Behind The Design

In this episode, Camilla sits down with Stephanie Ferrara, founder of Laidback Lee Design, to explore how she built a growing design studio while renovating her own family home as an owner-builder and raising two young daughters. Steph shares how a Covid job cut sparked her leap into business, what she’s learned from flipping character homes, and how stepping onto site as a woman and now a builder has reshaped her confidence and communication.Together, they unpack the realities of running a design studio in the thick of motherhood, delegation, renovation setbacks, and the mindset shifts that help Steph stay grounded through it all.In this episode, we explore:• How Steph launched Laidback Lee Design and grew it into a five-person studio• The emotional and practical realities of motherhood while running a design practice• What it’s really like to be an owner-builder and manage a full renovation• The mindset shifts required to delegate, hire, and step back from doing everything yourself• Timeless design vs personality-driven design and how Steph navigates both• Why slowing down, working with your capacity, and trusting your path matters in business and in lifeWhether you’re an interior designer, owner-builder, renovator, creative parent, or someone who loves hearing the unfiltered stories behind design careers, this conversation is grounding, generous, and full of the permission so many of us need.Follow Laidback Lee Design:Business Instagram: instagram.com/laidbacklee_design Business Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laidbackleedesignReno diaries for personal project: https://www.instagram.com/finalmente_renodiary/Follow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Introduction & Background00:01:30 – Introducing Stephanie Ferrara00:02:21 – Stephanie’s Path to Founding Laidback Lee Design00:04:06 – Starting a Business During Major Life Changes00:07:09 – Stephanie’s Renovation & Flip Experiences00:08:16 – Upcoming Renovation Plans00:11:04 – Key Challenges in Project Management00:12:05 – Building the Laidback Lee Design Team00:13:49 – Delegation, Confidence & Scaling00:15:19 – Stephanie’s Evolving Role00:17:01 – Stepping Into the Builder Role00:17:36 – White Card & Owner-Builder Certification00:20:41 – Motivation & Women’s Empowerment00:22:30 – Balancing Work, Life & Motherhood00:30:24 – Adapting to Client Personalities00:32:43 – Clear Communication with Clients00:34:32 – Navigating Delays & Project Challenges00:35:00 – Confidence in Client Relationships00:37:48 – Vulnerability in Life & Business00:43:18 – Postpartum Impact on Work & Identity* Interior design* Australian designer* Creative entrepreneur* Design studio* Renovation* Owner-builder* Residential interiors* Heritage renovation* Studio leadership* Creative motherhood* Women in design* Client communication* Design inspiration* Small business growth* Authentic design process

In this episode, Camilla sits down with Dani Dean, founder of The Make Haus, to explore the evolution of her multidisciplinary studio, spanning florals, interiors, spatial design, commercial installations, and standout projects like the David Jones Flower Show.Together, we unpack what it truly looks like to juggle creativity, business, and motherhood. Dani shares why she refuses to niche down, how she cultivates inspiration across disciplines, and why downtime is an essential part of her process, not a luxury.Camilla also reflects on how burnout has surfaced in her own design practice, and the permission creatives need to slow down, reset, and design from a grounded place.In this episode, we explore:• How Dani built a studio spanning multiple creative pillars• The emotional and practical realities of motherhood in design• How burnout shows up for creatives, and how to work differently• The contrasting mindsets behind commercial vs residential design• The importance of intuition, experimentation, and creative stillnessWhether you’re an interior designer, stylist, floral artist, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves hearing the real stories behind design careers, this episode is full of depth, clarity, and the kind of permission creatives crave.Follow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro00:00:56 – Meet Dani Dean: The Mind Behind The Make Haus00:02:27 – How an Interior Path Emerged from Creative Curiosity00:02:39 – The Moment The Make Haus Expanded Beyond One Discipline00:08:20 – How Clients Engage Dani Across Interiors, Florals & Events00:09:32 – Why Dani Refuses to “Pick a Lane”00:09:50 – Choosing Interiors: The Career Decision That Stuck00:11:16 – Motherhood, Boundaries & Designing with Less Noise00:14:46 – How Partner Support Makes Creative Careers Possible00:18:01 – From Fashion Roots to Interiors & Spatial Design00:18:30 – Inside Dani’s Intuitive, Tactile Design Process00:22:13 – What Makes The Make Haus Team Work00:24:11 – Sources of Inspiration: Objects, Observation & Environment00:28:14 – Switching Gears: Commercial vs Residential Mindsets00:29:47 – The Projects That Changed Dani’s Creative Trajectory00:30:53 – Behind the Fiore Sandwich Shop Concept00:31:25 – Turning a Client Brief into a Lived Experience00:33:23 – Why Creative Downtime Isn’t Optional00:34:25 – Early Signs of Burnout & What Dani Learned00:40:58 – What’s Next for The Make Haus* Interior design* Australian designer* Creative entrepreneur* Design studio* Multi-disciplinary design* Floristry* Event styling* Residential interiors* Commercial design* Creative process* Women in design* Design inspiration* Creative motherhood* Design business* Burnout recovery

This episode of Behind the Design features Troy Donovan, Principal Facade Designer at Prism Facades, whose work bridges architecture, engineering, and creative storytelling. From sketching in a notebook to leading large-scale projects with firms like Grimshaw Architects, Troy shares how facade design shapes the way we experience buildings, from the Sydney Opera House to the Australian War Memorial. He is based in New Zealand and leads his work from an office in Sydney.In this thoughtful and grounded conversation, Troy opens up about his design process, the importance of collaboration, and how the smallest details can transform both a structure and the emotions it evokes. He reflects on the lessons learned through mistakes, the enduring value of sketching, and what it really takes to bring architectural visions to life.Expect to learn:• How facade design connects creativity, functionality, and craftsmanship• The journey from industrial design to international architecture projects• Why sketching remains a powerful design tool in a digital age• What it takes to preserve heritage while innovating with modern materials• How mistakes and experimentation lead to growth and better design outcomes• Insights into the creative partnerships that shape landmark Australian buildingsWhether you are an architect, designer, or creative problem-solver, this episode will inspire you to see buildings in a new light and appreciate the artistry behind every facade.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:52 – Meet Facade Designer Troy Donovan00:02:32 – From Industrial Design to Architecture00:03:16 – Studying Architecture and Finding Facades00:06:10 – Sketching the Path to Facade Design00:08:11 – What a Facade Designer Does00:10:18 – Collaboration in Architecture and Engineering00:11:04 – The Art and Science of Facades00:12:36 – Experience and Intuition in Design00:14:19 – The Ideal Facade Design Client00:15:14 – Creativity and Teamwork at Prism Facades00:18:07 – Working on Global Architecture Projects00:18:59 – Heritage Buildings and Modern Challenges00:19:39 – Hidden Design and Accessibility00:24:05 – Using Instagram to Share Design Insights00:27:37 – Teaching Facade Design Online00:31:51 – Lessons from Design Mistakes00:33:36 – Turning a Design Error into Success00:36:13 – Why Sharing Mistakes Matters00:38:15 – Relationships and the Future of Prism Facades* facade design* architecture podcast* building envelopes* Sydney architecture* design process* Australian architects* sustainable design* building innovation* architectural detailing* sketching for designers* creative collaboration* design storytelling* design education* design inspiration* Grimshaw Architects* Opera House design* Prism Facades

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

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