Behind The Design

• 28. Creative Burnout, Boundaries & The Business of Design - Lessons from Smac Studio

  This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality.In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry.Expect to learn:How Smac Studio grew from an “accidental” start-up into a five-person design studioThe secret to scaling without losing your creative identityHow to build client trust and set boundaries that protect your processWhy burnout and imposter syndrome are part of every creative’s journeyThe truth behind design trends like Modern Spanish and Modern MediterraneanWhat it takes to grow a sustainable, fulfilling design businessWhether you're an interior designer, architect, or creative founder, this episode will inspire you to grow with confidence and clarity. And if you're planning to renovate or build from scratch, this podcast is packed with insights to guide your journey.Connect with Smac Studiohttps://www.instagram.com/smac_studiohttps://www.smacstudio.com.au/Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design00:58:41 – What’s Next for Smac Studio* Smac Studio* Shona McElroy* Interior design podcast* Creative burnout* Design business tips* Scaling a design studio* Boundaries with clients* Australian interior designer* Modern Mediterranean design* Modern Spanish interiors* Creative entrepreneurship* Managing design clients* Signature design style* Imposter syndrome in design

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• 27. How Vicello Built a Thriving Joinery Studio Without a Plan

  This episode of Behind the Design features Leon and Victoria Pirrello, the couple behind Vicello. What began in their garage has grown into a thriving joinery and design studio with a team, factory spaces, and a reputation for delivering bespoke interiors across NSW. Their journey is one of courage, collaboration, and saying yes to projects that stretched them well beyond their comfort zone.They share how Vicello was built step by step - balancing marriage, parenting, and business - while carving out a niche in guiding clients through every stage of the joinery process. From technical precision to meaningful collaboration with architects and designers, their approach blends craftsmanship with connection, offering valuable lessons for anyone in design, construction, or business.Expect to learn:How Vicello went from garage projects to full-home fitoutsWhy early collaboration with joiners saves time, money, and mistakesThe creative and technical process behind high-end bespoke joineryHow to lead a family-run business with clear roles, values, and purposeThe importance of emotional intelligence in design and businessIf you're an interior designer, architect, builder, or business owner in the design space - this episode is a must.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Behind the Design Intro00:01:52 – Meet the Guest00:02:00 – How the Business Began00:05:39 – Design Process Overview00:12:04 – Working with Architects00:13:53 – Family Business Dynamics00:16:34 – Compassionate Leadership00:18:05 – Favourite Projects & Growth00:20:08 – Drafting Team’s Role00:22:34 – Ideal Clients & Fit00:25:40 – Relationship-Driven Projects00:29:27 – Portfolio & Client Privacy00:33:54 – Shift to Construction & Joinery00:35:09 – Passion for Collaboration00:39:25 – Seamless Client Experience00:43:18 – Building a Business Together00:44:24 – Advice to Younger Creatives00:47:23 – Emotions in Entrepreneurship00:49:28 – Managing Creative Stress00:49:58 – Quick Fire Questions* bespoke joinery* high-end interiors* family business success* interior design business* designer-builder collaboration* Vicello * scaling creative businesses* behind the scenes interior design* building a business with your spouse* Australian design podcasts* female founders in construction* working with your partner business* custom cabinetry and joinery* emotional intelligence in business* early engagement trades* client experience design industry

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• 26. Redefining Interior Design: AI, Construction & Female Insight with Jenn Bliss

  This episode is a true reflection of creativity, resilience, and the beauty of turning life’s challenges into meaningful design. In this episode of Behind the Design, we sit down with Jenn Bliss, the visionary behind some of Port Stephens’ most admired homes, including the much-loved Talm Beach House.What began as a love for interiors sparked in childhood has grown into a career that blends design, renovation, and storytelling. Jenn shares her journey from Cape Town to the Australian coast, building a family business in construction and design, and creating spaces that feel deeply personal. She opens up about the juggle of motherhood and business, the realities of living through renovations, managing trades on site as a woman in the industry, and why she believes the rise of AI has only made human creativity and connection more valuable than ever.Expect to hear about:The story behind Talm Beach House and how it became an iconic coastal escapeBalancing motherhood, business, and the messy middle of renovationsThe realities of living in a renovation (and what no one talks about it)Navigating respect and confidence as a woman in the construction industryWhy AI will never replace the power of human creativity and connectionHow Jenn avoids burnout and stays aligned with her “why”If you’re craving inspiration, wondering how to bring more authenticity into your creative projects, or simply need to hear that it’s okay to embrace imperfection, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Jenn’s honest, warm, and refreshing take on design, resilience, and the power of following your instincts.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:02:04 – Meet Jenn: Designer & Stylist00:03:41 – Childhood Passion for Interiors00:06:19 – Building Tom Beach House00:10:07 – Marketing Tom on Airbnb00:11:40 – Renovating Ambers & Family Homes00:14:44 – Balancing Motherhood & Career00:17:46 – Spotting Burnout in Design00:21:27 – Breaks for Creativity & Health00:22:55 – Women in Construction Respect00:28:06 – Choosing the Right Trades00:29:43 – AI in Design Industry00:30:38 – Human Creativity vs AI00:36:42 – Imposter Syndrome in Design00:43:38 – Interior Design Process00:45:26 – Room-by-Room Mood Boards00:47:11 – Personalizing Spaces with Story00:48:30 – Advice to Younger Self00:51:05 – Jenn’s Journey to Australia00:57:05 – Community & Energy in Design* interior design podcast 2025* Airbnb home styling tips* Tom Beach House Port Stephens design* women in construction challenges* balancing motherhood and career* how to avoid burnout as a creative* AI vs human creativity in design* real life renovation stories* Cape Town to Australia designer journey* coastal home design inspiration

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• 25. Inside the World of Interior Styling: Laura Rees' Journey & Styling Secrets

  This episode is a true testament to the power of taking risks, following your creative instincts, and the beauty of building a business that reflects your passion. In this episode of Behind the Design, we chat with Laura, the creative mind behind Laura Rees Styling. What began as a leap into freelancing has grown into a thriving interior styling business, bringing unique and personal touches to spaces, from private residences to editorial shoots. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to the creative chaos of freelancing, balancing motherhood with styling, and highlighting the importance of working with the right people and trades on-site to bring each project to life.Expect to hear about:How stepping away from corporate life led to a creative businessBalancing family life and freelancing with chaos and beauty!The artistry behind styling for the camera and what it takes to get that perfect shotThe value of building authentic relationships with clients, photographers, and suppliersTips for aspiring stylists and creatives who want to take the leap into freelancingThe upcoming workshops Laura’s launching to help others style with intentionIf you’re craving inspiration, wondering how to turn your creative passion into a business, or simply need to hear that it’s okay to embrace the messy middle of any project, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Laura’s raw, real, and refreshing take on building a creative career on your terms. Plus, get ready to feel motivated to trust your instincts and make bold moves, because life’s too short to play it safe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more creative insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the design world.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Introduction to Laura’s Interior Styling Journey00:01:32 – From Corporate Career to Freelancing in Styling00:05:56 – Support, Risk-Taking & Building a Creative Business00:07:59 – Collaboration & Relationships in the Interior Styling Industry00:10:23 – The Realities, Challenges & Rewards of Styling00:15:19 – McMaster’s Beach Project: Styling a Coastal Home00:17:48 – Styling for the Camera & Creating Perfect Vignettes00:20:51 – Sourcing Unique Pieces & Standing Out as a Stylist00:22:52 – How COVID-19 Impacted the Styling & Art World00:24:01 – Working with Photographers & Navigating Shoot Days00:28:01 – Problem-Solving & Managing On-Set Challenges00:30:11 – Inspiration, Sourcing & Growing Industry Connections00:31:56 – Social Media, Lighting & Trusting Your Creative Vision00:36:34 – Advice & Top Styling Tips for Aspiring Designers00:45:38 – Collaboration, Overcoming Self-Doubt & Client Success00:50:14 – Patience, Persistence & Recharging Your Creativity00:52:46 – Where to Connect with Laura Rees* Interior Styling* Freelance Interior Design* Styling Tips* Creative Career* Interior Design Business* Design Inspiration* Freelance Life* Styling for Photoshoots* Home Styling Ideas* Creative Entrepreneurship* Designing with Purpose* Styling Secrets* Building a Design Brand* Collaboration in Design* Balancing Family and Freelance* Interior Design Process* Personalized Home Design* Styling Inspiration* Women in Design* Interior Design Journey

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• 24. Interior Design with Soul: Nina’s Story Behind Paloma Studios and That 70s Bungalow

  This chat felt especially authentic and creatively energising. What began as a passion project has unfolded into a full-bodied creative business: storytelling through space, reimagining nostalgic design moments, building community, and saying "why not?"In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla sits down with Nina, the creative founder of Paloma Studios and the visionary behind That 70s Bungalow, to unpack how a personal renovation project blossomed into a soulful, full-time design business.From DIY renovations in Newcastle to building an interior design brand rooted in emotion, storytelling, and bold aesthetics - Nina shares her journey of saying yes to creativity, even without the “perfect plan.”We dive into:How a first home reno sparked a design careerTurning passion projects into a profitable businessBalancing motherhood with building a creative brandDesigning with feeling instead of following trendsThe early days of Paloma Studios and growing a recognisable aestheticCollaborating with suppliers and sourcing with intentionDealing with imposter syndrome in the interior design industryTips for renovators, creatives, and women starting from scratchIf you’re dreaming of your own creative pivot, in the messy middle of a project, or simply obsessed with nostalgic interiors and storytelling through design - this episode is your permission slip.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Follow Paloma Studios:https://www.palomastudios.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/palomastudios_/00:00:00 – Welcome to the Show00:01:28 – Meet Nina of Paloma Studios00:01:46 – From Reno to Design Career00:05:36 – Building Client Trust00:07:33 – ADHD & Creative Workflow00:07:53 – Starting Paloma Studios00:15:26 – Designing by Feel, Not Trends00:15:54 – Playing with Colour & Risk00:16:08 – Solving Design Challenges00:20:45 – Balancing Motherhood & Business00:23:40 – Tackling Imposter Syndrome00:23:57 – Leading with Authenticity00:28:22 – Crafting a Unique Style00:31:03 – Pinterest as Design Tool00:32:30 – Five Minute Blinds Collab00:34:06 – Staying Open in the Process00:35:42 – Strong Supplier Relationships00:40:06 – Inside Client Consultations00:47:22 – Advice for New Designers00:49:01 – Mood Boards that Work* Interior Design* Creative Journey* Home Renovation* Design Podcast* Women In Design* Colorful Interiors* Paloma Studios* Interior design career journey* Paloma Studios founder* Women in design business* Creative entrepreneur story* Bold home interiors* Emotional design over trends* Renovation to design studio* Self-taught interior designer* Designing with color and feeling* Balancing motherhood and creativity

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