Daniella Bassin is among Australian Design Review’s 30UNDER30 Interior and Product Designers for 2024/2025. Below, we get to know the senior interior designer at Carr, who speaks to the power of practising gratitude in her personal and professional life.  

Australian Design Review: Do you remember your first encounter with design?

Daniella Bassin: My first encounter with design stemmed from my love of art. My mum has always had a natural talent for art and her influence shaped my early appreciation for creativity. Over time, this passion for art naturally evolved into an interest in design, sparking my imagination and curiosity. 

ADR: How would you describe your work?

DB: My work blends bold, innovative ideas with refined elegance and is rooted in a deep sense of creativity and artistry. It’s conceptual in the way I approach each project, seeking to tell a unique story through design. I always strive for originality, pushing boundaries to create spaces that are unexpected yet timeless.

Details are everything to me – whether it’s the texture of a fabric, the interplay of tones or the way light interacts with a surface, every element has a purpose. Refinement is integral. I believe in elevating every project to its highest potential, creating designs that are both sophisticated and inviting, with a sense of luxury and warmth. 

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

DB: If I could work with any designer, artist or creative, it would be Antoni Gaudí. I am incredibly inspired by the intricate nature of his designs, especially how the interior of the Sagrada Família uses colour and light in such an immersive and inspiring way. Gaudí’s work is not just architectural – it’s imaginative and otherworldly. The way he blends organic forms with artistic expression and functional design feels limitless, and I would have loved the opportunity to learn from his unique approach to creativity.

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

DB: When I find myself in a creative rut, I take a step back and try to look at the project holistically. I assess the information as a whole to see if there’s an overarching thread or theme that can guide me forward. I also like to simplify the design process by going back to basic form explorations.

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

DB: I am guided by integrity, continuous growth, respect, humility, collaboration and appreciation. These values help me stay true to the essence of each project, ensuring the work is honest, authentic and aligned with its purpose. I embrace a mindset of seeking knowledge, staying open to new ideas and evolving with innovations to remain at the forefront of design. These principles reflect my commitment to learning and adapting as the design world evolves and new ideas emerge.

Appreciation is particularly important to me – acknowledging and drawing inspiration from the people, moments and experiences that enrich our lives while fostering gratitude and respect in both personal and professional interactions.

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

DB: With my continuous desire to learn and progress within the design world, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded creative professionals, engage with industry mentors and contribute to shaping the future of our field – one that is inspiring, inclusive and sustainability-conscious. 

It is surreal to be included in ADR’s 30UNDER30, and I’m deeply appreciative of being recognised for my hard work and dedication to our industry.

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.

Portrait (expanded) by Gavin Green.