Behind The Design

Design doesn’t need to shout to make an impact.

In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall sits down with Daniel Boddam, founder of Daniel Boddam Studio, to unpack his philosophy of quiet living; a design approach rooted in restraint, calm, and deep respect for the Australian landscape.

Daniel shares his journey from architecture into furniture design, why he deliberately plays the long game, and how designing with nature (not trends) creates homes and objects that feel timeless, grounded, and human.

This conve...

In this episode, Camilla sits down with Stephanie Ferrara, founder of Laidback Lee Design, to explore how she built a growing design studio while renovating her own family home as an owner-builder and raising two young daughters. Steph shares how a Covid job cut sparked her leap into business, what she’s learned from flipping character homes, and how stepping onto site as a woman and now a builder has reshaped her confidence and communication.

Together, they unpack the realities of running a design studio in the thick of motherhood, delegation, renovation setbacks, and th...

In this episode, Camilla sits down with Dani Dean, founder of The Make Haus, to explore the evolution of her multidisciplinary studio, spanning florals, interiors, spatial design, commercial installations, and standout projects like the David Jones Flower Show.

Together, we unpack what it truly looks like to juggle creativity, business, and motherhood. Dani shares why she refuses to niche down, how she cultivates inspiration across disciplines, and why downtime is an essential part of her process, not a luxury.

Camilla also reflects on how burnout has surfaced in her...

This episode of Behind the Design features Troy Donovan, Principal Facade Designer at Prism Facades, whose work bridges architecture, engineering, and creative storytelling. From sketching in a notebook to leading large-scale projects with firms like Grimshaw Architects, Troy shares how facade design shapes the way we experience buildings, from the Sydney Opera House to the Australian War Memorial. He is based in New Zealand and leads his work from an office in Sydney.

In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Troy opens up about his design process, the importance of collaboration, and how the smallest...

This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality.

In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry.

Ex...

This episode of Behind the Design features Leon and Victoria Pirrello, the couple behind Vicello. What began in their garage has grown into a thriving joinery and design studio with a team, factory spaces, and a reputation for delivering bespoke interiors across NSW. Their journey is one of courage, collaboration, and saying yes to projects that stretched them well beyond their comfort zone.

They share how Vicello was built step by step - balancing marriage, parenting, and business - while carving out a niche in guiding clients through every stage of the joinery process...

This episode is a true reflection of creativity, resilience, and the beauty of turning life’s challenges into meaningful design.

In this episode of Behind the Design, we sit down with Jenn Bliss, the visionary behind some of Port Stephens’ most admired homes, including the much-loved Talm Beach House.

What began as a love for interiors sparked in childhood has grown into a career that blends design, renovation, and storytelling. Jenn shares her journey from Cape Town to the Australian coast, building a family business in construction and design, and creating spaces that feel deeply pers...

This episode is a true testament to the power of taking risks, following your creative instincts, and the beauty of building a business that reflects your passion. In this episode of Behind the Design, we chat with Laura, the creative mind behind Laura Rees Styling. What began as a leap into freelancing has grown into a thriving interior styling business, bringing unique and personal touches to spaces, from private residences to editorial shoots.

Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to the creative chaos of freelancing, balancing motherhood with styling, and highlighting the importance of working...

This chat felt especially authentic and creatively energising. What began as a passion project has unfolded into a full-bodied creative business: storytelling through space, reimagining nostalgic design moments, building community, and saying "why not?"

In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla sits down with Nina, the creative founder of Paloma Studios and the visionary behind That 70s Bungalow, to unpack how a personal renovation project blossomed into a soulful, full-time design business.

From DIY renovations in Newcastle to building an interior design brand rooted in emotion, storytelling, and bold aesthetics...

In episode 23 of Behind the Design, we sit down with Dimitri Vargas, the visionary behind a flourishing custom furniture business that specialises in handcrafted, Australian-made pieces. Dimitri shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting his career in the design world during the 2020 lockdown to now running a successful furniture company. He dives deep into his creative process, the challenges of managing a growing business, and the importance of local sourcing in the furniture industry.

We cover:

In this episode of Behind the Design, Jonathan Tsoupis takes us through his unique entrepreneurial journey, revealing the story behind his success in the tile and design industry.

From humble beginnings as a young tiling apprentice to building a thriving business, Jonathan shares insights into the evolution of his company, Studio xOx. He also dives deep into his mindset on business, work ethic, and the importance of local sourcing in today’s competitive landscape.

In this episode of Behind the Design, I sat down with my producer, Andrew for a candid Q&A session unpacking the real-world process of collaboration in the design and construction industry. 

From aligning with architects during early-stage planning, working seamlessly with builders to manage schedules and budgets, to guiding clients through joinery decisions - this episode reveals how intentional collaboration and communication transforms design concepts into practical, beautiful spaces. 

I share my insights on client engagement, communication pitfalls, and the secrets to delivering both functional and aesthetically compelling re...

Behind the Design welcomes the incredibly talented Montana Moore, a Sydney-based self-taught mixed-media artist whose creative journey spans from South Africa to Scotland, and now, the Northern Beaches of Australia.

From sculptural pieces to layered painted works, Montana’s art is deeply rooted in emotion, texture, and her profound connection to the natural world. In this episode, we explore her transition from corporate life to a full-time creative career, the transformative power of entering a creative flow state, and the behind-the-scenes realities of a thriving artistic career.

We also di...

In this episode, we sit down with Craig from Artisan Exterior, a leading name in natural stone surfaces for residential and commercial spaces, for a powerful conversation on creative leadership, brand building, and staying visionary in the fast-evolving world of interior design, architecture, and construction.

From humble beginnings—two mobile displays on utes and a single container of stock—Craig and his brother Chris carved their niche in the pool and landscaping industry through grit, precision, and an obsession with quality. While Chris has since moved into new ventures, Craig has quietly but powerfully stee...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Natalie from Pony Design Co., a powerhouse in commercial design, including hospitality and retail spaces. As the founder of a women-led business, Natalie shares her journey of carving out a space in the industry and leading with creativity, resilience, and vision.

We dive into client relationships, the importance of being on-site, and the hands-on experience that shapes a designer from the ground up. From long hours in the early days to founding and scaling a successful business, we explore the realities of growth, leadership, and na...

Nine years ago, Aidan Anderson was a carpenter with a passion for design. A single Instagram post with just 30 likes sparked what would become The Local Project - now one of the most influential digital design publications, amassing over 3 million followers. Today, he’s expanding the brand internationally, breaking into the New York market, and redefining the design and architecture media landscape.

In this episode, we uncover the real story behind The Local Project’s rise, going beyond the curated social media image to explore:

• How Aidan built a multi-million-follower brand from scratc...

In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Biancardi from Podia Development, whose journey from landscape design to property development is as inspiring as it is dynamic. With a rich creative foundation and a fearless drive to learn, Dominic shares how he broke into the industry, the role mentorship played, and the lessons he gained along the way.

We delve into the real story behind developers - the challenges, collaborations, and misconceptions - while exploring Podia's unique approach to creating spaces that matter. Dominic also offers insights for aspiring developers, the importance of empowering...

Join us for a deep dive into the world of interior design and luxury finishes with Adrian Zipevski, co-founder of Surface Gallery. From launching his business at just 17 to becoming a leader in the Australian tile industry, Adrian shares his journey and insights into selecting the perfect materials to elevate any project. In this episode, we explore how the Australian design community is a strong player in the design world, the power of collaboration between suppliers and designers, and the challenges of managing custom designs, lead times, and building trust in our client relationships. Adrian also opens up about the r...

In this episode of Behind the Design, I’m joined by the warm and expressive Anna Carin of ANNA.CARIN. With many years of experience in the design industry, Anna shares her insights on the do’s and don’ts of running a design business, and we discuss the role of AI in our industry, and the power of building authentic client relationships.She opens up about her personal story - a raw and honest reflection on how life’s challenges have shaped who she is as a designer and as a person.A thoughtful and inspiring conversation on design, trust, an...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hill of JSH Projects, a dynamic builder and developer based on the Central Coast.Our conversation dives deep into the hustle behind the design and the drive that fuels both his business and personal life. Justin’s energy, fast-paced approach, and commitment to fulfillment in his work and family life are inspiring.As a father of three and a go-getter in the building industry, he shares valuable insights on the intersection of design and construction, and the common threads of success that tie builders, developers, and designers together.

In Episode 12 of Behind the Design, we dive into the world of landscape design with Mitch Kushturian, the force behind Exotic Living - a well known landscape design studio on Sydney’s North Shore. Mitch reveals the impact of thoughtful design choices, from planting to final reveal, a process that often unfolds over years. He shares his honest, passionate approach to client expectations and the meticulous details that bring each garden to life. Perfect for renovators, new builds, and anyone who believes in the impact of nature to elevate an exterior or interior space. Tune in for a truly inspiring epis

Join us as we chat with Lucy Beaumont, owner and founder of Scout Pilates. Lucy’s journey started with a Bachelor of Design, followed by Health Science, and then teacher training, before visiting New York for inspiration and returning to Sydney to establish Scout Pilates & Yoga in St Peters.Lucy is currently working on Scout’s third location, creating another version of their warm, inviting, and community-focused studios. She highlights the crucial role her team plays—how the staff and instructors are integral to the Scout experience.From transforming raw concrete and brick into an inspiring community space, Lucy’s mission...

Mia Lake of Mia Lake Interiors shares her journey of balancing success in business, scaling her brand, and navigating motherhood. This episode is something different, as Mia, a fellow interior designer, joins me to explore how we, as designers, each bring our own distinctive approach to the table. We dive into what sets our services apart for clients and share insights on juggling daily demands while wearing all the hats.

Our latest guest Chris Walker, owner and co-founder of Nood Co, shares his incredible journey from his early days as a plasterer to now handcrafting concrete basins in Perth, Australia. In this episode of Behind the Design, Chris takes us back to his childhood, the early garage experiments with concrete, and the setbacks that ultimately led to Nood Co’s success. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the start and evolution of the brand, its global expansion, and the crucial supplier-designer relationships that drive the industry. Tune in for a story of resilience and finding your passion, all while staying true to...

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of prefabricated homes with Ed Callanan from Fab Prefab. We’ll explore how prefab construction is revolutionising the housing industry and discuss the innovative strategies used to maximize small spaces in interior design, and why it's so popular in the current climate. From efficient layouts to clever storage solutions, Ed shares insights on how his team have approached their customised offering and how smart design and specific materials can transform even the most compact spaces into functional and stylish living areas. Whether you're curious about prefab homes or looking for tips on o...

Join us for episode 7 of Behind the Design: a fun and insightful chat about the importance of building strong relationships with suppliers to ensure successful projects. Unrivalled Interiors shares their journey of creating a brand from scratch, celebrating their achievements as a married couple, insights into their completed and ongoing projects, and our collaborative efforts to achieve beautiful results for our clients. Connected and educational, this episode is packed with valuable tips, including specific stone types to work with and personal stories that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired.

We're excited to share episode six where we sat down with Luke Shadbolt from Luke Shadbolt Photography, a talented architectural photographer and artist.We discuss managing relationships while running your own business, staying open to professional opportunities, and Luke’s journey to becoming the successful photographer he is today. We also touched on the importance of focusing on what you love, sticking to your goals, and following your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation.

Join us as we sit down with Andrew, the owner and founder of Lou Projects, who is the driving force behind his successful building business. Andrew leads his team of seven with integrity, authenticity, and confidence, building not just homes but a positive industry culture. In this episode, we delve into the importance of good team culture, sustainability in construction, and what these values mean to Andrew. We also discuss the value of what we do, the vulnerabilities and challenges of running your own business, the importance of showing up, and share valuable advice for our younger selves. An inspiring...

We sit down with the talented Hugo, owner and head joiner at Huey Makes to discuss business, the design process and his unique approach to custom projects. We talk through the trust built between designer and joiner, and how it's integral to the success of custom interior projects. By combining our skills and expertise, we meet the brief and continue to create beautiful, functional, and high-quality spaces.

Very excited to be sharing our third episode on "Behind the Design" podcast! In this episode, we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between interior designers like us and our invaluable suppliers who help bring our projects to life. We're thrilled to have the dynamic duo, Jess and Rob from Loughlin Furniture, as our special guests.We discuss the importance of staying in our own lanes, how comparison is the thief of joy, and finding balance between personal and professional life as a business owner.Join us as they share insights into their journey, creative process, and the pivotal role...

In this podcast series, we dive into the details with our industry experts covering topics such as the creative process, latest design trends and how we, as an industry, work together to meet the brief and overcome challenges. We’re so excited to share episode two with you, where we interview Brent Fitzpatrick, architect and director of local architecture firm on the Central Coast, Fabric Architecture. We discuss Brent’s take on a successful client / architect relationship, how he started his journey in the design industry and the importance of acknowledging how interior designers and architects complement each other throughout the desi...

Our first episode is a conversation with Saul Myers, a local builder and renovator on the Central Coast. Such an incredible conversation around the builder designer relationship, how we approach our projects as a team and the humour we bring to get us through.  In this podcast series, we dive into the details with our industry experts covering topics such as the creative process, latest design trends and how we, as an industry, work together to meet the brief and overcome challenges.” Instagram handles:@saulymyers@unfolded_