Gulacsi has assumed the role of project leader within the commercial and workplace sector. Gulacsi joins the Technē team after nine years as a project leader and associate at Geyer, a leading independent interior design practice. Gulacsi’s recent projects with Techne include the Beauty EDU Beauty Bar and campus at David Jones, Paco’s Tacos and Jimmy Grants Deluxe in the $665m Eastland redevelopment.

We sit down with Gabrielle Gulacsi to find out a little bit about her passion for design and architecture.

Name: Gabriella Gulacsi
Occupation: Interior Designer
Location: Melbourne
Company: Techne Architecture + Interior Design
Position: Senior Associate

The moment you knew you wanted to work in the design industry.

A family friend’s stylised handwriting made me realise how much I appreciate beautiful things, she is a designer.

What interests you most about this particular field design?

I am most interested in the user’s spatial experience and the way this ultimately determines the success of a project.

What has your experience with education design been?

My career focus has been workplace design however, the cross disciplinary design approach at Techne will see me apply my knowledge and experience to education and hospitality projects as well. This is exciting for me as I believe there are key similarities in each of these areas when considering the user experience.

The most unusual/interesting thing about the way you work.

I can’t seem to let go of the tangible nature of paper even though I’m a big supporter of the paperless environment. I get a sense of satisfaction and closure from disposing of obsolete paperwork in the recycle bin at the end of key project milestones.

Which items in the workplace can you not live without?

My colleagues – I know they’re not ‘items’ but I really can’t live without them.

My 18 years’ experience in the industry has taught me that all projects are a collaborative effort and input from each team member can have a significant impact on the final design solution and ultimately, the success of a project.

What have been your favourite three products of all time?

I always find it hard to answer questions like this. I like different products for their unique characteristics. Some of my all-time favourites however are the….

Arne Jacobsen Cylinda-Line Service Range (Stelton).

Alvar Aalto Classic Vase (Iittala).

Eames Aluminium Group Lounge Chair (Herman Miller).

Saarinen Table (Knoll).

Your top influences.

People. Travel. Food

Favourite material.

Metal, for the infinite ways in which it can be shaped and formed for functional use or aesthetic appeal.

Favourite local landmark/building.

The Robin Boyd Domain Park Apartments – a perfect example of space efficient living.

Heide II (my dream house) – minimalist living at its best. I love the way the interior spaces connect to the landscape.

The pool at Monsalvat – I always picture a cocktail party when the wisteria is in full bloom and peacocks are roaming freely.

Favourite international landmark/building.

In 1998, on my first trip to New York City, I arrived at the TWA Flight Centre at John F Kennedy International Airport and was speechless. After being on a plane for 15+ hours, the scale and sense of confinement was intensified as I walked through the arrivals tunnel, proportionally aligned to the plane’s fuselage.

On approaching the concourse, I was greeted with futuristic curved architectural forms which created the interior spaces and the detail within. It was a real honour for me to experience this space particularly given it is no longer in operation so thank you TWA and Eero Saarinen.

Biggest career moment.

I can’t pin point one particular awe inspiring moment. My career in the industry has been more about the long term relationships and friendships I have built with both my colleagues and my clients.

Concern for the design industry in the coming decade.

I believe timeframes will continue to be an issue for the design industry in the coming decade for a number of reasons.

Design is a thought led process which relies on a number of key factors. Often tight timeframes inhibit this process.

From a commercial perspective, clients should engage a designer as soon as they go to market whether they are searching for a new location or renegotiating a lease deal.

Dream person to collaborate with.

Tadao Ando – I love the way the play of natural light brings his minimalist architecture to life.

Technē
techne.com.au