InteriorsRossella E FrigerioMarch 05, 2020Melbourne, Australia

Getting to Know Melbourne-Based Studio May

InteriorsRossella E FrigerioMarch 05, 2020Melbourne, Australia

The synergy between Studio May founding partners Martine Bonich and Naomi Webster ties together their distinctive aesthetic

Naomi Webster and Martine Bonich. Image by Breeana Dunbar

Established in 2017, Studio May was a natural progression away from the deadline-driven, large-firm industry within which both Martine Bonich and Naomi Webster had worked for over a decade. Their desire to pursue the micro and the considered seamlessly tied into their changing routines as new mothers, and the pair launched Studio May in order to pursue a more flexible and balanced approach to work. Having met at university years back, Bonich and Webster knew that their common values and complementary skills acquired in the years since graduation would distinguish their studio’s vision, capturing the diversity of their individual professional experiences to offer clients versatility.

Impeccable quality lies at the heart of all that bears the Studio May mark. Bonich and Webster’s design aesthetic is defined by a soft touch that aims to perfect the balance between form and function, working around both natural and man-made existing features to enhance engagement with spaces. As Bonich explains, ‘Good planning is essential for the maximisation of functionality and the user experience. For us, this translates into maximising the use of natural elements and an appreciation of the importance of materiality.’

The duo focuses on cultivating a sense of community and collaboration through their work with local designers, which is balanced by an appreciation for vintage items and those crafted in small batches. They also place great emphasis on the interplay between space and sunlight, seeking as far as possible to design around and highlight the innate characteristics of a space. ‘Part of what we do is centred around education,’ says Webster. ‘We strive to guide our clients and reveal how the design of a space can significantly impact their carbon footprint. We always adopt this approach, regardless of budget or brief. Our intention is to always deliver beautiful spaces in ways that are fresh, customised and environmentally conscious.’

Their portfolio includes projects for both residential and business clients, ranging from a restored Victorian cottage to the offices of a private equity firm. Varied as these projects might be, they’re unified by an impeccable balance of the old and the new that celebrates Studio May’s signature elevation of small details and enhanced connection.

Text / Rossella E Frigerio