EP #06 James Treble - Unveiling the passion behind design.

EP #08 Rhiannon Lee - 'Don't give AI the stuff you actually love doing'

Rhiannon Lee is the founder of Oleander & Finch Interiors, a mentor, podcast host, and AI strategist who helps creative business owners integrate tools like Claude and Notion into their workflows without losing what makes their work distinctly human. With a background in corporate business and a hard won design career, she brings a rare combination of commercial clarity and creative fluency to everything she builds. In this episode, Rhiannon shares the surprisingly personal origin story behind her design career, and why the spaces she creates for clients carry more emotional weight than she had ever publicly acknowledged. She unpacks the real purpose of AI in a design business, not to replace creativity, but to protect it and makes a compelling case for why documented businesses will outlast the platforms they run on. She also walks Karyn and Helen through the thinking behind ‘Studio Build’, her course that's helping designers finally get the back end of their businesses as considered as the work they put in front of clients. Key Takeaways * Staying active as a designer (even with just one client) is what makes mentorship credible. Real experience can't be faked from the sidelines. * AI isn't a threat to your creativity, it's a protection for it. Keep AI out of the work you love; deploy it on everything you don't. * The people selling 'AI mastery' after two months on Claude are building a distraction economy. You are not behind. Nobody is. * Documented businesses are the future not because of AI, but because documentation is what lets you delegate, automate, and eventually step back without everything falling apart. * Don't hire a VA when you're drowning. Build the documentation first. The problem is almost always coming from inside the house. * Design education teaches craft. It doesn't teach P&Ls, systems, or how to run a profitable studio and there's no shame in that gap. * Flooding client floor plans and home details into AI tools without disclosure is an ethical issue the industry needs to take seriously. * The more seamlessly a designer executes, the less the client understands the complexity behind it. Educating your audience about the process is good business. To find out more about Rhiannon Lee, her 'Studio Build' course and more, connect here: STUDIO BUILD [https://www.rhiannon-lee.com/studio-build-v2/] WEBSITE [https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/]   INSTAGRAM  [https://www.instagram.com/the_rhiannonlee/]  CONNECT with McRae + Lynch Design Follow us here on INSTAGRAM  [https://www.instagram.com/mcraeandlynchdesigns] Visit our website: www.mcraeandlynch.com.au [http://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au] Follow us here on PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com.au/mcraeandlynch/] Planning a Build or Renovation and in need of design guidance? If you are getting ready to build or renovate, now is the time to get organised and move forward with confidence. Our online course, ‘Build It Right’: Renovation and New Home Guide, shares over 20 years of our design and construction knowledge. Find out more via the link here: BUILD IT RIGHT Hit the link  [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/course-launch-feb-2022] Not sure where to start your build journey? Our free design resources will guide you step by step. Hit the link here: Ready to use design resources [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/build-it-right-streamline-your-project-with-ready-to-use-resources-9cb6abbb-8ed8-4512-a3de-64242595e485] We'd love you to subscribe to 'A Designer's Perspective'...you can do that on your favourite podcast platform, and if you really liked this or any other episode, please leave us a review and share it with a friend who you think could do with a dose of the Designer's. Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next time for more insights from the world of design.  Karyn + Helen xx

EP #07 Sandro Nocentini - The Soul Behind the Canvas

Sandro Nocentini is an Italian-born, Sydney-based artist, art educator and curator whose work is held in private collections around the world. Known for his richly layered figurative paintings and his award-winning piece recognised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales ... Sandro brings to his practice a sculptor's love of the body, a poet's sensitivity to story, and a deeply human approach to what it means to make something that truly resonates. In this episode, Sandro shares what the creative process actually looks like behind closed studio doors ... and it's far from the romantic cliché. He unpacks the emotional weight of making art that can "survive the intention of the artist" and speak to whoever encounters it, why he sees artworks as poems rather than pretty pictures, and how a single award-winning painting — one that now belongs to his son — both launched and complicated his career. He also explores his current body of work stripping colour from his practice entirely, the tension between artistic freedom and expectation, and what he believes AI can and cannot do in the creative space. Key Takeaways * Art is not decoration if a painting only matches the sofa, Sandro believes it's a pretty picture, not an artwork. True art survives the artist's intention and reflects the emotion of the person who ultimately receives it. * Great artworks often happen rather than get planned. Some of the most powerful pieces in history fell into something unexpected ... that's the beauty and the risk of real creative exploration. * Choosing art for your home should feel like recognising a familiar language. Sandro's advice: go and look. When something speaks to you, you'll know ... no curator required. * When designers use art as a starting point, they unlock a more personally connected interior. Rather than sourcing art to complement a finished room, the real magic happens when art leads and the space is built around it. * Winning the Sulman Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW was a turning point ... and not just for the recognition. The pressure that followed taught Sandro that his greatest duty is to enjoy the process and make what he loves, not to duplicate success. * Sandro's current black-and-white series is a deliberate experiment ... stripping colour back to explore whether body language, form and shadow alone can carry an emotional story. It's his most challenging and quietly brave work yet. * Creativity needs human curiosity. When Sandro challenged AI to generate an image in his style, the result was technically assembled but soulless ... no poetry, no softness, no human sentiment. * Art curation is its own skill ... knowing how to make a meaningful, personal artwork sit beautifully within a living space takes real sensitivity, not just a good eye for colour. * Stories are what connect us. Whether it's a painting that took two years, a niece growing up, or a portrait of a newborn son ... art, at its best, is just a story told in a language that reaches everyone. To find out more about Sandro Nocentini, connect here: Sandro's Website [http://www.sandronocentini.com/]  Sandro's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sandronocentini/] Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next time for more insights from the world of design and creativity. Karyn + Helen xx

EP #06 James Treble - Unveiling the passion behind design.

We've had the pleasure of sharing a stage with James on quite a few occasions over the past few years, and somewhere along the way we went from colleagues to genuine friends. We feel it happened pretty naturally ... we just clicked. We share the same sense of humour, and when you find someone who makes you laugh as much as they make you think, you hold onto that. James is one of those people. We're so glad this conversation exists, because it captures exactly what he’s like ... warm, funny, and quietly brilliant. James Treble is a seasoned interior designer with over 25 years of experience shaping spaces. With a background rooted in a deep love for construction and design, James brings authenticity, creativity, and humour to every project. In this episode, James Treble reflects on the journey that took him from a Lego-obsessed kid to one of Australia's respected designers. He shares how genuine passion drives his client relationships, why he believes in mentoring young creatives, and how humour has become one of his most powerful professional tools.   Key Takeaways * Passion is non-negotiable. You can't fake enthusiasm — clients feel it, and it drives better creative outcomes. * Mentorship plants seeds. A single encouraging word to a young person can redirect them toward a fulfilling creative path. * Humour is a professional tool. Levity diffuses tension, builds trust, and makes collaboration with clients and builders smoother. * Diverse experience enriches design. James's wide-ranging background across real estate and landscape design informs a richer, more holistic approach. * Design is fundamentally human. Creating great spaces is as much about relationships and communication as it is about aesthetics. To find out more about James, you can connect with him here. JAMES' WEBSITE [https://www.jamestreble.com.au] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/designerjamestreble/]   CONNECT with McRae + Lynch Design Follow us here on INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/mcraeandlynchdesigns] Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au [http://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au] Follow us here on PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com.au/mcraeandlynch/] Planning a Build or Renovation and in need of design guidance? If you are getting ready to build or renovate, now is the time to get organised and move forward with confidence. Our online course, Build It Right: Renovation and New Home Guide, shares over 20 years of our design and construction knowledge. Inside the course we show you how to plan with confidence, share industry insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, and most importantly, help you save time and money. Find out more via the link here BUILD IT RIGHT [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/course-launch-feb-2022] Not sure where to start your build journey? Our free design resources will guide you step by step. Hit the link here to access them. READY TO USE DESIGN RESOURCES [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/build-it-right-streamline-your-project-with-ready-to-use-resources-9cb6abbb-8ed8-4512-a3de-64242595e485] We'd love you to subscribe to 'A Designer's Perspective'...you can do that on your favourite podcast platform, and if you really liked this or any other episode please leave us a review and share it with a friend who you think could do with a dose of the Designer's.  Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next time for more insights from the world of design. Karyn + Helen xx

EP #05 Stef Hanson - The power of visual storytelling & staying true to yourself

In this engaging conversation, Stef Hanson, a Melbourne-based Creative Director, photographer, and videographer, known for her authentic storytelling and dynamic visual campaigns, shares her journey into the world of visual storytelling. With a strong background in sports and sports media, she hosted the hugely successful multimedia platform for women in sport for 15 years, which saw her traveling the globe interviewing professional athletes, covering events and creating content. In 2021 she transitioned and founded Stef Hanson Productions. Her approach blends creative problem-solving with technical expertise, delivering campaigns that resonate with audiences and stand out in a crowded market.  Stef's portfolio spans various industries, including lifestyle, fashion, and sports, showcasing her versatility and commitment to capturing genuine moments. Stef emphasizes the importance of authenticity and connection in her work. She discusses the misconceptions surrounding her role as a creative director and reflects on the impact of her projects, particularly one that successfully bridged the gap between marketing data and storytelling. The conversation concludes with Stef's aspirations for the future and her commitment to staying true to herself in her creative endeavours. Key Takeaways * Stef's energy and authenticity are key to her success. * She believes in the power of visual storytelling. * Creativity can come from unexpected places. * Transitioning into photography was a necessity for her. * Authenticity is crucial in connecting with clients. * Misconceptions about creative roles can limit understanding. * Each project offers a chance for personal growth. * Data can validate creative ideas and their impact. * Building trust with clients is essential for collaboration. * Staying true to oneself leads to better outcomes. To find out more about Stef, you can connect with her here. STEF HANSON'S WEBSITE [https://www.stefhansonproductions.com/] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/stefhansonproductions/]   CONNECT with McRae + Lynch Design Follow us here on INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/mcraeandlynchdesigns] Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au [http://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au] Follow us here on PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com.au/mcraeandlynch/] Planning a Build or Renovation and in need of design guidance? If you are getting ready to build or renovate, now is the time to get organised and move forward with confidence. Our online course, Build It Right: Renovation and New Home Guide, shares over 20 years of our design and construction knowledge. Inside the course we show you how to plan with confidence, share industry insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, and most importantly, help you save time and money. Find out more via the link here BUILD IT RIGHT [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/course-launch-feb-2022] Not sure where to start your build journey? Our free design resources will guide you step by step. Hit the link here to access them. READY TO USE DESIGN RESOURCES [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/build-it-right-streamline-your-project-with-ready-to-use-resources-9cb6abbb-8ed8-4512-a3de-64242595e485] We'd love you to subscribe to 'A Designer's Perspective'...you can do that on your favourite podcast platform, and if you really liked this or any other episode please leave us a review and share it with a friend who you think could do with a dose of the Designer's.  Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next time for more insights from the world of design. Karyn + Helen xx

EP #04 Linda Habak / Studio LHD - On mentorship, trust and the reality of the design process.

In this engaging conversation, Linda Habak, an accomplished interior designer, co-founder of Rosebriar Developments and now podcaster herself, shares her journey from marketing to design. She discusses her early passion for design, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the design process. Linda reflects on her personal projects that shaped her approach to design and emphasizes the significance of trust and communication with clients. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of AI in design and the need for a human connection in the creative process. Key Takeaways • Returning to design was a necessary creative outlet for Linda. • Mentorship played a crucial role in her journey. • Understanding the design process is essential for success. • Personal projects taught her valuable lessons about design. • Property development combines her marketing and design skills. • Trust and communication are vital in client relationships. • The design process involves much more than just creativity. • AI can enhance efficiency but cannot replace human connection. • Every designer should be open to learning and adapting. To find out more about Linda, you can connect with her here. STUDIO LHD WEBSITE [https://www.studio-lhd.com.au/] INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/studio.lhd/] BUILD BEAUTIFUL Podcast   [https://linktr.ee/BuildBeautiful] CONNECT with McRae + Lynch Design Follow us here on INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/mcraeandlynchdesigns] Visit our website www.mcraeandlynch.com.au [http://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au] Follow us here on PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com.au/mcraeandlynch/] Planning a Build or Renovation and in need of design guidance? If you are getting ready to build or renovate, now is the time to get organised and move forward with confidence. Our online course, Build It Right: Renovation and New Home Guide, shares over 20 years of our design and construction knowledge. Inside the course we show you how to plan with confidence, share industry insights to help you avoid common pitfalls, and most importantly, help you save time and money. Find out more via the link here BUILD IT RIGHT [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/course-launch-feb-2022] Not sure where to start your build journey? Our free design resources will guide you step by step. Hit the link here to access them. READY TO USE DESIGN RESOURCES [https://www.mcraeandlynch.com.au/build-it-right-streamline-your-project-with-ready-to-use-resources-9cb6abbb-8ed8-4512-a3de-64242595e485] We'd love you to subscribe to 'A Designer's Perspective'...you can do that on your favourite podcast platform, and if you really liked this or any other episode please leave us a review and share it with a friend who you think could do with a dose of the Designer's.  Thanks so much for tuning in. See you next time for more insights from the world of design. Karyn + Helen xx