As part of Melbourne Design Week, Interior Design Today brings together leading designers, architects, developers, and creative thinkers for an exploration of how we shape, and are shaped by, the spaces we call home.
Across four sessions, a range of guest speakers will consider the breadth of contemporary living: from decoding off‑the‑plan design and maximising compact spaces, to the art of curating personal collections and celebrating the distinct character of Australian‑made interiors. Together, these discussions provide an opportunity for us to reflect on how design-led thinking can enrich everyday life and inspire more intentional and imaginative ways of living.
This program is part of Melbourne Design Week 2026. View the full program
Schedule
11–11:45am: Made to Order – From Floorplans to Finishes
In a time of soaring costs, how can “off the plan” design provide community, sustainability, and value? This session reviews design-led developments from property developers to state government to decode floorplans, features and trade-offs and more so audiences can choose better. Design-led developers, government housing departments and architects provide practical tips, lessons learned, and real-world examples that will inspire smarter decisions for resident-investors.
Moderator
Andrew Mackenzie – Publisher, writer and design advisor
Speakers
Jeremy McLeod – Co-founder and Design Director, Breathe Architecture
Michael McCormack – Managing Director, Milieu Property
Amelia Borg – Co-Director, Sibling Architecture
12–12.45pm: Small Spaces, Big Living
Small apartments, tiny studios, and self-contained living made glorious. Learn about smart layouts, clever storage solutions, and multifunctional furniture that demonstrate how compact homes with good design enable comfortable living, with presentations of global case studies by Never Too Small with local architects.
Moderator
Colin Chee – Founder and Creative Director, Never Too Small
Speakers
Claire Scorpo – Director, Agius Scorpo Architects
Tahj Rosmarin – Director, Card Practice
1–1:45pm: Living With Art – Curating the Interior
Hear from curators, designers, and collectors as they discuss how art can elevate a home beyond decoration. From commissioning site-specific works to integrating contemporary collections into heritage architecture, this session offers insight into the subtle alchemy of space, light, and taste.
Moderator
Kym Elphinstone – Arts Advisor and Advocate, Articulate
Speakers
Sophie Gannon – Director, Sophie Gannon Gallery
Ben Mazey – Artist
2–2.45pm: The Local Edit – Australian Interior Design Now
From brash ideas to distinctive aesthetics, Australian design is shaping how we live today. In our final session, leading designers, studios, and business owners explore what sets Australian-designed furniture and lighting apart and why supporting local creativity and manufacturing matters now more than ever.
Hear how design thinking and identity come together in pieces that are made for our climate, lifestyle, and values.
Moderator
Marion Joseph, Associate Director, Media and Public Affairs, NGV
Speakers
Sarah-Jane Pyke – Founder and Pricipal, Arent&Pyke
Tali Roth – Founder and Principal, Studio Tali Roth
Ingrid Richards – Founder, Richards & Spence