Design Anatomy

• Celebrating 25 Years of David Hicks: A Legacy of Timeless Design

  Symmetry, structure, warmth, and a sense of materiality that's instantly recognisable – these are the hallmarks of David Hicks' approach to design, a philosophy he's refined over an impressive 25-year career. We sit down with this influential Australian designer to trace his evolution from what critics once described as "minimalist purity" to what he now calls "decorative minimalism."David's journey began with his own apartment in Melbourne's converted Red Tulip Factory, a project that established his meticulous approach to design. Working with a grid system based on 600mm terrazzo tiles, he created a space where every joinery line aligned perfectly with tile grout – a detail-driven approach that still guides his work today. What makes this particularly fascinating is that this career-launching project was created in the pre-Google era, using dial-up internet and hand-drawn plans, when inspiration came from face-to-face networking rather than endless scrolling.The conversation shifts to how dramatically the design industry has transformed over David's career. Where designers once waited eagerly for monthly magazines or trade representatives bearing materials from international shows, today's instantaneous access to global design via social media has changed how designers work, often prioritising two-second visual impact over thoughtful functionality. Despite these shifts, David has maintained his commitment to balancing what he calls "discipline" (technical expertise in space planning and detailing) with "intuition" (the creative, decorative elements).After completing over 800 apartments, 75 homes and 125 retail projects, David opens up about what actually keeps a design practice thriving – and it's not what most people imagine. The reality of an interior designer's daily life involves far more administration than fabric selection, though he remains passionate about expanding his creative reach through new collaborations, including an upcoming tapware collection. For aspiring designers or anyone fascinated by the evolution of Australian design, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into staying relevant while remaining true to your authentic vision with one of the best in the industry.Check out David's socials belowInstagram : @davidhicksdesignWeb: https://davidhickThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Want the low-down on the good stuff? Sign up for the launch of Design Edit by Bree Banfield - curated pre-selected decor collections, workshops, design tours and trends. Learn more: BREE BANFIELD If you're sitting at your desk about to send a fee proposal and you'd just like to run it by someone else first? Or have you ever had a client dilemma and it just doesn't feel right but no one you know understands (except for the dog)?And do you wonder why you're not raking it in when you're practically living at your desk, busting your creative chops 'round the clock?These are the things we're diving into with a small group of designers just like you. And so much more in THE DESIGN SOCIETY YouTube launching very soon subscribe for the visual experience DESIGN ANATOMY PODCAST

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• The Waitlist That Changed Everything with Luke Fry

  What begins as an accidental career path often leads to the most extraordinary destinations. Luke Fry's journey exemplifies this perfectly—originally waitlisted for graphic design, he reluctantly accepted a spot in interior design at Swinburne University, never imagining it would become the foundation for his acclaimed architectural practice two decades later.Growing up with a builder father and brother, Luke had construction in his blood. "I was on building sites from the day I could walk," he shares, revealing how this early exposure proved invaluable when he later obtained his builder's registration alongside his design qualifications. This rare triple-threat perspective—interior designer, architect, and builder—gives Luke a uniquely comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle.The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the challenges of documentation, with Luke noting that "a builder's pet peeve is documentation that's not detailed enough." This understanding fundamentally shapes his practice's approach, emphasizing meticulous documentation as both a design tool and crucial contract document. In an era where building regulations have intensified following cladding scandals, these skills have become even more critical.After eleven years leading his own practice, Luke's perspective on design has matured beautifully. Where aesthetic considerations once dominated, he now finds deepest fulfillment in how spaces transform clients' lives—"their ability to communicate better, to function better, to foster better relationships." This evolution mirrors his practice's growth from primarily residential work to an expanding portfolio including hotels, hospitality venues, and wineries.Perhaps most revealing is Luke's current rebranding from "Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design" to simply "Fry"—a change reflecting his desire to spotlight his seven-person team rather than himself. "It's making it a little bit more about the team than it is about me as an individual," he explains, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that has become central to his success.Check out Luke's rebrand & follow along on his socialsInstagram:@fry_studioWeb:https://www.fry.studioThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Want the low-down on the good stuff? Sign up for the launch of Design Edit by Bree Banfield - curated pre-selected decor collections, workshops, design tours and trends. Learn more: BREE BANFIELD If you're sitting at your desk about to send a fee proposal and you'd just like to run it by someone else first? Or have you ever had a client dilemma and it just doesn't feel right but no one you know understands (except for the dog)?And do you wonder why you're not raking it in when you're practically living at your desk, busting your creative chops 'round the clock?These are the things we're diving into with a small group of designers just like you. And so much more in THE DESIGN SOCIETY YouTube launching very soon subscribe for the visual experience DESIGN ANATOMY PODCAST

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• Kitchens Reimagined with Loren Inglis of Vzug

  The humble kitchen has evolved from a purely functional space into the vibrant heart of our homes, but what's next in this evolution? In this fascinating conversation with Loren Inglis, Regional Business Development Manager at Vzug, we explore how kitchen design is entering its next phase as "the third space" – where technology, aesthetics, and authentic living intersect.Loren pulls back the curtain on how professional-grade appliances are transforming home cooking experiences, making restaurant-quality results accessible to everyone from passionate home chefs to self-proclaimed "reheaters." We dive into unexpected innovations like the Refresh Butler, which uses steam technology to clean clothes without chemicals, demonstrating how kitchen-adjacent technologies are extending throughout the home.The conversation tackles the shift away from sterile showpiece kitchens toward spaces designed for real living. "Authenticity," as Lauren notes, has become a driving force in kitchen design. We explore how designers are balancing visual appeal with functionality through sculptural stonework, thoughtful color palettes, and clever space-saving solutions like cooktops with integrated extraction systems.For those renovating or building, Loren offers valuable insights into choosing finishes that complement your space, with Vzug's Pearl finish emerging as a sophisticated alternative to traditional black or white appliances. We discuss how sustainability considerations are shaping both manufacturing processes and product design, with energy efficiency and food preservation becoming increasingly important as food costs rise.Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation, curious about the latest appliance innovations, or simply interested in how design trends reflect our changing lifestyles, this episode offers a rich exploration of the contemporary kitchen landscape. Join us for a conversation that goes beyond surface-level trends to examine how our kitchens are becoming more personalized, more sustainable, and more aligned with how we actually live.Ready to see these innovations in person? Visit Vzug's Melbourne studio in Richmond, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, where the Gourmet Academy team can demonstrate how these appliances might transform your home cooking experience.Checkout Vzug's amazing innovations on socials:Instagram: @vzughThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Want the low-down on the good stuff? Sign up for the launch of Design Edit by Bree Banfield - curated pre-selected decor collections, workshops, design tours and trends. Learn more: BREE BANFIELD If you're sitting at your desk about to send a fee proposal and you'd just like to run it by someone else first? Or have you ever had a client dilemma and it just doesn't feel right but no one you know understands (except for the dog)?And do you wonder why you're not raking it in when you're practically living at your desk, busting your creative chops 'round the clock?These are the things we're diving into with a small group of designers just like you. And so much more in THE DESIGN SOCIETY YouTube launching very soon subscribe for the visual experience DESIGN ANATOMY PODCAST

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• Milan in review: The Beautiful Chaos of Milan Design Week with Alvin Wu

  The beautiful chaos of Milan Design Week comes alive through the fresh eyes of first-time attendee Alvin Wu, brand manager at Niche Media. What began as a career in interior design evolved into finding his true passion within the design community—organizing events like the "30 Under 30" program that recognizes emerging design talent through mentorship and a creativity retreat in Bali.Drawn to Milan with the hope of experiencing a quieter edition during a non-Euroluce year, Alvin quickly discovered the reality: design week has surpassed fashion week in popularity, with half a million visitors descending upon a city not quite built for such numbers. The notorious three-hour queues for installations like L' Appartamento by Artemest contrast sharply with the magical moments found in unexpected places—like sitting beneath trees at Alcova, a welcome respite from the urban intensity.For Australian designers on the global stage, Milan represents both challenge and triumph. Ross Gardam and Articolo showcased lighting innovations that drew gasps of appreciation, proving the calibre of design talent from down under. These moments of national pride punctuated Alvin's evolving appreciation for lighting design, which has now become his "top category" of interest. Standing in the Molteni showroom, witnessing how strategic lighting transformed entire spaces, revealed how transformative thoughtful illumination can be.The true value of Milan, Alvin discovered, transcends products and installations. "My biggest takeaway is definitely the networking experience," he reflects. "At the end of the day, no matter what role you play in this industry, we are all one community." While products change annually, the connections formed during these intense, inspiration-filled days create lifelong relationships that ultimately shape the design world more profoundly than any single object ever could. Follow Alvin Wu on Instagram@alvinpwu@[email protected] about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Want the low-down on the good stuff? Sign up for the launch of Design Edit by Bree Banfield - curated pre-selected decor collections, workshops, design tours and trends. Learn more: BREE BANFIELD If you're sitting at your desk about to send a fee proposal and you'd just like to run it by someone else first? Or have you ever had a client dilemma and it just doesn't feel right but no one you know understands (except for the dog)?And do you wonder why you're not raking it in when you're practically living at your desk, busting your creative chops 'round the clock?These are the things we're diving into with a small group of designers just like you. And so much more in THE DESIGN SOCIETY YouTube launching very soon subscribe for the visual experience DESIGN ANATOMY PODCAST

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• Milan in review: Georgina Wilson’s Viral Approach to Architecture

  Architect Georgina Wilson joins us to share her remarkable journey from traditional practice to social media phenomenon. What began as a simple experiment on TikTok — "because no one I knew was on it" — unexpectedly transformed her 25-year architectural career and business model. Today, her viral design content reaches hundreds of thousands of followers, and her firm operates "as if from the moon," providing virtual design consultations to clients worldwide.Georgina's success stems from her refreshingly straightforward approach. Frustrated by how architects typically communicate only with other designers through meaningless jargon, she decided to speak directly to what she affectionately calls "normies" — everyday people who want to understand good design without the pretension. Her content breaks down complex design principles into accessible advice, often featuring floor plans that visually demonstrate why certain layouts work better than others.Fresh from Milan Design Week, Georgina shares how her perspective has evolved from viewing design through a personal lens to approaching it journalistically, seeking stories that would interest her audience. She was particularly captivated by innovations in lighting design, discovering how new technologies can influence behavior and create versatility in spaces.What makes Georgina's approach truly inspiring is her philosophy of authenticity and continuous improvement. "It's gotta be shit before it's good," she explains, describing how this mindset frees her from perfectionism and encourages experimentation. This authenticity extends to her design principles — "Interior design is not fashion. If anything, it's anti-fashion" — emphasizing creating environments that remain beautiful and functional for decades, not seasons.Subscribe for more conversations with design professionals who are changing the industry through innovation and authenticity. Want to improve your own space? Follow Georgina on Instagram for practical design advice that makes a real difference in how you live.INSTAGRAM @georginawilsonassociates WEB: https://www.georginawilsonassociates.comThinking about joining Bree & Lauren in Milan 2026? Or perhaps London later this year, is more your design vibe? Jump onto our wait lists below & be the first to know when all these amazing tours are happening. London Tour 2025 Milan Tour 2026 Want the low-down on the good stuff? Sign up for the launch of Design Edit by Bree Banfield - curated pre-selected decor collections, workshops, design tours and trends. Learn more: BREE BANFIELD If you're sitting at your desk about to send a fee proposal and you'd just like to run it by someone else first? Or have you ever had a client dilemma and it just doesn't feel right but no one you know understands (except for the dog)?And do you wonder why you're not raking it in when you're practically living at your desk, busting your creative chops 'round the clock?These are the things we're diving into with a small group of designers just like you. And so much more in THE DESIGN SOCIETY YouTube launching very soon subscribe for the visual experience DESIGN ANATOMY PODCAST

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