Meet Kate Roach, WAM Head of Design Melbourne

What’s been on your mind lately?

Freddy the naughty Christmas elf. He lives in our house through December.

What is the most inspiring space you’ve been to?

Ta Prohm temple at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

What’s a book you return to often?

Fountainhead – for real. I am obsessed with Dominique.

Where do you turn to for inspiration?

There’s an amazing wave of Australian design happening at the moment - it’s hard not to be inspired by the work emerging all around us, from restaurants and cafes to the new hotels that are popping up.

Looking forward to the year ahead, what do you see as the biggest design shift coming across both interiors and architecture?

The biggest shift we’re seeing in architecture and interiors right now is that tighter budgets mean design needs to be smarter than ever. You really have to be thoughtful about where to spend - hero-ing the moments that matter and making them count. 

With fewer expensive materials to do the work for us, detailing and the way a space is put together becomes everything. Every corner, surface and junction needs to pull its weight. Scale is super important too - clever use of proportion and volume can make a space feel generous and impactful, even when the budget is lean. It’s all about being intentional and making every decision work harder.

What advice would you give clients planning projects in 2026 to ensure their projects remain adaptable, resilient, and relevant long term?

To focus on design that lasts. Creating spaces and selecting pieces that aren’t driven by trends or excess, but by clarity, restraint, and long-term value. Thinking carefully about how a space will live, age, adapt - and most importantly - how it will feel. Using natural, durable, non-toxic materials and timeless tones will help interiors in particular stay effortless and enduring. Every decision - from layout to detailing - should be intentional so the project can shift with the life of the building and the people that reside in it - and remain relevant for years to come.

And finally, it’s your ultimate Christmas dinner party - which VIP guests are you inviting?

• Mr creamy mc-dreamy voice Steven Bartlett, Diary of a CEO. He would host the party for me.
• Lamine Yamal – I have a soccer obsessed 8-year-old. This is for him.
• Emma Grede – Total boss.
• Amal Clooney – I'm certain we would be great friends.
• Cathy Freeman - Legend.
• Lee Miller – Have long been infatuated with her and her work.
• Bandit, Bluey’s dad – He makes my daughter laugh hysterically (which is also my favourite sound).
• Beyonce – Because she is Beyonce.
• My husband – Actually scrap all the guests, I would just like a night off to go out for dinner with him.