Behind The Design

This episode of Behind the Design features Leon and Victoria Pirrello, the couple behind Vicello. What began in their garage has grown into a thriving joinery and design studio with a team, factory spaces, and a reputation for delivering bespoke interiors across NSW. Their journey is one of courage, collaboration, and saying yes to projects that stretched them well beyond their comfort zone.They share how Vicello was built step by step - balancing marriage, parenting, and business - while carving out a niche in guiding clients through every stage of the joinery process. From technical precision to meaningful collaboration with architects and designers, their approach blends craftsmanship with connection, offering valuable lessons for anyone in design, construction, or business.Expect to learn:How Vicello went from garage projects to full-home fitoutsWhy early collaboration with joiners saves time, money, and mistakesThe creative and technical process behind high-end bespoke joineryHow to lead a family-run business with clear roles, values, and purposeThe importance of emotional intelligence in design and businessIf you're an interior designer, architect, builder, or business owner in the design space - this episode is a must.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Behind the Design Intro00:01:52 – Meet the Guest00:02:00 – How the Business Began00:05:39 – Design Process Overview00:12:04 – Working with Architects00:13:53 – Family Business Dynamics00:16:34 – Compassionate Leadership00:18:05 – Favourite Projects & Growth00:20:08 – Drafting Team’s Role00:22:34 – Ideal Clients & Fit00:25:40 – Relationship-Driven Projects00:29:27 – Portfolio & Client Privacy00:33:54 – Shift to Construction & Joinery00:35:09 – Passion for Collaboration00:39:25 – Seamless Client Experience00:43:18 – Building a Business Together00:44:24 – Advice to Younger Creatives00:47:23 – Emotions in Entrepreneurship00:49:28 – Managing Creative Stress00:49:58 – Quick Fire Questions* bespoke joinery* high-end interiors* family business success* interior design business* designer-builder collaboration* Vicello * scaling creative businesses* behind the scenes interior design* building a business with your spouse* Australian design podcasts* female founders in construction* working with your partner business* custom cabinetry and joinery* emotional intelligence in business* early engagement trades* client experience design industry

This episode is a true testament to the power of taking risks, following your creative instincts, and the beauty of building a business that reflects your passion. In this episode of Behind the Design, we chat with Laura, the creative mind behind Laura Rees Styling. What began as a leap into freelancing has grown into a thriving interior styling business, bringing unique and personal touches to spaces, from private residences to editorial shoots. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to the creative chaos of freelancing, balancing motherhood with styling, and highlighting the importance of working with the right people and trades on-site to bring each project to life.Expect to hear about:How stepping away from corporate life led to a creative businessBalancing family life and freelancing with chaos and beauty!The artistry behind styling for the camera and what it takes to get that perfect shotThe value of building authentic relationships with clients, photographers, and suppliersTips for aspiring stylists and creatives who want to take the leap into freelancingThe upcoming workshops Laura’s launching to help others style with intentionIf you’re craving inspiration, wondering how to turn your creative passion into a business, or simply need to hear that it’s okay to embrace the messy middle of any project, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Laura’s raw, real, and refreshing take on building a creative career on your terms. Plus, get ready to feel motivated to trust your instincts and make bold moves, because life’s too short to play it safe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more creative insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the design world.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Introduction to Laura’s Interior Styling Journey00:01:32 – From Corporate Career to Freelancing in Styling00:05:56 – Support, Risk-Taking & Building a Creative Business00:07:59 – Collaboration & Relationships in the Interior Styling Industry00:10:23 – The Realities, Challenges & Rewards of Styling00:15:19 – McMaster’s Beach Project: Styling a Coastal Home00:17:48 – Styling for the Camera & Creating Perfect Vignettes00:20:51 – Sourcing Unique Pieces & Standing Out as a Stylist00:22:52 – How COVID-19 Impacted the Styling & Art World00:24:01 – Working with Photographers & Navigating Shoot Days00:28:01 – Problem-Solving & Managing On-Set Challenges00:30:11 – Inspiration, Sourcing & Growing Industry Connections00:31:56 – Social Media, Lighting & Trusting Your Creative Vision00:36:34 – Advice & Top Styling Tips for Aspiring Designers00:45:38 – Collaboration, Overcoming Self-Doubt & Client Success00:50:14 – Patience, Persistence & Recharging Your Creativity00:52:46 – Where to Connect with Laura Rees* Interior Styling* Freelance Interior Design* Styling Tips* Creative Career* Interior Design Business* Design Inspiration* Freelance Life* Styling for Photoshoots* Home Styling Ideas* Creative Entrepreneurship* Designing with Purpose* Styling Secrets* Building a Design Brand* Collaboration in Design* Balancing Family and Freelance* Interior Design Process* Personalized Home Design* Styling Inspiration* Women in Design* Interior Design Journey

In episode 23 of Behind the Design, we sit down with Dimitri Vargas, the visionary behind a flourishing custom furniture business that specialises in handcrafted, Australian-made pieces. Dimitri shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting his career in the design world during the 2020 lockdown to now running a successful furniture company. He dives deep into his creative process, the challenges of managing a growing business, and the importance of local sourcing in the furniture industry.We cover:Dimitri’s beginnings as a commercial interior designer and his pivot into furniture making during the COVID-19 pandemic.How Dimitri's company blends craftsmanship with innovation, pushing the boundaries of what furniture can be.How working with both industry trade professionals and retail customers, bridges the gap between expert, custom designs and everyday living.The journey from building pieces in his garage to managing a team and scaling a creative business.The importance of using Australian-made materials and the challenges that come with high-quality, locally sourced production.Insights into prototyping, custom designs, and the benefits of offering personalised pieces to clients.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, customers seeking personalised pieces, design lovers, and anyone curious about growing a business without compromising on creativity or craftsmanship. Dimitri’s journey is full of lessons on perseverance, the importance of community, and the art of building a unique brand.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 – Intro & Origins00:01:27 – Meet Dimitri00:02:57 – Made in Australia: Pros & Cons00:05:26 – Managing Workload & Delegation Strategies00:10:55 – Building Your Team & Outsourcing Tips00:11:59 – Designing Product Lines: Concept to Prototype00:15:54 – Material Selection: Preferences & Insights00:21:11 – Scaling Production: Design to Manufacturing00:22:30 – Avoiding Burnout: Creativity & Work-Life Balance00:27:59 – Prototype Testing & Safety Equipment Essentials00:31:09 – Balancing Business Growth & Personal Passions00:32:23 – Growth Strategies: Scaling vs Maintaining Size00:33:38 – Sales Channels: Retailers vs Designers00:38:13 – Time Management in Prototyping00:38:37 – Future Vision: Business Goals & Roadmap00:42:36 – Advanced Testing & Warehouse Expansion00:44:16 – Highlight Project: Taree Case Study00:46:02 – Innovation in Large-Scale Experiments00:47:02 – Spotlight: Karaoke Dance Floor Design00:48:21 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Details00:48:50 – Outro* Custom Furniture* Furniture Design* Australian Made Furniture* Dimitri Vargas Furniture* Furniture Prototyping* Bespoke Furniture Design* Creative Business Growth* Sustainable Furniture* Australian Furniture Makers* Handcrafted Furniture* Small Business Scaling* Entrepreneurial Journey* Furniture Business Tips* Interior Design and Furniture* Behind the Design Podcast* Furniture Design Innovation* Business Mindset for Creatives* Creative Entrepreneurship* Sourcing Local Materials* Custom Furniture Process* Furniture Industry Insights

In this episode of Behind the Design, I sat down with my producer, Andrew for a candid Q&A session unpacking the real-world process of collaboration in the design and construction industry. From aligning with architects during early-stage planning, working seamlessly with builders to manage schedules and budgets, to guiding clients through joinery decisions - this episode reveals how intentional collaboration and communication transforms design concepts into practical, beautiful spaces. I share my insights on client engagement, communication pitfalls, and the secrets to delivering both functional and aesthetically compelling results.Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:05 - How Interior Designers Collaborate with Architects00:02:36 - Working Effectively with Builders on Design Projects00:04:13 - The Critical Role of Joiners in Custom Interiors00:05:14 - Balancing Functionality with Aesthetic Design00:06:25 - Why Collaboration Is Key in Design and Build00:07:53 - How to Contact Camilla or Collaborate00:08:15 - Final ThoughtsInterior designer architect collaborationBuilding industry podcastWorking with builders and joinersInterior design planning processConstruction design collaborationHome renovation interior designDesign process for new buildsJoinery design tipsPractical vs aesthetic designClient briefing in design projectsBehind the design podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Craig from Artisan Exterior, a leading name in natural stone surfaces for residential and commercial spaces, for a powerful conversation on creative leadership, brand building, and staying visionary in the fast-evolving world of interior design, architecture, and construction.From humble beginnings—two mobile displays on utes and a single container of stock—Craig and his brother Chris carved their niche in the pool and landscaping industry through grit, precision, and an obsession with quality. While Chris has since moved into new ventures, Craig has quietly but powerfully steered Artisan Exteriors into a trusted and influential brand, known for its design-forward thinking, premium products, and standout marketing.We unpack what it takes to scale a design-focused business in a competitive market, why stepping back to forecast and think big is essential for long-term success, and how ego can sabotage even the most talented teams. Craig shares his views on branding for builders and designers, the power of trust and team culture, and how staying humble has helped Artisan Exteriors lead with clarity and purpose.Whether you’re an interior designer, architect, builder, or creative entrepreneur, this episode offers rich insights into growing a brand that lasts—by staying rooted in vision, values, and real connection.00:00:00 – The Hidden Cost of Ego in Creative Business00:01:23 – Meet Craig from Artisan Exteriors: A Vision-Driven Brand in the Built Environment00:02:10 – From Utes to Industry: The Origin Story of Artisan Exteriors00:02:46 – Evolution of the Business: Team Changes and Staying True to Vision00:11:01 – What It Really Means to Be a Creative Business Owner00:11:49 – Managing Stress, Mindset & Mental Health in the Construction Industry00:14:51 – Adapting Through Crisis: COVID-19’s Impact on Supply, Projects & Planning00:31:22 – Industry Trends & Global Influence: What’s Inspiring Local Projects00:33:24 – Why Innovation Matters in Design, Architecture & Materials00:36:00 – Specifying Early: The Key to Custom Projects Running Smoothly00:42:18 – The Hidden Challenge: Stock, Storage & Supply Chain Realities00:44:51 – Why the Construction & Design Industry Is More Complex Than It Looks00:46:51 – Delivering Excellence: Project Completion & Client Satisfaction00:48:25 – Standout Projects: Creative Highlights from the Artisan Exteriors Journey00:51:45 – Building Trust: The Power of Authentic Industry Relationships00:52:06 – Lessons from the Job Site: Reflecting on Past Projects00:52:34 – Dropping the Ego: The Key to Sustainable Leadership00:59:37 – Empathy in Business: Sharing the Real Stories Behind the Work01:01:41 – Where to Explore Artisan Exteriors Products & Projects01:02:24 – The Most Chaotic Home Renovation Moments01:02:52 – Managing Project Chaos: What Happens Behind the Scenes01:03:56 – Designing His Own Space: Craig’s Personal Home Journey01:04:50 – Integrating Artisan Products into Everyday Living01:06:01 – How Natural Stone Impacts Function & Feeling in the Home01:06:29 – Future Plans: Dreaming Up the Next Build01:07:15 – Final Thoughts: Leading with Vision in the Built World

Nine years ago, Aidan Anderson was a carpenter with a passion for design. A single Instagram post with just 30 likes sparked what would become The Local Project - now one of the most influential digital design publications, amassing over 3 million followers. Today, he’s expanding the brand internationally, breaking into the New York market, and redefining the design and architecture media landscape.In this episode, we uncover the real story behind The Local Project’s rise, going beyond the curated social media image to explore: • How Aidan built a multi-million-follower brand from scratch • The challenges of scaling a digital publication without a roadmap • Instagram vs reality - balancing brand growth with personal identity • Overcoming any self-doubt and betting on yourself as a founder • The role of mentorship, partnerships, and investment in long-term success • Expanding globally while strengthening the Australian design industry • The future of The Local Project and what’s next for AidanAidan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, intuition, and taking action - even without a clear plan. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or brand builder, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Aidan Anderson:Founder and Editor-in Chief @thelocalprojectFounder and CEO @thelocalproductionhttps://www.instagram.com/aidanandersonhttps://www.instagram.com/thelocalprojecthttps://thelocalproject.com.auCamilla Ingall:Founder of Unfolded Host of Behind The Designhttps://www.instagram.com/unfolded_https://www.instagram.com/camillaingallProduced by:Think loud official / Andrew Cooneyhttps://www.thinkloudoud.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/thinkloudofficial?igsh=dXN5NGgwazl0Zmg=Location: https://www.laportespace.com.auFurniture: Totem Roadhttps://www.totemroad.com

Join us for a deep dive into the world of interior design and luxury finishes with Adrian Zipevski, co-founder of Surface Gallery. From launching his business at just 17 to becoming a leader in the Australian tile industry, Adrian shares his journey and insights into selecting the perfect materials to elevate any project. In this episode, we explore how the Australian design community is a strong player in the design world, the power of collaboration between suppliers and designers, and the challenges of managing custom designs, lead times, and building trust in our client relationships. Adrian also opens up about the realities of burnout, the importance of self-care in building a sustainable brand, and staying ahead with sustainable and timeless products. Plus, we dive into Adrian’s latest venture, Aldini - his “love child” business that brings bespoke, tailor-made design solutions to the table. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how to create beautiful, successful projects while navigating the complexities of the design world.