Cushla McFadden & Jade Nottage from Tom Mark Henry
Cushla McFadden and Jade Nottage, from Tom Mark Henry, started their business in 2014. With an original approach and love of collaborating closely with their clients, each design is guided by a unique and personal story.
Photography: Damian Bennett & Pablo Veiga
Bronte Beach House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Bronte Beach House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
H&F: Hi Cushla & Jade – what led you here and how has your journey evolved?
Cushla: Jade and I started our business together in 2014 and had been working together for 2 years previously. Prior to that, we met at university. The people who have worked with us at Tom Mark Henry have evolved our journey, and have helped to take it to where we are today. We were fortunate to have started the business at a time when there was plenty of work and trusting clients excited to work with a passionate and emerging studio. It helped us to quickly realise the potential of the business, and motivate us to continue growing.
Do you both have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
Cushla: One of our core values, creativity, keeps us focused on why we do what we do. Within the creative process, we do have structure and processes which are especially important when managing complex projects and collaborating with multiple consultants, stakeholders. Every project starts with an in-depth schematic design stage, to establish the brief and align on the desired outcomes for the project.
As a designers, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
Cushla: The most important part of any project is really understanding the brief, and what the problem is that we are trying to solve.
When did you first understand design as a form of expression?
Cusla: Reflecting now, I think design was not so much a form of expression for me, but a way to understand the built and natural environment.
What drives you as designers to keep exploring new ideas?
Cushla: As a discipline, design can be challenging because it’s never truly complete. An idea can always be evolved, a design refined or added to, tweaked, and changed. It’s an interesting moment deciding when to settle on an idea knowing it could also be realised another way. This drives us to explore new ideas.
Darlinghurst Worker's Cottage by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Darlinghurst Worker's Cottage by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
“As a discipline, design can be challenging because it’s never truly complete. An idea can always be evolved, a design refined or added to, tweaked, and changed. It’s an interesting moment deciding when to settle on an idea knowing it could also be realised another way.”
Tessellated Tile Factory by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Tessellated Tile Factory by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Wahroonga House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Wahroonga House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Wahroonga House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Wahroonga House by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
What influences your work?
Cushla: There are almost too many influences to name, and it can change depending on our experiences. We have had projects influenced by films, books, architects, and places. We miss travel as an inspiration and can’t wait to reintroduce this source of inspiration!
What are both of your unique attributes that you bring to the partnership?
Jade: This question really highlights the key to the success of our partnership. First and foremost, we trust each other implicitly, which is the foundation of any good business. In addition to that we both share a strong love of design and a continued drive and commitment to TMH. We then each bring our individuality to the business which sits nicely alongside the core foundation of shared attributes. Cushla is a calm, rational and intelligent thinker; she tackles all aspects of the role with passion and care. Alongside her lateral thinking is a deep creativity, which makes her a very successful designer and business partner.
Cushla: Jade is a creative person who lives and breathes design and art. She leads and listens from the heart. She is loyal, resolute and steadfast.
Have you faced any hardships to follow this path?
Jade: Sure, every business owner would answer yes to this question! There have been some hard times along the way, situations that we didn’t expect to face, but overwhelmingly the experience has been so positive to date, we’re very lucky.
What does success mean to you?
Jade: Success is a happy and fulfilled team, clients who now live and work within environments that bring them joy, repeat business from clients who truly enjoyed working with us and a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects.
What are you looking forward to most next year?
Jade: We’re really excited to be opening the Queensland TMH office based in Brisbane! It’s been in the works for some time and we’ll be on the ground as of January, we’re excited to see where this takes us. In addition, we have some really exciting projects due for completion in 2023 that we can’t wait to share.