Carr’s Founding Principal Sue Carr has been appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to interior design, education and women in business in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Beginning her journey in 1971 with the opening of her first design studio in Melbourne, Carr has set about making a positive impact on people’s lives through design through an illustrious career spanning five decades.

Sue’s work as a practitioner and educator has been instrumental in redefining interior design as a core discipline and vital component to architecture. An alumnus of RMIT University, she has been a life-long supporter of design education through advisory, graduate and scholarship programs.

Dr Suzie Attiwill, Associate Dean of Interior Design at RMIT University, says Carr’s methods in educating the next generation of designers is second to none.

“Sue’s approach to establishing initiatives that transform aspiring young graduates into outstanding interior designers is visionary,” she says. 

“Her commitment to education and the future of the profession is unparalleled.”

Carr’s talent, determination and firm resolve has seen her inspire a whole generation of women. In 2016, she was named one of Australia’s most influential women in the AFR Westpac ‘100 Women of Influence’ awards.

Sue’s significant contribution to the design profession has also been recognised by several accolades within the industry. Notably in 2006, she was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia’s Hall of Fame, an award that celebrates the work of design visionaries. In 2010, she received the Gold Medal for Interior Design at the Interior Design Excellence Awards for her influential and enduring contribution to Australian design culture.

Carr’s pursuit of excellence for the betterment of the whole underpins her being. Unaccustomed to self-promotion, the designer has always favoured and taken great pride in elevating the achievements of her team. 

“My mother has never sought individual recognition, yet recognition has often found her. Not one to focus on the past, she remains energised by the future and sharing her success with others. I am incredibly proud of her accomplishments”, says Nick Carr, Carr’s CEO.

On receiving news of her appointment, Carr says it is truly an honour.

“I am humbled to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. It has been a rich and rewarding journey, and one I continue to share with so many remarkable and talented people.’’