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by Camilla Ingall
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- 5 days ago46 min
40. Inside Folk Studio: People-First Design and the Discipline of No
Colour gets the attention, but it is rarely where the real work happens.Mariah Burton built Folk Studio on something quieter than a signature aesthetic, a belief that the person living in the space is always the starting point and that the brief is never really the Pinterest board, the budget, or the timeline. It is the human being sitting across from you at that first meeting, and everything that flows from understanding them well enough to design something that genuinely feels like theirs.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Mariah Burton, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Folk Studio, a Sydney-based interior design practice recognised for its layered, expressive interiors and a client experience that feels as considered as the design itself.Eight years in, Folk is turning away more work than it takes on, the projects are more varied, the team is bigger, and yet the studio still feels unmistakably like Mariah. This conversation is about how that happens, how you build something that continues to grow without losing the thing that made it worth building in the first place.In this episode, we also covered this:• What it looks like to back yourself when nothing is guaranteed and you are building something from scratch with no real roadmap• How a casual conversation with a stranger became the project that changed everything for Folk Studio• Why the best design decisions are not always the most obvious ones, and how knowing when to stop is its own kind of skill• What staying true to yourself looks like when clients, budgets and timelines are all pulling in different directions• How to protect the thing that makes your work yours, even as your team grows and more people are involved• The quiet work that happens before a client ever gets on a call with you and why that part matters just as much as the design• What nobody tells you about the emotional side of running a creative business and how to find your footing when it gets heavy.If you enjoyed this episode, follow Behind the Design for more conversations unpacking the people, processes, and ideas shaping the design industry.Follow Mariah Burton and Folk Studiohttps://www.instagram.com/mariah.burton_/ https://au.linkedin.com/in/mariah-burton-281165abhttps://www.folkstudiodesign.com/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters02:20 - How Childhood & Creativity Shaped Mariah Burton’s Design Style04:42 - The Early Career Lessons That Built Folk Studio’s Culture06:28 - Landing Major Interior Design Projects in the Early Days07:36 - Working 3 Jobs While Launching a Design Business09:22 - The Confidence to Pivot a Client’s Vision Completely10:24 - Building a Successful Interior Design Studio Without Pressure11:37 - Creative Restraint, Color & Designing Functional Spaces15:30 - Why Folk Studio Prioritizes People Over Trends20:41 - How Folk Studio Chooses the Right Design Clients27:31 - The Reality Behind Interior Design Photoshoots & Styling31:56 - Balancing Business, Creativity & Mental Wellbeing as a Designer39:10 - The Biggest Lessons From 8 Years Running Folk StudioKeywordsinterior design studio Sydneyfolk studio interior designstarting an interior design businesshow to build a design brandinterior design client processcolor in interior designresidential interior design Australiabehind the scenes interior designdesign studio philosophytimeless interior designcreative restraint in designhow to start an interior design studio youngsaying no to clients as a designerinterior design businessstarting a design studiointerior designer tipsdesign studio growthclient selection designcreative business adviceinterior design processhow to build a design branddesign studio successcreative entrepreneurshipinterior design careerdesign philosophyworking with clients designdesign business lessonsfolk studio mariah burton
- 2 weeks ago39 min
39. Inside Cosentino: How Stone Innovation Is Redefining Surfaces
Most material decisions are still driven by aesthetics. But the real shift is happening in safety, performance, and sustainability, the layers a renovator or end user often doesn’t see, and rarely gets guided through. That’s the conversation missing across the broader industry.In this episode of Behind the Design, I sit down with Erin Payne from Cosentino to explore how one of the world’s leading surface manufacturers is reshaping the future of architecture and interior design.From engineered stone to zero silica innovation, this is not just a conversation about benchtops. It is a conversation about responsibility. How materials are evolving, how decisions are made, and what designers need to understand to stay relevant in a rapidly shifting industry.With over 20 years as an interior designer before moving into the supply side, Erin brings a perspective most conversations miss. She understands both the creative intent and the commercial reality, and where they often do not align.In this episode, we also covered this:• Why “all stone is the same” is one of the biggest misconceptions in design• The real difference between engineered, natural, and ultra-compact surfaces• Zero silica and why this shift matters globally, not just in Australia• How performance is becoming as critical as aesthetics• What true sustainability looks like at a manufacturing level• The role designers play in educating clients and where it often breaks down• Where surface design is heading next and what to pay attention toIf you enjoyed this episode, follow Behind the Design for more conversations unpacking the people, processes, and ideas shaping the design industry.Follow Erin Payne and Cosentinohttps://www.instagram.com/erin_payne_design/https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-payne-a99783121/https://www.cosentino.com/en-auFollow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_
- Apr 15, 202642 min
38. Details That Define Merivale: Secrets of Great Design with Nasim Köerting
From chasing design milestones to discovering what truly makes work meaningful, this episode takes you behind the scenes of large-scale hospitality design.In this episode of Behind the Design Podcast, I chat with Nasim Köerting, Design Director at Merivale, about the realities of leading some of Australia’s most recognised hospitality projects. From her early career in London to managing complex, high-profile designs today, Nasim shares what it really takes to succeed at this level.We also explore a turning point in her career: the moment she realized that achieving awards and hitting milestones brought only brief excitement. What matters most is the experience of the process: seeing her team thrive, collaborating effectively, and watching people genuinely enjoy the spaces she creates. For Nasim, the real reward is the human impact of design, not the accolades and keeping creativity and collaboration enjoyable.This conversation goes beyond the finished product and dives into the choices, pressures, and mindset behind exceptional design. From balancing creativity with leadership to designing environments that feel thoughtful and inclusive, this is an honest look at what happens behind the scenes.Topics covered in this conversation:• Nasim’s journey from London to Design Director at Merivale• Managing the responsibility and pressures of large-scale design• Leading teams while staying creatively involved• Moving past the fleeting thrill of milestones to find lasting fulfillment• How collaboration enhances design outcomes• Designing spaces that feel welcoming and considered• The subtle details that make a space memorableIf you want insight into what makes great design more than just a pretty photo, this conversation offers a candid view behind the scenes.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations that go beyond aesthetics and into the real thinking behind design.Follow Nasim Köerting and Merivalehttps://www.instagram.com/nasimkoerting/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasim-k%C3%B6erting-78511a4a/https://www.instagram.com/merivale/https://merivale.com/ Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Chapters01:07 – Meet Nassim: Design Director Behind Merivale’s Iconic Spaces02:09 – From Sydney to London: Building a Global Interior Design Career03:51 – Landing a Dream Role at Merivale (Hospitality Design Insights)04:46 – Leading Creative Teams in High-End Hospitality Projects07:30 – Why Hospitality Design is About Experience, Not Just Aesthetics10:21 – The Real Design Process: Collaboration, Ideas & Innovation13:26 – Designing with Old Buildings: Creating “Lived-In” Spaces15:12 – Diversity & Inclusion in Interior Design (Why It Matters)18:47 – Small Design Details27:32 – Redefining Success: Beyond Awards & Recognition in Design32:14 – The Future of DesignKeywordsMerivalehospitality designinterior design podcastinterior design processdesign leadershipcreative careersinterior designer interviewdesign directorhospitality interiorscommercial interior designdesign inspirationinterior design careerhospitality design processmanaging creative teamsdesign collaborationguest experience designexperiential designhuman-centered designinclusive designadaptive reuse designimposter syndrome creatives
- Apr 1, 202642 min
37. Beyond Trends: Creating Timeless Design with Nelli Hegi
“Design doesn’t need to please everyone. Designers like McQueen, Schiaparelli, and Margiela showed me that discomfort, exaggeration, and vulnerability aren’t flaws—they’re tools.”In this episode of Behind the Design, I talk with Nelli Hegi, founder and creative director of Hegi Design House, about creating furniture that’s more than functional, it tells a story. Nelli blends furniture, art, fashion, and architecture into bold pieces meant to spark emotion and conversation.We explore her journey of finding her voice, why she stopped chasing validation, and the lessons haute couture taught her about creativity and risk. As Nelli says, “Evolution isn't a lack of direction, it's part of finding your voice.”What You learn in this episode:→ Finding and trusting your creative voice→ Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, and couture→ Making furniture that’s emotional and story-driven→ Balancing craft, collaboration, and sustainable business→ Connecting with clients through storytellingFor anyone interested in expressive, personal design, this episode is full of insights on creating work that truly reflects who you are.Follow Nelli Hegi: https://www.instagram.com/hegi_designhouse/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelli-hegi-67704765/https://hegidesignhouse.com/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Chapters02:00 – Signature Style vs Evolution04:00 – Childhood & Personal Experiences07:00 – Craftsmanship & Studio Life10:00 – Haute Couture Inspiration13:00 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Industry Pressure16:00 – Creating Emotional Connections Through Furniture18:00 – Storytelling & Client Interaction20:00 – Dreams, Inspiration & New CollectionsKeywordsinterior design podcastfurniture design inspirationhow to find your design stylecreative confidence designdesign career advicehow to get featured in design magazinesdesign storytellingart vs commercial designbuilding a design brandcreative entrepreneurshipbehind the design podcastCamilla Ingall podcastNelli Hegi Authentic Design
- Mar 18, 202635 min
36. Bespoke Furniture vs Scalable Design: Tim Noone’s Approach
From kitchen joinery to high-end design, this is what it takes to turn craft into a sustainable business.In this episode of Behind the Design Podcast, I sit down with furniture maker Tim Noone, founder of Tim Noone Furniture, to talk about his journey from kitchen joinery to creating high-end custom furniture. He shares the challenges of crafting beautiful pieces while keeping a business sustainable, and how he eventually realized the limits of purely bespoke work. That realization led him to develop a collection that sits between fully custom pieces and high-end retail.We also dive into Tim’s design philosophy and why he believes furniture should enhance a space rather than dominate it. He opens up about collaborating with interior designers, practicing restraint in design, and redefining what success really looks like after years in the industry.For Tim, it is less about scale and more about balancing creative satisfaction, family life, and long-term sustainability.Topics covered in this conversation:His journey from kitchen joinery to high-end bespoke furnitureThe challenges of running a creative business that lastsHow he overcame the growth limits of fully custom furnitureWhy furniture should support architecture and interiorsRedefining success for creativity, family, and sustainabilityIf you love design, craftsmanship, or want a peek behind the scenes of a creative business, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.Follow Tim Noone Business Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tim_noone_furnituredesign/:https://www.instagram.com/thecollectionbytimnoone/Business Website: https://timnoone.com/Chapters 01:16 - Meet Furniture Maker Tim Noone03:05 - From Kitchen Joinery to Bespoke Furniture06:12 - Why Furniture Should Serve the Space09:48 - The Sketching and Idea Development Process13:20 - Working with Interior Designers on Custom Pieces16:54 - The Realities of Running a Bespoke Furniture Business21:07 - Why Scaling Custom Furniture Is So Difficult25:32 - Moving from Bespoke Work to a Furniture Collection29:18 - Designing Pieces That Quietly Elevate a Room32:47 - Craft, Business, and Building a Sustainable Career34:58 - Craftsmanship and RefinementKeywordsJoinery processCustom furniture designResidential cabinetrySustainable furnitureInterior design collaborationCraftsmanship tipsKitchen design ideasAustralian joineryDesigner-client collaborationFurniture materials and finishes
- Mar 4, 202631 min
35. Setting Boundaries as an Interior Designer (Without Losing Clients)
Building a design studio is often celebrated as creative freedom, yet many founders discover that without boundaries, success can start to feel unsustainable.In this episode, I sat down with Kate Lawrence, founder of Kate Lawrence Interiors and bedding brand Sleep Ins, to unpack the real story behind building and reshaping a creative business.Kate speaks candidly about:• Saying yes to everything, and what it cost her• The reality of wearing every hat in the business • Navigating complex relationships with architects and trades• The emotional weight that comes with residential client work• The final straw the led her to setting clear boundaries with work• Why and how she started an ecommerce brandIf you are in your early years of practice, feeling stretched between creativity and capacity, or quietly questioning what success looks like for you now, this conversation will resonate.Follow Kate Lawrence Interiors:Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelawrenceinteriors/Business Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katelawrenceinteriorsBusiness Website: https://www.katelawrenceinteriors.com.au/Business Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katelawrenceproperty/Follow Sleep Ins:Website: https://www.sleepins.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573166985356Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepinsbeddingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep__insThreads: https://www.threads.com/@sleep__insChapters 02:35 - Starting an Interior Design Business and Saying Yes to Everything04:20 - Wearing Every Hat and Hitting Burnout06:05 - Client Relationships, Architects and Trade Dynamics09:20 - Managing Design Changes Without Ego10:30 - How Long It Takes to Be Profitable in Design13:55 - Client Boundaries and Being “Too Available”17:55 - The Emotional Weight of Residential Projects19:40 - Pivoting to E-Commerce and Product-Based Business25:55 - Redefining Success as Freedom, Not Just Income
- Feb 18, 202633 min
34. Inside the Process: How Luxury Joinery Is Really Built
Behind every beautiful piece of joinery is a series of decisions, conversations, and mistakes no one ever seesIn this episode, I sat down with Luke from Élan Joinery and SKUPA, to talk through what really goes into custom joinery and furniture, beyond the finished photos. From early planning and material selection to timelines, teamwork, and trust, Luke shares how thoughtful joinery is built around the way people actually live in their homes.We explore how Élan Joinery has evolved from its commercial roots into residential and furniture work, what it’s like running a family business, and why collaboration between designers, builders, joiners, and clients is essential to achieving great outcomes. The conversation also touches on sustainability, sampling, and the emotional side of caring deeply about your work.This episode offers a grounded look behind the scenes of high-end joinery, helping clients better understand the value of process, craftsmanship, and clear communication, not just the final result.What You’ll Learn• Why custom joinery takes time and what happens before anything is built• How material selection and sampling influence durability, function, and feel• What designers and joiners consider when planning storage, layout, and workflow• Why collaboration plays such a big role in successful projects• What clients often underestimate about timelines, process, and craftsmanship• How good joinery supports the way you live, not just how a space looksFollow Elan Joinery House:https://www.elanc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/elan.joinery/?hl=enFollow SKUPAhttps://skupa.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/skupafurnitureFollow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Chapters 01:30 – The Origins of Elan Joinery02:26 – A Family Business Today03:07 – Expanding from Joinery into Furniture04:06 – Scaling Operations & Warehousing04:29 – Growing a Team & Business 06:00 – Micromanaging vs Autonomy07:25 – Why Luke Created A Showroom09:03 – Instagram Growth vs Real Business Growth09:37 – The Reality Behind Project Photos11:45 – Winning Work Through Instagram13:18 – Sustainability in Joinery & Furniture16:45 – Craftsmanship Across Departments17:48 – Why Owning Mistakes Builds Trust19:38 – What Clients Don’t See in Kitchens21:29 – How the Business Has Evolved24:52 – Delivering the Vision, Not Designing It25:31 – Collaboration With Designers & Builders28:56 – Managing Difficult Conversations31:02 – Why Custom Work Takes TimeKeywordsJoinery processCustom furniture designResidential cabinetrySustainable furnitureInterior design collaborationCraftsmanship tipsKitchen design ideasAustralian joineryDesigner-client collaborationFurniture materials and finishes
- Jan 28, 202641 min
33. From Vintage Store to National Brand: The MCM House Story
Trends come and go, but brands built on craft, instinct, and resilience tend to stick around.In this episode of Behind the Design, host Camilla Ingall sits down with Charles Hinckfuss, founder and creative force behind MCM House.Charlie shares the unpolished reality behind building one of Australia’s most recognisable furniture brands, from early days focused purely on survival, to growing a national retail presence grounded in craft, instinct, and energy.This conversation goes beyond aesthetics to explore what actually sustains a creative business over decades: trusting your eye, understanding materials deeply, resisting trends, and building a team culture that feels supported and excited by the work.You’ll hear how Charlie’s early hands-on making shaped MCM House’s DNA, why texture and material honesty matter more than polish, and how resilience, humour, and momentum play a bigger role in success than any rigid plan. This episode is a reminder that great design isn’t about chasing what’s new, it’s about creating work that still feels right years later.What You learn in this episode:* Timeless design outlives trends; Charlie explains why MCM House avoids trend-driven aesthetics in favour of materials and forms that age well over time.* Energy drives execution; From retail spaces to team culture, energy and mood directly shape outcomes — creatively and commercially.* Craft builds credibility; Early hands-on making gave Charlie a deep understanding of furniture that still informs MCM House today.* Growth without identity loss is possible; Scaling doesn’t have to dilute creativity when the brand is anchored in clear values and instinct.Follow MCM House:https://www.mcmhouse.comFollow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00 – Introduction02:13 – From Vintage Retail to Furniture Making: The Chuck & Bob Years04:09 – Why Experience Matters More Than Products in Retail Design07:25 – Taking Creative Risks and Backing Yourself09:16 – Touching Every Part of the Business as a Founder11:41 – Choosing Materials: Fabric, Timber, Texture & Honesty13:00 – Trends vs Timeless Design14:17 – Growing a Brand in Sydney’s Competitive Retail Market17:01 – What Does MCM Actually Stand For?17:59 – Retail Expansion vs International Growth19:03 – Opening Stores Across Australia20:13 – Building a Team and Letting Go of Control21:51 – Energy, Mood & Leadership in Creative Teams24:05 – The Reality of Working Seven Days a Week25:02 – Expanding Into Commercial & Hospitality Design27:12 – Using Movies and Culture as Creative Direction30:00 – The Hardest Parts of Growing a Product-Based Brand34:23 – One Piece of Advice for Anyone Starting a Design Brand38:56 – Design Trends That Need to Go40:21 – Final Reflections & Episode Takeawaysinterior design podcastMCM HouseAustralian furniture designtimeless interior designdesign brand buildingfurniture design processinterior design trends vs timelesscreative business resilienceretail design experiencematerials and texture in designhow to build a furniture brand in Australiadesigning furniture without following trendsinterior design brand storytellingscaling a creative business without losing identity
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About Behind The Design
Welcome to Behind the Design, a podcast where we unfold the details behind the designs we know and love and explore how each project comes to life. I’m Camilla Ingall, owner of Unfolded, an interior design and styling studio. 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.
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