Behind The Design

Think Loud
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DESIGN
  • TWICE MONTHLY

Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives. If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

  1. 1 APR

    37. Beyond Trends: Creating Timeless Design with Nelli Hegi

    “Design doesn’t need to please everyone. Designers like McQueen, Schiaparelli, and Margiela showed me that discomfort, exaggeration, and vulnerability aren’t flaws—they’re tools.” In this episode of Behind the Design, I talk with Nelli Hegi, founder and creative director of Hegi Design House, about creating furniture that’s more than functional, it tells a story. Nelli blends furniture, art, fashion, and architecture into bold pieces meant to spark emotion and conversation. We explore her journey of finding her voice, why she stopped chasing validation, and the lessons haute couture taught her about creativity and risk. As Nelli says, “Evolution isn't a lack of direction, it's part of finding your voice.” What You learn in this episode: → Finding and trusting your creative voice → Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, and couture → Making furniture that’s emotional and story-driven → Balancing craft, collaboration, and sustainable business → Connecting with clients through storytelling For anyone interested in expressive, personal design, this episode is full of insights on creating work that truly reflects who you are. Follow Nelli Hegi: https://www.instagram.com/hegi_designhouse/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelli-hegi-67704765/ https://hegidesignhouse.com/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Chapters 02:00 – Signature Style vs Evolution 04:00 – Childhood & Personal Experiences 07:00 – Craftsmanship & Studio Life 10:00 – Haute Couture Inspiration 13:00 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Industry Pressure 16:00 – Creating Emotional Connections Through Furniture 18:00 – Storytelling & Client Interaction 20:00 – Dreams, Inspiration & New Collections Keywords interior design podcast furniture design inspiration how to find your design style creative confidence design design career advice how to get featured in design magazines design storytelling art vs commercial design building a design brand creative entrepreneurship behind the design podcast Camilla Ingall podcast Nelli Hegi Authentic Design

    43 min

  2. 18 MAR

    36. Bespoke Furniture vs Scalable Design: Tim Noone’s Approach

    From kitchen joinery to high-end design, this is what it takes to turn craft into a sustainable business. In this episode of Behind the Design Podcast, I sit down with furniture maker Tim Noone, founder of Tim Noone Furniture, to talk about his journey from kitchen joinery to creating high-end custom furniture. He shares the challenges of crafting beautiful pieces while keeping a business sustainable, and how he eventually realized the limits of purely bespoke work. That realization led him to develop a collection that sits between fully custom pieces and high-end retail. We also dive into Tim’s design philosophy and why he believes furniture should enhance a space rather than dominate it. He opens up about collaborating with interior designers, practicing restraint in design, and redefining what success really looks like after years in the industry. For Tim, it is less about scale and more about balancing creative satisfaction, family life, and long-term sustainability. Topics covered in this conversation: His journey from kitchen joinery to high-end bespoke furnitureThe challenges of running a creative business that lastsHow he overcame the growth limits of fully custom furnitureWhy furniture should support architecture and interiorsRedefining success for creativity, family, and sustainability If you love design, craftsmanship, or want a peek behind the scenes of a creative business, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration. Follow Tim Noone Business Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/tim_noone_furnituredesign/ :https://www.instagram.com/thecollectionbytimnoone/ Business Website: https://timnoone.com/ Chapters 01:16 - Meet Furniture Maker Tim Noone 03:05 - From Kitchen Joinery to Bespoke Furniture 06:12 - Why Furniture Should Serve the Space 09:48 - The Sketching and Idea Development Process 13:20 - Working with Interior Designers on Custom Pieces 16:54 - The Realities of Running a Bespoke Furniture Business 21:07 - Why Scaling Custom Furniture Is So Difficult 25:32 - Moving from Bespoke Work to a Furniture Collection 29:18 - Designing Pieces That Quietly Elevate a Room 32:47 - Craft, Business, and Building a Sustainable Career 34:58 - Craftsmanship and Refinement Keywords Joinery process Custom furniture design Residential cabinetry Sustainable furniture Interior design collaboration Craftsmanship tips Kitchen design ideas Australian joinery Designer-client collaboration Furniture materials and finishes

    35 min

  3. 4 MAR

    35. Setting Boundaries as an Interior Designer (Without Losing Clients)

    Building a design studio is often celebrated as creative freedom, yet many founders discover that without boundaries, success can start to feel unsustainable. In this episode, I sat down with Kate Lawrence, founder of Kate Lawrence Interiors and bedding brand Sleep Ins, to unpack the real story behind building and reshaping a creative business. Kate speaks candidly about: • Saying yes to everything, and what it cost her • The reality of wearing every hat in the business • Navigating complex relationships with architects and trades • The emotional weight that comes with residential client work • The final straw the led her to setting clear boundaries with work • Why and how she started an ecommerce brand If you are in your early years of practice, feeling stretched between creativity and capacity, or quietly questioning what success looks like for you now, this conversation will resonate. Follow Kate Lawrence Interiors: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelawrenceinteriors/Business Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katelawrenceinteriorsBusiness Website: https://www.katelawrenceinteriors.com.au/Business Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katelawrenceproperty/ Follow Sleep Ins: Website: https://www.sleepins.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573166985356 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepinsbedding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleep__ins Threads: https://www.threads.com/@sleep__ins Chapters 02:35 - Starting an Interior Design Business and Saying Yes to Everything 04:20 - Wearing Every Hat and Hitting Burnout 06:05 - Client Relationships, Architects and Trade Dynamics 09:20 - Managing Design Changes Without Ego 10:30 - How Long It Takes to Be Profitable in Design 13:55 - Client Boundaries and Being “Too Available” 17:55 - The Emotional Weight of Residential Projects 19:40 - Pivoting to E-Commerce and Product-Based Business 25:55 - Redefining Success as Freedom, Not Just Income

    31 min

  4. 18 FEB

    34. Inside the Process: How Luxury Joinery Is Really Built

    Behind every beautiful piece of joinery is a series of decisions, conversations, and mistakes no one ever seesIn this episode, I sat down with Luke from Élan Joinery and SKUPA, to talk through what really goes into custom joinery and furniture, beyond the finished photos. From early planning and material selection to timelines, teamwork, and trust, Luke shares how thoughtful joinery is built around the way people actually live in their homes.We explore how Élan Joinery has evolved from its commercial roots into residential and furniture work, what it’s like running a family business, and why collaboration between designers, builders, joiners, and clients is essential to achieving great outcomes. The conversation also touches on sustainability, sampling, and the emotional side of caring deeply about your work.This episode offers a grounded look behind the scenes of high-end joinery, helping clients better understand the value of process, craftsmanship, and clear communication, not just the final result.What You’ll Learn• Why custom joinery takes time and what happens before anything is built• How material selection and sampling influence durability, function, and feel• What designers and joiners consider when planning storage, layout, and workflow• Why collaboration plays such a big role in successful projects• What clients often underestimate about timelines, process, and craftsmanship• How good joinery supports the way you live, not just how a space looksFollow Elan Joinery House:https://www.elanc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/elan.joinery/?hl=enFollow SKUPAhttps://skupa.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/skupafurnitureFollow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Chapters 01:30 – The Origins of Elan Joinery02:26 – A Family Business Today03:07 – Expanding from Joinery into Furniture04:06 – Scaling Operations & Warehousing04:29 – Growing a Team & Business 06:00 – Micromanaging vs Autonomy07:25 – Why Luke Created A Showroom09:03 – Instagram Growth vs Real Business Growth09:37 – The Reality Behind Project Photos11:45 – Winning Work Through Instagram13:18 – Sustainability in Joinery & Furniture16:45 – Craftsmanship Across Departments17:48 – Why Owning Mistakes Builds Trust19:38 – What Clients Don’t See in Kitchens21:29 – How the Business Has Evolved24:52 – Delivering the Vision, Not Designing It25:31 – Collaboration With Designers & Builders28:56 – Managing Difficult Conversations31:02 – Why Custom Work Takes TimeKeywordsJoinery processCustom furniture designResidential cabinetrySustainable furnitureInterior design collaborationCraftsmanship tipsKitchen design ideasAustralian joineryDesigner-client collaborationFurniture materials and finishes

    34 min

  5. 28 JAN

    33. From Vintage Store to National Brand: The MCM House Story

    Trends come and go, but brands built on craft, instinct, and resilience tend to stick around. In this episode of Behind the Design, host Camilla Ingall sits down with Charles Hinckfuss, founder and creative force behind MCM House. Charlie shares the unpolished reality behind building one of Australia’s most recognisable furniture brands, from early days focused purely on survival, to growing a national retail presence grounded in craft, instinct, and energy. This conversation goes beyond aesthetics to explore what actually sustains a creative business over decades: trusting your eye, understanding materials deeply, resisting trends, and building a team culture that feels supported and excited by the work. You’ll hear how Charlie’s early hands-on making shaped MCM House’s DNA, why texture and material honesty matter more than polish, and how resilience, humour, and momentum play a bigger role in success than any rigid plan. This episode is a reminder that great design isn’t about chasing what’s new, it’s about creating work that still feels right years later. What You learn in this episode: * Timeless design outlives trends; Charlie explains why MCM House avoids trend-driven aesthetics in favour of materials and forms that age well over time. * Energy drives execution; From retail spaces to team culture, energy and mood directly shape outcomes — creatively and commercially. * Craft builds credibility; Early hands-on making gave Charlie a deep understanding of furniture that still informs MCM House today. * Growth without identity loss is possible; Scaling doesn’t have to dilute creativity when the brand is anchored in clear values and instinct. Follow MCM House:https://www.mcmhouse.com Follow Unfolded: Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ 00:00 – Introduction 02:13 – From Vintage Retail to Furniture Making: The Chuck & Bob Years 04:09 – Why Experience Matters More Than Products in Retail Design 07:25 – Taking Creative Risks and Backing Yourself 09:16 – Touching Every Part of the Business as a Founder 11:41 – Choosing Materials: Fabric, Timber, Texture & Honesty 13:00 – Trends vs Timeless Design 14:17 – Growing a Brand in Sydney’s Competitive Retail Market 17:01 – What Does MCM Actually Stand For? 17:59 – Retail Expansion vs International Growth 19:03 – Opening Stores Across Australia 20:13 – Building a Team and Letting Go of Control 21:51 – Energy, Mood & Leadership in Creative Teams 24:05 – The Reality of Working Seven Days a Week 25:02 – Expanding Into Commercial & Hospitality Design 27:12 – Using Movies and Culture as Creative Direction 30:00 – The Hardest Parts of Growing a Product-Based Brand 34:23 – One Piece of Advice for Anyone Starting a Design Brand 38:56 – Design Trends That Need to Go 40:21 – Final Reflections & Episode Takeaways interior design podcast MCM House Australian furniture design timeless interior design design brand building furniture design process interior design trends vs timeless creative business resilience retail design experience materials and texture in design how to build a furniture brand in Australia designing furniture without following trends interior design brand storytelling scaling a creative business without losing identity

    41 min

  6. 7 JAN

    32. Quiet Luxury Explained: Inside Daniel Boddam’s Design Philosophy

    Design doesn’t need to shout to make an impact. In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall sits down with Daniel Boddam, founder of Daniel Boddam Studio, to unpack his philosophy of quiet living; a design approach rooted in restraint, calm, and deep respect for the Australian landscape. Daniel shares his journey from architecture into furniture design, why he deliberately plays the long game, and how designing with nature (not trends) creates homes and objects that feel timeless, grounded, and human. This conversation goes beyond aesthetics. It explores how spaces should feel, how materials age, and why true luxury today is found in simplicity, not excess. In this episode, we explore: What quiet luxury really means (and why it’s misunderstood)Designing architecture and furniture that belongs to the Australian landscapeThe role of texture, sound, touch, and material honesty in great designWhy restraint and patience lead to better creative outcomesBalancing architecture, furniture, business growth, and personal boundariesDesigning homes that age well; emotionally and materially If you’re an architect, interior designer, builder, or design-aware homeowner, this episode will reframe how you think about calm, timeless design. Follow Daniel Boddam: Daniel Boddam Studio: https://danielboddam.com Follow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ Behind the Design is hosted by Camilla Ingall, founder of Unfolded, an interior design and styling studio based in Sydney and the Central Coast. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:32 - Welcome to Behind the Design 00:01:16 - Interview with Daniel Bottom 00:01:42 - Daniel's journey into design 00:03:16 - Transition from architecture to furniture design 00:06:00 - Challenges and changes in design journey 00:07:54 - Managing a design studio 00:11:06 - Balancing architecture and furniture design 00:12:32 - Quiet living philosophy 00:15:17 - Unfolded: Interior Design and Styling Studio 00:15:34 - Material Preferences and Sensory Design 00:17:43 - Reflecting on Past Experiences and Influences 00:19:15 - Client Briefs and Diversification 00:21:38 - Designing for the Australian Landscape 00:23:31 - Sculptural Simplicity in Design 00:24:32 - Balancing Function and Aesthetics 00:29:48 - Future Plans for the Studio 00:30:35 - Opening a Furniture Showroom and Expanding Overseas 00:31:26 - Reflections on the Pace of Work and Growth 00:32:46 - Managing Work-Life Balance 00:33:05 - Sustainability in Work and Avoiding Burnout 00:35:09 - Strangest Client Requests 00:36:34 - Closing Remarks

    37 min

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (37)

About

Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives. If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Channel
    Think Loud
  • Creator
    Camilla Ingall
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Camilla Ingall
  • Show Website
    Behind The Design

More From Think Loud

You Might Also Like