This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality.

In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry.

Expect to learn:

• How Smac Studio grew from an “accidental” start-up into a five-person design studio
• The secret to scaling without losing your creative identity
• How to build client trust and set boundaries that protect your process
• Why burnout and imposter syndrome are part of every creative’s journey
• The truth behind design trends like Modern Spanish and Modern Mediterranean
• What it takes to grow a sustainable, fulfilling design business

Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or creative founder, this episode will inspire you to grow with confidence and clarity. And if you're planning to renovate or build from scratch, this podcast is packed with insights to guide your journey.

Connect with Smac Studio

https://www.instagram.com/smac_studio

https://www.smacstudio.com.au/

Follow Unfolded:

https://www.unfolded.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_

00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design

00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio

00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began

00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business

00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team

00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands

00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors

00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients

00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style

00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters

00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback

00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends

00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors

00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers

00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned

00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business

00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design

00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity

00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration

00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design

00:58:41 – What’s Next for Smac Studio

* Smac Studio

* Shona McElroy

* Interior design podcast

* Creative burnout

* Design business tips

* Scaling a design studio

* Boundaries with clients

* Australian interior designer

* Modern Mediterranean design

* Modern Spanish interiors

* Creative entrepreneurship

* Managing design clients

* Signature design style

* Imposter syndrome in design