Designing Australia

’Twas the Night Before Design: 12 Lessons to Take Into the New Year

Pour a wine and unwind with Dave in this festive solo episode as he walks through the 12 biggest lessons he’s learned as an interior designer, from networking, communication, and boundaries to confidence, creativity, and charging what you’re worth. This reflective end-of-year special dives into the realities of building a design career: the wins, the mistakes, the messy client moments, and the quiet breakthroughs that shape who we become as designers. Whether you’re a design student, a fresh grad, or simply need a mental reset coming toward the end of the year, these 12 lessons offer reassurance, clarity, and a warm reminder that every designer starts somewhere and you're never alone on the path to creating wonderful spaces. You can find more of Dave's work over at https://disko.design [https://disko.design]

Imposter Syndrome and the Value of Design: Kirsty Duncan - Bearcanvas Interiors

In this episode of Designing Australia, Dave chats with Brisbane designer and good wine drinking buddy, Kirsty Duncan, founder of Bearcanvas Interiors, an award-winning studio known for creating timeless, intuitive spaces that reflect how people truly live. Together, they unpack the reality of imposter syndrome in the design industry; the quiet doubt that can creep in, whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career. They explore how to reconnect with your confidence, how to communicate your true value to clients, and why so many homeowners only realise the importance of using a designer after their renovation. It’s an open, honest conversation about self-worth, professionalism, and the courage it takes to back yourself as a creative. 🎧 Hosted by Dave Harvey, Disko Designs 📍 Guest: Kirsty Duncan, Bearcanvas Interiors https://www.houzz.com.au/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bearcanvas-interiors-pfvwau-pf~1133418554 [https://www.houzz.com.au/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/bearcanvas-interiors-pfvwau-pf~1133418554] https://www.instagram.com/bearcanvas_interiors/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/bearcanvas_interiors/?hl=en]

“Building Cool Things - Together”: Dan Murray - Finer Touch Projects

In this episode of Designing Australia, Dave sits down with Brisbane builder Dan Murray, Director of Finer Touch Projects, to explore what true collaboration between designers and builders really looks like. With a simple philosophy — to build cool things, well — Dan shares how early communication, transparency, and mutual respect can transform a project from functional to exceptional. Together, Dave and Dan unpack the nuances of the designer–builder relationship: navigating revisions, managing on-the-fly changes, balancing creativity with constructability, and maintaining a client’s confidence from start to finish. Whether you’re a designer, builder, or just love good process, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes great homes are built through teamwork — not tension. Find more of Finer Touch's work here - https://www.finertouchprojects.com.au/ [https://www.finertouchprojects.com.au/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/finer_touch_projects/ [https://www.instagram.com/finer_touch_projects/]

Choosing Art & Designing Stories: Virginia Bishop

Art is personal, powerful, and sometimes, a little intimidating. In this episode of Designing Australia, Dave sits down with Virginia Bishop, founder of Virginia Bishop Interiors, to talk about the art of selecting and curating artwork for clients’ homes. With more than three decades of experience working across Australia and internationally, Virginia shares how she helps clients move beyond “does it match the sofa?” to “does it move me?” — guiding them toward pieces that bring depth, authenticity, and emotion into their spaces. https://www.virginiabishopinteriors.com.au/ [https://www.virginiabishopinteriors.com.au/] https://www.instagram.com/virginia_bishop_interiors/ [https://www.instagram.com/virginia_bishop_interiors/]

Social Consciousness in the Bathroom: Kacie Evans - Harlen Design

Bathrooms aren’t just functional spaces; they can also be a reflection of our values. In this episode, Dave speaks with Kacie Evans, founder of Harlen Design, an Australian brand designing solid timber vanities with a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility. Kacie shares the story behind Harlen, what inspired her to create the brand, and the unique considerations of working with timber in a bathroom setting. We discuss Harlen’s approach to Australian-led design paired with social manufacturing in South Africa, exploring the challenges and opportunities of creating a product that balances global collaboration with ethical practices. The conversation also dives into logistics, the realities of producing socially conscious bathroom furniture, and what the future holds for Harlen as it grows. If you’ve ever wondered how design can combine craftsmanship, beauty, and responsibility, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Explore the range of products from Harlan - https://harlendesign.com.au/ [https://harlendesign.com.au/]