30UNDER30’s Billie Murphy on educational interiors and leaning into the fun of design

Billie Murphy is among Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers for 2024/2025. Below, the Sydney-based senior interior designer from Gray Puksand talks about her penchant for designing joyful and quirky spaces, her experience working on a primary school project in Vienna and her love of scuba diving.

Australian Design Review: How would you describe your work?

Billie Murphy: I like to think that my approach to design is considered yet bold. I have a collaborative approach to interior design and strive to work cohesively together with other designers, consultants and stakeholders to achieve incredible outcomes.

In design, I lean into the fun side of my work, which can be quirky, with the aim of provoking a glimpse of joy from those who inhabit it. Still so early in my career, I am excited to continue to establish my design style. Eager to pass down my lessons learnt to the next generation, I believe design is ultimately a fun job and aim to keep that front of mind in everything I do.

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

BM: There are so many incredible creatives that I would love to get a moment of time with, but if I have to pick one, it would be Otto Wagner. Wagner was an Austrian architect and a leading founder of the Vienna Secession architecture movement and the broader Art Nouveau.

I lived in Vienna, Austria for five years after graduating University. The impact that his architecture and design has had on the city is so tangible – from the train stations, public buildings and trickle-down effect to culture and art as a whole.

Of all the places that I have travelled in the world it’s hard to find a person that has been so influential on the culture of the time. I admire his vision, progressive thinking and dedication. When he designed an apartment for himself he designed almost every element inside, from the furniture to carpet and even down to the bathroom fixtures. I’m not sure what the world was like to live in around 1900, but personally I find it difficult today to focus on any one idea for a long stretch of time, let alone a lifetime.

ADR: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

BM: In my spare time I want to be outdoors as much as possible. I started scuba diving a few years ago, which quickly became my favorite hobby. I wish I had chosen something a little cheaper… ouch.

When you’re deep underwater, it’s like you have entered a new world. Colours change, the temperature drops, and when you look up and follow the path of your bubbles, there seems to be no end in sight.

One of the most important things to focus on while diving is your breath. You have limited air, and you want to make your time last as long as possible, so you slow your breathing and take mindful breaths. It’s the ultimate form of meditation.

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

BM: I primarily design education and workplace interiors. These spaces have resonated with me the most, as they align with my creative intent and values, which I would describe as creating meaningful spaces that engage its users. In educational architecture, for example, there is so much science behind the huge impact the interiors have on the students, from ventilation to the application of colour to the classroom layout and furniture selected.

I was part of the architectural design team that designed Langenfeldgasse Primary School in Vienna, which has been nominated for a Mies van der Rohe Award. Since its opening, I’ve heard from the teachers and parents of students what a positive impact it has had on the children’s daily life, education and broader community. I hope to continue to create work that makes me this proud.

Langenfeldgasse Primary School in Vienna

ADR: Why did you enter ***Australian Design Review*’s 30UNDER30?**

BM: I entered ADR’s 30UNDER30 because of the incredible opportunity it presents to meet like-minded designers. I find one of the most inspiring things for my own creativity and drive is to talk to other designers and learn about their inspirations. This program presents an incredibly rare opportunity to be connected to mentors and designers who are equally aspiring and passionate.

Photography supplied.

Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside partners Krost, Interface, Miele and Tongue & Groove.