International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the achievements of women, celebrate progress, and acknowledge the work still to be done. As a female-led interior design business, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built—a thriving studio powered entirely by women. In an industry where the majority of my peers are also brilliant women, I feel lucky to be surrounded by a network that continually uplifts, supports, and inspires.
The Strength of Women in Design
One of the most remarkable things about working in interior design is the deeply supportive network of women who show up for each other in so many ways. Whether it's sharing insights, offering mentorship, or simply being a sounding board, the generosity within this community is something truly special.
"Greatness is in the agency of others"
As a regular listener of Prof G, this recent quote really resonated with me. In our field, collaboration is key. The most extraordinary projects come to life when we harness the collective expertise of designers, architects, artisans, and suppliers. By working together, we push the boundaries of creativity and deliver results that far surpass what any one of us could achieve alone.
The Advantages of Working with Women
Beyond the creative strengths that women bring to the table, there are countless advantages to working with female-led teams:
Empathy & Communication – Women often bring a high level of emotional intelligence to their work, ensuring that client needs are deeply understood and met with care.
Collaboration Over Competition – Rather than seeing each other as competitors, we thrive on connection, constantly lifting each other up.
Attention to Detail – From big-picture strategy to the finest finishing touches, the ability to balance both macro and micro perspectives is a key strength.
Adaptability & Multitasking – Many women juggle complex professional and personal responsibilities, making them incredible problem-solvers and decision-makers.
Hats off to my mum
My mum has been one of my greatest influences, both in life and in business. Her innate style, unflappable nature, and ability to balance ambition with family life have been a constant source of inspiration. She showed me that it’s possible to pursue more while still prioritising the people you love, and that strength comes in many forms. Her influence is woven into everything I do, and today, I celebrate her alongside all the extraordinary women who continue to inspire me.
Supporting Women in the Workforce
One of the things I’m most proud of is providing opportunities to incredibly talented women whose careers may have slowed during the parenthood years. I firmly believe that the key to retaining great talent is offering flexibility and equality, ensuring that women don’t have to choose between their careers and their families. When we create environments where women can thrive, the entire industry benefits.
I’m also passionate about supporting my fellow female designers in Sydney. We are fortunate to have a wealth of talented design studios that offer clients incredible options for their renovation projects. Finding the right design team is such a personal decision, and I always encourage clients to meet with a few different studios to discover the best fit for their vision and working style.
Celebrating the Women Who Inspire Me
There are so many incredible female designers in Sydney that I admire and learn from every day. I wish I could list every one of them (and apologies in advance if I’ve missed someone!), but here are just a few of the women who inspire, uplift, and challenge me to be a better designer. Please go and check out their work, and pass this list to any like minded friends who might be a planning a renovation, so they can do the research, and find the perfect gin to their tonic!
Annie Bowen Design SJS Interior Design Kate Mac Interiors Catherine De Meur Interiors The Space Within McMillan Design Danielle Victoria Design Heliconia Studio LHD Fedesign Interiors Studio AEM Nerida Thorburn Design
On this International Women’s Day, I'll be raising a glass to the power of women in design—their creativity, resilience, and unwavering support for one another. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation, and lifting each other up!
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