Build Beautiful

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Thomas Hamel, founder of Thomas Hamel & Associates, is one of Australia’s most influential luxury interior designers, known for creating timeless interior design that bridges old world craftsmanship with contemporary living. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Thomas shares how his formative years in New York, London, and Europe — including time at the legendary Parrish-Hadley — shaped a design philosophy grounded in history, restraint, and enduring quality.
This is a rare, deeply personal conversation about luxury interior design, the business of design, and why truly great interiors are built on relationships, service, and intuition — not trends.

Key Takeaways:
Thomas Hamel emphasises the significance of balancing historical elements with contemporary design, drawing from his diverse educational and professional experiences.
Hamel credits his deep personal connections and serendipitous encounters with influential figures for his success in the interior design world.
A staunch advocate for integrity in design, Hamel has chosen to prioritise depth and client relationships over pursuing widespread global expansion.
Hamel's mentorship program highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation of designers, focusing on experiential learning and personal growth.
Hamel underscores the importance of passion, organisation, and a client-centered approach in building a successful design practice.
Notable Quotes:
"I live by being in other people's heads." - Thomas Hamel
"It's all about the efficiency of, you know, the descriptions, the details, the cost, how it's then invoiced, how it's… it's that structure that's so crucial." - Thomas Hamel
"It's nice to have one or two old souls in a room, but then it's got to have the twist." - Thomas Hamel
"The most important word and what is required the most is passion." - Thomas Hamel
Resources:
Instagram @joem7816
Instagram @1stdibs
Instagram @the_london_list
Thomas Hamel and Associates
Parish Hadley

Luxury Interiors
Timeless Interior Design
Business of Interior Design
Avoiding interior design trends
History of Interior Design

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Kate Nixon went from Interiors Editor at Australian House and Garden to running her own design studio, bringing her storytelling skills along. She's not your typical interior designer—Kate runs her creative business using the Entrepreneurs Operating System and believes that systems will set you free, proving you can blend beautiful design with smart business structure. We're diving into her transition from magazines to design studio owner, how she's built a sustainable creative practice, and her philosophy on finding joy in the everyday. For anyone wondering how to turn creative passion into a thriving business, this conversation delivers.
Key Takeaways:
The EOS Framework: Learn how the EOS model has provided Kate Nixon with an efficient, systematic approach to managing and scaling her interior design business, amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Vision and Values in Business: Nixon emphasises the importance of clearly defining and integrating core values into business processes and team culture, ensuring alignment and fostering a positive work environment.
Balance of Creativity and Structure: Discover how systems and structure can enhance rather than limit creative freedom, allowing for more intuitive and impactful design work.
Client and Team Dynamics: Effective client relationships and teamwork are built upon transparent communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, all of which are vital for successful project execution.
Continuous Learning: Embrace the pivotal role of lifelong learning and adaptability in personal and professional growth, through identified blind spots and constructed feedback systems.
Notable Quotes:
"Businesses are business regardless of the industry you're in; the same principles of discipline and accountability apply."
"Systems will set you free. It's about repeating success and filtering out what doesn't work to liberate time for creativity."
"We are all on the same team, working together to make it better, which requires no ego."
"Transparency around fees is crucial in ensuring clients understand the value exchange in service-based industries."
"If you look for the good, you'll find it; if you look for the bad, you'll find it. It's about gratitude and finding everyday joy."
Resources:
Kate Nixon Studio
EOS (Entrepreneurs Operating System): Learn more about this business model by reading "Traction" by Gino Wickman.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

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Jane Langof is a renowned feng shui consultant and author with a rich background in finance. Having transitioned from a career as an accountant in corporate Australia, Jane found her calling in the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, complementing her interest in interior design. She has penned the book "Feng Shui: A Homeowner's Guide to Abundance," and collaborates with architects and designers to harmonize energy flow in homes and community spaces. Jane advocates for creating environments that support personal well-being and prosperity, blending technical expertise with intuitive insight.
Key Takeaways:
Transition from Corporate to Feng Shui: Jane Langof shared her inspiring career transformation and the pivotal moments that guided her towards feng shui.
Understanding Feng Shui: Discover how feng shui focuses on optimising energy flow in living spaces to enhance well-being and harmony.
Applications in Design: Insights into how feng shui principles can be effectively integrated into architectural and interior design projects.
Misconceptions Clarified: Jane addresses common misconceptions about feng shui and offers clarity on its practical and aesthetic integration.
The Role of Intuition and Technical Skill: The balance between technical aspects of feng shui and personal intuition plays a crucial role in maximising its benefits.
Notable Quotes:
"I just had to kind of block out that noise and unlearn… that other people's opinions are not as important as my own."
"Feng shui is about your relationship with your environment and how the energy in your surroundings can impact you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level."
"I've worked in spaces before where people… lived not like normal people because their feng shui consultant didn't consider practicability."
"The ideal is to have a space that is practical and beautiful… feng shui should really enhance your life, not create fear."
"Creating an environment that doesn't let you get derailed… that's what living in alignment feels like to me."
Resources:
LinkedIn: Jane Langof
For more information on feng shui practices and consultations, visit Jane Langof's website.
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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

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Storytelling in interior design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about emotion, intuition, and the courage to create a life of meaning. In this episode of Build Beautiful, London-based AD100 designer Peter Mikic joins Linda Habak to share his remarkable journey — from growing up in Queanbeyan, Australia, to becoming one of the most celebrated names in luxury interior design.
From his early days in fashion at RMIT to designing hotels, homes, yachts, and private jets, Peter’s story is one of elegant risk, creativity without borders, and a deep belief that beauty is both art and feeling.
He opens up about imposter syndrome, creative leadership, and what it takes to build a studio that honours craftsmanship, intuition, and soul.

This is a conversation about courage, colour, and creating from the heart — one that reminds us that to build beautifully is to live beautifully.
Key Takeaways:
Storytelling in Design: Peter emphasises the importance of storytelling in interiors, drawing from his experiences in fashion and a life full of rich cultural influences.
Creative Freedom: A central theme is the value of creative freedom, explored through Peter's work on diverse and ambitious global projects, including high-end residential and commercial spaces.
Influence of Origin: Peter attributes his unique design perspective to his upbringing in Australia, highlighting the role of vibrant colors and natural light.
Lessons from Fashion: The years spent in fashion taught Peter how to push creative boundaries, a skill he carries into his interior design projects.
Embracing Imperfection: Despite his success, Peter discusses the importance of embracing self-doubt and imperfection as drivers of personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
"Design is about storytelling. It's about building something lasting and doing it with heart."
"Honestly, I think once you sort of train your own eye and you sort of believe in what you believe in, things sort of come together."
"I always want everything to be just perfect… I must do better."
"I like to understand what their skills are, the team, the team skills, because everyone has different skill sets."
"I think Build Beautiful means to me it means to create a space that you feel safe in and a place where you can think."
Storytelling in interior design, hotel interior design, imposter syndrome, interior design podcast, interview podcast Build Beautiful, luxury interior design, hotel design, Peter Mikic, Queanbeyan, AD100 designer, London interiors, creative leadership, design storytelling, interior architecture, craftsmanship, design thinking, colour and pattern, designer interview, fashion to interiors, Linda Habak
To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:
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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].

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Female Property Developer Jenn Sinclair shares how she moved from architecture into small-scale development, built a record-setting duplex on the Gold Coast, and why human-centred design beats square-metre maths. We unpack how to start in property development, building your A-team, feasibility basics, and the resilience it takes to thrive as a female property developer.

In this episode you’ll learn:
How to become a property developer (real steps for property development for beginners)
Finding and evaluating sites, reading demand, and trusting your instincts
The A-Team: builder, town planner, broker, accountant — who to call first and why
Designing for families vs retirees: floor plans, multi-gen living, and ROI-driven finishes
Record-breaking duplex: the Gold Coast case study and lessons learned
Community impact: turning a meth-damaged house into a street that thrives
Confidence & imposter syndrome: navigating a male-dominated industry

Female Property Developer
Property development for beginners
Successful women in property,
Gold Coast + female property developer
How to become a property developer
Property development for beginners
How to start in property development

#FemalePropertyDeveloper #PropertyDevelopmentForBeginners #SuccessfulWomenInProperty
#GoldCoastProperty #HowToBecomeAPropertyDeveloper #HowToStartInPropertyDevelopment
#ArchitecturePodcast #DesignPodcast #DuplexDevelopment #BuildBeautiful
To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:
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on Facebook
on LinkedIn
If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on [email protected].