With a family background of three generations of stonemasons and tilers, Ryan Genesin of Genesin Studio had design on his mind from a young age. From accompanying his dad on site as a kid, Genesin went on to study Interior Architecture at the University of South Australia, graduating with honours and moving to Melbourne to join its then-budding design scene.

There, he spent time with leading Australian firms such as Hassell, SJB and Hecker Guthrie (then called HP&G) before coming full circle back to Adelaide to found Genesin Studio in 2008. Since then, Genesin has asserted himself as a transformative influence on South Australia’s landscape, with award-winning hospitality projects stalwarts of Adelaide’s nightlife and social fabric. Consistently sought after for National projects, the studio also has a satellite office in Melbourne’s Collingwood, established in 2011.

Beyond everything Genesin has already achieved thus far, he says his dream creative project would be a health and spa retreat next to a waterfall in the Amazon jungle, in collaboration with Oscar Niemeyer and Patricia Urquiola – a concept we would love to see brought to life just as much as him!

Over to Mr Genesin for more quirky insights, sound advice and sharp observation on running an Interior Design practice and the industry in Australia today.

+ Wassup, Ryan? Thanks for FINALLY getting your shit together so we can do this interview, huh? It only took – what – like, 3 years? But like all good things, it’s been worth the wait. Anyway! Let’s talk shop. When did you first decide you wanted to become an interior designer?

+ And when did you decide it was time to start your business?

+ What is your main priority when starting projects? Is there something that is fundamental to your practice – your philosophy and your process?

+ How is your studio structured? i.e. How many of you work in the studio, what types of skills do you have in-house, is there anything you are outsourcing, and how many projects do you handle at any one time?

+ How do you organise and manage the competing demands of modern business and life? Do you have any tip or tricks you could share with us that help you in your day to day (i.e. software, online tools, shortcuts, task management, cheat sheets, advisors, anything!)

+ What do you feel is the most challenging part of being an interior architect today? And if you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

+ What are some of your methods to stay motivated, focused and expressive? And your top 3 main sources of inspiration and references you are drawn to regularly – i.e. books, magazines, websites/ blogs etc?

+ Who or what are some of your influences? What other designers, peers and creatives, in general, do you admire?

+ What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to follow your path?

+ What was one of your biggest lessons learned since starting your practice?

+ What would be your dream creative project or a collaboration?

+ What’s next – can you share with us your vision, some of your goals (and some of your current projects)?

+ What’s the best mistake you have ever made?

+ What rules do you live by?

+ Your most treasured belonging?

+ What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

+ It’s not very cool, but I really like…

[Images courtesy of Genesin Studio. Photography credits noted.]