On Wednesday 30th July, Royal Oak Floors is set to host an exciting event at its showroom in Surry Hills, Sydney. ‘Building a creative studio that stands out’ is a collaboration between Royal Oak Floors and Indesignlive – and it will feature a stellar line-up of some of Sydney’s most exciting design practitioners.

Shona McElroy (Smac Studio), Lachlan Seegers (Lachlan Seegers Architect) and Jason Gibney (JGDW) are three of Sydney’s leading voices in design. Notably, they also join us from different parts of the industry and at different stages in their careers. Togther, they’ll be speaking about the creative practices they’ve built from the ground up.

Shona McElroy is the founder and principal of Smac Studio, a Sydney-based interior architecture practice. With a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney and experience in both architecture and interiors, Shona’s work has been recognised with nominations for awards including the Dezeen House Interior Award and the Australian Interior Design Award. Known for the rich materiality of her projects, she incorporates vivid natural stone, textured fabrics and innovative colour into timeless spaces. A true creative, she never builds the same thing twice.

Jason Gibney is the founding director of architecture studio JGDW, known for his hands-on approach, meticulous attention to detail and integrated design sensibility. Specialising in bespoke residential projects, Jason brings together architecture, landscape, interior and furniture design to deliver cohesive, site-responsive environments. Rooted in a creative upbringing in Ireland, Jason’s passion for craft, building and problem-solving has shaped a design philosophy that is both technically rigorous and deeply human. With over 20 years of experience, Jason’s design ethos is founded on a passion for crafting spaces that are site-responsive, restrained, thoughtful and nurturing.

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Moving over the bridge to Mosman, Lachlan Seegers founded his practice in 2018 out of a commitment to delivering innovative and authentic work, with a focus on contextual responsiveness, spatial clarity and enduring material expression. His ability to navigate complex urban site conditions whilst balancing design excellence and practical constraints has gained his practice numerous prestigious accolades and a suite of recent project commissions, ranging from single residential houses through to several ambitious, large-scale public and mixed-use projects. Lachlan’s background also includes senior roles in internationally recognised practices and ongoing service on Government and Council advisory panels, reinforcing his commitment to design excellence and his deep understanding of urban and regulatory contexts.

The event will be moderated by Indesignlive and Habitusliving Editor, Timothy Alouani-Roby. He too is a Sydney architecture graduate, having worked in elite professional sport for over a decade and adding to previous degrees in philosophy, politics and English literature. Timothy is based in Gadigal-Sydney, and divides his time between there, Northern England and Marrakech.

From defining a design language and securing early projects to navigating briefs, growth and commercial realities, this session will explore how to establish a practice that not only stands out, but stays true to your vision as it evolves.

Light refreshments will be provided and the location is Royal Oak Floors Showroom, Shop 2, 249 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010.

Register for the event here!

Royal Oak Floors
royaloakfloors.com.au

Next up: Saturday Indesign’s panel discussions from 2024