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Sustainable interiors: Meet Alter Eco Design’s James Goodlet

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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“I grew up in a family of builders with a passion for quality and workmanship. These traits have been passed on and form a part of my ethos, though with an arts focused education I was always better with a pencil than a hammer!” says James Goodlet, the director of Alter Eco Design – a Melbourne design business he established a decade ago.

‘Cottesloe Drive’ project

“After coming up with an idea and a suitable name for the business I started on our dining table – an old recycled dunny door! The idea was to create sustainably focused residential design. Fast forward 10 years and we have a fully established design studio supported by a team of eight plus our office dog Cooper.”

‘Gladstone St’ project

James spent nine years running the business on his own before bringing in additional employees to allow for growth. “I spent nine years running and operating a growing business on my own. Finally I took the plunge and put a team around me that offer the support I need to allow me to focus on what I’m good at (designing stuff!) and propel us into our second decade,” says James.

James with the firm’s dog Cooper

The growth of the business eventually saw James’ wife Claire join the team. “The biggest change in the business structure was when my wife joined the team. Some people would quiver at the thought of a married couple in business together, however I’m comforted by the fact that we are on this journey together. We are like yin and yan in a working environment, which thankfully results in balance. We both have an awareness of where our skills lie and support and respect each other in that way,” says James.

‘Capel Sound’ project

While the work of Alter Eco spans both urban and rural settings, there are common aesthetic threads that run through the work – modernism, minimalism, timber and concrete abound. “The natural and tactile nature of materials like timber and concrete, balanced with an otherwise clean palette, provide the framework for the personality of each client to shine through,” says James of his design ethos.

‘Cottesloe Drive’ project

When designing, James derives inspiration from a building’s context. “Rural sites are obvious with the views and natural surroundings – usually the objective there is to enhance the experience of the idyllic surrounds without competing with the view, instead blending in subtle finishes and timber elements,” says James who explains that built-up urban sites often provide more of a challenge. “Urban sites are sometimes more limited and require a more creative response – the answer is often to look within the building to create the hero feature. We are currently working on a long and narrow site in Seddon – we’ve designed an internal courtyard and herb garden to create the focal points. This setting helps bring the outside in and provides the illusion of space in an otherwise tight and potentially restrictive site,” says James.

‘Cottesloe Drive’ project

One of his favourite projects is ‘Cole St’ – an 1850’s bluestone terrace in Melbourne’s Williamstown. “It had a lush backyard with an established green wall that provided so much potential. We relocated some established trees and embraced so much of what the client had laboured to create over the years – the client was a landscape designer so the pressure was on!” says James. The end result was a gorgeous, light-filled pavilion immersed in greenery.

‘Cole St’ project – an urban oasis

As for the future, James would like to further explore his passion for passive house design. “As clients become more open and accepting of this concept, we would love to be at the forefront and look to grow our sustainability principles,” says James who is otherwise very optimistic. “Ultimately I hope the business is just like a good home – still standing, weathering the storms and always full of laughter!”

Photography: Nikole Ramsay | Styling: Emma O’Mera (Cole St & Gladstone St)
Photography: Tara Pearce | Styling: Stephanie Stamatis (Cottesloe Drive & Capel Sound)

For more | Check out another designer profile

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February 27, 2018

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Think you can't have a gorgeous plush white sofa l Think you can't have a gorgeous plush white sofa like these for practical reasons?

WRONG!

These stylish and super comfortable options from @jameslanedesign all have removable slipcovers, some which attach with Velcro for extra ease of taking them on and off. And you can even choose a polyester, viscose and linen blend or 100% linen. And chuck them in the wash at home! There's even an ivory boucle version with fully removable and dry cleanable covers!

And in good news for those in apartments, smaller homes or with tight entries or stairs, two of these are modular which makes moving them is a breeze.

So you CAN have it all! Hoorah!

Do you have a white sofa? Would you get one with removable and washable covers? 

Let's face it, a white sofa is a classic!

Read more about these James Lane sofas on the blog now via homepage link in bio.

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They've long been a household name for their quali They've long been a household name for their quality and stylish taps but now @phoenixtapware have added sinks to their kitchen repertoire!

There's something for all tastes and budgets (matte white or black, brushed black and stainless steel). Find out more via link in bio now.

What colours your kitchen sink? I'd love to know!

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Eliza and Liberty's (first pic) was my fave en sui Eliza and Liberty's (first pic) was my fave en suite on #theblock last night. How about you?

Swipe through to see the rest and head to the blog via homepage link in bio to see who did what, what they scored and my picks to shop the look. There was a lot to like if you ask me! And a few fails....

#theblockroomreveals #blockshopper #ensuitedesign #ensuitebathrooms #ensuite #masterensuite #roomreveal #showerscreen #bathroomvanities #bathroomlighting
First time EVER I've woken up at home without thes First time EVER I've woken up at home without these two here (since they were born anyway!) and I don't mind admitting I don't like it one bit!

They had their first ever sleepover at their grandparents last night and I'm ITCHING to go and get them! 

Cute outfits for their uncle's wedding yesterday. They scored a first class new auntie in @annoobie_ now official ❤️ Congratulations Dom and Anh.
Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️ Here's Did somebody say spring?! 🌼 🌱 ❤️

Here's our @amycollinswalker's picks from the gorgeous new ranges at @linen_house 

All the details on the homepage now via link in bio.

This is giving me Christmas table inspo. How do you decorate your Christmas table? Growing up in the UK it was always traditional green and red but here I go all out fresh and summery!

#springdecor #springdecorating #springdecorations #springdecoration #springdining #springtablescape #springlinen #springbedroom #ginghamcushions #gingham #linenhouse #linenaddict #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #tablelinen #tablecloths
Colour hug, anyone?! A collaboration with design Colour hug, anyone?!

A collaboration with design studio Nexus Designs, this palette from the new @haymespaint colour forecast is perfect for those looking to create a tranquil environment and has a particular focus on darker shades.

“Inspired by the qualities of an intimate reading room, confident and expressive colours such as Florida Everglade have a muted depth that embody this. Balanced and subtle, it’s also invigorating and luscious. Through all over application, paired with contemporary furniture and styling, this colour and the broader palette plays with tactility, translucency, reflection, and form,” says Myra Murtagh of Nexus. 

See the rest of the colour forecast, include collabs with @adairs and TikTok favourites @joshandmattdesign on the blog homepage now, via link in bio.

#haymespaint #colourforecast #painttrends #colourtrends #paintcolours #paintcolors #darkwalls #readingroom #moodywalls #moodyinteriors #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome
Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless Featuring in a Block "disaster" room nevertheless paid off for artist @adoni.art 

Slammed for being too small, @kyleandleslie's living room was otherwise praised by the judges for being beautifully styled.

"In terms of using it as a marketing platform it’s been amazing," he said. "Even for people who don’t follow the show it’s validation that they are following an artist that’s levelling up. The exposure has translated to sales, traffic and attention and it’s everything I wanted because I’m about to launch a new collection.”

Read our chat with Adoni and see more of his gorgeous work via link in bio now.

Have you ever bought something you saw on the Block?

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Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?! Natas Real reno: How's this for a luxe bathroom?!

Natasha from QLD recently finished a major reno of her Queenslander and this is her favourite room of all. We can see why!

She used @beaumont.tiles  Lux Calcutta slabs in gloss the wall and matt for the floor.

 "We have infused a Hamptons style whilst still remaining true to the traditions of old Queenslanders," she said. "Our bathroom is north west facing and captures such great morning light. We wrapped the cabinetry all the way along the vanity for ease of access for the bath, towels and accessories. We tiled all the way to the ceiling to create a more luxurious space. It's my favourite room in the house!"

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Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 Block kitchen week is always a goodie and we got 5 very different looks last night which was great!

One question that kept coming up was just how important is the butler's pantry? Love to hear your thoughts. Do you have one? And which was your favourite last night? Please share in the comments.

Head to the blog via link in bio to find out who won and what the judges said. 

#theblock #theblockshop #blockshopper #theblockroomreveals #kitchenweek #kitchenpalette #kitchencabinetry #kitchenstyles
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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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