SEMINAR SERIES

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

Be inspired in July 2025 by gorgeous showcases from superstar Australian designers such as David Flack, Thomas Hamel, Arent & Pyke, Sarah Ellison, Kerrie-Ann Jones, Shaynna Blaze and many more. There will also be practical sessions to sharpen your business and brand.

The Green Design Seminar Series will also be released at the end of April and be supported by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

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

S2: 11.45am – 12.45pm

Keynote: Interiors With Soul

Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke, Arent & Pyke

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

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 a captivating 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 accessories brand in 2017. Her sculptural forms, bold proportions, and relaxed yet refined aesthetic took the brand to global success.

Owen Lynch brings deep expertise in brand development and market strategy, having collaborated with iconic names like Greg Natale, Megan Hess, and Mont Blanc. 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

KEYNOTE

S5: 11.45am – 12.45am

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

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

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

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: 12pm – 12.45pm

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