Doherty Design Studio | Women in Design

WOMEN IN DESIGN SERIES

THE LOCAL PROJECT & DOT + POP

“Our design style is contemporary and layered, and we are constantly drawn to Modernist design for inspiration, as well as the 1970’s-1980s for their architectural language and design detail”

Doherty Design Studio is a multi-disciplinary design practice based in Melbourne, who create tailored residential and commercial environments from concept through to completion throughout Australia. Mardi Doherty, Director of Doherty Design Studio graduated from Interior Design at RMIT, commenced a degree in Architecture, but dropped out to become an artist. She eventually detoured back into design, working for local Melbourne designer Chris Connell, before heading to London where she worked with Conran Design Group and David Collins Architecture & Design. Mardi returned to Melbourne in 2000 when Federation Square was being designed, and spent three years working on the interiors of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Following her stint on the NGV Mardi decided to set up her own business - “The decision to open my own studio was quite intuitive – just a question of time and place. I was naïve and young, and all I knew was that there was enquiry and interest in what I did, so I launched in! Says Director Mardi Doherty.

The studio draws on the strength of its professional in house team and collaborations with some of Australia’s leading creatives. Their aim is to enhance an interior experience through intuitive, holistic design principles and bespoke finishes that express individuality.

“I lead the business but it’s certainly a sum of parts that keep it thriving. Our team is made up of a talented, hard-working, supportive group of designers.” Says Mardi.

"It’s good to know that our studio’s work is contributing to the design industry, and we have a strong interest in mentoring, and encouraging younger designers.” says Mardi.

Fitzory Residence is one of Doherty Design Studio’s most applauded projects to date. The interior of this contemporary three-level terrace was designed for a couple opting to downsize to an inner city luxurious retreat. The interior takes its lead from the built form and the external materials used in landscaping to create a series of spatially diverse areas. From the entry, the home opens to reveal a richly layered material mix of: ceramic tiles, mirror, steel mesh, fluted glass, terrazzo tiles, stone, light and dark timber veneers, timber-lined ceilings and oak floors.

“Each project is treated individually to reflect the client’s needs and personality. We aim to express this through an artistic approach to customisation, materiality and bespoke detailing “

“Our job is to tell each client’s story in a meaningful way and to create something that is unique to them.” Says Mardi Doherty.

Church Residence is another of Doherty Design Studio’s stand out projects, a four-level, converted 1930s church that has been extensively renovated. The brief required a sophisticated, sympathetic response to the existing architecture. Spatial flow, light, and an outdoor bathing space were important. The project responds to the brief through employing minimal colours and materials and a base palette of white and pale grey ensures a light, calm feel while green acts as a contrasting neutral.

Eatery Ba Xa is a brave and sassy, sweet and gentle casual Vietnamese noodle bar at Melbourne Airports International terminal. Doherty Design Studio & Techne Architecture and Design collaborated to create a noodle bar that goes well beyond the norms of an airport food venue, giving it a sophisticated, feminine and very Melbourne look. The brief for the fit out were complex; the design needed to offer a nod to it’s namesake, the Ba Xa (which translates as ‘female village chief or wifey, someone who is nurturing, strong and fun) but also reflect Melbourne’s dynamic food scene and the punchy flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. A daring feminine aesthetic is delivered via graphic colours and forms. Underpinning it’s look and feel is a palette of neutrals and nude tones, punctuated with blue and maroon. As astute mix of material – natural stone, leather, terrazzo, brass, timber veneer, mirror and mesh provide continuity throughout.

“The dynamic with our clients is informal yet rigorous, as we respond to the issues each client and site presents." says Mardi Doherty.

Hawthorn Residence - a 1980s Cocks Carmichael designed home which needed its interiors brought up to date whilst still celebrating its strong architectural form and beauty. At the heart of the brief was a request to reinvigorate the interior while retaining the home's original features – glass bricks, grey terrazzo floor, pale timber-lined ceilings and front door. Key design aspects are delivered in the form of custom cabinetry, colour blocking, the repetition of pattern and geometric details. The studio responded boldly to their clients love of colour and appreciation of 1980s architecture.