Behind The Design

Think Loud
  • 5.0 (6)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED TWICE MONTHLY

Welcome to Behind the Design, a podcast where we unfold the details behind the designs we know and love and explore how each project comes to life. I’m Camilla Ingall, owner of Unfolded, an interior design and styling studio. In this podcast series, we dive into the details with our industry experts covering topics such as the creative process, latest design trends and how we, as an industry, work together to meet the brief and overcome challenges.

  1. 17/12/2025

    31. From Designer to Owner-Builder: Lessons Learned on the Job with Stephanie Ferrara

    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 life Whether 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/@laidbackleedesign Reno 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 & Background 00:01:30 – Introducing Stephanie Ferrara 00:02:21 – Stephanie’s Path to Founding Laidback Lee Design 00:04:06 – Starting a Business During Major Life Changes 00:07:09 – Stephanie’s Renovation & Flip Experiences 00:08:16 – Upcoming Renovation Plans 00:11:04 – Key Challenges in Project Management 00:12:05 – Building the Laidback Lee Design Team 00:13:49 – Delegation, Confidence & Scaling 00:15:19 – Stephanie’s Evolving Role 00:17:01 – Stepping Into the Builder Role 00:17:36 – White Card & Owner-Builder Certification 00:20:41 – Motivation & Women’s Empowerment 00:22:30 – Balancing Work, Life & Motherhood 00:30:24 – Adapting to Client Personalities 00:32:43 – Clear Communication with Clients 00:34:32 – Navigating Delays & Project Challenges 00:35:00 – Confidence in Client Relationships 00:37:48 – Vulnerability in Life & Business 00:43:18 – 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

    50 min

  2. 26/11/2025

    30. Women Redefining Leadership Through Creative, Multidisciplinary Design

    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 stillness Whether 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 Intro 00:00:56 – Meet Dani Dean: The Mind Behind The Make Haus 00:02:27 – How an Interior Path Emerged from Creative Curiosity 00:02:39 – The Moment The Make Haus Expanded Beyond One Discipline 00:08:20 – How Clients Engage Dani Across Interiors, Florals & Events 00:09:32 – Why Dani Refuses to “Pick a Lane” 00:09:50 – Choosing Interiors: The Career Decision That Stuck 00:11:16 – Motherhood, Boundaries & Designing with Less Noise 00:14:46 – How Partner Support Makes Creative Careers Possible 00:18:01 – From Fashion Roots to Interiors & Spatial Design 00:18:30 – Inside Dani’s Intuitive, Tactile Design Process 00:22:13 – What Makes The Make Haus Team Work 00:24:11 – Sources of Inspiration: Objects, Observation & Environment 00:28:14 – Switching Gears: Commercial vs Residential Mindsets 00:29:47 – The Projects That Changed Dani’s Creative Trajectory 00:30:53 – Behind the Fiore Sandwich Shop Concept 00:31:25 – Turning a Client Brief into a Lived Experience 00:33:23 – Why Creative Downtime Isn’t Optional 00:34:25 – Early Signs of Burnout & What Dani Learned 00:40:58 – 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

    53 min

  3. 05/11/2025

    29. The Art & Science of Facade Design: How Troy Donovan Shapes Iconic Buildings

    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 buildings Whether 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 Donovan 00:02:32 – From Industrial Design to Architecture 00:03:16 – Studying Architecture and Finding Facades 00:06:10 – Sketching the Path to Facade Design 00:08:11 – What a Facade Designer Does 00:10:18 – Collaboration in Architecture and Engineering 00:11:04 – The Art and Science of Facades 00:12:36 – Experience and Intuition in Design 00:14:19 – The Ideal Facade Design Client 00:15:14 – Creativity and Teamwork at Prism Facades 00:18:07 – Working on Global Architecture Projects 00:18:59 – Heritage Buildings and Modern Challenges 00:19:39 – Hidden Design and Accessibility 00:24:05 – Using Instagram to Share Design Insights 00:27:37 – Teaching Facade Design Online 00:31:51 – Lessons from Design Mistakes 00:33:36 – Turning a Design Error into Success 00:36:13 – Why Sharing Mistakes Matters 00:38:15 – 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

    42 min

  4. 15/10/2025

    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 business Whether 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 Studio https://www.instagram.com/smac_studio https://www.smacstudio.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ 00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design 00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio 00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began 00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business 00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team 00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands 00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors 00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients 00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style 00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters 00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback 00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends 00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors 00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers 00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned 00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business 00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design 00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity 00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration 00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design 00:58:41 – 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

    1h 3m

  5. 24/09/2025

    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 business If 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 Intro 00:01:52 – Meet the Guest 00:02:00 – How the Business Began 00:05:39 – Design Process Overview 00:12:04 – Working with Architects 00:13:53 – Family Business Dynamics 00:16:34 – Compassionate Leadership 00:18:05 – Favourite Projects & Growth 00:20:08 – Drafting Team’s Role 00:22:34 – Ideal Clients & Fit 00:25:40 – Relationship-Driven Projects 00:29:27 – Portfolio & Client Privacy 00:33:54 – Shift to Construction & Joinery 00:35:09 – Passion for Collaboration 00:39:25 – Seamless Client Experience 00:43:18 – Building a Business Together 00:44:24 – Advice to Younger Creatives 00:47:23 – Emotions in Entrepreneurship 00:49:28 – Managing Creative Stress 00:49:58 – 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

    53 min

  6. 03/09/2025

    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 & Stylist 00:03:41 – Childhood Passion for Interiors 00:06:19 – Building Tom Beach House 00:10:07 – Marketing Tom on Airbnb 00:11:40 – Renovating Ambers & Family Homes 00:14:44 – Balancing Motherhood & Career 00:17:46 – Spotting Burnout in Design 00:21:27 – Breaks for Creativity & Health 00:22:55 – Women in Construction Respect 00:28:06 – Choosing the Right Trades 00:29:43 – AI in Design Industry 00:30:38 – Human Creativity vs AI 00:36:42 – Imposter Syndrome in Design 00:43:38 – Interior Design Process 00:45:26 – Room-by-Room Mood Boards 00:47:11 – Personalizing Spaces with Story 00:48:30 – Advice to Younger Self 00:51:05 – Jenn’s Journey to Australia 00:57:05 – 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

    1h 2m

  7. 13/08/2025

    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 intention If 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 Journey 00:01:32 – From Corporate Career to Freelancing in Styling 00:05:56 – Support, Risk-Taking & Building a Creative Business 00:07:59 – Collaboration & Relationships in the Interior Styling Industry 00:10:23 – The Realities, Challenges & Rewards of Styling 00:15:19 – McMaster’s Beach Project: Styling a Coastal Home 00:17:48 – Styling for the Camera & Creating Perfect Vignettes 00:20:51 – Sourcing Unique Pieces & Standing Out as a Stylist 00:22:52 – How COVID-19 Impacted the Styling & Art World 00:24:01 – Working with Photographers & Navigating Shoot Days 00:28:01 – Problem-Solving & Managing On-Set Challenges 00:30:11 – Inspiration, Sourcing & Growing Industry Connections 00:31:56 – Social Media, Lighting & Trusting Your Creative Vision 00:36:34 – Advice & Top Styling Tips for Aspiring Designers 00:45:38 – Collaboration, Overcoming Self-Doubt & Client Success 00:50:14 – Patience, Persistence & Recharging Your Creativity 00:52:46 – 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

    54 min

  8. 23/07/2025

    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 Show 00:01:28 – Meet Nina of Paloma Studios 00:01:46 – From Reno to Design Career 00:05:36 – Building Client Trust 00:07:33 – ADHD & Creative Workflow 00:07:53 – Starting Paloma Studios 00:15:26 – Designing by Feel, Not Trends 00:15:54 – Playing with Colour & Risk 00:16:08 – Solving Design Challenges 00:20:45 – Balancing Motherhood & Business 00:23:40 – Tackling Imposter Syndrome 00:23:57 – Leading with Authenticity 00:28:22 – Crafting a Unique Style 00:31:03 – Pinterest as Design Tool 00:32:30 – Five Minute Blinds Collab 00:34:06 – Staying Open in the Process 00:35:42 – Strong Supplier Relationships 00:40:06 – Inside Client Consultations 00:47:22 – Advice for New Designers 00:49:01 – 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

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Behind the Design, a podcast where we unfold the details behind the designs we know and love and explore how each project comes to life. I’m Camilla Ingall, owner of Unfolded, an interior design and styling studio. In this podcast series, we dive into the details with our industry experts covering topics such as the creative process, latest design trends and how we, as an industry, work together to meet the brief and overcome challenges.

Information

  • Channel
    Think Loud
  • Creator
    Camilla Ingall
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Camilla Ingall
  • Show Website
    Behind The Design

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