Rosina Di Maria has recently returned to Adelaide after leading the interiors business at the firm’s London Studio.

In this interview, she talks about the differences between the English and Australians, Adelaide’s unique architecture and the most important lesson she’s learnt.

You were recently in London leading Woods Bagot’s interior team. How does the British approach to interiors differ from the Australian approach?

The approach to design in London is responsive to the local lifestyle, culture and environment — all these elements influence design approaches in Australia. However, due to a different context we garner a different solution.

Londoners are serious about design. The general public embrace the opportunities good design can add to their lifestyle and city with the urban fabric interweaved with active offerings. The constant refreshment of good design promotes an active design culture and this in turn influences the approach taken by designers and architects.

You are currently working on the Hilton Hotel Adelaide masterplan for the ground floor. What have been some of the challenges of the project?

The Hilton Adelaide ground floor has been mainly unaltered since 1982 when it opened. We have been excited to view this project as presenting itself with more opportunities rather than challenges. If we were to consider a challenge, it would include transforming a very solid and insular building into a transparent ground plane; inviting customers and guests to interact with the ground floor offerings; and also engage with the city.

You are based in Adelaide, away from the eastern seaboard. What’s unique about Adelaide’s landscape, and what projects are we seeing that reflect this evolution?

Adelaide has certainly produced some exciting examples of good design. It is a particularly poignant moment for Adelaide where our landscape will be enriched with important civic buildings, including the new Convention Centre, the new SA Health and Medical Research Building (SAHMRI), the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and the Riverbank transformation. On completion, our project SAHMRI will be a reflection of innovation and exemplar design globally.

City Central Tower 1. Image: Woods Bagot

You were involved with the award-winning project City Central Tower 1, Adelaide’s first 5 Star Green Star rated building. How far has sustainability in Adelaide come since then?

I transferred to London at the completion of City Central and upon my return I have been impressed to see our city has adopted a strong sustainability culture with many examples of best practice. Sustainable design has become more many an essential key ingredient and clients understand its importance in new projects. It would appear the education process has now moved to the integration process.

Apart from awards, what is the best recognition you have received for a project?

A happy client and a happy team! A good relationship with clients is key to the success of any project and great outcomes are only possible with a happy union between the client and designer. Lasting relationships where a client becomes a patron is hugely rewarding. In addition, designing a space which enriches the lives or experiences of those who use it gives a great sense of reward.

What is the most important lesson you have learnt in your time as an interior designer?

Perception is as critical as intelligent design.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you, whether that be professionally or personally?

Keep it in perspective.