Interior designer Beck Trenorden has spent two decades working at some of Melbourne’s most well-known design studios. But it wasn’t until she stepped out on her own – launching Versa, a studio grounded in adaptive reuse and sustainability – that she fully rewrote the rules of how she wanted to work.

In this episode, Beck joins David and Aleesha to chat about building a values-led practice from the ground up. She shares the creative thinking behind Versa’s streamlined systems, the surprising power of sketching in real time, and how implementing a four-day work week reshaped both culture and output. Along the way, Beck reflects on formative experiences, growing up in a hands-on family and learning in a science shed.

It’s a generous, honest and deeply human episode from a designer who sees creativity not just in the work, but in how we live.

Find Versa at versastudio.com.au

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In this special bonus episode, Creative or Dead hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine turn the mic on themselves. The friends and collaborators reflect on their own creative journeys – from childhood instincts to circuitous career paths – and how they’ve each found space for expression, experimentation and impact across disciplines.

Aleesha opens up about her accidental pivot from interior design to editorship, the vulnerability of writing, and the slow-burn joy of a long-term creative project. David shares insights from his multidisciplinary practice as a creative consultant and Chief Creative Officer, including his enduring belief in curiosity, reflection, and the value of being an astute observer.

Together, they touch on themes that run through the podcast’s DNA: trusting your instincts, making space for creative percolation, the messiness of opinion, and how to build a meaningful life by connecting what you're good at, what brings joy, what pays the bills – and what the world needs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode, hosts Aleesha Callahan and David Constantine step out of the studio and onto the Creative Mornings stage with Jo Hook – coach, and life designer – to talk about crossroads, creative burnout, money myths, and why designing your own death might just be the most life-affirming thing you can do.

Expect laughs, some surprising existential detours, and practical gems on how to stay creatively alive (while still paying your tax return).

Special thanks for Creative Mornings Melbourne, and event partner TOMS Place, Brunswick.

LINKS

Check out Jo's work at jo-hook.com

And sign up for more Creative Mornings each month at creativemornings.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.