The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) presents the esteemed Graduates of the Year Awards (GOTYA) 2024, a celebration of excellence in interior design. These prestigious accolades recognises the remarkable accomplishments of students from Australian tertiary institutions and DIA-affiliated organisations. The awards serve as a platform to showcase the talent, commitment, and innovative spirit of emerging designers, establishing a gold standard for industry excellence.
A nomination for the GOTYA awards stands as a testament to the exceptional abilities and diligence demonstrated by our students at The Interior Design Institute (IDI). We take great pride in fostering and cultivating such talent, equipping our students with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in their design careers.
In this special series, we introduce you to our distinguished nominees, offering an in-depth exploration of their passions, sources of inspiration, and the impressive projects that secured their nominations. Today, we are delighted to present our interview with Charlee O'Grady. Join us as we uncover her unique journey, design philosophy, and the remarkable work that earned her this prestigious nomination.
Image source: Graduated #IDIstudent Charlee O'Grady from @hillside_studio_designs
I am Charlee. I am not very good at describing myself, but I will give it my best shot! I graduated from The Interior Design Institute in September 2023 after initiating a career change from hospitality management and event design after 20 years in the field. I have always loved all things creative and all things design but I just never found my niche until completing my studies with IDI and undertaking my own first renovation property I am currently working on.
I was inspired by a change in pace and after buying my first renovation property, I felt like I found an area of design that finally felt completely like me. After years in hospitality and event management, I have worked in more venues and on more events than I can count, but I longed for a creative area that was of a more permanent nature rather than constantly changing events.
When I started my own renovation I realised how many of my event management skills crossed over to design and project management and upon discovering how much I enjoyed creating my own spaces it felt like a natural fit for me.
I spend a large amount of time researching trends, new and even old trends that can be adapted into modern design providing a more sustainable way of repurposing furniture for different spaces. I believe that to create meaningful design we must focus less on fast fashion trends and more on ways we can provide long lasting spaces that can be modified and updated without creating a huge amount of waste. Oh, and coffee, lots of coffee!
I have a strong focus on the organic nature of materials, and their flexibility not only how with sustainable they are but also in how it works with others, my design style focuses strongly on touch and combining textures so that the designs are not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also enhanced by presence and feel when within the space.
Nature!
I don’t believe sustainability is a “trend” but if it is then yes, otherwise no, I like to follow feel not popularity.
Sustainability and repurposing old for new. I have an eclectic personal style and I do believe that shows through.
Travel! I want to explore the architecture and design of as many places as possible.
I would like to contribute to the evolution and sustainability of design across the hospitality and fit-out industry in Perth especially.
“Reducing the fast fashion feel” we have in the fit out and design industry in Perth, by doing so I believe we will create more evolutionary spaces.
I currently have a home studio but am moving to an office space in the new year.
I take time out to enjoy life with my family and leave my work in my office! I have separate communications avenues for work that are separate to my personal ones, this allows me to switch off and feel present when I am in my down time.
Experiences, be it travel, food, smells, each experience adds a new memory and I believe that being full of memories that spark joy constitutes a full life.
Absolutely!! Social media and online platforms are everything in this generation, it is important to have a presence not only for your business but also to learn from others. We can reach so many people from so many walks of life from our comforts of home now and that is so valuable!
Even being nominated for these awards in the first place! Also networking with some fabulous people across the construction industry as a whole.
I was honestly so shocked I had to read the email a good 50x to even believe it! I am so honoured to have been recognised for the work I’ve put in as it is such an honour for people you look up to to think that you are good enough to be put forward for something like this! The opportunity to work with Linda further has been such an honour and a pleasure and I am eternally grateful for the nomination.
I believe this will help solidify my career change and to help me be taken seriously as a new designer.
My three projects are all greatly different to each other and I believe they demonstrate a range of my abilities.
My first project is an aesthetics studio. This design was fun and had a strong focus on icons of beauty in its design but also aimed to demonstrate that even in the beauty industry repurposing and recycling the old into new can be beautiful.
My second is a biophilic restaurant that is inspired by the agave plant in its original form and as a material once processed and the experience it goes through to get from one to another.
Image source: Projects by Graduated #IDIstudent Charlee O'Grady from @hillside_studio_designs
Creating floral displays.
Emerald green.
“Be the woman you would look up to”.
Beauty and the beast.
Apple/Pinterest.
Unique, emotive, functional.
I looked at a few different places and I felt that IDI had the best setup for me returning to study after so long.
Being able to try a range of new things at once and have complete creative freedoms.
Be confident in yourself, if you believe what you are presenting others will too!
Yes!
Multiple residential projects, including my own and I have begun consulting on commercial fit-outs.
@hillside_studio_designs on Instagram.
Charlee's journey exemplifies the profound impact of commitment and educational excellence in the field of interior design. The Interior Design Institute offers you the opportunity to acquire the expertise and self-assurance necessary to thrive in this competitive industry. Our meticulously crafted curriculum serves as an exceptional entry point into the world of interior design, providing a solid foundation for professional recognition and achievement. Are you prepared to advance your career in interior design and embark on a transformative educational experience? Enrol on our accredited interior design course today.
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