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A Journey of Design, Growth, and Gratitude

24 Years of Spaceworks

Opinion

At 29, I was just young and naive enough to believe I could take on the behemoth that was Spaceworks. Armed with ambition and a passion for design, I embraced the potential of a business far larger than myself. Little did I know that leap would lead to 18 years of lessons, 1,800 projects, and countless opportunities to grow—not just as a designer or a business owner, but as a person.
What stands out most after all these years? The people. The incredible clients who have trusted us time and time again. The talented team members who have shaped Spaceworks into the powerhouse it is today. The collaborators and industry peers who have inspired me to keep pushing boundaries. For me, this journey has always been about connection, trust, and creating spaces that bring businesses to life.

Designing Success, One Space at a Time
From the start, Spaceworks has never been about chasing profit. Our purpose has always been clear: to design spaces that help businesses grow and thrive. Every fitout, every layout, every detail is crafted with that goal in mind. Design is a tool—a powerful one—for building success, fostering creativity, and making an impact.

Over the years, certain clients and projects have marked pivotal moments in our story. Whitcoulls trusted us to step into the retail space, opening doors to new opportunities. Summerset introduced us to aged care, where we’ve had the privilege of designing for comfort and care. And then there’s Woods—a client who has partnered with us for 22 years, for whom we’ve completed seven fitouts. These relationships are not just milestones; they’re reminders of the power of trust and collaboration.

The People Who Shape Spaceworks
Spaceworks is nothing without its people. I’m endlessly proud of the team that surrounds me, their dedication to their craft, and their commitment to authenticity. Christy, our General Manager, has been with Spaceworks for 14 years. Her leadership and resilience have been a cornerstone of our success, and her presence reminds me daily of the strength of our team.

Of course, growth isn’t always easy. An ex-business partner—who shall remain nameless—taught me lessons in grit, determination, and standing up for myself. His challenges pushed me to define the kind of leader I wanted to be: one who empowers others, encourages individuality, and fosters a culture where designers can truly be themselves.

Growing People, Growing Businesses
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that when you grow people, they grow the business. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do—whether it’s supporting our team to bring their best selves to work or designing spaces that help our clients succeed. When you create environments that nurture growth, the results speak for themselves. Clients return, teams thrive, and businesses flourish.

Gratitude and Passion
As I reflect on these 24 years, gratitude fills every corner of my heart. I’m grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us, for the people who’ve joined us on this journey, and for the opportunity to be part of an industry that constantly evolves and inspires.

Spaceworks isn’t just a business—it’s part of who I am. It’s been my teacher, my challenge, and my greatest source of pride. And while we celebrate this milestone, I want to make one thing clear: I’m not going anywhere. There’s still so much more to create, to learn, and to give back.
Here’s to the next chapter of Spaceworks: designing spaces that matter, growing businesses, and empowering people. To everyone who’s been part of this journey—thank you. It’s been the honour of a lifetime.