National design firm Collectivus is under new ownership, marking its independence from fitout company Unita and inviting the potential for new partnerships for both businesses.

Specialising in interior fitouts for retail, hospitality and wellness, Unita works closely with interior designers to bring their vision to life. Unita and Collectivus have collaborated on successful projects including TotalFusion in Brisbane, Sabo’s two stores in Sydney, dining destination Cassia in Fremantle, and The Memo stores in Melbourne.

One of Unita’s longest-standing collaborations has now evolved, with interior design studio Collectivus making the move to independent operations after being a wholly-owned subsidiary since 2013.

Total Fusion wellness club in Chermside, Queensland.

Collectivus’s new owners and directors, Amanda Leeson and Megan du Preez, will elevate the studio with the same focus on teamwork and creative conviction that has informed their practice to date.

The same focus on great design 

With an ethos shaped by respect for even the smallest details, Collectivus understands that good design creates a lasting impact for everyone who engages with it. Driven by a belief that the best spaces all possess a unique kind of magic, the studio prides itself on creating an aesthetic that fuses thoughtful considerations of light, shape and form, while also taking a grounded view of a client’s brief. 

Interior of The Memo store in Highpoint Shopping Centre, Melbourne. Photo: Simon Shiff.

It is this commitment to beautiful, functional interiors that places Collectivus on stable footing as it begins to forge its own path. “We’re actively in the trenches every day,” director Amanda Leeson says, “which means we can truly be a bespoke, design-led business. Creativity drives every decision.

“I think having the freedom to shape the studio exactly how we want it, to chase the projects that inspire us, and keep raising the bar on what design can do, is the most exciting part.”

Sabo store, Sydney. Photo: Cieran Murphy.

The freedom to forge new partnerships

With more than a decade of close collaboration with construction teams, Collectivus brings commercial knowhow that sets them apart within the design industry. Their new independence will allow them to expand their client portfolio and work with other builders across hospitality, retail and beyond. 

Cassia restaurant in Fremantle, Western Australia. Photo: Jack Lovel.

The relationships that were forged and thrived while under the Unita umbrella will continue to be a part of the Collectivus story as the studio takes its inaugural steps as an independent entity. Above all else, Leeson says, the unique relationship with Unita has enabled them to excel when it comes to striking the balance between design ambition and real-world buildability.

“The Unita team understands the importance of focusing on design intent throughout the build, and they also add significant insight through value engineering and ensuring buildability. This makes them the perfect partner for interior designers and architects,” Leeson adds. “While we’re charting our own path, we will always admire Unita’s work and will continue to share the same commitment to quality and collaboration.”

Discover what’s next for Collectivus here. 

Lead image: Collectivus design studio team. Imagery supplied.