From Human Rights Hearing Rooms to deep-sea diving, Chantelle’s curiosity drives her to explore all manner of space typologies. Her fascination with the ocean influences her design approach. Curiosity and respect for an ocean dive is reflected in her design methodology. Chantelle approaches every design brief with open curiosity. Her attentiveness and dedication ensure a thoughtful and tailored approach to each project.
“…I’m there to learn, observe but also respect how each ecosystem operates – every ecosystem is different; just as every client and brief is different…”
As an avid deep sea diving enthusiast, what overlap do you see in your work as a designer?
The way I see it only 5% of the ocean has ever been explored – there is so much to learn! We need to show respect for the unknown and make time to understand. Equally with our clients – we shouldn’t make assumptions and I try to hold onto that sense of fascination in learning something new. I try to remember that I am a ‘guest’ in the client’s world and to be respectful and open to learning before approaching a design direction.
Is there a particular memory from your dive explorations that stands out?
Yes! The Yongala Dive (shipwreck) in the Great Barrier Reef, I found it fascinating how different sea creatures interact with each other. There were three different ecosystems in one part of the dive and within these spaces, various species of ocean life were intertwined with each other. Whether they were fish, turtles, snakes or sea urchins they were crucial to the functioning of the ecosystem. Each species had requirements and would move to different parts of the shipwreck for food, or rest depending on their needs.
This correlates to the Workplace, Finance interacts with Sales, Sales interacts with Customer Support and so on. They need each other’s support to co-exist within the space.
Looking back, is there a Venko project you’re most proud of?
VCAT Human Rights Division. I loved being able to work on a project with such a meaningful purpose and see it through to the end. Being part of the official opening ceremony, it was inspiring to hear Justice Quigley talk to the things that we were trying to achieve. A small detail of the project was my favourite part. I created a custom leaf graphic that was laser etched into acoustic panelling. There was more to it than just being an attractive graphic. It contributed to the visual comfort for users in the space & improved acoustics. To know that the client was equally thrilled with the result was a bonus.
What did you learn most from the VCAT Human Rights Division?
I learnt a lot from VCAT in how they engage with specialists and stakeholders and how much they prioritize the community they support. There’s a genuine desire to design a system that works and is supportive.
Chantelle worked collaboratively with Design with Dignity and Dementia Australia to craft an elegant and calming environment that removes physical barriers within the courts environment that would traditionally have been an intimidating experience for users, setting a new tone of assistance & humanised experience.
What do you think is the most important element of any interiors/ design project?
Simplicity – sometimes the greatest ideas come from the simplest details.
What creative outlets do you enjoy outside of work?
I love drawing, portraits mainly, but I also enjoy singing and I’ve just started pottery classes!
Lastly, given a choice out of anyone in the world, who would you have dinner with?
Robert Downey Junior
Really? Out of anyone in the whole world?
Hahaha, don’t judge what you don’t understand!
The Drill
- Matte or Gloss? – Matte
- Complimentary or monochrome? – Complimentary
- Burgundy or Terracotta? – Burgundy
- Large format or mosaics? – Mosaic
- Mural or sculpture? – Sculpture
- Work from home or in office? – Both – the in-office chat with everyone is important to me.
- Coffee or wine? – Wine
- London or Paris? – Paris
- Beach or snow? – Beach
- Night in or a night out? – I’m a hermit