BIRDBLACK DESIGN - Key Persons
Originally from Colorado, USA, Alex moved to Australia in 2015 and very quickly settled into Wollongong. Hailing from Fort Collins, Colorado; a place vastly different to the Illawarra, Alex grew up in the highest elevated state in the US amongst the mountains and the snow. Activities outdoors, camping, skiing and enjoying Colorado's obsession with craft beer are high up on Alex's passions for her hometown.
Job Titles:
- Engineering Expert
- Mechanical Engineer at Bluescope Steel
Dave is a Mechanical Engineer at Bluescope Steel and has been an integral part of Birdblack Design since its conception in 2014.
Dave is our all-rounder, our sought after solution provider when it comes to complex engineering solutions and heavy lifting. You'll often see him when it comes to the delivery and installation stage of our projects. He is our go-to man when it comes to muscle power and problem solving.
In my spare time, I am an avid AFL player and lover of the game, I'm a Datsun 1600 car restorer and expert home beer brewer. I also happen to be Sarah's husband and I join her in all her successes.
Joey Phommaseng joins Birdblack Design as an Interior Designer ready to take on the world. Joey graduated with Honours in a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Joey has grown up in Sydney and continues to live there now and therefore has experience complimentary to our team. As a youngster, Joey worked in a mix of hospitality and retail, so his client liaison skills are next level. He more recently worked as a tile consultant for spec homes in Sydney, giving him a special insight into materiality.
Here's Joey to say a few words: I am excited to be part of Team Birdblack and the opportunities that will come from this role. My hobbies include weightlifting and sports and I have an overall penchant for fitness. I especially love the outdoors and spending time with my family, my girlfriend Michaela, and my dog, Meiku.
Laura has a colourful personality and has had a wonderfully diverse career. From running kitchens and training apprentices in hospitality; to creative writing; to corporate and community event management; to working with young people and training them in leadership, she has a wealth of experience and vibrancy under her belt.
As you may note, my career has not included Interior Design! Sarah and I met NYE 2014/15 at a party, and as fate may have it, I became involved with Birdblack Design in 2019. My role began as a copywriter/editor for the website and grew into creative writing for all social media, blogs and newsletters. My role has since evolved into Creative Content Manager, with a strong marketing component. In March, Birdblack Design launched our Educational Series, Design Room, which I adore overseeing. Education is paramount and learning is an ongoing life skill.
My role assists our curators and designers to do what they do best - be visual, creative and innovative masterminds. I am able to capture their creative process, translate it and communicate it effectively to the multitudes. Alongside them, I encourage their successes on a broad spectrum, I champion their individual influences and inspire the culmination of these components for the benefit of Birdblack Design.
On a personal note: I love to travel, I enjoy sumptuous food and wine, and I have been known to start many a dance party - whether a dancefloor exists or not!
Naomi Hudson joins the Birdblack Design Team as Wollongong Studio Manager. Naomi began adulthood as a university student, enrolled at University of Wollongong. In 2003, she graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science (with Distinction). During her time at university, Naomi gained many study and life skills through the processes of critical thinking, experimentation, investigation, and problem solving.
Job Titles:
- Interior Decorator & Stylist
Ryan is our resident Interior Decorator and Stylist. The final layer to any good project is the soft furnishings and Ryan has the ability to work with many different styles to create the perfect selection of final touches. Furniture to a home is like the pearl necklace to a black dress.
Ryan has been with Birdblack Design for 4 years as of March 2022. After completing his Diploma of Interior Decoration as a youngster at the Design Centre in Enmore, Ryan has used his skills to full affect. He is well known for his colour blocking abilities, furniture selection and arrangements and has a keen eye for colour and detailing.
Why did you want to become an Interior Decorator?
My earliest memories of wanting to be a decorator started with growing up in a period cottage and seeing it transformed over time. I've always loved seeing spaces and interiors transformed with their fullest potential in mind. I have always loved working with colours, textures and furniture within a space to create a pleasurable experience for the owner / user.
What does your dream interior space look like?
My dream interior would definitely involve two of my favourite things; green and velvet. I'm a details man so it would be layered with detail and texture, not to mention character and charm. I love to include and adapt natural elements and finishes to add warmth and depth.
What is your favourite piece of furniture?
Years ago my dad and I restored my Grandmother's carver chair. That chair has my heart.
What do you love about Wollongong?
I love variety and Wollongong has all that: beach, city and country. I love how much it has evolved over the past decade… and continues to do so with on-trend cafes and bars with clever and engaging interiors breathing life into once empty and bland spaces.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Interior Designer
- Owner and Founder of Birdblack Design Wollongong
- Owner and Founder of Interior Design Studio
Sarah is the owner and founder of Birdblack Design Wollongong. 2022 marks 16 years in the design industry, with Sarah receiving accolades both nationally and internationally for her ability to take clients' dream ideas and make them a reality.
Sarah is the owner and founder of Interior Design Studio, Birdblack Design. 2023 marks 17 years as an Interior Designer, with Sarah receiving accolades both nationally and internationally for her ability to take clients' dream ideas and make them a reality.
In 2014, with 8 years of experience working as a Interior Designer, my husband and I made the move to Wollongong from Canberra, meaning in 2023, this is my 17th year in the industry! In 2014, I launched my own Interior Design Studio: Birdblack Design. The business has grown exponentially and we have been recognised nationally and internationally.
Since the new millennium, Stuart has worked with a number of reputable Interior Designers; his career spanning from residential to commercial, right through to landscape architecture.
Stuart joins Interior Design Studio, Birdblack Design, as Senior Designer. With over 23 years in the field as of 2023, and a veritable array of experience, Stuart arrives with a passion for excellent design and impeccable drawings. As a youngster, Stuart had a knack for drawing from a young age and by the time he was 13, felt passionately that design would be not only his career path, but his calling.
Graduating with a Diploma in Architectural Drafting, Stuart's Interior Designer career began with a golden opportunity: designing parts of the Sydney Olympic Village! From there, Stuart met with one of Australia's most renowned Interior Designers, Garth Barnett, who would become his boss, mentor and friend.
Over the course of 20 years, Stuart has worked with a number of reputable Interior Designers; his career spanning from residential to commercial, right through to landscape architecture.
Having been raised in the Campbelltown area; Stuart, his wife and two young children are now locals to the Illawarra, living in the northern suburbs and enjoying the Coal Coast lifestyle.