Ben Selke from Studio PULP
Inside the world of Studio PULP—founder and director Ben Selke shares his design journey, the value of support and connection within his small, yet incredibly mighty team, and much more…
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jacqui Turk I Styling: Jono Fleming
‘That’s what really drives me—creating spaces that make a difference in people’s lives,’ shares Ben Selke, Studio PULP founder and director.
Drummoyne Residence by Studio PULP.
“I’ve always been drawn to the small-scale, tactile, and human elements of design—the kind of spaces that really make people feel something when they walk into them.”
Hello Ben—can you introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Benjamin Selke, a registered architect based in NSW, and the proud founder and director of Studio PULP. You may have known us previously as Studio BARBARA—we rebranded last year to reflect our growth and evolving vision.
I’m a Sydney local, born and raised, with a deep love for the beach, our sunny harbour city, vintage European cars, and the odd glass or two of French bubbles.
After completing my architectural degree in Sydney, I ventured to London, where I spent nearly five insane years. Much of that time was with Soho House, where I had the privilege of being part of their in-house design team, working on the interiors of some of their iconic clubs, hotels and motels.
Eventually, I made my way back to Sydney, where I joined Akin Atelier, in Surry Hills. Each step of my journey has shaped the way I approach design, and I’m excited to continue creating spaces that inspire and connect.
How many of you are there in the Studio PULP team?
Studio PULP is a small but mighty team of four, including myself. We’ve got Ryan, our talented interior designer, who’s been with us for quite a few years now and is truly the backbone of the team. Then there’s Jenna, our junior interior designer, who joined us early last year and has already brought so much fresh energy and creativity to the mix. Most recently, we’ve welcomed Lea, a registered architect who’s helping out with our architectural residential project, her expertise is such a great addition to the team.
It’s honestly wonderful to work in such a tight-knit group. We’re like a little chaotic family, always supporting each other both in and out of the office. We love to socialise together—whether it’s a quick coffee or a fun night out, it really helps strengthen the bonds we share. Everyone on the team brings something unique to the table, and we each play a role in the day-to-day running of the practice. It’s a special dynamic, and I’m really grateful for the energy and passion each person brings to the studio.
You recently moved studios, how is the new space going for you and your team?
Studio PULP has called Alexandria home for almost five years now. Our little double-height studio has been a cozy spot for us to get creative, just tucked away near the grounds. But, as much as we love this space, we’ve definitely outgrown it—we’re a bit cramped at the moment, to be honest! So, after lots of searching, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve signed a lease for a brand-new studio in Darlington, close to Chippendale.
The new space is double the size of our current office, and with its exposed roof trusses throughout, it really has character and charm. Plus, we’ll have direct access from the street through a roller door. The whole team is buzzing about the move, we’re all ready for a fresh start and more room to spread out and get even more creative.
We’re especially excited about the new front exhibition area we’ll have, where we’ll be able to showcase some of the custom products and furniture we’ve been working on behind the scenes. It’s going to be a place to not only create, but also to share and connect with others who appreciate what we’re doing. We can’t wait to welcome you into this next chapter for Studio PULP!
What first led you into the world of interiors?
The world of interiors has always been on my radar in some way. During my studies, I worked through my Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Master of Architecture, but I also started an interior design course at TAFE. It only lasted a couple of weeks, though, before I dove back into the architectural side of things. I was always straddling the line between architecture and interior design.
When I moved to London, my professional experience there really deepened my love for interiors. A lot of the smaller-scale architecture in London is existing and heritage-listed, so a big part of the creative process was coming up with innovative interior solutions. It felt like a natural shift to focus more on interiors during that time.
I've always been drawn to the small-scale, tactile, and human elements of design—the kind of spaces that really make people feel something when they walk into them. Now, at Studio PULP, we offer both architectural and interior design services, and we’re probably pretty split 50/50 between the two. I honestly don’t think I could choose one over the other—architecture and interior design are so intertwined. Without one, the other feels incomplete, like something is missing.
More recently, my love for interior design has expanded into custom furniture design. Some of our clients have asked us to push the interior design further, getting into furniture design, which is such an exciting direction for both me and the practice. It’s a new challenge that I’m really looking forward to exploring more.
How would you best describe the Studio PULP aesthetic and design approach?
Studio PULP is all about creating spaces that blend texture, character, and meaning into a cohesive story. Just like the fibres in pulp, we believe design should be rich with layers of detail, tactility, and purpose. Our aim is to fully realise the potential of every space, crafting environments that feel grounded yet full of expression.
Our aesthetic sits comfortably between minimalism and maximalism—we’re not about stripping things down or overloading them. Instead, we focus on curating spaces that integrate vintage furniture and objects alongside contemporary pieces, creating a balanced and timeless feel. We work closely with local craftsmen to ensure each space is unique, carefully considered and full of texture.
When it comes to interior design, we approach each project with an architectural mindset, taking into account the existing space, its context, and its history before proposing any new concepts. And we’re definitely not afraid of colour—it’s all part of creating a space that’s both meaningful and full of life.
Where do you mainly go for inspiration?
For me, the greatest source of inspiration comes when I’m traveling—whether it’s exploring local Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Hobart, or discovering charming European towns and spots like Cap Ferret in France, or Vesterbro in Copenhagen, or Gothenburg in Sweden. I’m drawn to the intricate details of the architecture and interiors. It’s the little things that make each place feel so special.
Locally in Sydney, I find inspiration in the inner-city laneways of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills or Paddington, wandering between the historical sandstone cottages and heritage terraces. I love stumbling upon hidden cafes or unexpected gallery spaces. It’s these moments of discovery, where the old and new meet, that really fuel my creativity.
‘Studio PULP is all about creating spaces that blend texture, character, and meaning into a cohesive story. Just like the fibres in pulp, we believe design should be rich with layers of detail, tactility and purpose.’
What design element do you first notice when you walk into a room?
The first thing that really grabs my attention when I step into a room is always the lighting. It’s such a crucial element of any interior design project. There’s something about the way light sets the tone and transforms the entire atmosphere of a space. I tend to gravitate toward decorative lighting—anything vintage or unique catches my eye. The intricate details of a fixture or a light with a bit of character always seem to draw me in. But beyond just the design, it’s how the light feels in the room that really stands out to me. How it softens the space, creates shadows, and casts a warm, inviting glow—there's a subtle magic to it. Lighting has this incredible power to change the mood and aesthetic of a room, and that’s something I’m always tuned into when I’m designing or just admiring a space.
The most rewarding part of your job?
For me, the most rewarding part of being an architect or interior designer is absolutely seeing the client's reaction. Whether it’s their first impression of a concept design, their thoughts on a proposed material, or even something like a carefully chosen piece of furniture, there’s something so special about seeing how they connect with the ideas we’ve worked on together. But honestly, the most amazing moment is when the project actually starts to come to life. That’s when everything clicks.
It’s incredible to watch a client, whether it’s for a residential home or a new hospitality venue, experience the space taking shape before their eyes. For a homeowner, it’s when they see their dream house slowly becoming real; for a business owner opening a new venue, it’s the excitement of seeing the space they’ve imagined and worked toward finally materialise. The joy, the surprise, the ‘aha’- moment—they’re all so beautiful to witness.
A lot of clients might not fully understand how to read plans or detailed drawings, so when they walk into a space that’s under construction, it’s often the first time they truly grasp what they’re getting. That’s when the magic happens. It’s such a rewarding feeling to know that your work has created something that resonates with them on that level. Working with clients who are engaged, excited and open to the process is always a joy. Every project is an opportunity to create something that sparks that genuine reaction—and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
And the most challenging?
One of the most challenging aspects of being an architect or interior designer is when communication breaks down—whether it’s between us and the client, us and the builder, or even between the builder and the client themselves. The design and construction industry is incredibly complex, with so many moving parts, and so many phases that require careful attention. There are so many people involved, each with their own role and responsibility. It’s this web of connections that makes it all so exciting, but it can also be the source of frustration when things don’t align.
Good communication is really the backbone of any successful project. It’s essential to make sure everyone is on the same page, understands the process, knows their responsibilities, and is clear about the risks involved. When those communication lines break down, it can cause all sorts of issues that slow things down and, sometimes, complicate things more than they need to be.
What makes it particularly tricky is that, in a project, everyone is invested in the outcome—whether it's the client’s vision, the builder’s expertise, or our design intentions. So when there’s a gap in understanding or expectations, it can throw off the entire flow of the project. That’s definitely one of the most difficult parts of the job, but it's also a reminder of how important it is to keep those lines of communication open and clear throughout the entire process.
What would be your absolute dream project?
My absolute dream project? There are so many, but if I had to choose, it would involve a beautiful plot of land—somewhere peaceful, in the countryside or by the water. Imagine an old mid-century modernist structure that’s seen better days, completely dilapidated, but full of character and potential. Think huge eaves, stone fireplaces, timber ceilings and soffits, and tones of frameless glazing. Just begging for someone to breathe new life into it.
The idea would be to restore this gem while respecting its original charm, and then extend it into a boutique hotel and spa. We’d work on the architecture, the interior design, and the finer details—everything from custom furniture, custom lighting and decor to the art that would bring the space to life. The hotel would be at the heart of the project, of course, but we’d also create a series of tiny cabin homes scattered across the landscape, each with its own unique design. These cabins could either contrast with the main building’s modernist feel or subtly tie in elements to create a common language between the two.
In addition to the hotel and cabins, we’d design a restaurant, a bar, and a pool house to complete the experience. The overall design would blend minimalist modernism with paired-back, maximalism, creating a space that feels both calming and enchanting for guests. It would be the perfect blend of old and new, of restoration and innovation, with every detail thoughtfully designed to create something truly special.
How do you most feel a sense of purpose at work?
There are so many moments in my work when I feel a sense of purpose. One of the most fulfilling aspects is knowing that I’m helping to keep the team engaged, motivated and inspired. It’s a great feeling to contribute to an environment where everyone feels excited about the work they’re doing and proud of the projects we’re bringing to life.
But my sense of purpose doesn’t just stop there—I also feel it in the way our designs impact the people who experience the spaces we create. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing that a space we’ve worked on makes people feel better, more comfortable, and even inspired. Whether it’s a home or a workplace, I love knowing that the environment we’ve crafted has a positive effect on the people who spend time there. That’s what really drives me—creating spaces that make a difference in people’s lives.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday?
If I’m not at the office on a Saturday— which, honestly, is at the moment often the case —you’ll probably find me down at Wylie’s Baths. It’s my little slice of tranquillity. I either have my goggles on, swimming laps and letting my mind drift, or I’m just soaking up the sun, curled up with a good book and a coffee in hand. There’s something about the peaceful sound of the swell and the fresh air that makes it the perfect escape from the busy week. It’s where I go to recharge, relax and enjoy the moment.
What’s coming up for Studio PULP in 2025?
2025 is shaping up to be such an exciting year for Studio PULP! We have so many incredible projects nearing completion that I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. There’s a stunning house in Bellevue Hill, the Lodge hotel rooms in Jamberoo, and The Sienna hotel project in the Hunter Valley—just to name a few.
On top of that, we’ve been pouring our hearts into developing a product and furniture line, which we’re hoping to launch around the middle of the year. The thought of seeing it all come to life is honestly a dream come true. It’s been such a rewarding process, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. All of these projects feel like the culmination of so much hard work and creativity, and it’s so exciting to see them taking shape.