Samantha Wardle is among Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers for 2024/2025. Below, we get to know the Sydney-based interior designer and co-founder of Some Studio, including her roots in Hong Kong, studies in Italy and her passion for designing low-toxic spaces. 

Australian Design Review: What was your first encounter with design?

Samantha Wardle: My love for interiors and architecture stems from my early childhood. I grew up in Hong Kong in a high-rise apartment building and have vivid memories of being fascinated with the prominent vertical silhouettes of the city’s skyline. Observing the city gave me a feeling of being larger than just the self. When I design, I am always seeking to emulate that kind of unnameable and profound feeling that moves and confirms you when you experience space.

ADR: What has been a highlight in your career so far? 

SW: It was an absolute honour for our studio to be shortlisted for the IDEA Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2024. Clements, our project shortlisted in the IDEA Residential Single category, is a Californian bungalow two-storey refurbishment. We took a deep dive and transformed a once-disconnected and disjointed interior into an expansive tactile haven that ebbs and flows. It was an invaluable opportunity to showcase our studio’s work to industry at the Emerging Designer of the Year presentation in such a creative local landscape.

ADR: If you could work with any designer, artist or other creative – living or dead who would it be and why?

SW: It would have to be Arnolfo di Cambio, Filippo Brunelleschi and Emilio De Fabris. They were the creative geniuses behind the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. I studied a diploma of interior design in Florence as an introduction to design in 2012. The university was on the same street as the Duomo and I always felt absolutely enchanted by the intricate detail of the neo-gothic facade. The commitment, dedication and collaboration behind such a magnificent landmark reinforces my belief that good things take time and design is infinitely a collaborative process.

ADR: What guiding values drive you and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?

SW: I’m passionate about education around sustainability but also specifically around the importance of low-toxic spaces in the built environment. The industry talks about fostering the longevity of interiors, but I see a gap when it comes to fostering longevity for the people inhabiting these spaces. 

I believe the implementation of biohacking technology in interiors should be made accessible to communities. Optimising the localisation of EMF devices, avoiding VOCs and PVCs, and using optimal water and air filtration systems should be the baseline going forward. 

Overall, I find myself always nurturing my projects with an underpinned narrative or prompt. Design with a foundational meaning is one that has substance and purpose. 

ADR: Why did you enter 30UNDER30?

SW: I have always been a big dreamer and conceptualiser within my projects and with my clients, yet lack the confidence within myself. With that being said, I entered ADR’s 30UNDER30 in a fleeting moment under the encouragement of the other half of Some Studio and also my partner in life, Hady. He is a boundless talent and he teaches me to be fearless every day. 

I have had a difficult three years with chronic illness and to receive this recognition feels like the biggest encouragement to keep going. It is so important to receive recognition and encouragement within the industry. I am incredibly grateful and I look forward to celebrating with the other talents and mentors.

Lead image of Samantha Wardle supplied.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside Miele, Interface and Tongue & Groove. The program is also supported by practice partners Arent&Pyke, BLP, BVN, Cera Stribley, COX Architecture, GroupGSA, Hassell, HDR, Richards Stanisich, Rothelowman, SJB and Williams Burton Leopardi. To find out more about the final 30, head to the winners page.