In our seventh Designer Spotlight interview, we spoke to Melissa Collison, Director of Melissa Collison Design. Continue reading to learn more about Melissa’s career, why design is the perfect career for her, and the big secret that is finally out.

U. How did you get into design?

M. I was 30 years old and had just been living in Byron Bay for around 6 months back in the days when it was ‘hippy’ and decided to come back home to Sydney and opened my own studio then.

U. You have a beautiful portfolio of commercial and residential projects, what is your favourite sector to work in?

M. Each project is different, there is no favourite. We never repeat a design or a look. No two projects are the same, so each has its own sense of passion.

U. We absolutely love the hospitality venue we worked on together, Martha’s Table. What is your favourite project you’ve done to date?

M. We love Martha’s Table too. Oh, there are so many projects. I honestly would not know where to start. 

Martha’s Table | Mornington Peninsula, VIC

U. What is your design process, and does it change much depending on the project?

M. The process starts from the first words or sentence from the client. The visual happens almost immediately. It carries on from there.

U. How would you describe your design style?

M. Brave. Emotive. Colourful. Soulful. Lavish.

U. What are your tips for collaborating with clients to create the best possible space?

M. Listen first. Talk later.

Falcone | Hong Kong

U. What do you love most about design?

M. I love change and my mind is a whirlwind of creativity. Ideas never stop and that means, particularly with our hospitality projects, I can unleash that creativity.

U. What advice would you give to someone entering the interior design industry?

M. Design is only one aspect.  There is also client contact and selling an idea. Also, and most importantly, look ahead, don’t worry about what other people are doing and always believe in yourself.

U. What are your upcoming trends predictions?

M. We do not succumb to trends at all. We design with love and longevity. You will never see a ‘trendy’ terracotta archway and dried white flower in any of our projects.

Grand Majestic Sichuan | Hong Kong

 Quick Fire Questions:

U. Working digitally or on paper? 

M. Both.

U. Early bird or night owl? 

M. Early bird.

U. Favourite project? 

M. Life.

U. Guilty pleasure? 

M. Cake.

U. Best and worst interior design trends? 

M. Both. Do your own thing. Do not follow what everyone one else is doing.

U. You’re hosting your dream dinner party, who are your three guests? 

M. Anthony Bourdain, Dorothy Parker, Francis Ford Coppola.

U. What’s next for Melissa Collison? 

M. We are designing a range of products. Ha!  Secret is now out.

Learn more about Melissa Collison Design here. 

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