![New wave](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/8164/730072/6123839ad14f6/New-wave.jpg)
THE ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN AN ENDURING INFLUENCE?
Alvar Aalto [1+2]. As a young architecture journalist, I had the opportunity to travel to Finland on a tour of Aalto’s seminal projects, including his lakeside summer house and studio he shared with his wife and collaborator Aino Marsio-Aalto. Aalto’s unique interpretation of modernism, which was humanist while remaining in dialogue with nature, offered a set of values that made sense to me. I recall being fascinated by his capacity to shift in scale – from vase to chair, house to hospital. That trip began an ongoing conversation for me about design being rooted in place, respectful of the local, a balancing act between technology and craft.
CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS WHO YOU ADMIRE?
I believe situations with emotional intensity are what defines memory and shapes us as individuals. I admire artists, designers and architects who maintain an expanded view of the interconnections and entanglement of life. They can create opportunities for people to step outside themselves – to transcend the everyday and momentarily grasp something bigger than us all. I have admiration for those who orient their practice towards the audience, inviting people into a shared experience.
WHAT DREW YOU TO A CAREER IN DESIGN?
My parents are designers so I grew up in a place where design was valued. I studied environmental science and have always been fascinated by systems and ecologies. I also love writing. These led me to a job at an architecture magazine. Design and architecture appealed as a sector that is creative [and] capable of improving the world.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING?
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Belle Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2021 edition of Belle Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![The wow factory](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/1zHt7Chir1700470008646/THE-WOW-FACTORY.jpg)
The wow factory
The sisters steering Zuster furniture brand put a creative spin on their own industrial zone.
![OPEN INVITE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/tVLKwWH2H1700469674249/OPEN-INVITE.jpg)
OPEN INVITE
This handsome home in the NSW Southern Highlands welcomes within its walls both generous rural views and a steady flow of guests.
![DUAL ACCENTS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/lwMzrznOq1700466537851/DUAL-ACCENTS.jpg)
DUAL ACCENTS
American heritage style meets Spanish mission design in this harbourside Sydney home.
![Grand vision](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/FNwETunNf1700465936714/GRAND-VISION.jpg)
Grand vision
It can be easy being green or it is for this house -that cleverly combines lavish spaces and timeless style, while also being kind to the planet.
![POWER AND GLORY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/hbLKJDnqR1700465551389/POWER-AND-GLORY.jpg)
POWER AND GLORY
An angular concrete structure packs a punch in a new build on an elevated site in Sydney while its interior design offers a softly layered and textured counterpoint.
![COLOUR BURST](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/t0cp0HoL41700465234545/COLOUR-BURST.jpg)
COLOUR BURST
A joyful exuberance permeates this heritage home reinvented by interior designer Andrew Parr with zesty hues, lively contemporary art and iconic furniture.
![LA VIE EN ROSE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/AOwA_UNeB1700465001757/LA-VIE-EN-ROSE.jpg)
LA VIE EN ROSE
Poised above Pittwater in Sydney's north, this weekender is alluringly relaxed - and offers holiday fun for family and friends.
![COOL, CALM COLLECTIVE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/8GPjTGqME1700464833671/COOL-CALM-COLLECTIVE.jpg)
COOL, CALM COLLECTIVE
An ever-changing array of covetable antiques, objets d'art and unique pieces ensure the interiors of this beautiful store has a collected feel and sense of permanence.
![BOLD CHOICE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/Yyg-uPD1I1700464668392/BOLD-CHOICE.jpg)
BOLD CHOICE
Architect and trailblazer Piero Gesualdi's Melbourne emporium, Mondopiero, is a celebration of timeless design and craftmanship, with a sprinkling of decorative flair.
![HIGHER CALLING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8164/1499215/Knw97ZvKD1700464581409/HIGHER-CALLING.jpg)
HIGHER CALLING
In a world that is typically more about me, me, me, quietly luxurious day spa Venustus keeps thriving three decades on with a true commitment to inspired client service.