A conversation with Pip McCully, Director of Studio Wonder

Revered within the design community, Studio Wonder – led by Director Pip McCully – was tasked by Pace Development Group to conceptualise inspiring interior spaces at Pace 3058. The team’s overarching goal was to complement both the architecture of the building and the suburb of Coburg.

Pip and her team didn’t have to look far for inspiration. “Our design concept began with Coburg itself and looking at the project location in greater detail in that respect. Being a working-class suburb, we wanted the design to blend with the area’s history, cultural diversity, and eclecticism,” she says.

With Coburg’s bustling streets providing stimulus, Studio Wonder was able to craft a unique concept that was indicative of the area. “We encourage anyone to walk through the main streets as everything is right there.” Pip is then quick to add, “hopefully, we can offer a moment of that uniqueness on the inside.”

Studio Wonder’s varied selection of materials and finishes speaks to this uniqueness. Glossy tiles, low tint joinery and timber flooring were all chosen to reflect both the area’s charm and to interact appropriately with natural light. “This offers spatial diversity and links between interiors as time passes from day to night.”

Pip adds that this wonder of nature means you can play with “light, shadow and reflection, and embrace moments of the everyday and everyday enjoyment. The collaboration with Pace was really exciting and we pushed the boundaries on materials.”

When quizzed about what is more important within interior design, form or function, Pip states that both are equally important, but then expands by saying, “functional design affords particular ease of use. I think we like to focus on that in places where family and friends can congregate. It’s about being really strategic to how a space functions.” She adds that once you’ve established the function of pieces within a space you can then focus on form.

By the same token, Pip thinks that interior pieces should always be something you love and ought to be emblematic of your personality. “There’s little point in surrounding yourself with artwork or furniture that doesn’t bring you joy. For example, the books on the shelf are just as important as the shelf itself.”

Pip concludes, “I think it’s important that residents find joy in their living experience; from the moment they walk into the building and then continue to their apartment.”