Here’s a look at five projects from INK Interior Architects, shortlisted for the Emerging Designer award at this year’s IDEA.

The Emerging Designer award is only open to design studios that have been in practice for less than five years. The winner will be announced at the IDEA Gala in Melbourne on 22 November.

The face behind INK, Dana Vuletic, first opened shop in 2014 with a focus on high end retail and hospitality interiors. The studio’s aesthetic is contemporary with masculine accents paired with texture, neutral colours and raw materials.

INK Interior Architects is no stranger to IDEA, having being nominated for its retail and commercial spaces in past competitions.

Here’s our top five picks from its portfolio to date in Vuletic’s own words:

Photo: Michael Wee

The Cashmere Collection

Alongside its nomination for IDEA’S best Emerging Designer, INK has been shortlisted in this year’s Retail category for this project located in Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria Building.

“A soft, textural palette featuring subtle green, quality timber and rubbed brass accents. The colour scheme is a nod to a dusty Australian landscape, inspired by the locally manufactured cashmere. Joinery displays are refined with simple detailing, creating a play of light and shade. The store has a gentle ‘push and pull’ between hard and soft design elements.”

Photo: Douglas Frost

Zahli Restaurant

Embracing the concept of ‘modern middle eastern’, Zahli creates a new, elegant dining experience for Lebanese cuisine in the Surry Hills neighbourhood.

“We draw inspiration from Beirut through a rich, contemporary mix of finishes, patterns and textures. This project was a successful collaboration with boutique design studio Quattro Interiors. The interior is incredibly warm and inviting. Patterned floor tiles, statement lighting and a showstopping marble bar are the hero pieces within the space.”

Photo: Michael Wee

Oska Clothing

A monochrome palette with masculine accents, this design is contemporary, laid back and effortless.

“The space is simple, yet refined. Oversize wardrobes at the rear of the store are clad in black steel sheeting and carry all additional stock, cleaning supplies and even a bar sink and kitchenette facilities for the staff.

“The OSKA team in Germany was very specific regarding the finishes and colour palette; strictly no colour, introduce warmth and a point of difference, but also ensure the space felt ‘lived in’. These ideas really drove the concept and our hunt for finishes.”

Photo: Michael Wee

Allen Tailoring Studio

Allen Tailoring is a retail studio space with an androgynous elegance.

“We take inspiration from the art of tailoring and celebrate the beauty of the industrial machines, tools and equipment. We aim to give a ‘lived in’ feel that is not too precious by employing finishes with patina and age.

“Sewing machines are in full view to the customer. We felt it important to have an inclusive retail and workspace environment. The industrial machines become part of the design aesthetic. The mesh panels across the shopfront help to filter the natural light.”

Photo: Michael Wee

Vanto Restaurant

An exploration of texture and tone, Vanto Restaurant embraces saturated colour to reflect the richness of hearty Italian cooking in Sydney.

“The dining area has a moody and intimate quality with a gallery wall of sentimental photographs a homage to the owner’s Italian roots. The space employs finishes that are gently worn, including a layered emerald wash and classic timber furniture, which provides a contrast to the contemporary feature lighting.”

INK Interior Architects has been shortlisted for the best Emerging Designer at this year’s IDEA alongside 11 other amazing Australian designers. 

See who is crowned the winner on 22 November at the Timber Yard in Port Melbourne. Tickets are now available. Be sure to get yours before they sell out.

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Lead photo: Michael Wee