Edge Design Studio is a multidisciplinary design practice specialising in interior design and architectural services in the hospitality and retail sectors. We caught up with Director Mandy Edge to discuss her experience in the design industry.  

U.  Mandy you’ve worked for some incredible companies & designers like Lord Norman Foster, a key figure in British modernist architecture & Cary Tamarkin who’s a well-known residential developer & architect in New York. What impact did this experience have on your design process? 

M.  Working at the Foster office more than anything taught me about discipline. Discipline about your work ethic, discipline about an idea, a concept. Never giving up until it feels right. Even if that meant still being in the office when the sun comes up! All design decisions had to have meaning, a purpose. It was incredibly humbling working on such huge projects and around such talented people. Tamarkin Company was a completely different experience, a very small architecture firm that also controlled the property development. Normally these two entities work against each other, so having the property developer also be the architect meant there was no expense spared and the level of detail in their projects was extraordinary.  It was really interesting to see this side of the business which completely changed my opinion on the industry.

U.  One of our favourite projects from 2020 was the Sportscraft store fit-out in Sydney Australia. We had the pleasure of working with you to bring this beautiful boutique to life. The space included pale oak herringbone flooring, Calcutta marble & stunning rattan detailing. Where did you draw your design inspiration from and how did all stakeholders work together to fulfil the clients brief? 

M.  It always comes down to a brief for me. It was important for the store to look modern and fresh and in some ways reflect the Australian lifestyle through the idea of the ‘home’. The store needed to look relaxed and approachable and most importantly reflect the values of what Sportscraft is about. UNITA group worked with me closely and made the whole process seamless in ensuring we were happy with the quality and level of craftsmanship

U.  We’ve had the privilege of speaking with many talented designers over the past 16+ years and one recurring word always pops up – Collaboration. How do you typically tackle collaboration when implementing your designs?

M.  As Sportscraft is such a big company they looked after the overall project, but I always undertake many site/quality checks and to ensure all stakeholders are happy with the outcome.

U.  Your impressive professional portfolio showcases a variety of residential, retail & hospitality projects. I’m interested to know how you design for these different sectors? Do you have a favourite or are they all equally rewarding? 

M.  I predominantly work in retail and hospitality. I enjoy the pace of commercial projects, they are usually over within months as opposed to years in residential. I also find it a lot more creative and therefore rewarding

U.  In the past, you’ve described yourself has a designer that prefers creating spaces which are reflective of a person’s life & personality. How would you describe your design style?

M.  I think your style can obviously change, but your core values that impact your decision making stays the same. I try not to get too caught up in trends, especially with commercial projects as they can date quite quickly. I would hope there is a level of timelessness in my designs, I aspire to something more classic than trend oriented.

U.  From the KitKat Chocolatory to M.J Bale, it’s clear that your Studio has extensive industry experience. What advice would you give emerging designers? Any tricks or tips you wish you knew before established EDGE Studio? 

M.  To get started working as an intern. When you study you really have no idea what the profession is about in a commercial sense so it’s important to get as much experience working with studio (preferably small) if you can.

INSPIRED BY  |  JAG – Design by Mandy Edge

Quick Fire Questions:

1. Working digitally or on paper? Paper!

2. Morning person or night owl? Night owl

3. Hoarder or Spring cleaner? Somewhere in between

4. Favourite project? Sportscraft Sydney

5. Guilty pleasure? Gorgonzola

6. Rising designers we should know about? Valeriane Lazard, she’s an interior architect from Paris

7. Design trend that should never resurface? Industrial style fit-outs in cafes or restaurants!

U.  Finally, what’s next for the Edge Design Studio, do you have any exciting projects on the horizon?

M.  I’m about to start work on a new design for a roof bar in North Sydney. I’m also working on more stores for Sportscraft and an exciting new design concept for MJ Bale.