Taylah Cheeseman is one of Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers for 2024/2025. In this Q&A, we learn how the Sydney-based interior designer from LikeMinds Studio overcomes creative roadblocks and why she thinks beautifully designed spaces can foster emotional connections. 

Portrait of Taylah Cheeseman by Jennifer Stroh.

Australian Design Review: How would you describe your work? 

Taylah Cheeseman: I would describe my work as fluid and detailed. I always strive to produce unique concepts aligned with the brief and try to avoid ideation that seems overly familiar or typical. 

Just as importantly, the ability to establish solid working relationships with your contractors is key to a successful project and ultimately, the end result.

Deux Freres, LikeMinds Studio

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

TC: The biggest highlight so far is working with returning clients! Having the privilege to be able to grow and collaborate with such passionate hospitality professionals is awesome. 

Some really exciting projects are coming to life this year, so watch this space! Being selected in this year’s 30UNDER30 cohort is also up there for sure.

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

TC: I’ve always been a big fan of Mario Bellini. The impact he’s had on the design industry is truly iconic. 

In both architecture and product design, his work is sensory and playful, and has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a concept I strive to capture within my own work.

Folk Gymea, LikeMinds Studio

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

TC: I’m typically pretty low-key in my spare time. Trips away up and down the coast on weekends areis usually the ideal, balanced with life admin and spending time with family. I’m also a sucker for reality TV.

Home Croissanterie, LikeMinds Studio

ADR: What do you do to kickstart your creativity when you’re in a rut? 

TC: When I’ve hit a creative roadblock, I need to step away and move to another task entirely. Creative ruts can be extremely frustrating, especially when there are tight deadlines and multiple other tasks. 

I’ve found that acknowledging the mental ‘stand still’ and stepping away avoids committing time to ideas that you’re just not vibing with and allows time for reflection, where new ideas naturally flow.

Longshore, LikeMinds Studio

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

TC: In interior design, the values that guide my work revolve around creativity, functionality, sustainability and personal connection. It’s not just about designing a beautiful space – it’s about crafting an atmosphere that resonates with the people on an emotional level. 

The impression I hope these core values make through my work is the ability to create well-rounded, unique designs with the end user in mind. These values are key to the underlying ethos of every stage of the process, from start to finish.

Tradies Gymea, LikeMinds Studio

ADR: How did it feel to make it into Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30?

TC: I’m feeling honoured and thrilled to be selected in this year’s 30UNDER30 cohort! I was hopeful but realistic, knowing there were so many other talented creatives applying this year. 

I’m feeling very humbled and excited for what’s to come with the 30UNDER30 program.

Lead image of Taylah Cheeseman by Amazing Bali Events. Additional photography by Steven Woodburn.

ADR’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers stream is brought to you by major sponsor Neolith, alongside Krost, 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.