“I admire those who do one thing and do it with voracity,” Lisa shares, “but for me, variety, whilst never compromising depth and integrity, has always been key.” 

From her early days exhibiting and painting from the age of 18 to her ventures in styling, interior design, and event curation, Lisa’s creative journey has been driven by her intuition and a dedication to storytelling. “Being an artist has always been at the heart of all that I do,” she explains. “Styling and interior design emerged from a love of wanting to engage more fully in the entirety of a space and evoke the senses through a full environment.”

Lisa’s portfolio is as diverse as her passions - ranging from luxury brand collaborations with Dior and Sarah & Sebastian, working with couples on their upcoming weddings, and recently, even the full restoration of a 1920s guesthouse in Bowral. “Stripping everything back to bare bones allowed the building to breathe and shine once more,” she says. “We uncovered original floorboards and so many beautiful details. It was such a dream to bring it all together - from full strip back to key turn, I was responsible for full interior design, creative development and curation, procurement and finished styling - and building my own trade team and managing the project.”

Lisa’s work is driven by a desire to create spaces that go beyond aesthetics. “It’s about the feeling,” she explains. “What is the overarching feeling of what is being created? How will the senses engage here? Knowing the bones and personality, the soul and substance of what is behind the finished look, is where everything begins.”

Lisa describes the curation process as deeply immersive, requiring meticulous attention to detail at every level. “There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the finished product is perfect, at every level, meeting a number of expectations and requirements. It always starts with listening and cultivating a full understanding - getting the full picture of the story and soul (of the brand and building), through to every practical detail, the budget, quantities, restrictions, and demands.”

This process involved extensive research into the Sofitel brand and the rich history of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth itself. “Literally going through boxes and boxes of archive material, photographs, negatives, magazine clippings, and stories from people I came across, to really getting a sense from everyone in-house of what they wanted the space to speak of and achieve,” she explains. As Lisa was brought in towards the final stages of the project to “sprinkle the finishing touches,” she also leaned heavily on the foundational work of the interior designers at FK. “Everyone was really on the same page about creating something impeccably timeless and elegant, whilst also being very current.”

Once the vision was formed, Lisa moved to her creative drawing board. “Presenting the creative concept requires ensuring availability of product. It’s about numbers, logistics, and relationships as much as it is about the final creative vision.” The procurement stage involved managing production and delivery, and that’s where CoTheory and Lisa’s paths crossed over. “CoTheory was a dream to work with. For me, it doesn’t matter how lovely a product can be, if the kindness and professionalism isn’t backed up, it’s never worth it. Work should feel good and be celebrated, so it’s been a treat to celebrate so many wonderful creators and brands in this process.”

Then came the final and epic cherry on top: managing the installation process of over 1200 artworks and thousands of beautiful styling pieces. “A mammoth task—all carried out to clockwork.”

Lisa’s experience sourcing CoTheory’s products was an example of perfect timing. “Hunting is very much a fun part of the process, and I always like to keep my eyes peeled. We knew we wanted beautifully Australian-designed natural stone pieces for the bedsides. It was a matter of great timing and alignment that CoTheory came onto my radar, and once I spoke with Larissa, I knew it was a perfect match.”

Her process also embraces the unexpected. “There is excitement and awe in the unexpected,” Lisa reflects. “Allowing things to unfold naturally creates a flow that’s nuanced and non-linear but carries with it a wonderful momentum. It’s about being open to ideas, revelations, and insights.”

When we asked Lisa about her inspiration, it resonated with us deeply and we couldn’t have articulated it better. 

There’s always both an inward musing and an outward sensorial gathering. It’s balancing these senses, shaping whatever the creation may be through an equilibrium of intelligence and courage.”

“Inspiration is everywhere,” she continued. “Nature, with its ever-shifting essence, the seasons, light, the elements, natural materiality and texture, deeply inspires me.” Lisa is also drawn to the ancient world, science, psychology, movement, architecture, and music. “Beauty is at the core of it all,” she shares. “From the colours of Botticelli to the golden light flickers of sunrise, all of it has the capacity to ignite, to resonate. There is truly so much. Intimate moments. The actual art of expression. All can be fuel. ”

For Lisa, inspiration goes far behind the physical she can see and touch. “Deep conversations with people I love and admire, slow mornings, and the actual act of expression fuel my work,” she explains. Her workshops and masterclasses aim to empower others by demystifying creativity. “Choosing to be creative, or simply knowing you are one, is truly a way of life. It’s something I could talk about for a very long time!” she laughs.

 When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Lisa’s response is both heartfelt and affirming: “Be brave. Be kind. Be true. Be you. Always trust your instincts; you’re on the right path. There’s so much joy and wonder to come.” 

For aspiring creatives, she emphasises the importance of authenticity. “Authenticity is everything. Trust your instincts, believe in your design aesthetic, and let your work speak for itself. The reality of the creative path is demanding, but with dedication and passion, it’s infinitely rewarding.”

We’re immensely grateful to Lisa for her dedication, passion, and artistry - from her ability to weave stories through spaces to her commitment to championing local artists and designers, she is a treasured collaborator and now, a dear friend of the CoTheory brand.

To explore Lisa’s work, you can visit her website or follow her on socials. 

Photography by@sabi.collective / Words by Jacqueline O'Neill, Inneka Agency.