Our Watsonia Design Studio turns 10!
- GDP Interiors
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2016 I had a vision of moving my Interior Design studio into a space outside of our small family home. I didn't fully appreciate how that would change things for me or my business, and the 10 years since have held some of the steepest learnings and most rewarding opportunities.
My Watsonia design studio is my happy space and I get to do what I enjoy. I am surrounded by material samples and colour. I get to draw and plan spaces, most days. I am surrounded by women-led small businesses and colleagues that look out for one another. Product reps and builders drop in to see me, and we discuss what's really happening in the industry. I love a good chat.
People
Although GDP Interior Design is now 23 years on, the last 10 have seen the most dynamic growth. The public visibility and sense of being part of a business community is an enjoyable element that I didn't foresee. Over the 10 years, we've had rewarding collaborations with local builders, architects, designers, photographers, suppliers and other design colleagues. Lasting friendships, even. We like to work with people that have a similar mindset about quality, interested in making clients feel 'at home' and of course; doing things once, and doing them well.
Some important faces in, and out of the studio
Project variety
Over the 10 years we have enjoyed variety in our projects. Whilst predominantly residential home renovations and new builds, there has been the odd project that called for a different skill set including an Airstream fit out, lingerie retail showroom, Bed and Breakfast accommodation, commercial offices, medical therapy suites and pre-built container homes. These often come to us via our regular clients, who then entrust us to work with their business projects. We often also work with artists for custom installations, and occasionally I am also commissioned to produce custom fine art for my clients, which I love to do.
For residential works, see Projects page
Art threads
Back when the studio first opened, the plan was for it to be an Art studio as well as Design studio, where I held art workshops and life drawing. However, as the Interiors gained momentum and the team grew in size, that side of business moved back home. I did continue art practice and workshops, holding my first solo exhibition in 2020. More recently I commenced teaching hand drafting and hand rendering for RMIT's Associate Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, which has been immensely rewarding, in an effort to keep the traditions of hand drawing alive in our industry.
Beginnings...
In 2016, before the North East Link works altered our fabulous views to Mt Dandenong, we transformed the space from a former accountant's office into a studio tailored to our needs. We introduced extensive sample storage for fabrics, stone, tiles and carpet selections, and later added custom joinery to support our growing practice.
It was very much a family effort and an exciting venture to bring to life. Clients often comment on the studio's cosy atmosphere, and I believe that sense of ease is essential for confident decision-making. Just as in a home, the feeling of a space — whether an office, kitchen or living room — can shape and support the activities that take place within it.
Over time, we've seen an increase in local projects as a new generation of owners renovate the area's post-war homes — which aligns with our commitment to supporting local builders, manufacturers and suppliers. While Watsonia and Melbourne's north-east corridor have developed significantly, not least through the drastic Big Build works, we hope the character and charm of our suburbs endures.
What's next?
From here on, we look forward to strengthening our trusted relationships with architects, builders and suppliers to deliver more referral-led projects and a seamless, end-to-end design experience — from the earliest material selections through to the final artwork placement.
What I enjoy most is meeting wonderful families, understanding their needs through a design lens, and seeing those ideas come to life.
Watsonia now has a Wine Bar, so we'll be raising a glass to the next 10!
Giulianna
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