Seada Linardi was motivated to start her own firm, SLAB Architecture, by a desire to be a 'girl boss', as well as by her interest in forming a creative hub.
Seada Linardi was motivated to start her own firm, SLAB Architecture, by a desire to be a 'girl boss', as well as by her interest in forming a creative hub.
What made you decide to become an architect?
I wanted to always be a designer. As a child I would sit for hours drawing my ‘dream house’.
You started SLAB in 2015, what made you want to go out on your own?
Not only did I want to be a 'girl boss' – I wanted to start a studio that was open to any creative individuals and any design discipline.
You’ve been quoted as saying you get a lot of your influence from fashion. How does fashion translate into architecture?
It’s the form on the piece that can be transformed into architecture. It’s about taking small elements such as the curve on a dress and applying it to a façade or interior element.
You grew up in Croatia. How does your European heritage influence your work?
I think as a European you have this natural instinct to make sure everyone is happy. So if my client is happy and puts their trust in me then we always end up with an exceptional product.
Its in the European nature to nurture and go over and beyond, I try to take these ideals into all of my work. Design is more than just creating beautiful objects, it’s about creating spaces and environments to share, love and live.
Can you tell us about your latest project, The Workshop by Oz Property Group?
I love this project! The existing site is an old warehouse and it has a beautiful front brick façade. Immediately we wanted to keep it even though it wasn’t heritage listed. We set in the new building in order to give it the respect between the old and new. The new building is broken up through shadow lines so that each loft reads as one and has its own identity. It’s also important for this building to assimilate and be part of the unique Collingwood community.
Where do you live now?
My husband and I are building a house in Collingwood or Colling'hood' as we like to call it. We are about 3 weeks away from moving in!
Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world?
My husband Jesse and I have just bought a beach house in St.Andrews Beach. We're just in the process of designing it. Ideally that’s where I want to end up. Eventually I want that to be our permanent house and not just our beach house. I want to grow old with my husband there.
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