Talk Design

Elise Elliott’s media career spans more than twenty-five years across television, radio, print and podcasting. Elise’s experience has given her the journalistic edge to write, host and present across all media formats. Elise is a rev-head. Her daily drive is an old classic ’68 convertible Mustang V8. Fitting then she is one of Australia’s few women motoring journalists. Elise is co-host of the TV motoring show, Cool Cars, on 7MATE with Season 2 currently in production. Elise also test drives and films online motoring content for car brands including Aston Martin and McLaren.Elise was a presenter on Network Ten’s motoring show WhichCar and was the motoring editor and contributor to ARE Media publications with monthly car columns in both Belle and House & Garden magazines. Elise co-hosts the popular Nine Radio podcast The Elliott Exchange—currently up to episode 86—with her husband, 3AW Mornings radio host Tom Elliott. She can be heard on the radio as a regular fill-in host on 3AW’s Afternoons and contributor to 3AW’s The Weekend Break. Elise is a sought-after MC, hosting several automotive events including the Grand Prix charity event with Sir Jackie Stewart, the Ford Mach-E launch with Daniel Ricciardo, and events for Porsche, Singer, and Bentley. Yes, here’s a woman who can talk the “torque”!When not holding a mic you’ll find Elise behind the wheel of her beloved ’68 convertible Mustang… or out on the waves indulging in her latest passion, surfing.

Laurie Laizure founded the Interior Design Community (IDC) over 12 years ago, starting on Google Plus and expanding to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. With over 110,000 Instagram followers, IDC is a vibrant space where designers share knowledge, foster friendships, and improve their business practices.Evolution and Impact of Social Media: Laurie emphasizes how IDC facilitates deeper conversations among designers, addressing business challenges and enhancing collaboration. The community has become a crucial resource for professional growth and client service quality.Future Goals and Nonprofit Structure: Operating as a nonprofit, IDC aims to be governed by its members. Laurie envisions a future board of interior designers advocating for the profession, negotiating with brands, and providing essential resources, creating a sustainable, member-driven community.Increased Demand for Quality and Local Design: Consumers' frustration with fast furniture is driving a demand for higher-quality, durable pieces and local sourcing, partly due to COVID-19 supply chain issues. This trend offers significant business opportunities for designers to monetize their expertise through shoppable showrooms and online consultations.

Join Mick Hawes, the dynamic host of "The Tool Shed" podcast and founder of Builders Business Black Belt, as he delves into the intricacies of business coaching for builders. Mick’s journey from electrician to business coach is marked by diverse experiences, including roles as a musician, photocopier technician, and life insurance salesperson. These roles led him to personal development and time management, ultimately steering him toward business coaching.Mick's coaching philosophy emphasizes the distinction between technical skills and successful business management. He helps builders enhance communication, relationship-building, and business acumen using the six working geniuses' model by Patrick Lencioni. This model highlights the importance of leveraging all six types of genius: wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity, to ensure project success.Mick shares insights on identifying weak links in business operations, utilizing tools like the "Black Belt Compass" for direction, and the value of community and support. Tune in to learn how to refine your instincts, make informed decisions, and continuously improve your business through education and self-improvement.

Andrew always knew he wanted to be an architect. He was drawing floor plans as far back as the first grade. The obsession never subsided, so he continued his journey at Kansas State University, completing his Master of Architecture degree in 2010. He arrived in Dallas just as the architecture industry was emerging from the lean years of the Great Recession. Time spent at a large international retail design firm as well as a local boutique firm has formed the foundation of Andrew’s professional experience. Andrew launched Agent Architecture in May of 2017.Since then, the practice has grown, with his wife and co-owner joining in 2019, and the addition of 2 team members in the following years. Now a small studio of 4, Agent has maintained a diverse range of project types, with an emphasis on adaptive re-use, workplace, and early childhood education. A seamlessly integrated architecture and interiors practice, Agent delivers whole-building design solutions for nearly any project type. Beyond Architecture, Andrew is a father to a nearly 2-year-old, life-long science-fiction fan, and self-proclaimed sandwich connoisseur. 

Marie Kargiotis an interior stylist and home renovator, whose refined style and unwavering passion have made waves in the lifestyle landscape. Marie is authentic and passionate, and her enthusiasm for visualizing the potential of a project is infectious. Recognised as one of Adelaide’s top 10 interior stylists by The Advertiser, she has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous high-profile clients. Marie possesses the unique gift of seamlessly intertwining style with authenticity and beauty with purpose. Marie transitioned from a successful hairstyling career to interior design. Her meticulous attention to aesthetics began in childhood. Her hairstyling career, marked by high-profile work and education in Vidal Sassoon techniques, cultivated her appreciation for design, eventually sparking her interest in interiors.Marie's interior design business developed naturally through compliments and requests from friends. Initially offering services informally, her business grew as her reputation spread. She learned to value her skills, gradually increasing her rates as she gained confidence, despite lacking formal interior design training.Marie emphasizes creating personalized, emotionally resonant interiors. She excels in understanding and fulfilling clients' desires through incorporating meaningful items into home decor, making a home unique and reflective of the individual's experiences. She advocates for fun, expressive design choices that reflect individual personalities, ensuring each project represents the client's style. The conversation emphasizes mixing styles, such as modern elements with vintage pieces, showcasing creativity and respecting the original architecture, resulting in a balanced, pleasing space.Tune in for a great conversation!

Phil Darwen, the mastermind behind the Instagram sensation "A Designer's Mind" with 1.4 million followers, delves into his unique journey as a building designer. Specializing in home design and renovation, Phil brings an exceptional flair for interior styling that has made him a significant figure in the design world.Phil's career blossomed under the mentorship of renowned designer Paul Clout, where he transitioned from hand-drawn sketches to AutoCAD, showcasing his adaptability and commitment. His design philosophy centres on the critical importance of light, ventilation, and storage, addressing modern challenges of smaller plot sizes. Ensuring proper breathability, light penetration, and ample storage in homes enhances comfort and well-being.Highlighting environmental influences, Phil discusses designing homes that breathe naturally, minimizing the need for air conditioning, especially in subtropical climates. Emphasizing human-centered architecture, he stresses the emotional impact of engaging with spaces at ground level, advocating for designs that elevate societal vibrancy.Phil's Instagram journey, from a personal profile to a design-focused platform, reflects his dedication to sharing innovative ideas and fostering a community seeking inspiration. By integrating unexpected and historically rich images, Phil reminds us to view design from different perspectives, enriching the engagement and thoughtfulness of his content. His personal legacy project encapsulates his professional growth, underscoring functionality, materiality, and emotional connection in architecture.

In this podcast, Brad Sugars, founder of Action Coach, shares valuable insights into business design, marketing, and creating a sustainable, saleable business. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring and retaining customers and staff, regardless of business size or industry. Brad discusses modern marketing strategies, stressing comprehensive online content and tools like Neuron Writer for SEO. He explains the significance of Marketing Qualified Leads (MQLs) and Sales Qualified Leads (SQLs), aiming for genuine engagement over superficial social media metrics.Brad underscores the need for businesses to design shareable moments, enhancing organic promotion through customer-generated content. He highlights the importance of consistency and systemization in business, advocating for standardized procedures to ensure reliable customer experiences. Effective delegation is crucial, as trying to handle everything yourself can hinder growth. Success involves collaboration, leadership, and staying in your lane of genius.

Sarah, born in Belgium with a Spanish background, brings a rich multicultural sensibility to her work as an interior designer. Her studio, Sarah Interiors Design Studio, located on the Gold Coast, QLD, is on a mission to transform and diversify the local interior design landscape.With a custom approach, Sarah challenges conventional norms and mainstream trends, striving to achieve timeless and authentic designs. Her passion for exploration and curiosity infuses a unique touch into each project, emphasizing quality work that stands the test of time.Sarah's strong interest in architectural history and the arts adds depth to her designs, drawing inspiration from historical art and architecture. This fascination with the past, combined with her love for the unconventional, allows her to create spaces that honor tradition while embracing the new. Through her work, Sarah aims to not only beautify spaces but also to tell stories and evoke emotions, making each project a journey of discovery.In Sarah's philosophy, timeless beauty is found in simplicity and subtlety. She believes that carefully curated details and understated elements can create the most striking and memorable spaces. This approach ensures that her designs are not only visually stunning but also possess a timeless quality that resonates with her clients for years to come.Description of Wildash project:Introducing the Wildash project, where every room tells a unique story yet shares a common thread of balance between existing architecture and carefully integrated new elements. The Wildash office is a testament to this approach, with the timber stud panel serving as both a functional "blind" and a striking design element. The deliberate decision to work around the fixed window, allowing it to slide open for natural light, showcases the studio's dedication to preserving what was existing while enhancing it with thoughtful design. In the bathroom, the use of Patagonia stone is not only an aesthetic choice but also a nod to practicality, as natural stone helps regulate humidity levels. This serene haven is a result of working with the natural finishes and soothing vibes, creating a space that encourages relaxation and tranquility. Moving to the formal lounge, the inspiration drawn from an underground jazz bar is evident in the rich hues of dark green and warm orange. This room is designed for intimate gatherings, balancing comfort with upscale sophistication.Throughout the Wildash project, the team's dedication to integrating new elements seamlessly with the existing architecture shines through. Each room showcases a unique mood and purpose, yet all contribute to the cohesive magic of the entire space. Stay tuned for more insights into the creative process behind this remarkable project!"

David Bruce Lee and Marina Bourderonnet are the founding partners of FAME Architecture & Design, each boasting 12 years of professional experience in architecture and design. David is a Registered Architect in California, Nevada, Florida, and New York, and holds a Master of Urban Design from City College of New York, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he also studied sustainable environments and music and architecture at Les Ecoles d'Art Américaines de Fontainebleau, France.Marina, also a Registered Architect in New York, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris Val-de-Seine. She has additional training in sculpture, life drawing, art history, and film photography, contributing to her expertise in interior design and LEED projects.Together, they host The Second Studio Design and Architecture Show™, a leading podcast featuring interviews and discussions on architectural topics. Their portfolio spans dream homes and luxury high-rises across five continents, with accolades including display at the Museum of Modern Art and The Museum of the City of New York, and multiple national and international competition awards.Their notable projects include a first place-winning housing tower in Mexico City and a Brooklyn Community Center that received an honourable mention. Both David and Marina are active in academia and professional circles, teaching and speaking widely on architecture and design.