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Behind The Design

Camilla Ingall

Behind the Design is a podcast that brings you closer to the projects, people, and untold stories behind the Pinterest saves you’ve been obsessing over for years. Hosted by Camilla Ingall, interior designer and founder of Unfolded, each episode goes beyond the finished photos to unpack how great design actually comes to life through honest conversations with designers, architects, stylists, builders, and creatives.
If you care about thoughtful design and want a deeper understanding of what really goes on behind the scenes, you’re in the right place.

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  • 22 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 47 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • Oct 15, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    28. Creative Burnout, Boundaries & The Business of Design - Lessons from Smac Studio

    This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality. In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry. Expect to learn: How Smac Studio grew from an “accidental” start-up into a five-person design studio The secret to scaling without losing your creative identity How to build client trust and set boundaries that protect your process Why burnout and imposter syndrome are part of every creative’s journey The truth behind design trends like Modern Spanish and Modern Mediterranean What it takes to grow a sustainable, fulfilling design business Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or creative founder, this episode will inspire you to grow with confidence and clarity. And if you're planning to renovate or build from scratch, this podcast is packed with insights to guide your journey. Connect with Smac Studio https://www.instagram.com/smac_studio https://www.smacstudio.com.au/ Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ 00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design 00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio 00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began 00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business 00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team 00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands 00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors 00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients 00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style 00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters 00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback 00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends 00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors 00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers 00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned 00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business 00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design 00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity 00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration 00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design 00:58:41 – What’s Next for Smac Studio * Smac Studio * Shona McElroy * Interior design podcast * Creative burnout * Design business tips * Scaling a design studio * Boundaries with clients * Australian interior designer * Modern Mediterranean design * Modern Spanish interiors * Creative entrepreneurship * Managing design clients * Signature design style * Imposter syndrome in design

  • Sep 24, 2025 · 53 min

    27. How Vicello Built a Thriving Joinery Studio Without a Plan

    This episode of Behind the Design features Leon and Victoria Pirrello, the couple behind Vicello. What began in their garage has grown into a thriving joinery and design studio with a team, factory spaces, and a reputation for delivering bespoke interiors across NSW. Their journey is one of courage, collaboration, and saying yes to projects that stretched them well beyond their comfort zone. They share how Vicello was built step by step - balancing marriage, parenting, and business - while carving out a niche in guiding clients through every stage of the joinery process. From technical precision to meaningful collaboration with architects and designers, their approach blends craftsmanship with connection, offering valuable lessons for anyone in design, construction, or business. Expect to learn: How Vicello went from garage projects to full-home fitouts Why early collaboration with joiners saves time, money, and mistakes The creative and technical process behind high-end bespoke joinery How to lead a family-run business with clear roles, values, and purpose The importance of emotional intelligence in design and business If you're an interior designer, architect, builder, or business owner in the design space - this episode is a must. Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_ 00:00:00 – Behind the Design Intro 00:01:52 – Meet the Guest 00:02:00 – How the Business Began 00:05:39 – Design Process Overview 00:12:04 – Working with Architects 00:13:53 – Family Business Dynamics 00:16:34 – Compassionate Leadership 00:18:05 – Favourite Projects & Growth 00:20:08 – Drafting Team’s Role 00:22:34 – Ideal Clients & Fit 00:25:40 – Relationship-Driven Projects 00:29:27 – Portfolio & Client Privacy 00:33:54 – Shift to Construction & Joinery 00:35:09 – Passion for Collaboration 00:39:25 – Seamless Client Experience 00:43:18 – Building a Business Together 00:44:24 – Advice to Younger Creatives 00:47:23 – Emotions in Entrepreneurship 00:49:28 – Managing Creative Stress 00:49:58 – Quick Fire Questions * bespoke joinery * high-end interiors * family business success * interior design business * designer-builder collaboration * Vicello * scaling creative businesses * behind the scenes interior design * building a business with your spouse * Australian design podcasts * female founders in construction * working with your partner business * custom cabinetry and joinery * emotional intelligence in business * early engagement trades * client experience design industry

Showing 21–22 of 22 episodes