How did you get your start in architecture?

I always wanted to be an architect and used to go to open house inspections with my parents when I was younger. I would head straight for the brochures and floor plans, knowing that as soon as we got home I’d re-design them.

As I got older, I came to appreciate that this and the other things I brushed off as mere hobbies – like styling and decorating – could actually be a legitimate profession. I love houses and have always been fascinated by how people live and how a house becomes a home, so naturally gravitated toward interior design.

Studying at RMIT and working all the while, I was fortunate enough to land a position at SJB, one of Melbourne’s leading architectural and interior design practices, where I stayed on as a graduate.

I think, even then, I knew I wanted to start my own practice and that’s exactly what I went on to do some 15 years ago and I couldn’t be prouder of how it has evolved since then.

Have you always worked in this industry, or did you do something else previously?

Other than the odd job when I was younger, for me it’s always been about design, especially interiors. I’m fortunate that I recognised this early on and have spent my life immersing myself in this world.

What projects have you worked on most recently?

Working across residential, multi-residential, commercial and retail sectors on anything from styling to full blown renovations or even new builds, I am truly spoilt for choice.

At present, I’m really excited about our Portsea project. Located atop a cliff in Melbourne’s Portsea, this house is undergoing a total renovation and extension where only two walls and the ground floor slab were retained that will see us introduce a cantilevered glass pool on the first floor.

Then there are the ultra-lux trio of apartments that we just completed in South Yarra and the collection of Calibre, Politix and King Living retail fitouts that we are working on that provide endless creative opportunities.

And finally, we are collaborating with the likes of development icon Tim Gurner on a few high-end, bespoke multi-residential projects such as 74 Eastern Road in South Melbourne, which sold out in just 48 hours! Proving just how valuable design can be and the very real impression it makes on buyers.

What do you love about your job?

I love that every day is different and every project is different. No two clients are the same and each comes with their own specific needs, which keeps things exciting.

I also love, believe it or not, the nature of the industry and its ongoing evolution. Even in terms of the different issues that can arise on site - I love the challenge and problem solving aspect to this job and the ways in which it inspires innovation and creativity. I believe that anything is possible and am always pushing boundaries and testing limits to get the best result for my clients.

The real satisfaction for me though, is seeing the final product come to life and being able to see our vision in its built form – it is very rewarding.

What's your advice to a young person looking at getting into the same work?

This is a highly competitive industry and it can be quite hard to find your start, but I think dedicating the time to formal, tertiary education and really focusing on your technical skills and knowledge can make all the difference.

Whilst on the surface interior design may seem to be all light, bright and frivolous it is a serious profession that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It is all fine and well to come up with a pretty design, but it must be buildable and functional otherwise there’s just no point.

I always say that design is 10%, the rest comes down to making it work in reality. This aspect of the job can be just as enjoyable as the decorative side, but in order to be successful in this industry you must be passionate about the process as a whole and appreciate how each element plays into another to create the finished product.

Undertake practical experience, internships, anything that will get your foot in the door. Study the periods, designers, structures and furniture that captivates you and study those that don’t, widen your perspective, broaden your palette and learn what you can from the people you encounter along the way. It is a small world, relationships are everything, so get out there!

What would you like to see change in the industry?

I think the industry does a fine job of self-regulating, so I tend to focus on what can be done to ensure its constant evolution. As designers we are both a source of inspiration and motivation to each other. By looking beyond myself and bringing that global influence my aim is to do things differently and help others realise that there isn’t just one way of doing things.

Over the years I’ve learnt that trends will come and go and with them a suite of designers that are unable to adapt or move with the times. I pride myself and my practice on our ability to constantly evolve, whether its our customer service strategies, systems and processes or expanding our network of suppliers, materials, craftsman, artisans and manufacturers to ensure we remain at the forefront of the Melbourne and international design scene.

Where do you live now, and what's your dream home?

I currently live in an apartment in Melbourne, which I designed from the floor up. I love apartment living, from a design perspective the contained spaces mean you can often go a little more glamorous than what you would with a house.

Mine is a pure modernist space, layered with decorative edges - a little indulgent yet still very comfortable and elegant.

As for my dream home, it keeps changing. I would love a larger house with a garden, but the upkeep puts me off a little so I keep deferring back to my apartment – it’s lock and leave nature and all the convenience it affords me may just make it my dream home after all.

Read more:

Get to know Tisha Lee

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