We had the pleasure of interviewing Cushla back in 2018, fast forward to 2021… and it’s incredible how things have changed. There’s a particular passage on the TMH online journal that reads – ‘we find ourselves facing unusual times due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, affecting us in a wide array of ways, one of these is the reality of being less globally connected. Geographically, it is no secret that Australia is quite remote to the majority of the globe, however in these unique circumstances we realise this more than ever here at home.
U. This statement really resonates with us & likely many Australian’s – particularly designers, who take inspiration from new environments and global travel. How has your studio adapted to theses changing circumstances? And what impact do you believe a lack of global connectivity will have on the design industry?
CM. It’s interesting because in one way we’re more connected than ever to the rest of the globe, with immersive digital experiences being more prevalent out of necessity. For designers however, there is nothing quite like physical immersion into a new environment for inspiration. Designers also love a challenge and are inherently creative so we feel the lack of overseas travel will be made up for soaking up more locally acquired inspiration.
U. Since entering the healthcare sector with our new division Unita Health, we’ve noticed an increase in holistic design. TMH has previously designed for the health + wellness sector, having completed Brellah – a collaborative space which combines an array of health services. We’re curious to know what impact you believe an individual’s surroundings can have on their overall wellbeing & health? And what does the future of health design look like to you e.g. more holistic/ biophilic design?
CM. The physical environment can have a huge impact on people’s emotional wellbeing, particularly when seeking medical or health care and people may be in a more vulnerable state. These spaces should all be designed to be more welcoming, more calming and more inviting. Integrating natural finishes, incorporating soft furnishings and art can help to envelope the space in warmth and make for a more pleasant experience overall.
U. Another project we love is the Elite Spinal Physiotherapy & Pilates studio. This light-filled oasis does an incredible job of harnessing neutral tones and textural finishes to create a soothing environment for clients. Can you describe for us, your unique design process when crafting a clinic for clients recovering from injury & chronic pain?
CM. When designing Elite Spinal Physiotherapy and Pilates, for clients with Chronic pain and injury, we re-worked the floorplan so that upon entry you are met with the sculptural reception counter, creating an immediate wow factor. We used indirect and feature lighting to create a sense of softness in the space, while also enhancing the material choices of warm walnut timbers, natural render and ribbed glazing. The design was envisaged to be a departure from the immediate corporate surroundings, creating a tranquil setting that provides a moment of escape.
U. Looking at TMH’s rich portfolio of projects – it’s clear your team excels at collaborating internally & externally to produce such incredible results. In your experience, what’s the best way to tackle collaboration when implementing a design brief? And how important is establishing synergy between a designer and builder?
JN. The designer/builder relationship is critical to the success of a project, and clear communication is the foundation for this. Our most enjoyable and successful projects have been ones where a team attitude is employed and we work in unison with the builder towards the same goal.
U. As talented designers & successful business women, what advice would you give emerging practitioners? Any tricks or tips you wish you knew before you established TMH?
JN. We started TMH in blissful naivety, no idea of the journey and lessons that were to come. When we began we did everything; concept design, documentation, business development, admin etc! However, as your business grows, it’s important to know that the type of work you do shifts, often to less creative and more business focused. We have embraced this shift but it certainly wasn’t something we thought about in the early days.
1. Working digitally or on paper?
CM. Digitally for correspondence, paper for note taking, paper for sketching and digitally for technical drawing!
2. Morning person or night owl?
CM. Neither early morning or late nights but slightly more of a night owl than morning person.
3. Hoarder or Spring cleaner?
CM. Definitely lean more on the Spring Cleaner side.
4. Favourite project?
JN. That’s a really hard one… I’d say it’s a tie between Knox Grammar and Cucina Porto.
5. Guilty pleasure?
JN. Hot chips!
6. Best & worst interior design trends?
JN. Worst: Furniture suites- where the sofas, armchairs, tallboys, coffee tables etc all match. Feature walls and “Shabby Chic aren’t great either!
Best: We love sculptural and curved furniture; there are some amazing sofas and occasional chairs on the market at the moment eg. The Lola Armchair from Jardan
7. You’re hosting a dream dinner party – who’s on the guest list?
JN. Heston Blumenthal (He can cook for us as well!), Amy Schumer and Kelly Wearstler
8. Finally, what’s next for the Tom Mark Henry studio, any exciting projects on the horizon?
CM. We are working on some exciting opportunities in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast!