Aspect Designs, one of our very treasured platinum sponsors, is a multi-disciplinary practice that has been in the forefront of the design industry for over 30 years. Their exceptionally high standard of work has continually been a benchmark for others. Their scope includes:
- Prestige residential
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Commercial
- Public buildings
- Infrastructure
- Master planning
- Graphic design
- Brand development
What is your design philosophy?
Aspect’s philosophy is to combine our detailed and innovative concepts and continual personal interaction with each individual client to create a superior product reflecting the client’s self expression and physical requirements.
The key to our success has been the basic principles of our designs, which concentrate on a good flow of space, abundant light, an inside- outside relationship and the correct orientation and design features to allow for passive solar benefits. The projects are visually exciting and express the latest in style and materials and finishes available in the market and are managed with a personal commitment to quality.
Who are your major influences in the world of design?
I have been influenced hugely by architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and in the modern era no other than Glen Murcut who I had a lot to do with during my work experience year at university.
What area of design did you first work in upon graduating?
My initial area of design was in the commercial field. I was contracted to design service stations for TOTAL. The most interesting project for then was the design of the first solar powered centre.
What did you find most valuable in your time at UNSW?
To be honest…not a lot of value except for one particular tutor who mentored me for a couple of years. His understanding and love of residential architecture has had a huge influence on my philosophies in design.
What career advice would you give a graduating interior designer or decorator?
Make sure you get practical hands-on experience so you know what and how to design with what materials.
What has been your favourite collaboration to date?
My favourites are always those projects without clients. Sounds strange because our design philosophy is centred around the client but the ones without clients allow for a greater freedom of expression and experimentation.
What are some day to day issues or struggles an interior designer has to deal with?
The client’s understanding of how far a budget goes. Champagne tastes and beer budgets are very common. Another issue is trying to convince a client that a design principle is important…to them it’s all very pragmatic.
What was your favourite project and why?
My favourite design project was unfortunately never built. It was the conversion of a wheat silo into a residence on a farm owned by our Prime Minister Harold Holt who disappeared while swimming off the South Coast. Why? Working with curved spaces and making them feel comfortable was incredibly difficult. The senses look for sharp lines and boundaries as a reference. What happens to the brain when there aren’t any is amazingly uncomfortable?
What is your favourite object?
A golf club or a bottle of wine !!!
A big thanks to Michael for giving us some though-provoking insights!
You can see more of Aspect's work here, or you can contact them via phone:
- General enquiries: sales@aspectdesigns.com.au
- Architectural enquiries: michael@aspectdesigns.com.au
- Interior enquiries: cassandra@aspectdesigns.com.au
