EPISODE 1 – ELIZABETH FARRELLY

EPISODE 2 – SARAH-JANE PYKE

EPISODE 3 – MAX CHANDLER-MATHER

Also available on Spotify here

There have been whispers going around for quite some time – and now, finally, we are delighted to announce the launch of our fresh new podcast! Stories Indesign has just launched, with Indesignlive Editor Timothy Alouani-Roby having been recording interviews with a wide range of individuals throughout the year. Mostly recorded in-person, Stories Indesign has partnered with The Commons in Sydney, with guests visiting their audio studios at both the Surry Hills and George Street locations. With the launch of a handful of pilot episodes, however, there is plenty of scope for further involvement, so let us know if you’re interested in opportunities to support the podcast. 

We know that podcasts in themselves are nothing new. However, leveraging our longstanding relationships across the Australian design community and even further afield means that we are able to bring unique, personal interviews. Stories Indesign aims to create stimulating, unexpected conversations that can’t be scripted, planned or simply reproduced. They aim to give unique one-off insights into how design people think, what moves and inspires them – even what irritates them!

The full guest list won’t be revealed just yet, but the emphasis is very much on a wide variety that covers the full breadth and even stretches the definition of design. Prominent architects and interior designers will feature heavily, of course, but there are also episodes with politicians, artists, commercial suppliers and more. 

The newly released pilot episodes give a sense of the breadth. Well-known architectural commentator Elizabeth Farrelly joined Alouani-Roby for the very first recording, where the pair discussed politics in architecture, architects in politics, and the need for robust architectural criticism. Sarah-Jane Pyke of Arent&Pyke features in an episode focusing on art in her practice, with insights into colour, running a design business and her experiences as Habitus Guest Editor and juror for Winnings x Habitus House of the Year 2024. A more unexpected episode features Greens MP and spokesperson for housing and homelessness, Max Chandler-Mather – he discussed the politics of the built environment and how architects might figure into future plans addressing Australia’s housing crises. 

Meanwhile, the podcast maintains a distinctly international flavour too, with some very high-profile guests. Recently in town for Sydney Design Week, British-Moroccan photographer Hassan Hajjaj visited The Commons almost straight from the airport, while Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo gave her time for a Zoom interview during a whirlwind visit to Australia for Melbourne Design Week. Very soon, we’ll also be releasing a very special live audience recording episode with British architect John McAslan.

So, if you’re interested in design people – how they think and create, what inspires them, what their future plans are and much more – join us and look out for new episodes. Stories Indesign is currently available on the Apple Podcast app and Spotify; please check it, subscribe and review. There is much more to come soon!

EPISODE 1 – ELIZABETH FARRELLY

EPISODE 2 – SARAH-JANE PYKE

EPISODE 3 – MAX CHANDLER-MATHER

Also available on Spotify here

Next up: Read about DesignOffice’s fit-out at The Commons