Yellowtrace Presents: Sofa Session with Jonathan Richards & Kirsten Stanisich.

Details from the set: Zaza Modular Sofa by Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson for King. Oceania hand-loomed pure New Zealand wool rug from King, colour Terra Firma.

Back left: Monument porcelain ceramic side table from King (suitable for both indoor and outdoor use). Front middle: Issho asymmetric pebble-shaped coffee table from King. All sculptures (in metal and stone) by an independent Sydney-based artist, Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.

Our third Sofa Session, from a video interview series produced in partnership with the Australian furniture brand King, welcomes one of the most respected design duos in the contemporary Australian design scene. Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich are founders of Sydney-based interior design and architecture studio Richards Stanisich.

Both Jon and Kirst are admired in the design circles because, not only are they talented and generally know what’s up, they are both straight-up legends for whom I have all the time in the world (you know — normally, I’m very busy, but not for these guys).

Related: Yellowtrace Presents, Sofa Session with William Smart.

“In our sample library, the materials we’re using all the time come to the surface. But the best thing is just to go to the bottom of the pile and see the stuff that hasn’t been touched in years.” — Jonathan Richards

“Don’t treat a project like it’s doing cosmetic surgery on an old face. Think about it as a space that has an element of beauty, look for what’s already great about it and finding something in that.” — Kirsten Stanisich

What I really love about Richard Stanisich is that aesthetically, they always maintain their edge and seem to stay one step ahead. Their creative output is timeless but never predictable. In fact, it’s quite complex and exciting but at the same time, it feels measured with just the right level of restrain.

Kirsten and Jonathan’s genuine, unguarded nature made my job too easy on the day — they shared countless pearls of wisdom around how they approach their work and critically analyse what good design means to them, with plenty of other insight into one of Australia’s best-known design practices — warts and all. (OMG, playing music to the client as inspiration is a proper LOL moment, hahahahaha! You’ll know what I mean when you see it.)

Related: Yellowtrace Presents, Sofa Session with Adriana Hanna.

“Flexibility as a designer is a sign of experience. When you can roll with the punches and if someone says ‘I don’t like that’ – you can see a different outcome. But there are some times when you don’t want to budge – and if you have that sense of flexibility – I find the clients listen to those times when you put your foot down.” – Jonathan Richards

I mean — look. I absolutely adore these two and I think that’s pretty bloody obvious. So, why don’t you go and listen to what they have to say now? There’s so much to learn from this talented duo, whether you’re an architect, an interior designer or otherwise. Pinky promise.

This Sofa Session was made possible through the generous support of King, an Australian furniture design brand with a 40+ year history. For more information and to explore King collections, visit their website here. To apply for King Trade & Commercial Account, a tailored division for registered Architects, Interior Architects, Interior Designers and Design Professionals, visit this page. 

Details from the set: Zaza Modular Sofa by Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson for King. Oceania hand-loomed pure New Zealand wool rug from King, colour Terra Firma. Issho asymmetric pebble-shaped coffee table from King. Monument porcelain ceramic side table from King (not in frame). All sculptures in metal and stone by an independent Sydney-based artist, Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.

This Yellowtrace Promotion is proudly supported by KING. Like everything we do, our partner content is carefully produced to maintain the utmost relevance to our readers. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Yellowtrace.

[Photography by Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace. Video by Tommy Devy. Furniture and accessories by King. Artwork by Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.]