Podcast · Arts & Books

Her Design, Her Story

by Her Design, Her Story · English · Arts & Books

A female-focussed podcast celebrating the personal journeys of Australian female designers and makers in the midst of their careers. In this collection of inspiring stories and insider insights, we step inside the current creative landscape through the eyes of women shaping it -

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 44 minNew

Ep. 054 - Shona McElroy

Shona McElroy is the founder and creative force behind SMAC Studio, a Sydney based interior design studio. Shona has built a reputation for creating interiors that feel considered, characterful and beautifully layered. Her work has a wonderful confidence and clarity, balancing colour, materiality, texture and form with an appreciation for the details that ultimately make a space feel like home. In our conversation, we go back to the beginning of Shona’s creative journey, exploring the experiences that shaped her approach to design and the story behind establishing SMAC Studio. We also talk…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

6 Oct 2026 · 59 min
Ep. 053 - Nicole Bonython
With more than four decades in the industry, Nicole’s career is nothing short of remarkable. She began at Vogue straight out of university, at a time when the profession of fashion styling was still in its infancy, and went on to become Fashion Director of Australian Elle, Fashion Director of CLEO and Senior Fashion Editor-at-Large at Madison. Along the way, Nicole has helped shape some of the most memorable images and careers in Australian fashion and entertainment, including extensive work with Kylie Minogue, as well as Toni Collette, Naomi Watts, Naomi Campbell and INXS. One of the most…
29 Sep 2026 · 59 min
Ep.052 - Kathryn Robson
Kathryn Robson is a Director and co-founder of Melbourne based architectural practice Robson Rak. After beginning her career in London, Kathryn moved to Melbourne and went on to establish her own practice before joining forces with her husband, Chris Rak. Together, they have created an extraordinary body of work, particularly within Melbourne’s heritage homes, balancing the past with contemporary life through thoughtful planning, natural materials and meticulous craftsmanship. As Kathryn celebrates 20 years in practice and the release of her book, Permanent Residence, we discuss her journey,…
23 Sep 2026 · 40 min
Ep. 051 - Live Event
In conversation with Louise Bastiras, Jordan Fleming and Ruby Shields. The panel explore the idea of “Designing Legacy – What are we leaving behind?” The conversation was inspired by reflecting on four key design weeks that have unfolded so far this year — Milan, Melbourne, New York and Copenhagen — and the broader questions they have raised around what endures, what we leave behind, how we design for the future, and who design ultimately serves?
16 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Ep. 050 - Jillian Dinkel
Jillian Dinkel is the founder and creative director of Jillian Dinkel Designs. Originally from America, Jillian spent almost two decades in fashion, including as an editor at Vogue in New York, before making the brave decision to retrain in interior design. Today, she is renowned for her work with period and heritage homes, particularly Sydney’s beautiful terraces, where she masterfully balances old and new -preserving the details, character and imperfections that give a home its soul, while making it feel relevant to contemporary life. Jillian is drawn to history and storytelling; she…
10 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Ep. 049 - Sacha Wark-de Boer
Sacha is the founder and creative director of Southern Highlands-based interior design studio Opal & Oak. Sacha’s journey into interiors is a fascinating one. With a background spanning fashion, graphic design and creative leadership at Canva, she brings a wonderfully multidisciplinary perspective to her work — combining visual storytelling with structure, emotion with practicality, and beauty with purpose.
8 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Ep. 048 - Keti Lytras
Keti Lytras is the Head of Creative at GlobeWest, overseeing her talented Design team. Throughout her time at the business, her role has always had many facets, including trend forecasting, product design, styling, and creative direction of GlobeWest’s range and lifestyle photography. Bought to you by @royaloakfloors_australia
26 Aug 2026 · 51 min
Ep. 047 - Kelly Thompson
Kelly Thompson is an illustrator, designer, stylist, creative director, speaker and all-round creative powerhouse based in Melbourne. Kelly’s career is a wonderful lesson in following curiosity and trusting where it leads. From fashion photography to illustration, interiors, styling and creative direction, her distinctive eye has shaped an incredibly diverse body of work. We discuss her unconventional creative journey, the experiences that have shaped her, and the importance of following your intuition. Bought to you by @royaloakfloors
19 Aug 2026 · 36 min
Ep. 046 - Brooke Holm
Brought to you by @royaloakfloors Brooke Holm is an Australian-American interdisciplinary artist and photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. Working across lens-based media, sound, sculpture and installation, her practice explores the elemental forces shaping our planet and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Her evocative work spans remote landscapes, architecture and the intimate details of the Earth. LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX
12 Aug 2026 · 58 min
Ep. 045 - Sarah Stamm
She wanted to study architecture. The careers advisor said her maths wasn't strong enough. So Sarah went and built an entire career in design anyway, just via the scenic route: advertising, David Jones, hand-drafted joinery, high-end Sydney residential, a boutique studio in regional Beechworth, and now a fully handmade, Instagram-only textile business she runs from 22 acres. In this episode, Sarah traces the sliding-door moments that took her from a country town in NSW to designing Westfield retail interiors, to closing her own store to care for sick family members, to rebuilding from…
5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
Ep. 044 - Jessica Bettenay
Brought to you by Royal Oak FloorsJessica Bettenay is the founder and creative force behind By R.A., an innovative interior design and renovation studio redefining the way people build and transform their homes.With a passion for creating thoughtful, highly personal spaces, Jessica combines creativity with practical expertise to make the renovation journey more accessible, collaborative, and enjoyable. In this episode, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, her approach to design, and the lessons she's learned while building a purpose-driven brand.
29 Jul 2026 · 45 min
Ep. 043 - Kerrie-Ann Jones
Kerrie-Ann Jones is one of Australia's leading interior stylists and designers, based in Sydney. A former style Editor at Real Living magazine, she's since built a career styling editorial shoots, campaigns and residential projects for some of the industry's top designers. Her signature approach blends vintage and contemporary pieces with sculptural forms, layering texture and colour, creating spaces that feel curated yet deeply personal. We discuss Kerrie-Ann’s incredible career, as well as her recent pivot towards interior design, publishing a book and the evolution of her online gallery.…
22 Jul 2026 · 41 min
Ep. 042 - Manuela Millan
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Manuela Millan, the Design Manager at Fortis and the founder of Meanwhile in Melbourne, a platform championing local design talent. With incredible experience working across several notable design studios, Manuela has built a career turning real client needs into considered, liveable spaces. We chat about her pathway to Australia and into design, the lessons learned along the way, and how Meanwhile in Melbourne grew from a personal project into a thriving creative community. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au…
15 Jul 2026 · 45 min
Ep. 041 - April Butten
April Button is the founder and driving force behind BOAST, a strategy-led creative studio helping brands build genuine emotional connection, sharp cultural instinct, and real commercial impact. From ambitious startups to established businesses stepping into their next stage of growth, April and the BOAST team work across brand design, strategy, storytelling, packaging, websites and launch marketing, helping shape how brands are perceived, gain attention, and create the momentum they need to grow. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX
8 Jul 2026 · 43 min
Ep. 040 - Kim Kneipp
Kim Kneipp Studio is an interior design practice based in Melbourne, working across Australia on architecturally integrated residential, wellness and commercial environments. Through careful attention to planning, materiality and atmosphere, we create environments that feel calm, connected and deeply personal. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 Jul 2026 · 38 min
Ep. 039 - Naomi Singer
Naomi Singer is on a mission to make plants the most exciting thing on your plate. The Raw Plant Life founder and health coach joins us to talk about her debut book My Vibrant Table was shortlisted for Best Vegan Cookbook in the World at the Gourmand Awards and the story behind her vibrant, flavour-first approach to plant-based eating. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 Jun 2026 · 54 min
Ep. 038 - Tara Solberg
Few & Far was founded in 2009 by Tara Solberg and her partner Danny. Tara is a true creative - leading the creative direction and innovation at Few & Far which achieved global recognition receiving the prestigious Global Honouree Award at the Global Innovator Awards. As some of you may already know, Few & Far is a furniture and homewares brand that is based on the South Coast of NSW. Few & Far has stores in Berry, Bowral, Thirroul and Huskisson, as well as an online store servicing those across Australia. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE:…
17 Jun 2026 · 47 min
Ep. 037 - Genevieve Wallis
Genevieve Wallis is the founder and creative director of Genevieve Wallis Studio, an interior design practice recognised for its understated elegance and refined, thoughtful restraint. With a background in fashion media, Genevieve brings a unique design perspective, where composition, craftsmanship and tactile richness are central to her approach. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
10 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Ep. 036 - Arielle Lopresti
Arielle Lopresti, co-founder of Australian hardware brand Lo & Co, joins Sarah to trace her journey from rehabilitation consultant to design entrepreneur — launching the business alongside her first child and best friend. They dig into the brand's disruptive direct-to-consumer approach, the craft behind their sculptural hardware, collaborative collections, and Low & Co's growing footprint in the US market. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX
3 Jun 2026 · 50 min
Ep. 035 - Katie Forse Sargent
For years, Katie was the creative force behind Katie Sargent Design, crafting breathtaking, intentional luxury homes across Australia. But after facing the overwhelming mental load of modern motherhood and family logistics, she saw a massive gap in the market. Katie took a massive leap from physical design into the tech world to launch Tribu—an intelligent, secure digital admin vault designed to help families conquer life's paperwork. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX
26 May 2026 · 59 min
Ep. 034 - Emma Coyne
Emma Coyne is the Creative Director and Founder of Camille Agency, which began in 2018. With 24 years experience under her belt working with some of Australia’s biggest retail and hospitality brands, today she maintains her role as Creative Director, leading a team of designers, strategists and website developers. Emma is also a dedicated Mum to her three children, a lover of interiors and fiercely passionate about cultivating a creative workplace that brings people together. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au LINKTREE: https://shorturl.at/TUQBX
19 May 2026 · 38 min
Ep. 033 - Julia Levitt
With over a decade of experience, Julia Levitt’s work has been recognised through multiple industry awards and featured in leading design and architecture publications. Her expertise spans custom landscape design, outdoor living spaces, and bespoke garden design tailored to each site and client, which is all exhibited in her award-winning landscape design studio, Nelson Thomas. Nelson Thomas works across private gardens, luxury homes, and large estates throughout Australia, collaborating closely with architects and interior designers to deliver cohesive, site-responsive outcomes. Every…
12 May 2026 · 52 min
Ep. 032 - Louise Bastiras
Founded by Louise Bastiras in 2019, alongside her husband John Bastiras, the shared dream of two passionate, design-focused minds - In Good Company is the organic outcome of a combined three decades entrenched at different ends of the spectrum of Australia’s design landscape. A family-owned furniture, lighting and homewares retailer; showcasing leading contemporary design from around the globe, including our made-in-Melbourne collection John Bastiras Design. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au
5 May 2026 · 29 min
Ep. 031 - Teegan Cocchiaro
Teegan Cocchiaro is the co-founder of Lo & Co along with Arielle Lopresti. Founded in 2016, the brand’s vision was to make ordinary hardware accessories a little less ordinary. The focus and intent were always on creating timeless hardware with functional purpose, whilst ensuring continual reference to design trends, using the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Their designs are informed by architecture, fashion, and travel, with finishes and materials drawn from contemporary interior design movements. Today Lo & Co continues to enrich their range with new and exciting finishes,…
28 Apr 2026 · 40 min
Ep. 030 - Stephanie Ferrara
Stephanie Ferrara’s path in interior design weaves through the worlds of commercial, furniture, and residential design… but the story begins much earlier. As a child, she would spend hours arranging and re-arranging her bedroom, endlessly experimenting with layouts and details until the space felt just right. Frequent weekend trips with her mother to Sydney’s flea markets and treasure troves only deepened her eye for design, teaching her how to blend furniture and decor from different eras into a cohesive whole. Today, with a passion for creating spaces that balance beauty and function,…
21 Apr 2026 · 42 min
Ep. 029 - Rachel Collard
After completing a Psychology degree in 2003 and working in the field for several years, Rachel decided to turn her passion for interiors and renovating into a career. Completing a Degree in Interior Design at RMIT in 2010, Rachel has had a colourful career in soft furnishings, interiors and kitchens. After joining Freedom Kitchens in 2011, Rachel soon become one of the most coveted designers Australia wide and in 2018 was selected to design for contestants on the hit reality TV show “The Block”. Rachel believes the kitchen is the heart of the home, and so often her designs will start here…
14 Apr 2026 · 37 min
Ep. 028 - Kelly McCloskey
Kelly McCloskey is an accredited Feng Shui Master with over a decade of experience helping clients transform their spaces and lives. Combining a sharp design sensibility with a deep understanding of Feng Shui principles, Kelly guides her clients to create environments that foster love, career growth, financial abundance and wellbeing. Kelly has studied under esteemed Grand Masters, Senior Masters and Masters of Feng Shui. She is a Disciple of San Yuen Yuen Gua Feng Shui, a method that can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. This formula has only been taught and passed down to a small number…
7 Apr 2026 · 44 min
Ep. 027 - Claudia Lambert
Claudia is a highly regarded interior expert with over a decade of experience designing spaces that blend art, personality and function. Helping people design their personal version of a rich life, embracing and enhancing the quality of the mundane by making it beautiful, creating pockets of joy so everyday feels special and curated. Specialising in the curation and procurement of furniture, art and unique pieces, her style is playful, colourful and art centric with a cutting edge. Often drawing style inspiration from local materials and designers that create art within the home and keeping…
31 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Ep. 026 - Bea Lambos
Bea, is a Melbourne-based Interior Stylist and Decorator with some say, a knack for creating spaces that are warm, personal, and effortlessly stylish. It’s something that she likes to call – adding the final layer. Whether she's helping homeowners reimagine their spaces, collaborating with architects and designers on editorial styling projects, or working with brands to create beautiful imagery for their products, her focus is always on crafting with beauty in mind. Visit Royal Oak Flooring at: https://royaloakfloors.com.au
24 Mar 2026 · 45 min
Ep. 025 - Melanie Beynon
Based in Melbourne, Melanie Beynon’s award-winning namesake studio benefits from the director’s 20 plus years of experience in interior design and more than 15 years as an architect. During her extensive career Melanie has built up a wealth of connections and experience, producing an impressive catalogue of high-profile, high-end retail, residential and hospitality projects overseas and in Australia. These include hospitality designs for celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, the Prince of Wales Hotel and award-winning wine store, Circa and bar, AERIAL, Amaru and the…

About Her Design, Her Story

Her Design, Her Story is a English arts & books podcast from Her Design, Her Story. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Her Design, Her Story
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1836094515
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