Bringing together their different skillsets, Carley Nicholls and Alex Hopkins joined forces in 2014 to establish Melbourne-based interior architecture firm Studio Tate. Hopkins, who holds a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture from Melbourne’s Monash University and honed her skills at several Australian design firms, leads the studio’s design and creative practices, while Nicholls helms the business, strategy, and people side of the company.
“We have distinct but complementary leadership qualities, which sets us apart—recognizing that both are required to build a sustainable and successful business,” says Nicholls. “We are both passionate, driven, and aligned in what we want to achieve, from great design to forging a supportive training ground for talented designers.”
With a portfolio ranging from residential to workplace and hotels (including an upcoming high-end project in Riyadh), they have made a name for themselves with F&B spaces that highlight their commitment to “intelligent and responsible design that reflects the way we live, work, and play,” says Hopkins.
Contemporary meets classic at Middletown Café, a tribute to the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton
Related through marriage (Hopkins also says Nicholls was a mentor during college and the early part of her career), Studio Tate’s ethos is further demonstrated in its name. “In [Old Norse], tate means cheerful,” says Hopkins. “In all of our projects, it’s a priority for everyone involved to enjoy the process—to have fun, be challenged, excited, and inspired. We love injecting an element of surprise, juxtaposing textures, or including an unexpected color.”
The firm’s lively spirit is evident in three recently completed café shops: the restrained Toby’s Estate in Sydney, bedecked in rich tones, warm metallic finishes, and vintage details; Middletown Café, where layered natural materials mix with feminine accents like brass detailing and pastel furnishings in Melbourne’s Prahran suburb; and Workshop Brothers Southbank in Melbourne, whose classic-meets-contemporary narrative is inspired by New York brasseries.
Toby’s Estate in Sydney features stone floors, metallic finishes, and pink accents
Beyond their design work, the partners are passionate about nurturing a collaborative and community-focused environment. “Carley and I enjoy mentoring young designers within the studio, as well as through work experience programs,” says Hopkins, who explains the studio is also committed to “providing pro bono expertise to organizations and groups in need. These elements provide distinct challenges, but they’re extremely rewarding.”
Workshop Brothers Southbank in Melbourne takes cues from New York brasseries
The design of Holism Retreat spa in Melbourne is inspired by a polished gem emerging from the rough
Photos by Peter Clarke, Felix Forest, Lillie Thompson, Heidi Woodman, and courtesy of Studio Tate
This article originally appeared in HD’s July 2020 issue.
