Studio Tate is a Melbourne-based interior architecture practice committed to intelligent design of projects of varying scale, spanning new builds, renovations, refurbishments and fit-out projects. 

With a studio name meaning ‘cheerful’ in Norse, the practice is a partnership between Principal Interior Designer Alex Hopkins and business partner Carley Nicholls. Hopkins and Nicholls work hand-in-glove, each with their own areas of expertise, but with an integral understanding of the other’s responsibilities.

Established in 2014, Studio Tate has built an award-winning portfolio of work across a number of ‘Live, Work and Play’ sectors, including Adriano Zumbo’s high tea cocktail lounge Fancy Nance, cashless laundromat Powder Laundry in Melbourne, 5-star ‘Holism Retreat’ MGallery by Sofitel and the luxe public bathroom amenities for Chadstone, Australia’s largest shopping centre.

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Studio Tate is also a partner of Kay & Burton’s Concierge, a curated network of qualified professionals, tradespeople and creative talent designed to meet all property-related needs.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke with Alex Hopkins, Design Director, Interior Architecture of Studio Tate.

How do you feel working as a well-defined team has contributed to the success of Studio Tate?

I’ve always believed great design must go hand in hand with strategy and business. Our distinct but complementary leadership qualities in both design and business set us apart. The people, business and strategic focus is led by Carley, and I lead the creative design process of the practice. We are both passionate and driven, both aligned in what we want to achieve, from great design to forging a supportive training ground for talented designers. I genuinely believe this point of difference has facilitated our accelerated but sustainable growth.

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What attracted you to join Kay & Burton Concierge’s team of trusted referral partners?

Kay & Burton is an established and trusted entity, where we genuinely saw an alignment in terms of clientele. What attracted us to the concierge program was the opportunity for collaboration with likeminded individuals and businesses who were also part of the concierge team. Many of whom we work with across multiple projects.

What do you enjoy most about your profession?

I’ve always enjoyed the collaborative nature to design. Working alongside likeminded clients and collaborators and the positive relationships you develop from each project. The creative journey, the challenges that are thrown your way to deliver an outcome that is on brief and in budget. As the design director I appreciate being a part of the entire process, fostering the development of our team especially in junior team members. I also love working with the broader project team, consultants including services, branding, graphics, project management, legal, town planners, architects, landscape. In most cases it takes an army to achieve the perfect outcome - we appreciate and acknowledge everyone who is part of this process.

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How do you describe Studio Tate’s aesthetic and philosophy?

Studio Tate is driven by our belief in the importance of responsible and intelligent design, we set out to consistently deliver beautifully resolved, solutions-based outcomes that inspire. We embark on every project with a dynamic approach that is grounded in curiosity, a highly considered methodology, and a refined, polished finish.

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Studio Tate designs across multiple sectors - Live, Work and Play. Do you have a favourite? Which one?

I honestly don’t have a favourite project or sector however, if I had to choose, here are few projects that are close to my heart.

Armadale Residence II (residential) – This project was an absolute joy to work on due to my personal relationship with the client prior to Studio Tate being engaged.

Melburnian I (residential) - We had such a wonderful time with this client and have since formed a genuine friendship. This was also our first project to be published in a print.

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PDG (workplace) - Again the client was so wonderful to work with and allowed us to intelligently challenge the aspects to a ‘traditional’ office design. The end result was a design that facilitated collaborative and productive teamwork.

OC House (workplace) and Eva Tilley (aged care) - These two projects truly deliver our belief in social sustainability within design – great design should be accessible to any sector, with no limitations due to budget. Both projects are in the social sector, and we believe these sectors have the right to access intelligent design.

Holism Retreat (wellness) – This project was our first 5-star hospitality project where our design embodied the transformative process of a wellness experience. A truly fun project to work on!

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What would be your advice to a new client?

In all our projects it’s a priority for all to enjoy the process – to have fun, to be challenged, excited, and inspired. My advice would be to come along on the journey and trust your designer or architect.

How do you feel the events of 2020 will influence architecture and design?

As we work across many sectors, where you live (residential), work (workplace), and play (hotels), we have first-hand witnessed the impacts to each sector in one way or another.

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We found that the workplace sector in particular has been impacted the most. Positively! People are eager to get back to their office space, however, individuals and teams are using the spaces differently. As designers, our challenge is to create interiors that resonate with our experience driven culture. It is our role to work with the shift and adapt to suit the new ways in which people are returning to work.

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In hospitality, there has been pressure on operators to provide spaces that are of a high design quality, and I think this is going to continue as we crave the ability to go out for a meal with friends and family in an environment that looks unique, feels inviting and performs well in terms of acoustics.

With residential, individuals are naturally spending more time at home, particularly in Victoria. We are finding that people are critically thinking about how they want to use their space. The house needs to shift from purely providing respite and refuge to also adapt and support our work life.

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What is the most interesting brief you’ve been given by a client? Did you take on the project?

There are three unique briefs that come to mind. A bright and slightly unconventional laundromat, a luxe public bathroom and an experimental, fun cocktail lounge. What I love about these project is that we were able to inject a playful element to each. The ‘Powder Laundry’s’ the soft pink palette playfully evolved from the idea where that stray pink sock made its way into machine with the whites.

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For ‘Luxe Mall Amenities’ we were to elevate the restroom experience. Our inspiration was drawn from the neighbouring luxury fashion houses and sought to produce a design that reflected the attention to detail and quality materials found in their fashion pieces, in particular we drew inspiration from the ever-classic Louboutin shoe.

‘Adriano Zumbo’s high tea cocktail lounge’ was also an exciting project. A competition entry where we pitched the idea of pink flamingos having high tea, the client loved it!

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Who has been your greatest inspiration/influencer? Why?

I find inspiration comes from many places, the client, their customer, the brand, the local environment or sometimes something totally esoteric. There are many designers that I truly revere, Charlotte Perriand, Eileen Gray and Ray Eames all strong female design legends, who I believe have paved the way for us all within the industry.

Outside of interiors, I’ve always admired fashion icon Anya Hindmarch. A leading fashion designer and all-round inspiring women, I love her considered approach to sustainable design and fashion.

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Studio Tate mentors and encourages young designers through work experience. What advice would you give a newly qualified designer or someone thinking about a career in design?

Not only are we passionate about the creation of intelligent interior architecture that inspires, we also strive to nurture a collaborative environment where young designers can learn and grow. Carley and I enjoy mentoring young designers within the studio, as well as through work experience programs.

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I would encourage any young designers to gain as much work experience as possible. Don’t be afraid to explore a range of creative studios with various focuses, for example graphic design, interior design, architecture and landscape design. Having these varied experiences will enable you to excel in your career.

Is there something that would surprise our readers about you? 

When I was at high school, I won a once in a lifetime writing competition. The prize was the opportunity to run with the Olympic torch as part of the opening ceremony for the Sydney Olympics – I still have my uniform!

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