Cushla McFadden & Jade Nottage from Tom Mark Henry
Directors Cushla McFadden and Jade Nottage founded Tom Mark Henry 10 years ago. We chat to the duo about the incredible milestone, their journey so far, and what the future holds.
Photography: Damian Bennett & Pablo Veiga
Tom Mark Henry founders and directors, Cushla McFadden & Jade Nottage. Photo: Damian Bennett.
Coledale Beach Studio by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Coledale Beach Studio by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Coledale Beach Studio by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Hello Cushla & Jade—can you introduce yourselves?
Cushla & Jade: Hello! We are the directors of Tom Mark Henry; friends who met in university many years ago and decided to start our own business (perhaps naively!). The name Tom Mark Henry evolved from father and grandfather’s names, so it has a very significant meaning. Proudly, we are both mums to a total of 4 children, our other babies outside of TMH.
Tom Mark Henry turned 10 this year… how do you feel about this incredible milestone?
We are so proud! Business ownership is a wild ride—rewarding and fulfilling but not without the obvious challenges (and a world wide pandemic). To have made it to 10 years is an achievement we wouldn’t have ever dreamt of, and now we’re here and can’t wait to see what the next 10 brings.
How has your studio evolved during this time?
We have certainly evolved, both in a creative and practical sense. We try not to stay stagnant and are always looking to improve and grow in our designs, our approach to challenges and our in-house systems and processes. We are arguably more practical and process driven now, but what hasn’t changed is our love for the craft and our desire to produce bold, striking, considered spaces and form meaningful project relationships.
How has your team grown over the years?
We have been lucky enough to work with the best of the best—a myriad of amazing designers and people who have brought us so much creative genius and joy. We have had several major growth spurts over the 10 years, but have found ourselves oscillating in the 10-14 realm, which seems to be our sweet spot. With the addition of our Brisbane office, we will see more growth but can’t ever imagine being more than around 16 in total across both states (but never say never!).
How has your style as designers evolved during this time?
We don’t really feel that we have a clear ‘style’. Certainly, our personal tastes have their own identity but as a company we are very brief driven, and always have been, so the evolution of our style simply moves with the projects we are lucky enough to work on. As individuals, and speaking more broadly about the team, we have all become more confident in our design choices and have creative influences that shape our work and process, which many years ago may not have been so clear.
Darlinghurst Worker's Cottage by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
Darlinghurst Worker's Cottage by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett
“To have made it to 10 years is an achievement we wouldn’t have ever dreamt of, and now we’re here and can’t wait to see what the next 10 brings.”
Mosman Residence by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Mosman Residence by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Renny Street by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
Renny Street by Tom Mark Henry. Photo: Damian Bennett. Editorial Styling: Tristan Qasabian
As directors, what’s the best part of working as a team?
The sense that we have each other’s backs no matter what makes the challenges we face as business owners easier to face, and also makes celebrating our successes more enjoyable when they are shared.
The biggest lesson learnt in the 10 years you’ve been working together?
Trust is key. We have a lot of trust not only between us as directors, but in our team as well, which means the projects we create are diverse given there is creative autonomy, yet aligned due to our shared values.
The most rewarding part of your job is...
Collaboration; creating something by combining multiple people’s expertise to achieve the best outcome is very rewarding.
And the most challenging aspect of your job is..
Interestingly, what is most rewarding can sometimes also be the most challenging when juggling too many expectations.
Most valuable piece of advice you would give to emerging interior designers looking to break into the industry…
Stay true to yourself, the industry is increasingly awash with homogeneity so individuality will help you to stand apart.
Are there any dream projects or collaborations you both aspire to undertake?
Fundamentally, our dream project comes down to client. A client who is engaged in the process and passionate about the outcome can turn any project into a dream project.
What does the future hold for Tom Mark Henry?
Lately, we’ve been brainstorming what our next endeavour looks like. It will always be connected to our core business, being design, but we are interested in how we can branch out to potentially product collaborations or using our knowledge and creativity to innovate in building development. Stay tuned!