Nexus Designs has marked a new chapter of growth in the form of new directorship, with the practice to be led by Michael Malignaggi, Sonia Simpfendorfer and Sally Evans.

With all three now officially shareholders within the business, Nexus views the move as a way of consolidating its position as a future-focussed design studio, well into its fifth decade of operation.

The studio’s leaders will combine their collective expertise to amplify the delivery and value of design across what it describes as a 360-degree service. An increase in its design output across residential, corporate, commercial and hospitality sectors also lies on the horizon for Nexus, while maintaining a culture of respect, communication and development with clients and employees.

“As we embark on this exciting new chapter, sharing our expert knowledge of Australian interior design, colour and lifestyle with a wider audience will be critical,” says Nexus Designs Managing Director Michael Malignaggi.

“As part of this we’re looking forward to continuing to support the development and progression of our current staff, as well as identifying strategic opportunities to expand the team too.

“We are committed to using our unique combination of expertise to influence the production and selection of materials best suited to our market. Communicating this to clients, industry and media is a central focus in this exciting new growth chapter for the studio,” says Malignaggi.

Sonia Simpfendorfer will oversee the Interior Design division of the practice, which she says will continue its commitment to designing with empathy and with a distinctly Australian identity.

“Nexus Designs has always been a haven for progressive thinking,” she says.

“Clients value our cumulative expert knowledge and our respect for creativity as a vital skill. It has been so rewarding to apply these studio assets to ambitious projects over the past few years, including the elegant and light-filled Cardinal residence (Melbourne), and Light Well, a modern refurbishment of a 1960s penthouse apartment in South Yarra.”

The Graphic Design and Product Development arm of the business will be overseen by Director Sally Evans. The teams under Evans will cement ongoing client relationships – including Colorbond and Haymes Paint – and expand collaborations across both graphic design and consultancy projects.

Evans says the studio will look to achieve value-adding design solutions for clients, while also addressing innovation, impact, and responsibility through the design journey.

“Nexus is uniquely placed in the industry to provide a product development service that is the culmination of our knowledge set, industry connections, and understanding of design as a fundamental expertise,” she says.

“We have so much opportunity to influence a broader long-term success rate for clients by considering layers of deeper strategic agendas in our approach, regardless of the sector, medium or project typology it is applied to.”

The leadership approach will ensure Nexus maintains its distinctly Australian design sensibility, first established by Founder Janne Faulkner AM. A partnership with Merchant Builders resulted in a crafted, conscious residential design language that has influenced interior design on a global scale. The practice also credits interior design practitioner Harley Anstee for assisting in developing its fundamental principles.

Image (L-R): Sonia Simpfendorfer, Sally Evans, Michael Malignaggi.

Architecture & Design Team

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