Building a creative studio that stands out: a panel by Indesign Live x Royal Oak Floors

What does it take to build an architecture or interior design practice that’s distinctive and unmistakably yours? 

This panel brings together three of Sydney’s leading voices in design – Shona McElroy (Smac Studio), Lachlan Seegers (Lachlan Seegers Architect) and Jason Gibney (JGDW) – speaking on the creative practices they’ve built from the ground up.

From defining a design language and securing early projects, to navigating briefs, growth and commercial realities, this session explores how to establish a practice that not only stands out, but stays true to your vision as it evolves.

Panellists:

Shona McElroy

Shona McElroy is the founder and principal of Smac Studio, a Sydney-based interior architecture practice. With a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Sydney and experience in both architecture and interiors, Shona’s work has been recognised with nominations for awards including the Dezeen House Interior Award and the Australian Interior Design Award, and her projects have been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Vogue Living, Belle and The Local Project. Known for the rich materiality of her projects, she incorporates vivid natural stone, textured fabrics and innovative colour into timeless spaces. A true creative, she never builds the same thing twice.

Lachlan Seegers

Lachlan Seegers founded his practice in 2018 out of a commitment to delivering innovative and authentic work, with a focus on contextual responsiveness, spatial clarity, and enduring material expression. His ability to navigate complex urban site conditions whilst balancing design excellence and practical constraints has gained his practice numerous prestigious accolades and a suite of recent project commissions, ranging from single residential houses through to several ambitious, large-scale public and mixed-use projects. Lachlan’s background also includes senior roles in internationally recognised practices and ongoing service on Government and Council advisory panels, reinforcing his commitment to design excellence and his deep understanding of urban and regulatory contexts.

Jason Gibney

Jason Gibney is the founding director of architecture studio JGDW, known for his hands-on approach, meticulous attention to detail and integrated design sensibility. Specialising in bespoke residential projects, Jason brings together architecture, landscape, interior and furniture design to deliver cohesive, site-responsive environments. Rooted in a creative upbringing in Ireland, Jason’s passion for craft, building and problem-solving has shaped a design philosophy that is both technically rigorous and deeply human. With over 20 years of experience, Jason’s design ethos is founded on a passion for crafting spaces that are site-responsive, restrained, thoughtful and nurturing.

Moderator:

Timothy Alouani-Roby

Timothy Alouani-Roby is the Editor of Indesign Live and Habitusliving. Having worked in elite professional sport for over a decade, he retrained in architecture at the University of Sydney, adding to previous degrees in philosophy, politics and English literature. Timothy is based in Gadigal-Sydney, but spends much of his time among the moors of both Northern England and Marrakech.