River House by Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors | Photography by Lisa Cohen
Melbourne, Australia
When I finished school, I received a place to study both architecture and fine art painting – two things I was very passionate about. It was a fork-in-the-road moment, and I selected Architecture at Melbourne University. There, I formed precious friendships and discovered my love for the three-dimensional.
After I finished studying, I travelled and worked in incredible places with incredible people. However, it was with a leap of faith and a passion to create beautiful, unique spaces that I started my own practice.
River House by Susi Leeton Architects + Interiors | Photography by Lisa Cohen
Founder of namesake architecture and interior design studio Susi Leeton
It’s always been clear to me that I needed to pursue something creative. From a young age, I’ve wanted to understand how things are made, so I constantly asked questions. I was also drawing at every available opportunity on any surface I could find.
At first, I was more drawn to furniture design, which brought me to New York for a few years. When I moved back to the south of France, I was introduced to an interior design studio based in Monaco, which shaped my path to where I am today.
French Riviera by Jean-Charles Tomas | Photography by Jérôme Galland
Interior designer Jean-Charles Tomas | Photography by Jérôme Galland
Powell & Glenn principal architect Ed Glenn with partner and interior designer Edwina Glenn | Photography by Sharyn Cairns
Ed Glenn
Architect, Powell & Glenn
Melbourne, Australia
Growing up in a creative household, both my parents were interested in art. They created an environment where they were always challenging my siblings and me to think critically about ideas. They always helped us to think more deeply and discover new perspectives. This led me into architecture and the interplay of form, function, light, and the poetry or theatre a building can represent.
After completing my architecture degree at Melbourne University, I took a gap year and travelled overseas. At this time, Allan Powell designed my aunty and uncles’ home in Carlton. When I returned to Melbourne, I felt quite lost with what direction to take, but after I visited the home Allan designed, we started working together. My discovery between the two disciplines began.
Where Architects Live | Ed & Edwina Glenn | Photography by Sharyn Cairns
Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree at Sydney University in 2006, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a Masters of Architecture at RMIT. While I was studying, I joined Kennedy Nolan. At the time, there were only seven of us. As a graduate of architecture, I was given the responsibility of running projects under the guidance of principals Patrick Kennedy and Rachel Nolan. Very early, they instilled the view that architecture attains its most complete expression when the building, interiors, landscape are treated holistically.
From there, my appetite for ‘design’ was more broadly acquired. With each project, I would research and gather material outside of work to critically engage with the wider practice of design, ensuring each project was developed and curated to be coherent. Over time, I gained the reputation of being the fixtures, fittings, finishes, lighting, and furniture nut, all the while being fortunate enough to document and administer architectural projects and gain my registration.
Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan Architects with Finding Infinity | Photography by Eve Wilson
Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan Architects with Finding Infinity | Photography by Eve Wilson
Framework Studio founder Thomas Geerlings
I can remember a time at my grandfather’s house when I was ten years old; I drew a picture of a house and showed it to my parents – and that’s where I feel like my interest in design started.
I began my studies at the Delft University of Technology a while later and pursued a master’s in real estate. My teachers told me architecture would not suit me. During my studies, however, I designed various houses and stores, which gave me an advantage after leaving university to pursue architecture independently. Starting my firm was a natural evolution from those formative years of learning and practising – and it has grown steadily ever since.
Amsterdam Noord Penthouse by Framework Studio | Photography by Thomas De Bruyne
Born and raised in Sydney, I’ve always been drawn to creative endeavours. I commenced my studies in Landscape Architecture at the University of NSW; however, after one year, I realised when I kept dozing off in science class that interiors were what really excited me, so I switched to studying Interior Architecture. I was fortunate enough to begin my career at some of Sydney’s most sought-after design studios, SJB and Bates Smart, to name a few. When the GFC hit, I was made redundant. However, it was just the push I needed to go out on my own.
Decus director Alexandra Donohoe Church
Cloud Surfer by Decus Interiors | Photography by Anson Smart
Templeton Architecture founder Emma Templeton | Photography by Rory Gardiner
Emma Templeton
Architect, Templeton Architecture
Melbourne, Australia
I graduated in the midst of the 1990s recession. While studying, I worked for a large corporate firm, where I learned about the important procedural aspects of realising a project. However, the work lacked the emotional and personal design responses that motivated me.
After I graduated from architecture, I was determined to work in a design-focused firm and was fortunate to find a home at Chris Connell Design. I remember these formative years with great fondness and love. Chris is a hugely passionate and talented designer who places uncompromising value on the significance of design in our lives. While working for Chris, my passion for residential design took hold.
Luna House by Templeton Architecture | Photography by Rory Gardiner
Hosono House by Ryan Leidner Architecture | Photography by Joe Fletcher
Ryan Leider
Architect, Ryan Leidner Architecture
San Francisco, California
I’m originally from Los Angeles and I went to college (Brown) and graduate school (Harvard GSD) in New England. In college, I focused my studies on Classics and Ancient History, but I always kept a creative studio practice of painting, drawing, and working with ceramics. Going to graduate school to study architecture felt like a really natural next step and a way to integrate my academic and creative interests.
After working at a few different offices during and after graduate school, I quickly realised that the process of working directly with clients to create spaces and homes felt really meaningful to me, and it inspired me to start my own practice.
Hosono House by Ryan Leidner Architecture | Photography by Joe Fletcher
Mardi Doherty
Designer, Studio Doherty
Melbourne, Australia
Starting my own business was something that followed many years of working for some pretty incredible interior design and architecture studios in Melbourne and London. Toward the end of an intense four-year stint working on the interiors of the NGV at Federation Square, I juggled my first private project, which grew quite remarkably and brought more projects my way. Within a short period after that, I was able to work solely on my own private projects. We have recently completed our 4th project with that first client!
Brook House by Studio Doherty & Therefore Architecture | Photography by Dave Kulesza
Brook House by Studio Doherty & Therefore Architecture | Photography by Dave Kulesza
Interior designer Sally Caroline
Sally Caroline
Interior Designer and Atelier
Melbourne, Australia
I started my degree, and while I was studying, I worked as a property stylist. I also did part of my degree in Copenhagen, which greatly influenced my direction; it was an amazing learning experience. The school took in just 15 students from around the world. I didn’t get in the first time I applied –it was definitely a huge achievement to be accepted.
While overseas, I also interned with Yoo Limited, Philippe Starck’s Development Company based in London. So, I set this design foundation for myself before graduating. Once I graduated, I worked for David Hicks and then Kerry Phelan (KPDO). I was intentional about where I worked because I knew I wanted to do boutique interiors.
I’ve always loved business. In university, I took entrepreneurship as an elective, and my dad is an entrepreneur, so I guess I always had that drive.
Lilac Linen by Sally Caroline | Photography by Timothy Kaye
