio for 16 years — what she's outgrown, what she's fiercely protected, and what's kept her going
• The emotional weight of creative leadership — and the discipline required to carry it with grace
• Her obsession with detail: the proportions, edges, and grooves most people will never consciously notice
• What 'building beautiful' means to Alexandra — in work, and in life

Why this conversation matters

In a design world saturated with trend cycles and visual noise, Alexandra Donohoe Church offers something rare: a practice built on discernment, psychology, and restraint. Her philosophy — that great design is an extension of the client's inner world — is a reminder that the most enduring spaces are not designed to impress, but to hold. At a time when authenticity is more sought-after than spectacle, this conversation is a masterclass in what truly matters.

About Alexandra

Alexandra Donohoe Church is the founder of Decus Interiors, a Sydney-based interior design studio she established in 2009. Over 16 years, she has built a reputation for creating luxury residential interiors that balance refined beauty with the unexpected — resisting signature style in favour of deeply personalised spaces that feel like extensions of their inhabitants. Her work has been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Design Anthology, Vogue Living, and Belle. She leads a team of 10–12 designers on high-end residential projects across Australia and internationally.

Decus Interiors website: decus.com.au

Instagram: @decusinteriors

As featured in: Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration, Design Anthology, Vogue Living, Belle

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Kym Elphinstone | How to Collect Art: A Curator's Guide to Living with Art

Kym Elphinstone is the founder of Articulate, one of Australia's most respected contemporary art and culture agencies, and the author of Collecting and Living with Art. A lawyer turned curator, advisor and strategist, Kym has spent her career immersed in the art world — from the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and New York's New Museum to building audiences for the Biennale of Sydney, the Venice Biennale, Sydney Contemporary, the NGV and private collectors across the country.

In this episode of Build Beautiful, Kym reframes art not as luxury or decoration, but as language — a way of seeing, feeling and remembering. For anyone who has ever hesitated at the threshold of a gallery wondering where to start, this is a warm, expert invitation to walk in.

In this episode, we explore:

• Kym's unlikely path from law in London to a life in contemporary art
• The "baptism by fire" years at MCA Australia working on 12–15 exhibitions a year
• Founding Articulate sixteen years ago — with the Biennale of Sydney as first client
• Why she wrote Collecting and Living with Art — and the foreword by John Kaldor
• "There are no wrong answers" — the biggest myth about how to start collecting
• Walking into a gallery for the first time — why gallerists genuinely want you there
• Fostering, not owning: collecting as a form of custodianship for future generations
• The King's College London study proving art physically changes us — heart rate, cortisol, inflammation
• Understanding the value of art — artist reputation, galleries, career milestones and the market
• Why emerging artists need collectors most, and how to spot a singular point of view
• Sydney Contemporary as "time travel for art" — 45 minutes to take the pulse of the sector
• Advice for designers and architects: commission artists early in the design process, not at the end
• How to help clients see the value of a $50,000 artwork the way they see a $50,000 sofa
• Kym's most cherished piece — an Oliver Wagner canvas made from house-paint dust

Why this conversation matters

In design and architecture, art is too often the final decorative layer — if it is considered at all. Kym Elphinstone offers a quietly radical counterpoint: art should be part of the conversation from the very beginning of a home, a career, a life. For designers, architects and anyone wondering how to begin collecting, this is an expert, unintimidating invitation into the art world — and a reminder that living with art changes how we feel inside our own spaces.

About Kym

Kym Elphinstone is the founder of Articulate, a Sydney-based agency specialising in contemporary art, culture and design. A lawyer who left London for the arts, Kym held senior roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia — including on secondment at New York's New Museum on the Bowery — before launching Articulate sixteen years ago. Articulate's clients span the Biennale of Sydney, the Australia Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (including the 2024 Gold-Lion-winning Archie Moore / kith and kin presentation), Sydney Contemporary, the NGV, Nonsingular in the Southern Highlands, and a growing roster of private collectors. Her book, Collecting and Living with Art, features 26 Australian collectors and opens with a foreword by John Kaldor.

Watch / Listen

▶️  Watch the full episode on YouTube

🎧  Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe and share — it helps Build Beautiful continue to tell deeper stories from the world of design, architecture and creative life.

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Brooke Aitken is one of Sydney's most quietly powerful voices in residential design — a Registered Architect AND Interior Designer who has spent 21 years building Brooke Aitken Design into one of the few practices in the country with the rare ability to both build a home and furnish it. But somewhere in the middle of that journey, on a panel in front of an audience, she said something that stopped the room cold: “I was happy. But I was broke.”

This is the conversation every creative who has ever wondered if their craft will ever pay off needs to hear — an unflinchingly honest reckoning with the gap between award-winning work and a sustainable business, and what it actually takes to close it.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Brooke walked away from a place in medical school to pursue architecture — and the moment she “cut my hair off, dyed it white blonde” and went all in
• Inside the legendary DCM years: being project architect on the interiors of the Melbourne Museum at the very start of her career
• Founding Brooke Aitken Design in 2004 with no business training, no marketing, and clients already waiting at the door
• “I was happy but broke” — what rock bottom actually looked like ten years in, while going through IVF, undiagnosed endometriosis, building her own home, and paying her staff before herself
• The Business of Design podcast moment that changed everything — and why Brooke now sits in a peer mastermind comparing real figures every six months
• Daniel Priestley’s “11 touchpoints” rule, and how Brooke rebuilt her entire marketing engine around it after a decade of hiding her work behind bad photography
• “Soft Modernism,” slow architecture, and why she’ll usually fight to save a 70s building rather than knock it down
• Inside the studio: a sister, a “design alumni” WhatsApp group, design charrettes, and why “no one has just one problem”
• “Systems will set you free” — the Asana templates and operating system every creative business owner should steal
• ChatGPT, Midjourney and how an architect known for craft is quietly experimenting with AI
• What she would tell her younger self — and why she still insists success “hasn’t happened yet”

Why this conversation matters

In a design industry that polishes every portfolio and hides every struggle, Brooke Aitken does something rare: she tells the truth. For any architect, designer or creative business owner who has ever wondered why beautiful work isn’t translating into a beautiful life, this is the conversation that names the gap — and shows what’s possible on the other side.

About Brooke

Brooke Aitken is the founder and Principal of Brooke Aitken Design, a Sydney-based studio she has led for over 20 years from her base in Ultimo. A registered architect and interior designer — one of the few in the country who delivers both — she is known for an aesthetic she calls “Soft Modernism”: contemporary, considered, deeply liveable spaces shaped by the brief, the building and the way people actually live. Her work spans heritage homes in Sydney’s east, sustainable rejuvenations of mid-century houses, and award-winning international projects in San Francisco and Palo Alto. She is also the founder of Rill + Stone, a homewares brand whose internationally awarded rug collection is made in collaboration with Tsar Carpets.

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Helen Lynch and Karyn McRae, co-founders of McRae & Lynch Design, have been in business together for thirty years. They met on the first day of design school, started taking on projects while they were still studying, and have since built one of Sydney's most quietly enduring interior design practices, spanning residential, medical, hospitality, and even cruise ship interiors for Carnival.

In this episode of Build Beautiful, Helen and Karyn share what three decades of partnership has taught them about resilience, reinvention, and charging your worth. It is a conversation about friendship as foundation, the unglamorous parts of building a creative business, and what it really means to design for the long game.

In this episode, we explore:

• How a chance hand wave on the first day of design school became a thirty-year creative partnership
• Helen's path from primary school teaching into interior design, and Karyn's beginnings in architectural drafting at Inscand Design
• What makes a design partnership actually work, and why mutual respect, shared values and morning therapy sessions matter more than rigid role descriptions
• Designing cruise ships for Carnival across five years: dry dock, IMO certification, boiler suits, and being the only women on the ship
• Why they had to rebuild the business from scratch after the cruise ship era ended, and what that humility taught them
• The reinvention behind going back to study during COVID to become registered building designers, and why interior designers still fight for recognition in Australia
• The two-year nudge from their business coach into podcasting, the imposter syndrome that nearly stopped them, and the moment they realised authenticity outperforms polish
• Going on Aussie Build for Channel 9 Life, finding sponsors in six weeks, and what television taught them about being themselves on camera
• Charging your worth: the spreadsheet that changed everything, the twenty percent contingency rule, and why a one hundred percent strike rate means you are undercharging
• What 'build beautiful' means when you have spent thirty years designing for other people's lives, and why the goal is shoulders dropping at the front door

Why this conversation matters

In an industry obsessed with overnight success and polished feeds, Helen and Karyn offer something quieter and rarer: a thirty-year case study in patience, partnership and reinvention. Their story matters now because the path they walked, slow growth, hard pivots, going back to study late, learning to charge what you are worth, is the one most creative business owners are actually on, even if no one talks about it.

About the guests

Helen Lynch and Karyn McRae are the co-founders of McRae & Lynch Design, a Sydney-based interior design and building design practice they have run together for thirty years. Their work spans high-end residential, medical and dental fit-outs, hospitality and clubs, and a five-year body of cruise ship interior work for Carnival. They are also the hosts of Two Gins in a Designer's Perspective, which won Best Design Podcast at the 2025 Australian Podcast Awards, and recently appeared as the design duo on Aussie Build for Channel 9 Life. Both are newly registered building designers, certified to work on Class 2 buildings, an accreditation few interior designers in Australia hold.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

McRae & Lynch Design: mcraelynchdesign.com.au

Instagram: @mcraelynchdesign

Two Gins in a Designer's Perspective podcast (Best Design Podcast, 2025)

Aussie Build, Channel 9 LifeDesign Centre Enmore (formerly the Randwick design school referenced in the episode)

Design Institute of Australia (DIA)

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Silvana Azzi Heras is the founder of House of Heras, a Sydney-based textile and interior design studio known for its maximalist, emotionally rich patterns rooted in folklore, flora, and cultural memory. Born in Lebanon and raised in Australia from the age of two, Silvana was the youngest of five in a family of doctors, surgeons, engineers, and academics — the black sheep, as she calls herself, but the kind that glimmers in the light. Before founding her studio, she spent over a decade as head designer at Bazmark, the creative company of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, working across Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby, Australia, La Bohème on Broadway, and The Get Down for Netflix — designing everything from film titles and posters to hotel rugs for the Faena in New York.

This is a conversation about what it takes to follow your instincts when the world expects something safer from you. About how heritage shapes the motifs you create, how cinema teaches you to see, and what happens when you finally back yourself and build something entirely your own.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up Lebanese-Australian: arriving in Sydney at age two, navigating identity, and returning to Beirut at 35 to understand her parents' resilience
• Being the 'black sheep' youngest of five — how family pressure shaped the long road to design
• Starting with a Bachelor of Welfare Studies, meeting her husband there, and going back to university as a mature-age student to study design
• The phone call that changed everything: how a university lecturer put her name forward for Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's studio
• Life inside Bazmark — researching Moulin Rouge! in Paris, drinking absinthe, walking the streets, and building a world from scratch
• The Gatsby baby — her water breaking on the last day of filming The Great Gatsby
• Going to Cannes twice and the Oscars twice, including helping Catherine Martin dress Beyonce
• Designing over 200 rugs for the Faena Hotel New York, in collaboration with Peter Mikic
• Founding House of Heras — filling a gap for maximalist, culturally rich design in a minimalist market
• Pre-visualisation as a design practice, the art of knowing when to stop, and why there are no shortcuts

Why this conversation matters

In a design world that often rewards restraint and minimalism, Silvana Azzi Heras is doing something rarer: making work that holds memory, carries culture, and takes emotional risks. Her story is also a reminder that the creative path is rarely linear — that detours, late starts, and unexpected phone calls are often the beginning of something extraordinary.

About the guest

Silvana Azzi Heras is the founder and creative director of House of Heras, a Sydney-based design studio specialising in textiles, rugs, wallpaper, and interior design. She spent over a decade as head designer at Bazmark, the production company of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, working across some of the most visually ambitious films and productions of the past two decades. Her textile collections are stocked internationally and she has designed for the Faena Hotel New York, Designer Rugs, Milton & King, and CB2 in the United States. House of Heras is expanding into commercial interior design, and a new Axminster rug collection is due for release later in 2026.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

House of Heras website: houseofheras.com

Instagram: @houseofheras and @silvanaazziheras

Designer Rugs: designerrugs.com.au

Milton & King wallpaper: miltonandking.comCB2 

(US): cb2.com

Faena Hotel New York: faena.com/new-york

Peter Mikic: mikicdesign.com

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials: 

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.