Blending thoughtful design with a collaborative spirit, Studio Collective is quietly shaping some of the country’s most inspiring interiors.
Walking into Studio Collective feels like stepping into a space that lives and breathes its philosophy. It’s calm, refined, and quietly confident, an environment where collaboration is not just a name, but a way of working. Soft neutral tones, sculptural vases, and subtle brass accents set the scene for a design experience that’s both elegant and approachable.
Every detail has been considered, and it shows.
paper mâché sat down with Liv McDonald, a designer whose eye for detail and passion for interiors are at the heart of Studio Collective’s ethos. Our conversation delved into the studio’s design philosophy, their most exciting projects, and the trends shaping the future of interior design.
A Philosophy Rooted in Exploration
At the core of Studio Collective’s style is an appreciation for global influences. Drawing inspiration from years spent travelling and immersing themselves in diverse cultures, the team takes an approach that eschews cookie-cutter trends.
Each project is an expression of individual personalities and lifestyles, ensuring that no two are ever alike. The result? Spaces brimming with character and charm, always bespoke and never predictable.
Natural Synergy
Studio Collective stands out not just for its exceptional interior design ethos, but also for the incredible synergy of its team and the smooth operation that underpins every project. With two offices in Brisbane, one being its headquarters featuring an in-house warehousing facility, the studio ensures that every detail is handled with care. They can receive, quality-check and store client deliveries before installation – an added touch that enhances the outcome of every project.
But what truly makes Studio Collective exceptional is its people. “We’ve really struck gold with our team,” gushes Liv. “Every day, we come to work excited, and we collaborate seamlessly.”
Designing with Purpose
At Studio Collective, collaboration isn’t just part of the name, it’s embedded in every stage of the design journey. The team places immense value on client input, blending creativity with function through a highly considered and personalised approach.
From coffee-fuelled brainstorms to hands-on planning, every project is shaped by meaningful dialogue and shared vision. For designer Liv, great design begins with clear intent.
By anchoring each project in strong spatial planning and purposeful material choices, the team ensures that creativity never loses direction. The result? Spaces that are not only beautiful, but are deeply aligned with the people who live, work, and move through them.
GRAYA x Studio Collective
One of the studio’s standout collaborations has been with GRAYA™, an award-winning design, development, and construction company renowned for its luxury residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Rob Gray, co-founder of GRAYA™, saw Studio Collective’s unique style online and knew they were the perfect fit for his Dune project. He praised their ability to execute the vision beautifully with a tricky brief including a fusion between a minimal palette, coastal flair and furniture selections that were hard to obtain.
“No matter how many ideas we throw at them, Studio Collective always picks the right ones, curating them into one cohesive design without clutter. We highly recommend them – what they bring to the table is second to none,” says Rob.
Reviving the Sixties
Design is ever-evolving and after all, it’s the very essence of Studio Collective’s work to stay ahead of the curve. When asked what’s trending right now, a resurgence of mid-century and 1960s aesthetics is capturing the team’s imagination.
Liv says she is excited about the resurgence of mid-century and 1960s-inspired interiors, “We’re probably seeing a resurgence of sixties, mid-century type of vibes. I think my favourite trend at the moment is mixing those contemporary elements with something a little bit more traditional”.
The Studio particularly enjoys blending contemporary elements with traditional influences, creating a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting trends.
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges
Success comes with its own set of challenges, and for Studio Collective, lead times remain one of the most pressing hurdles in interior design today. Custom furniture and imported pieces, while essential for creating truly bespoke spaces, often come with unpredictable delays. “Lead times are one of the biggest challenges we face,” says Liv.
To safeguard the integrity of every project, Studio Collective encourages clients to engage their services at least six to eight months in advance. Just like GRAYA™’s Dune project, this approach ensures each meticulously chosen piece arrives on time, preserving the vision and ensuring the final space is nothing short of perfection.
With studios in Brisbane, Studio Collective has built a name for crafting contemporary, high-end spaces across both residential and commercial projects. What began in 2015 as a shared dream between friends Mel Park and Casey Drummond has evolved into a multidisciplinary team known for their creativity, attention to detail, and deep connection to their clients.
Looking ahead, Studio Collective is poised for an exciting future.
“We’ve started with a BANG!” quips Liv excitedly. With a thriving portfolio and a strong start to the year, the team are exploring new avenues and expanding their reach. One of its aspirations is to take on an international project, bringing its refined Australian aesthetic to a global stage.
With a commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration and client experience, Studio Collective continues to redefine luxury interior design – one thoughtfully curated space at a time. As Liv says, “Bring it on!”
