We think – actually we know! – Australia houses some of the best designers in the world. With Leanne Amodeo we’ve rounded up 5 of the best fast-emerging design studios that we firmly have our eyes upon.

1. Alter Space, Melbourne

Maggie Zavala and Sarah Vautin instantly connected while studying at RMIT University and soon after went on to establish Alter Space Interiors in 2019. Since then, the Melbourne-based studio has created a name for itself by designing residential and commercial projects that are classic and elegant, with a distinctly modern flair. Both Maggie and Sarah are influenced by historical references and so their aesthetic has an international sensibility to it. Their projects may be located in Malvern East or Beaconsfield, but they look like they could be anywhere, from the heart of Paris to the hills of Tuscany, which is a big part of Alter Space Interiors’ charm.    

Alter Space
alterspace.com.au

2. Léo Terrando, Melbourne

Léo Terrando launched his eponymous design studio in 2021 after working at SJB for 14 years. The South Melbourne-based French architectural interior designer has experience in both Australia and France and creates richly layered spaces that meld luxe material palettes, strong colour and dramatic form. His approach is decidedly bespoke and he draws inspiration from a number of sources, whether cultural, natural or artistic. Having studied in both Belgium and France, Léo brings an openness and ease to all he does, creating covetable interiors that are high-end yet welcoming.

Léo Terrando
leoterrando.com

3. Pattern Studio, Sydney

Lily Goodwin and Josh Cain first met when they worked at an architecture practice in Perth. Soon after, they moved to Sydney and eventually established Pattern Studio in 2015. Their first commission was for a PS by Paul Smith show at Pitti Uomo in Florence, and since then they have gone on to design some of Australia’s most refreshing retail, hospitality and wellness interiors. Both Lily and Josh have a penchant for crisp form and muted colour, and their particular type of urban minimalism has a very contemporary, cool vibe to it. They’ve worked with the likes of The Design Edit, Adytum and Three Blue Ducks and their current portfolio promises more outstanding work to come.    

Pattern Studio
patternstudio.net

4. State of Kin, Perth

Established in 2016 by Ara Salomone, Alessandra French, Jessie Vu and Amy Clark, this Perth-based multi-disciplinary design studio works across residential, hospitality, retail, wellness and commercial, producing interiors that are bold and expressive. Their aesthetic doesn’t shy away from strong colour or dynamic form and there’s an earthy robustness to all they do, which transforms their projects into highly experiential environments. Clever planning and acute spatial awareness is what makes them stand out, making State of Kin a name to definitely keep an eye on.

State of Kin
stateofkin.com.au

5. Studio Roam, Perth

Perth-based architects Sally-Ann Weerts and Olivia Maxwell established Studio Roam in 2020 after gaining extensive experience working in other practices. Their hands-on approach has given rise to some of Perth’s most exciting new projects, including the The Beaufort, an inner city pub ambitiously configured as a series of landscaped terraces. Studio Roam’s aesthetic is fresh and exciting, with an emphasis on clean lines, rich colour and tactile materiality. Both Sally and Olivia are not afraid to push boundaries and their growing portfolio is all the more appealing for it.

Studio Roam
studioroam.com.au

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