In Profile:
Fe Design Interiors

Name: Fiona Bruzzano
Company Name: Fe Design Interiors
Position Within Company: Founder -Creative director-Principal designer
Website: www.fedesigninteriors.com.au

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I started my passion for interiors and the build interior during my previous career as a flight attendant – travelling the world and seeing beautiful places being drawn to the architecture old and new. Drawn specifically to the European buildings and natural stones that still lay in floors and buildings after so many years and generations. MY father was german and a chef and a very stylish man we always ate good food , my mother could turn her hand to anything. Creativity was definitely in my blood. I completed an advanced diploma in Interior Design before leaving the Airline in 2008 then started my business. I drew from my natural sense of good things and started working with friends and family then neighbours. It quickly became more than just designing spaces into creating designer homes and then being asked to look after everything for my clients and managing the completion. I worked alongside a detailed builder and then built a dedicated team of artisans that I could trust and we worked together for many years. I love nothing more than being on the Build site and immersed in the build itself watching it grow and managing the outcome. I’ve been in business now for 17 years working continuously on projects. Over the years the size of the projects has grown and now I seem to be working on larger high end homes in and around Sydney Harbor and proud to say I have a strong client following of return business and word of mouth. My aesthetic is natural materials and aged finishes mixed with rich tones and colour. I am very passionate about my work and each project is unique – I don’t replicate a style or look I find each home is as unique as the owners I worked from home for 13 years – then moving into my own studio 3 years ago – I found a space where I could have all my loves in materiality as a showcase where clients could come into a space that felt luxurious and like home whilst being able to touch and feel beautiful things. Its been a wonderful experience having my own studio and very proud to say all our design work is done in house.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?:
It’s definitely a focus shift to the repurposing of materials. Designing responsibly and looking at what you design and if it was aged or broken down could it be repurposed or parts of it reused instead of it all ending up in landfill. Suppliers are also focusing on responsible and sustainable methods of producing their products and we as designers are listening and embracing. Circular design is a thing. Reinventing a preloved piece into the new space is so rewarding.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.:
Enduring design – timeless design that isnt trend based it has no end point
Sustainable and living consciously looking at the energy efficiency of a home being environmentally aware
Circular design where products can be reinvented or repurposed rather than dumped
Environmentally conscious design
Pared back and minimal design -having white space
Thoughtful and curated design

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
Designing with materiality and tactility brings depth to a space – touch, feel, see everything.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?:
It is a large prestigious event attracting studios from all around the world. A cross section of designers and architects all coming together to show case their work and support each other. An event that everyone is very proud to be a part of .

What projects are you currently working on?
A large 3 level residence overlooking the Sea. This one I am also managing.
A collection of mixed aesthetics and projects large and small.
We have taken on some large planning projects for design, materials specification and documentation for the build. It’s a good year!

Your most treasured possession?:
My family are my biggest supporters, owning and operating my studio

Your favourite holiday destination?
Positano Italy, Port Douglas Australia, Canada for skiing

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?:
Hotel: Sheraton Port Douglas
Restaurant: Garfish Manly, Felons manly
Bar: Sugar lounge Manly

Your favourite book, film & song?:
Book: Let Them, reality books
Film: A Star is Born, love a good story and a romantic movie
Song: favourite songs are from Lady Gaga and Adele

Your favourite food and drink?:
Food: Italian and Seafood pasta
Drink: Aeperol or Rose wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Walking in the sunshine with my favourite people and dog Leo

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
At this stage of my life and career , I feel I am exactly where I am supposed to be doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.

Anything else interesting? :
I am very hands on in all aspects of my life. Enjoy the outdoors and being on a building site immersed in the build, passionate downhill skier.