While her design career spans TV set design, commercial fit outs and residential projects, Infinite Design director Michelle Macarounas spent the first part of her working life immersed in marketing and communications and living in Europe, America and Australia before taking the design plunge.
“With a long-term passion and consistent study of design in Paris and Sydney, I eventually decided to move my skill set across to design and worked initially in TV set design and commercial fit outs. In 2002, I decided to open my own design company and started out freelancing across Sydney and the US,” says Michelle who now finds herself at the helm of a busy boutique design practice based in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“From starting out, there has been consistent growth in residential and commercial projects that has taken me from being a design consultant to the studio we opened five years ago,” says Michelle who has built her business based on referrals. “We are now a team of six and have a gorgeously located studio amongst the art galleries in Paddington. We focus on high-end residential, commercial and retail projects and I would credit hard work, determination and a sense of humour to our success – knowing when to laugh is so important,” says Michelle.
Some of her most memorable projects include a recent houseboat. “It was certainly a beautiful experience and learning curve!” says Michelle of the gorgeous floating home. “But truly, there are so many fun components to each project and what I love the most is the experience of delivering something special to my client,” says Michelle who lives in the beachside Sydney suburb of Coogee. “My home has a contemporary, modern feeling with flashes of art deco seaside design. It’s my family’s little retreat,” says Michelle.
As for the future, Michelle has visions of expansion. “Doing what you love brings so much joy and satisfaction. In terms of the studio, I would love to grow the team as we have so many amazing projects in construction and lots more exciting ones to come,” says Michelle.
