Timothy Alouani-Roby: Tell us about your background, career trajectory and how you got where you are today.
Georgina Wilson: I had several ‘mini careers’ before realising my true calling as an architect. I was a dancer (ballerina) and a musician (flautist) first. I feel very fortunate to have found this career. It is creative, complex, always different – you get to meet and work with fabulous, interesting people, and it’s something I’m very good at so it’s rewarding.
After uni, I worked with Alec Tzannes for ten years where I learnt so much. He is, in my opinion, Australia’s best residential architect. Following this I moved to France, had some babies, and returned to Australia during the GFC – with a baby on the way and without a job. I decided it was the perfect time to start GWA (Georgina Wilson Associates) where, for the last 15 years, we have designed and built homes around Sydney, mainly renovations and large residential projects alongside some commercial.
Following COVID and despite being terrified of public speaking, I was curious about whether everyday people would be interested in engaging in real discussions about home design. From this initial spark of an idea two years ago, I started talking about the importance of good home design on Instagram and TikTok. It was the perfect testing ground because we got such clear, immediate feedback from our audience. We went ‘viral’ on several videos exploring topics like Architecture Speak, Expensive Sh*t That’s Worth It and Five Things I’d Never Do As An Architect. From this we started to create design products and services to aid our global audience of home builders and renovators, from pure, specialist design services to design education. We want to give people access to excellent design and support. These days, I feel so privileged that I get to share my thoughts and engage in conversations with people from all over the world on the internet. It gives me a thrill!
Have you always had a special interest in home renovations? Why?
I was prolific and passionate about drawing when I was young and found immense joy in sketching scenes and buildings, often dreaming about what it would be like to inhabit those imaginative spaces. My passion for architecture was nurtured by my love of walking and observing the unique characteristics of buildings old and new. This early fascination with the built environment laid the foundation for my enduring commitment to creating spaces that inspire and delight.
Are you drawn to interior design more than, say, architecture?
I’m not explicitly drawn more to interior design because I really believe architecture and interior design are intrinsically linked and cannot be separated. They are both integral elements of a building’s overall design, contributing to a unified, holistic vision. My interest lies equally in the interior and exterior aspects of a structure, as I believe they collectively create a cohesive living environment. Ultimately, it’s about designing spaces that enhance life, with the same guiding principles applying to both disciplines.
You successfully translate professional design knowledge for a mass audience. Do you think designers could be better at breaking down the divides between their professional circles and the wider public?
Thank you! Absolutely. It often seems like architects are communicating about their architectural services exclusively to other architects. I believe the traditional architecture and design service model is flawed; design professionals currently serve a minuscule percentage of the population, resulting in many homes and renovations being executed poorly and without the benefit of good design.
There is an overwhelming amount of misleading information about design and renovation out there. From glossy images of impractical and ineffective ‘moments’ to unqualified ‘educators’ giving bad advice. Architects are not engaging with the general public at all – it’s no wonder people are confused. I wanted to bring a professional, experienced, pragmatic and relatable perspective to the masses, hoping to assist the millions striving to optimise their homes.
People are investing significant amounts of money in renovating often without a proper plan. This seems like an incredible waste of resources and really highlights the need for accessible, quality guidance.
Any special tips you’d like to share with our audience at Habitus Living?
Absolutely – if you are thinking about renovating or building, my first tip is to ensure you have a meticulous plan that you feel completely confident about. This is crucial, as it will prevent the potential waste of resources and ensure every element is strategically placed within the plan.
Remember that the cost is the same whether things are done correctly or not, and a well-executed plan will not only vastly improve the liveability of your space but also add value. Conversely, a poorly planned project may lead to disappointment and the need for costly revisions.
Also, keep an eye out for the amazing new products we previewed in Milan this year, which I’ve thoroughly covered on my YouTube channel with new videos up all the time.
What plans are in store for the future?
We have some very exciting plans, in particular looking at expanding our offerings to better serve our community. As specialists in home layout, we currently design approximately fifty plans each month for locations worldwide, catering to homes of all sizes and configurations.
One of our key initiatives is the development of a database featuring our past designs. This will allow people to learn from and replicate effective design solutions. While a small library is currently accessible on our website, we are preparing to launch a significantly expanded version later this year.
Education is another exciting area of focus for us. Our Kitchen Design Masterclass has received a positive response, particularly as kitchens require a methodical approach to achieve optimal design. We’ve also launched our YouTube channel, marking a new chapter for us. We will be exploring longer format content and delving deeper into home design topics, conducting product reviews, and showcasing client case studies. I’m enthusiastic about the possibilities this offers for fostering meaningful discussions and exploring innovative design concepts with our audience.
