designers david walley & felicity joll

While Yellow Diva was formed in the UK - back in 1994 - since 2008 it has been based in Australia. The company, which started out when industrial designer David Walley, pictured above, collaborated with British architect student James Davis, now has its headquarters in Melbourne. While the company predominately creates furniture for commercial and residential projects, it also does one-off commissions. Clients include Microsoft, Virgin, Top Shop, Guess and Sheraton Hotels. Meet design director David Walley and creative director Felicity Joll.

Which five words best describe you?

David Walley: Focused, tenacious, independent, meticulous, decisive.

Felicity Joll: Ambitious, outspoken, exacting, straightforward, fair.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since?

David: Industrial Design, RMIT - Art Direction ABC/BBC/Freelance - Co-Founder/Design Director Yellow Diva.

Felicity: Architecture, University of Manchester - Art Direction BBC/Freelance - Consultant Hawkins\Brown - Creative Director Yellow Diva.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?

David: Self-reliance

Felicity: Always ask questions.

What’s your proudest career achievement?

David: The creation of the body of work designed since relocation to Australia in 2008.

Felicity: My role in conceptualising the evolution and repositioning of Yellow Diva as a brand.

What’s been your best decision?

David: Going to Europe.

Felicity: Coming to Australia.

Who inspires you?

David: Douglas Mawson

Felicity: Samuel Mockbee (Rural Studio)

What are you passionate about?

David: Our two daughters.

Felicity: Justice

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet?

David: Leonardo da Vinci

Felicity: Gilbert & George

What dream do you still want to fulfil?

David: To make my own boat.

Felicity: To live in Spain.

What are you reading?

David: The Guardian Weekly

Felicity: Parrot & Olivier in America by Peter Carey

images courtesy of yellow diva