Cassandra Walker, Interior Architect and Designer, Melbourne

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I am a Residential Interior Architect and Designer. I love getting to personally know my clients to create a truly unique interior for them. The way we use our homes and environments is crucial to our wellbeing. It brings me so much joy to create timeless and perfectly tailored interiors.

Why did you want to become an interior architect?

I have always loved playing with drawings and plans of homes. I remember even as a little girl drawing over the top of plans my Dad would bring home from work.

What would be your dream project to work on?

I am dreaming of designing and building a complete Passive house. Entirely designed, built and manufactured here in Australia with Australian materials.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Contemporary and Australian bearing a timeless aesthetic with an holistic appeal.

Favourite memory in your career so far?

Oh that’s tricky, there are actually so many. I don’t think I can pick one, I'd say generally meeting so many amazing people doing amazing things, particularly of recent in relation to my Passivhaus training. There are so many knowledgable people willing to share.

You're passionate about sustainability and regeneration, how do you integrate that into your projects?

Thats another tricky one. I am finding there is still a lack of education around possibilities here and many are scared by this. It's a daunting process to renovate or build without the added layer of sustainable and regenerative homes. I find most of my clients pop it in the too hard and too expensive basket at the moment, which I totally understand. I am undergoing my PassivHaus training at the moment and hoping to come out of this armed with knowledge I can simplify and pass onto my clients.

What’s your creative process?

I firstly listen as I need to understand everything about the way they live. Personal, social and family rituals are noted so that we can design the perfect fit for each unique client. I then find inspiration for that project. In books, our Environment, Online, and sometimes I go back through photo archives of places I have travelled. From here I sketch and ‘play’ to produce a concept design. This is presented to my clients. Then we go away and document/detail this for the builder/s. I really enjoy the construction process as I get to see my/our vision come to life, my clients responses are always the best part. Some projects I manage onsite others I hand over a construction package. It really depends on my scope.

A fun fact about yourself?

I drive my husband crazy with my home organisation and love reformer pilates, that’s two sorry.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Peonies, as they remind me of my wedding day.

What do you hope to achieve in 2021?

Totally cliche but a better balance of family and work. Both make me so happy.

find more of Cassie’s Work here:

Website

Instagram

Corina Koch, Interior + Photographic Stylist, Sydney, NSW

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're passionate about?

I’m an interior & photographic stylist who produces content for brands, homes and publications. I’m very much addicted to my job and enjoy daydreaming about working when I’m not working. I’m really passionate about the creative process - the best jobs have always the ones where you are given the opportunity to take the lead.

How did you get into interior design?

I’ve always had an interest in interiors but I actually began in fashion and chose to study visual merchandising, which covered fashion, interiors and props. So I grew more of an appreciation for interiors through that. When I started work experience at an interiors magazine, it was a very quick dive into the interiors world and I’ve been hooked since.    

What's been a memorable project so far, and why?

My first magazine cover. I guess it was a milestone moment for me and it was a really big deal as I truly had started from rock bottom and put in years of hard work to get to that moment. And when I heard the news, it was just a wonderful surprise and acknowledgement of how far I’d come.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Oooo, so tough. It’s forever evolving but I would say it’s a fusion of vintage finds paired with unique contemporary pieces and handmade artisanal objects. It’s feminine, can be a bit rouge and is heavily influenced by fashion and textiles.

What kind of shapes, texture, or colours are you drawn to?

I love my neutral colours and use them for all my bigger furniture items as a foundation of the room. I tend to go more gaga over unusual shapes and textures, things that wiggle and twist, velvets, thick knotted weaves, stripes and oriental prints.

Who are some other interior designers or creatives that inspire you?

There are a lot of people's style I admire, even if it’s not to my own taste. But it’s the risk takers that I really appreciate, the Kelly Wearstlers of the world. You can tell it’s authentic and she always pushes boundaries- which I find incredibly exciting.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Anything that feels like I’m in a romantic garden, like Dogwood or miniature garden roses still on the branch. I love the mix of leaves and flowers.

What do you hope to achieve in 2021?

I really feel 2021 has been critical for me in my career journey. I’ve taken some risks and have really learned to understand who I am as a brand, to embrace my true aesthetic, which in turn has helped me undertake my next steps. I have a special project in the works - I’ve never been so excited about something in my life. But you’ll have to wait and find out.

A fun fact about yourself?

It’s not so much fun, but it’s probably important to be documented. I really hate coriander. I can smell it if it’s in my food and will not eat anything it touches. I can even taste it if someone has just “removed” it as a garnish. Super freaky!

You can find more of Corina’s Work here:

Website

Instagram