Georgie Shepherd
Adelaide-based GSiD director Georgie Shepherd shares her design journey and explains why there is so much value in the freedom to explore your creative calling.
Photography: Christopher Morrison
H&F: Hi Georgie – what led you here and how has your journey evolved?
Georgie: I had a strong interest in art and design while at school which led me to study a Bachelor of Interior Architecture. From there I spent a number of years working for large commercial architectural firms. Eleven years ago I decided the time was right for me to go out on my own which led me to establish Georgie Shepherd Interior Design (GSiD). I started GSiD as just me working out of my front lounge with a 7 month old and now I have an amazing team of 7.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
I love starting the day with a coffee with my team, we take it in turns in making coffee and teas for each other. I like to follow routine but also allow a fair amount of flexible which enables me to be available for my clients when required at short notice which is important in my line of work.
I like to have a few days where I can focus on design work with my team while other days are spent meeting with clients, or site visits. My team and I come together at the beginning of each week where we go through our jobs and share any inspiration or reference material with one another.
As a designer, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
I think being open minded is very important. Being open to new ideas and be brave to step outside your comfort zone and push the boundaries when the opportunity allows for it. To have humility and trust your gut, as it always leads me in the right direction.
When did you first understand design as a form of expression?
While studying art in year 12, I had a wonderful teacher who really allowed me to delve deep into expression through various art forms. It was a pivotal time in my life where I really developed my love and understanding of design.
What drives you as a designer to keep exploring new ideas?
We enjoy designing spaces for our clients that are individual to them, no two jobs are the same. I like to approach each job in a different way, an expression and exploration into the ideas that define our clients view of the world. We really work closely with our clients and enjoy collaboration, which means every outcome is different and unique.
The Pavilion by GSiD. Photo: Christopher Morrison
Stanley House by GSiD. Photo: Christopher Morrison
“I come from a long list of creatives on my father’s side of the family, so when I wanted to pursue art and design this was strongly encouraged. I believe that freedom to pursue what inspires you and what you love has impacted me greatly.”
The Pavilion by GSiD. Photo: Christopher Morrison
Dulwich Residence by GSiD. Photo: Christopher Morrison
What influences your work?
I find my inspiration comes through traveling, I find that I file away all the wonderful sights, colours and textures along the way and draw upon them when the need arises. The narrative our clients share with us also influences our work, or the brand story our commercial clients share with us.
You place a high level of importance on your relationship with architects, builders, artisans, stone and furniture suppliers for your projects - why is this so important?
Our relationships with our design community is so important. There is a great amount of collaboration that goes into what we do, and we can really elevate a project by working alongside fellow creatives. Designing one off pieces for particular jobs or working collaboratively with an architect all works in pushing our projects to that next level.
How has your upbringing impacted you?
I had a wonderful childhood with very supported parents. I come from a long list of creatives on my father's side of the family, so when I wanted to pursue art and design this was strongly encouraged. I believe that freedom to pursue what inspires you and what you love has impacted me greatly.
Is this your dream job?
Absolutely! I’ve had the drive and passion for design my whole life, so I feel very thankful to have landed in this industry.
Have you faced any hardships to follow this path?
Yes, the path hasn’t been a straight one. I have had my share of knockbacks along the way but they have all lead me to where I am now. Running a business is hard and building a team that you trust and that represent your brand is challenging. I feel very lucky to have an amazing team.
What is a good piece of advice you’ve been given or would give?
It’s quite simple, follow your dreams, be kind and work hard. It’s doesn’t matter how old you are, you can still learn and evolve.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is being surrounded by an amazing team and working with well-regarded industry people. Working with clients who trust me with their projects is something I take very seriously. Success is walking into a finished space that you and your team have designed and having a happy client, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What are you looking forward to most next year at GSiD?
2023 is set to be an exciting year. We have some incredible residential and commercial projects on the cards plus a few beach houses and winery projects.