BARBIE PAYTON

I graduated Billy Blue College of Design (Torrens University, Australia) with a Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial). I won the 2021 Excellence in Design Award given to the student who exemplified during their studies.

 

I have been running my own business, Onyx Studio, since 2021. My business focuses on Commercial design and is based on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, Australia.

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My highlights of my design career include;

- Panellist for Women in Design and Construction

- Finalist in the Design Institute of Australia, GOTYA Awards

- Winner of BDQ Regional Design Award

- Branch President (Sunshine Coast) of Building Design QLD

- Judge for Building Design QLD State Awards 2023 and 2024

- Judge for the Housing Industry of Australia 2024 Awards

 

Reflecting on how my love affair with Interiors started, I would say it was being exposed to the bright lights, intricate detailing and theatrics of spending my childhood growing up in Los Angeles, California. ​I grasped the concept of escapism from a very early age.
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Today I design to form authentic connections between people and their environments. I believe my role as a Commecial Interior Designer is to provide holistic design solutions that create value, promote positive change and embrace brand culture.
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I am enthused by Design research and, in particular, working with brands intimately during the design process to form an authentic connection from start to finish. My honest and empathetic nature assists me in creating strong business relationships.
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Hospitality and Retail projects are areas I am naturally drawn to due to my need for escapism. I am innately attracted to interiors reflecting Art Deco, Brutalist and Mid-century modernism movements. I view these styles as theatrical and thought-provoking, and where possible, I enjoy referencing these eras for inspiration on projects.
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I am looking to immerse myself in a team where I can contribute to mindful design concepts that inspire, spark change and dare to be a little different. I enjoy a challenge, am consistently searching for ways to grow and most importantly, have a deep underlying passion for ensuring that the value of design is recognised and communicated continuously.

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