Looking Back: A Decade of Studio Neubau
Over the last couple of years, things may have seemed quiet on the surface, but behind the scenes, it’s been full steam ahead. As I reflect on the journey of Studio Neubau—not just over the past 12 months but across the last decade—I’m reminded of the growth, recalibration, and discovery that have shaped this practice into what it is today.
Finding My Compass
The past two and a half years have been pivotal. They’ve been about finding my place in the industry, evaluating what truly matters, and calibrating my professional and moral compass. These facets are intrinsically entwined, guiding how I approach both life and work. This period of introspection has allowed me to align my values with my practice, ensuring every project I take on has purpose and resonance; and nurturing collaboration with likeminded contributors.
Transitioning to Design
Ten years ago, I embarked on Studio Neubau as a freelance practice. My first project—a logo for Walk Among the Homes—is still proudly in use today. Before this, I spent 15 years in luxury hotel management, working across front office operations, event and revenue management, and even a couple of years as an office manager and bookkeeper. These roles taught me the value of connecting with people, problem-solving, and storytelling—skills that have become the backbone of my design practice.
Graphic design, I discovered, is the perfect intersection of these passions. It’s a space where I can weave cultural and aesthetic narratives that compel through both storytelling and visuals while achieving positive social and business impact for my clients. From that first logo to collaborations with female-led startups and architectural studios (Hannah Waring, Carmen Co, Lucy Jeffries, Minnow Studio, and an emerging Brisbane architect launching in the new year), my journey has been one of evolving focus and deepening expertise.
Expanding Horizons
The past four years have been a period of growth and validation. Teaching, mentoring, and working within agencies have allowed me to stretch my wings, refine my processes, and gain valuable experience across both physical and digital platforms, brand expressions, and campaigns. Notable examples include campaigns for Made for People (with Driven) and Brisbane Festival (with Dowling & Dowling) and urban art strategies and documentation design with UAP. Collaborating with broader teams has enriched my practice, forming lasting connections with talented individuals whose opinions and shared experiences I value deeply.
I also contributed to the local design community co-hosting Ladies Wine Design and the Australian Design Radio podcast (including two years interviewing speakers at The Design Conference). Mentoring through Assisterhood and directly with emerging designers, as well as teaching at Shillington, has been particularly rewarding—in particular, seeing a part-time and a full-time class successfully graduate from Shillington's new online course format this year.
Key Projects
From my early work elevating startups like Anthology Travel—transforming it from a fledgling side-hustle into a business leader through strategic repositioning—to recent brand projects, my focus has sharpened. Brand evolution projects hold a special place in my practice. While I enjoy working with startups, I’ve found particular satisfaction in helping established businesses refine their direction and messaging, supporting their growth while maintaining integrity. These businesses have validated their models and are ready to refine their positioning, making the strategy and design challenges required to create impact all the more interesting and rewarding.
This year, I’ve also collaborated with my former student Lukas Russell of Vim Studio to elevate the positioning of The Refinery through a website redesign, showcasing its unique offerings and the creative vision behind the brand. I’m currently preparing for the launch of a structural engineering firm’s brand evolution—an alignment of strategy, messaging, and visuals designed to resonate with both their business goals and audiences for mutual growth.
A Perfect End to the Year
This year also marked a creative highlight: my concrete artwork prints were featured in the Out of Office exhibition at Flying Colours, curated by Waiting Room Gallery. This opportunity was a satisfying way to close out the year, combining my passion for design with personal artistic expression.
A Quiet Growth Phase
As I assess 10 years of Studio Neubau, it’s clear I’ve been going non-stop—wearing many hats and dedicating myself to clients and the community. I’m now entering a phase of quiet growth, focusing on family and stability while continuing to work with select clients. My particular interest lies in digital expansion, and brand strategy, positioning, and messaging—aligning with audiences to support business growth without compromising integrity.
Looking Ahead
Studio Neubau remains a space for connection, creativity, and thoughtful storytelling. Updates to the website are on their way, offering a clearer reflection of the work happening behind the scenes. In this next chapter, I will continue to gain experience in external practice—a perfect balance during this period of Studio Neubau’s evolution.
I am deeply grateful to my collaborators and clients for their trust and support; your shared vision has made this journey truly rewarding. I look forward to nurturing our friendships and exploring new creative projects together.
If this resonates with you and you feel we share a similar outlook—embracing a mindful and sustainable pace—please feel free to connect. You can also follow along on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates. What adventures await you in the coming year?
