(design.inspiration) mia feasey







Through my recent decorating project I've learnt something not only about myself but also about decision-making. It's that sometimes you should just go with your first, gut reaction. Many times in the past weeks I've liked something, gone around in circles exploring other options, to return to where I began. That's why I love when Mia Feasey from Siren Design says that trusting your instincts is critical to being successful in not only design, but life. Given her great talent and can-do attitude, I'd say Mia's instincts were worth trusting, too.

Which five words best describe you? Decisive, compassionate, vivacious, ambitious, creative.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My first job was aged 13 working in my Dad’s restaurant; I worked through my textiles course in England and my first year here in Australia as a bartender, barrister, waitress, telemarketer and a shop girl. The last job I had before I got my foot in the door with a large design firm as their Librarian was as a bar tender in the pub across the road!
What’s your proudest achievement? Owning and operating a successful interior design business that has a fantastic culture made up of talented, passionate individuals that all care about what we do and how we do it.
What’s been your best decision? To go out on my own, I used to have a business partner in a previous business. It was “scary canary” going it alone, but it was the best decision to take that risk.
Who inspires you? I gain inspiration from different people at different times but usually always people or nature; For example there was a time I was inspired by Marcel Wanders for a particular project, who was then replaced by an aboriginal artist Minnie Pwerle. However I am constantly inspired by the people I surround myself with including my husband, mentors and staff.
What are you passionate about? Having the opportunity to constantly being able to create new and different environments for other people and myself. I love the fact that they have to be practical and user friendly but that they can also be inspirational, exhilarating, surprising and progressive all at the same time.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? Sometimes non-deliberative judgement is a healthy way to make decisions. Being instinctual is a trait that most people forget about or dismiss. I often have to remind myself to “trust my instincts,” I rarely get it wrong and I can get it done faster!
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My biological mother, I would still love to find my natural mother and thank her for giving me up to the best parents and childhood a person would ever wish for.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? Designing a 5 star hotel with a cutting edge restaurant and bar. A client that will trust me to do the absolute best for them and their business. I have so many concepts in my sketch pad that just need to be funded!!!!
What are you reading? A fraction of the whole by Steve Toltz

Images courtesy of Siren Design