SEMINAR SERIES

Our Seminar Series is one of Australia’s most prestigious annual line-ups of design thinkers. For the 21st edition, we’ve come of age with the theme of Elements—celebrating all the forces of the cosmos that make beautiful design possible.

Be inspired in July 2025 by superstar designers including David Flack, Thomas Hamel, Arent & Pyke, Sarah Ellison, Kerrie-Ann Jones, Shaynna Blaze and many more. There will be glamorous showcases and practical workshops that will sharpen your business and brand.

The Green Design Seminar Series also returns, a future-focused stream supported by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Now in its second edition, this curated program will celebrate sustainable, regenerative, and circular design practices across architecture, interiors, furniture, and specification. Hear from industry leaders including Breathe Architecture, Koskela, GBCA, Circular Design Thinking, Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, Cultivated, Studio Spillane and more.

Don’t miss this unique platform. Sessions can be booked alone or go deeper with a Seminar Series MasterPass or Green Design MasterPass.

S1: 10.30am – 11.30am

Dulux Colour Application and Training

Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour and Communication Manager, DuluxGroup

Australia’s colour story is uniquely its own — shaped by its landscape, light, and lifestyle. In this hands-on workshop, Andrea Lucena-Orr, one of the nation’s leading voices in colour, will guide participants through how to apply colour confidently across both interiors and exteriors, tailored to Australian conditions and sensibilities.

With over 25 years of experience, Andrea brings deep expertise in colour forecasting, trend analysis and application. As the Colour and Communications Manager at DuluxGroup, she plays a pivotal role in developing and presenting seasonal palettes and training programs for professionals across design, retail, and media.

A member of the international Colour Marketing Group (CMG), Andrea’s insights are shaped by global perspectives, yet grounded in a distinctly Australian aesthetic.

This session is a must for interior designers, decorators and design students looking for real-world insight into the nuanced — and powerful — application of colour.

$80 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD1: 10.45am – 11.30am

Breathe: Architecting the Future

Jeremy McLeod & Tamara Veltre, Breathe Architecture
In Conversation with Taryn Cornell, Green Building Council of Australia

Join Jeremy McLeod and Tamara Veltre, co-founders of the award-winning Breathe Architecture, for a compelling conversation on the future of regenerative design. With a long-standing commitment to sustainability, affordability, and social equity, Breathe has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what architecture can and should be.

In this session, McLeod and Veltre will share insights from over two decades of practice, delving into the philosophy that drives their work and the real-world impact of their designs. Central to their story is the ground-breaking Nightingale Housing model—a not-for-profit housing initiative that champions liveability, community, and low environmental impact. By prioritising people and planet over profit, Nightingale is reshaping the Australian housing landscape and offering a replicable model for responsible urban development.

Moderated by Taryn Cornell of the Green Building Council of Australia, this discussion will explore how regenerative principles can be embedded into architectural practice, what it takes to challenge conventional development models, and how the built environment can be a force for good.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from two of Australia’s leading voices in sustainable design as they share their vision for a more just and resilient future.

$70 inc. GST

KEYNOTE

S2: 11.45am – 12.45pm

Keynote: Interiors With Soul

Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke, Arent & Pyke
In Conversation with Lucy Feagins, The Design Files

With a philosophy grounded in emotion, integrity and beauty, Arent & Pyke have helped shape the visual and emotional language of contemporary Australian interiors. In this deeply considered keynote, co-founders Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke will unpack the guiding principles behind their practice and reflect on the stories that have shaped their most acclaimed projects.

Renowned for their intuitive use of colour, materiality and form, Arent & Pyke design spaces that evoke feeling — interiors that are not just seen, but experienced. Whether it’s an inner-city terrace or a sun-drenched coastal retreat, their work is defined by clarity, warmth and a profound sense of humanity.

This keynote offers a rare opportunity to step inside the world of one of Australia’s most revered design studios. Expect thoughtful conversation on creative process, studio evolution, and what it takes to create timeless spaces that resonate.

Essential for interior designers, architects and design enthusiasts who believe that great design starts with soul.

$110 inc. GST

W1: 1.00pm – 2.30pm

The Pattern Appreciation Society

Tim Neve

Step into the wonderfully expressive world of pattern with internationally renowned interior stylist Tim Neve, in this hands-on, immersive workshop designed to help you fall in love with print and texture all over again.

In The Pattern Appreciation Society, Tim will share his expert techniques for mixing patterns with confidence—from bold statement surfaces to soft, sumptuous furnishings. You’ll learn how to balance scale, select harmonious colourways, and craft interiors that feel layered, dynamic and deeply personal.

Overwhelmed by that mountain of swatches? Tim’s got you. He’ll demystify base cloths and their applications for both residential and commercial spaces, and open your eyes to the creative potential of custom-made textile designs.

Tim will also reveal his go-to formulas for creating soft furnishing combinations that bring rooms to life. You’ll walk away with styling secrets, insider tips, and a new appreciation for the art of textiles. Expect an introduction to some of Tim’s favourite fabric houses and Aussie textile designers (including his own collections), bringing a uniquely local flair to your design toolkit.

Tim Neve is celebrated for his ahead-of-the-trend aesthetic, with work featured in global design titles including Architectural DigestElle Décor and Living Etc. With almost a decade of experience as an interior design trainer, Tim’s passion for mentoring shines through in every session—empowering the next generation of designers to embrace creativity with confidence.

Whether you’re a print-phobe or pattern devotee, this is your invitation to join the pattern appreciation society—and see your interiors in a whole new light.

$65 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD2: 2.45pm – 3.45pm

Designing for Equity

Sasha Titchkosky, CEO, Koskela
Taryn Cornell, Senior Manager, Green Star Strategy & Development, Green Building Council of Australia

Explore the principles of inclusive design with Sasha Titchkosky, co-founder and CEO of Koskela, and Taryn Cornell of GBCA.

What does it mean to truly design for everyone?

Join Taryn Cornell and Sasha Titchkosky for an inspiring conversation about embedding equity into the design process — and how inclusive thinking can transform not just spaces, but lives.

As co-founder and CEO of Koskela, Sasha Titchkosky has long been at the forefront of design with purpose. Under her leadership, Koskela has championed collaboration with First Nations artists and communities, sustainable Australian manufacturing, and products that spark social and environmental change. Sasha has brought a pioneering lens to the role design plays in fostering belonging and empowerment.

Taryn Cornell is a Senior Strategist with the Green Building Council of Australia and has worked across architecture, interior design, urban planning, and social impact. She brings a cross-disciplinary approach to equity in design — particularly in how it influences community outcomes in both public and private sectors.

Together, Sasha and Taryn will unpack the principles of inclusive design and share real-world case studies. From accessible wayfinding to culturally safe design practices, this session will challenge and inspire — offering practical insights for creating environments that are not only beautiful, but truly inclusive.

$70 inc. GST

KEYNOTE

S3: 3.45pm – 4.30pm

Keynote | Seamless Living: The Power of Collaboration Between Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

Thomas Hamel, Thomas Hamel & Associates
Myles Baldwin, Myles Baldwin Design

Join acclaimed interior designer Thomas Hamel and celebrated landscape designer Myles Baldwin for an inspiring conversation on how thoughtful collaboration between inside and out can transform living.

Drawing on decades of experience across some of Australia’s most beautiful residences, Thomas and Myles will explore the creative and practical magic that happens when interiors and landscapes are conceived in harmony.

Thomas Hamel, founder of Thomas Hamel & Associates, is a multi-award-winning designer renowned for his sophisticated, globally influenced interiors and deep understanding of architectural context. American born but based in Sydney, his firm has delivered bespoke homes across Australia, Europe, and the US, blending classic design principles with a contemporary edge.

Awarded Vogue Living’s 2025 Landscape Designer of the Year, Myles Baldwin is one of Australia’s most respected landscape designers, known for his expressive planting palettes and deep knowledge of horticultural history. With projects spanning historic estates, contemporary residences, and public works, Myles is a master at crafting gardens that are both timeless and bold.

Both members of the illustrious VL50 2025, Thomas and Myles have also collaborated on a number of landmark projects, forging a seamless design language.

Learn about their collaborative process and how they create a sense of flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, navigating challenges between disciplines to achieve seamless living.

This will be a masterclass in synergy—perfect for designers, architects, and anyone who wants to be inspired by great beauty!

$95 inc. GST

S4: 10.30am – 11.15am

Creating Design Alchemy

Sarah Ellison, in conversation with Owen Lynch

Join renowned Australian designer Sarah Ellison, co-founder of ELLISON STUDIOS, for an inspiring conversation with design strategist and Brand Shout founder Owen Lynch. Together, they’ll explore the creative process behind truly beautiful work—charting the path from first spark to final execution.

Sarah, who began her career in fashion and styling, launched her eponymous furniture and home accessories brand in 2017. Her sculptural forms, bold proportions, and relaxed yet refined aesthetic have earned her global recognition.

Owen Lynch brings deep expertise in brand development and market strategy, having collaborated with iconic names like Megan Hess, Steven Khalil and Greg Natale. As the founder of Brand Shout and a presenter on Nine Network’s Dream Homes Revealed, Owen helps design brands translate creativity into commercial success.

Discover how creative vision, strategic thinking, and strong brand identity combine to produce true design alchemy.


$80 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD3: 10.45am – 11.45am

Sustainability in Practice – Hospitality Fitouts

Angela Spillane, Studiospillane
Lauren King, Urbancore
Jared Ingersoll, FODA Strategy
Taryn Cornell, Green Building Council of Australia

How can sustainability become the norm—not the outlier—in hospitality and retail fitouts? This panel brings together leading voices across design, strategy, and environmental leadership to explore exactly that.

Frequent tenancy churn, fast-moving trends, and short design cycles mean hospitality and retail fitouts are a major contributor to construction waste. This discussion will unpack the barriers—cost, education, and ingrained industry habits—and explore strategies to reduce material waste, design for reuse, align with market demands, and embed sustainability across the entire process.

Angela Spillane, founder of Studiospillane, brings over 25 years of experience in commercial interiors, with a focus on user experience and cultural identity. Lauren King, Strategic Lead at Urbancore, works at the intersection of business and design to deliver high-impact projects that are both meaningful and measurable. Jared Ingersoll, Head of Sustainability at FODA Strategy and a former chef, applies a unique systems-thinking approach to sustainability—grounded in real-world implementation and long-term change.

Whether you’re designing a café, retail space or hotel, this session will offer tangible insights and bold thinking to help make sustainable fitouts standard practice.

$70 inc. GST

KEYNOTE

S5: 11.45am – 12.45pm

KEYNOTE: Coalescence

David Flack, Founder & Principal, Flack Studio

From highly expressive residential spaces to bold commercial interiors, David Flack has become synonymous with a design language that is both richly emotive and refreshingly contemporary. In this exclusive keynote, Flack will explore the creative process behind his studio’s distinctive body of work.

Launched in 2014, Melbourne-based Flack Studio has made a global impact with interiors that fuse classical references, contemporary innovation, and a bohemian spirit. The studio gained international recognition with the layered, art-filled home of pop icon Troye Sivan, and continues to shape Australia’s design landscape with projects including the Ace Hotel Sydney, high-end restaurants, and homes across the country.

Flack’s seamless coalescence of colour, materiality, art, and architecture has seen him become a fixture on the prestigious AD100 and VL50 lists.

Don’t miss this session that will unpack the philosophies and technical skills that drive his practice – a place where narratives, history and a commitment to local makers and artists come together to create original spaces that are personal and powerful.

$110 inc. GST

S6: 1.15pm – 2.00pm

THE DRAMA OF DESIGN

SILVANA AZZI HERAS

Join acclaimed designer Silvana Azzi Heras, founder and creative director of House of Heras, as she shares the rich creative journey that’s taken her from film sets to fabric design. Formerly Head Designer at Bazmark Inq, the production house of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, Silvana has worked on some of Australia’s most iconic films including Moulin Rouge!Australia, and The Great Gatsby—earning both an APDG Award and an AACTA Award for Best Costume Design.

In 2017, she launched House of Heras, a boutique studio dedicated to creating decorative textiles, wallpapers, and homewares that celebrate mythology, native flora and fauna, and the traditions of the Arts and Crafts movement. Her richly layered work is a favourite among stylists and designers alike.

In this session, Silvana will explore how theatricality, storytelling, and symbolism can transform interiors and fabrics —and how design can draw power from heritage, culture, and craft.

A must for designers drawn to narrative, nostalgia, and deeply expressive interiors.

$70 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD4: 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Slow Furniture Design

Lyzadie Renault, LyZadie Design Studio

What happens when design slows down and roots itself in place, people and craft?

In a world driven by fast production and globalised supply chains, this session champions a return to meaningful, locally made design. It explores how working with local artisans not only preserves craft traditions but also fosters deep cultural connections, environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Join Lyzadie Renault, founder of LyZadie Design Studio, as she shares her process of co-creating furniture with Māori and Pacific Island artisans in Aotearoa, New Zealand — drawing on nature, heritage and ethical production practices. Lyzadie’s work is a powerful example of what design can become when it’s collaborative, conscious and deeply grounded in place.

This session will explore:

  • How to establish authentic, respectful relationships with artisans and makers
  • The environmental and cultural benefits of local production
  • Challenges around scalability, pricing and perception in the design market
  • Real-world examples of products created through artisan-designer collaboration

Whether you’re a designer, architect, maker or brand, this session will inspire you to rethink your supply chain — and consider the extraordinary value of looking closer to home.

$70 inc. GST

W2: 2.15pm – 3.30pm

BUILDING YOUR DESIGN BRAND IDENTITY

Kelly Donougher, 13 Interiors

A strong brand presence is just as important as great interiors. In this practical, empowering workshop, Kelly Donougher, founder of 13 Interiors, shares the tools and strategies she’s used to grow her interior design business into a national brand with studios in Perth and Melbourne—and a loyal following of over 38K on Instagram.

With over 20 years of business experience and many features across platforms like Home Beautiful, Adore Magazine, The West Australian, and Channel 9, Kelly brings both creative and commercial know-how to the design table.

Learn how to craft your design brand identity, create content that connects and converts, use social media authentically and strategically and build an engaged audience that grows with your business.

This is a must-attend for designers, stylists and creatives ready to elevate their brand and confidently step into the digital spotlight.

$70 inc. GST

S7: 2.30pm – 3.15pm

CURATED STYLE

Kerrie-Ann Jones, w/ Jen Bishop

Join one of Australia’s leading interior stylists and author Kerrie-Ann Jones in conversation with The Interiors Addict founder Jen Bishop, as they explore how to create interiors that are as personal as they are beautiful. This session will unpack the art of curating meaningful spaces that reflect your story, style and values.

With her fresh, refined aesthetic and emphasis on emotion and storytelling, Kerrie-Ann has styled for major publications and campaigns, while Jen has built one of Australia’s most trusted interiors platforms.

Together, Kerrie-Ann and Jen will delve into key principles such as​ how to curate a home with intention, why less is more (and how to get it right), how to incorporating trends in a timeless way, creating mood and atmosphere and the little design details that make a big impact.

This is an unmissable conversation for anyone looking to craft curated spaces that are personal and meaningful.

$70 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD5: 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Designing with Intention: A Fishbowl Discussion

Josh Ellis, Cultivated
Sonia Simpfendorfer, Director Nexus Designs (Interior Design)
Sally Evans, Director Nexus Designs (Graphic Design + Product Development)
John Gertsakis, Director Product Stewardship Centre for Excellence

Katherine Featherstone, Senior Manager Products & Materials Green Building Council Australia

As the design industry faces growing environmental and social challenges, the responsibility to create spaces that are both enchanting and ethical is shared across the entire community.

Presented in a fishbowl conversation format inspired by Indigenous knowledge systems, this lively and interactive session will invite deeper dialogue about how we source and specify products and materials, and how we approach the long-term life of the spaces we create.

We’ll explore how designers, makers, manufacturers and certifiers – with outcomes across both large-scale commercial buildings and highly detailed residential interiors – can work together to support more thoughtful, future-focused design practices, from product stewardship and takeback schemes to circularity, certification and design for longevity.

Whether you are designing spaces, crafting materials, setting benchmarks or shaping policy, this is a chance to reflect on how our individual decisions contribute to a more collaborative and sustainable built environment.

Josh Ellis from Cultivated and Directors Sonia Simpfendorfer (Interior Design) & Sally Evans (Graphic Design + Product Development) from renowned multi-disciplinary studio Nexus Designs will be joined by John Gertsakis, a leading voice for sustainability and policy reform, and product and materials specialist Katherine Featherstone from the Green Building Council of Australia.

$70 inc. GST

S8: 3.45pm – 4.30pm

Harnessing Scandinavian Philosophy in Australian Design

Anna-Carin McNamara, Founder, ANNA.CARIN
In conversation with Robyn Willis, Lifestyle Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age

What happens when Scandinavian philosophy meets the Australian way of life? In this insightful session, interior designer Anna-Carin McNamara will explore how the pared-back elegance of Nordic design can enrich the warmth and openness of Australian homes.

Founder of the eponymous design studio ANNA.CARIN, Anna-Carin is widely respected for her refined aesthetic and deeply personal approach to interiors. Now based in Sydney but born and raised in Sweden, she brings a profound understanding of Scandinavian design principles — simplicity, functionality and emotional resonance — and translates them beautifully for the Australian context. Her studio’s work spans high-end residential and boutique commercial work, with a focus on timelessness, quality craftsmanship, and creating spaces that nurture the everyday.

Guided by respected design journalist and lifestyle editor Robyn Willis, this conversation will delve into Anna-Carin’s design philosophy, her cultural influences, and the ethos of living with design, not just in it.

Expect an inspiring dialogue on slowing down, designing with purpose, and the power of restraint in a noisy world.

Perfect for interior designers, stylists and design lovers who crave spaces that speak softly but resonate deeply.

$70 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD6: 10.30pm – 12.30pm

Sustainable Design Fundamentals: Workshop Intensive

Karie Soehardi, Circular Design Thinking

Led by Karie Soehardi, founder of Circular Design Thinking, this workshop introduces the fundamentals of sustainable design. With over 20 years of experience in sustainable design, Karie will guide participants through lifecycle thinking, material impact, and practical tools to embed circularity into design processes.

After a popular debut at the 2024 Green Design Show, this highly practical session returns in 2025 to equip attendees with the knowledge and confidence to make environmentally responsible decisions – from materials and certifications to circular strategies and supplier evaluation.

With deep experience across furniture, interiors and sustainable supply chains, Karie brings a wealth of insight and case studies to help you design smarter and more sustainably.

Whether you’re new to sustainability or looking to strengthen your foundation, this is a must-attend workshop that will sharpen your thinking and expand your toolkit.

Build your sustainability IQ – and your impact.

$70 inc. GST

S9: 11am – 12pm

Shaynna Blaze — Good Design Equals Good Lives

Shaynna Blaze, Interior Designer, Author, TV Personality & Founder, Voice of Change

For over two decades, Shaynna Blaze has been a fixture in Australian homes — not just as a beloved judge on The Block or host of Selling Houses Australia, but as a passionate advocate for the power of interior design to do more than look good. In this thought-provoking session, Shaynna explores how thoughtful design can genuinely change lives — creating spaces that heal, empower, and support wellbeing.

Drawing on her extensive experience across television, publishing and private design practice, Shaynna will share insights into the emotional and psychological impact of the built environment, and how design choices — big and small — can influence how we feel, function, and flourish.

She’ll also speak about Voice of Change, the charity she founded to harness the arts in breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. With empathy and honesty, Shaynna will reflect on how design is a medium not just for expression, but for safety, dignity and hope.

This is more than a seminar — it’s a call to action for designers, decorators and industry professionals to think beyond aesthetics and design with compassion, purpose and humanity.

$85 inc. GST

S10: 12.30pm – 1.15pm

Activate the Power of AI in Design

Rhiannon Lee, Oleander & Finch

AI is most definitely here—and it’s reshaping the way the design industry works. In this dynamic and super timely session, interior designer, mentor and podcast host Rhiannon Lee from Oleander & Finch will cut through the hype and the information overload to explore exactly how AI can enhance, not replace, the creative process. She’ll give you the tools to activate it in your business without losing the human touch.

From ethical questions to real-world studio applications, Rhiannon will walk attendees through common fears and misconceptions around AI in design, and how AI is already built into the tools you’re using (and how to make the most of it).

You’ll learn how to use AI to streamline your workflow and increase productivity, plus the extraordinary design capabilities of custom GPTs. After this session you’ll be confident that AI can act as your creative sidekick – not your competition.

Rhiannon Lee is the founder of Oleander & Finch Interior Design. She is also an industry mentor known for her grounded, tech-savvy mentorship and long-running podcast Designing Success. Recognised as a pioneering voice in the Australian design space, Rhiannon makes emerging tools feel approachable and empowering.

This session is perfect for designers looking to stay ahead of the curve and build smarter, more sophisticated studios with the creative edge.

$65 inc. GST

W3: 12pm – 1.30pm

DESIGNING A TIMELESS BUSINESS

Di Henshall Interior Design

Want to grow an interior design business that lasts? Don’t miss this workshop! Join acclaimed interior designer Di Henshall for a strategic 90-minute workshop delving into the secrets of creating timeless design clients love – and the real-world insights behind running a successful interiors business. With over 2,600 projects to her name and a multi-award-winning career spanning 30+ years, Di brings a wealth of knowledge, humour and hard-won wisdom to the table.

This practical, inspiring session will explore:

  • What makes interior design truly timeless – and how to future-proof your work
  • How to build strong client relationships and navigate differing visions
  • The nuts and bolts of design: pricing, processes, and productivity
  • Common challenges (and how to solve them like a pro)
  • Di’s personal approach to creativity, craftsmanship, and staying passionate

Whether you’re an emerging designer or a seasoned professional, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Australia’s most established voices in interiors.

$65 inc. GST

GREEN DESIGN

GD7: 1.15pm – 2pm

Essential Guide to Carbon

Tom Dean, Director, Carbon Planning, Slattery

Let’s talk carbon — without the jargon. With mandatory reporting incoming, designers need to understand and implement carbon measurement and reduction strategies in their projects.

But what do Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions actually mean for you? And how can designers integrate carbon literacy into their practice in a practical, actionable way?

Join Tom Dean, Director, Carbon Planning at Slattery for this essential crash course in carbon. Designed specifically for architects, interior designers and specifiers, this session will break down the complexities of carbon measurement and give you the tools to better understand your project’s environmental footprint and how to report.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of embodied vs. operational carbon
  • Definitions of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and how they apply to design.
  • Tips for engaging clients and suppliers in low-carbon decision making.
  • Real-world strategies for carbon reduction in the built environment

If you want to speak the language of carbon with confidence – this is the place to start.

$70 inc. GST

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