This week we were joined by Anna Trefely, founder of Sydney studio – Esoteriko Interior Architecture. With a name originating from an Ancient Greek word, meaning ‘interior’ or ‘within’, we’re not surprised Esoteriko is producing both thoughtful + sophisticated interior designs that truly take our breath away.
U. Firstly, congratulations on being shortlisted for the 2021 AIDA design awards. We’d love to know more about ‘Dental Clinic: Brave New World’. What can you tell us about this project?
A. Thank you. The project started right as COVID hit. All of a sudden, talking about sterilisation was just so relevant. We needed to embrace the clinical aspect of this space, rather than shun it. The design was an exploration of the clinical context, without being sterile. A dental clinic that feels more like a wellness space, bridging the natural and clinical world. The Japanese garden design principles used throughout the space provide a special connection and awareness of nature, instantly inspiring a sense of calm and serenity throughout.
U. Your studio works across a number of sectors to produce both residential and commercial projects. Does having extensive experience in residential help you to create unique atmospheres in other sectors such as retail? Or do you keep your designs very separate depending on the industry?
A. Probably a strong ethos is that we do not let the typology, or sector, define the way in which we design. We always come at a brief the same way – with an open heart. It really is about engaging very closely with the people that experience the space, it’s important we have a lot of empathy + genuinely care about these people. We have been very fortunate to work with some great visionaries, and had wonderful opportunities to build their vision- whether that be their brand or their family home, either can be just as personal.
U. We’re huge fans of your Wellness Centre project – SHELTER Double Bay. Your studio successfully delivered the architecture, interior design & styling for this immersive space. Can you walk us through the design process behind this wellness + health facility?
A. The process was very involved and personal. It was exciting as we were building founder Ben’s idea quite literally from the ground up. I remember when I first met Ben I thought, this will either be a disaster or truly amazing. I am pretty grateful it was the latter. Ben and I still talk most days and I truly love spending time at Shelter. So it was really a success on so many levels.
U. Your studio is known for taking a highly considered response when creating versatile interiors – carefully incorporating design elements like light, materials + colour. Esoteriko award-winning workplace design for The Rubinstein Group is a perfect example of combining tones & textures with architectural features. How did this unique space come to life?
A. It moved very quickly. It was a very fluid process with an immensely trusting client. This was to be the first office for the newly formed group, so it needed to do more. It had to set the tone and become the brand. It came to life with the dedication of many artisans and clever contractors and a fabulous and trusting client.
U. We’d like to touch on another Double Bay project of Esoteriko’s – Kristin Fisher Eyebrows. This retail space is incredibly glamorous, from the soft tones to the curved architecture. What was it like collaborating with the eyebrow queen, Kristen Fisher & how did her vision impact the final design?
A. We spent a lot of time together with the design. It was a huge step for her brand and extremely personal. There was an intention early on for the space to feel like a luxury hotel lobby.. as a busy mum, definitely a favourite type of space. Kristin had some very particular requests – pink and arches. This was a few years ago now, and it seems that those two ‘must haves’ have really inspired many others since.
Quick Fire Questions:
1. Working digitally or on paper? More and more with iPad and pen, as it’s such an effective communication tool, but nothing beats a set of pens and grease free paper.
2. Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
3. Hoarder or Spring cleaner? Definitely not a hoarder, but I have a four year old who LOVES collecting, so I cannot curtail that as much as I would like.
4. Favourite project? Can’t say!
5. Guilty pleasure? Renovation shows.
U. Finally, what’s next for Esoteriko, any exciting projects on the horizon?
A. Quite a few actually.. lots of very beautiful private residential spaces and a couple of commercial spaces we are very excited about.