December 11, 2012
designer susanna bilardo
Designers based in non-Eastern states don't always get as much press as their Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane cousins often due to geography. Magazine budgets don't tend to extend to interstate trips and so sometimes the great work that's being produced in places such as Adelaide and Perth goes under the radar. But that's not to say that there isn't amazing talent out west. Take the design studio Enoki. It consistently produces engaging design across a range of mediums - from residential to commercial interior design right the way across to products and graphic design. Enoki was established in 2001 after one of its founders, Susanna Bilardo, had been running various interior and furniture design businesses since 1993. She teamed with her partner, graphic designer and illustrator Judd Crush to create the studio.
Which five words best describe you? Energetic, creative, motivated, positive, supportive.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? When I left uni, a while ago now, I was either heading back overseas or staying to start a design studio with friends. I stayed and worked with Jacky Spencer for 12 years; we established designpod and later Now furniture. We finished up in 2003 and I amalgamated with my husband Judd Crush illustrator/graphic designer. We called ourselves Enoki mainly due to our love of mushrooms and how we marvelled that from the dark such beautiful things grow - a little like us we thought. Our goal was to create a cross-disciplinary studio where interiors and graphics drive a project unanimously, with a sprinkling of product design to feed the soul.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Do what you love and keep it real.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Having such an amazing group of people we work with in and out of the office everyday - it breeds creativity and wellbeing.
What’s been your best decision? To work alongside my husband.
Who inspires you? My team, my girls Ivy and Winter, and my mum.
What are you passionate about? Vitality, good food and beautiful design.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Meet again: my uncle Guiseppe, rally driving through the back streets of Lake Como - RIP.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? A studio/café overlooking the sea, with extended periods of relaxation.