Kate St James

  

Kate St. James is an interior designer and the managing editor of Universal Magazines’ Home Design + Living Series. Along with qualifications in interior design, Kate also studied journalism. Her specialty is architecture and design.

Kate worked as a journalist in London in the early 1970s, followed by a 20-year career in interior design including running her own interior design, architectural design and construction company specialising in top end residential and commercial projects.

Throughout her career Kate has written for many design publications as well as teaching at Queensland College of Art and KVB College of Art and Design. She has also held positions as Queensland Chapter Convenor and National Executive member of the Society of Interior Designers of Australia and is currently a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.

In 2007 Kate received a 20 year citation from the Design Institute of Australia for services to the design industry, in 2008 she was selected as part of the prestigious publication, Who’s Who of Australian Women "Leadership and Beyond” - a publication marking the lives of women who have made a significant contribution to Australian life.

Kate is currently President of the Australian Architecture Association, an organisation of which she has been a member since its inception and a volunteer tour guide since 2009. She also sits on the NSW Architects Registration Board, representing public interest and consumer views.

Her vision has always been to promote an awareness of Australian and international architecture and design – with a heavy dose of sustainability - to demonstrate to the wider community the meaningful way it can impact on our lives.

This is Kate’s first year as a Festival Champion and the first time the Festival.

She spoke with ArtsHub about the state of architecture today.

What inspired you to undertake a career in architecture?
I am an interior designer. I met an architecture student (who I subsequently married). It was
his passion for the environment that instilled in me a desire to create beautiful, workable and
sustainable living environments to enhance peoples’ lives.

Is there a mission to your work?
To promote good design and sustainable architecture to the wider community.

What's your background – what stud/experience was involved to get to where you are?
I Studied both journalism and interior design. Worked as a journalist in UK in 70’s moving into
interior design in 1980 after successfully renovating my own home and realizing my passion
and potential.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
Hectic and inspiring.

What's the one thing - piece of equipment, toy, security blanket, – you can't work without?
iPhone.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
There’s no one person but many; those designers and architects who strive to make a
difference to the built environment.

What in the industry do you despair about?
A lack of respect for the environment, poor design and construction, the making of ugly
suburbs; “cookie cutter” housing.

What is the best thing about your job?
The opportunity to promote and encourage good architecture and design to the public.

What’s the worst?
The hours!

What are the top three skills you need in architecture?
Vision, passion, humility.

What’s your favourite period of architecture?
Now.

What’s your favourite building?
Sydney Opera House.

What advice would you give anyone looking to break into your field?
Find a great mentor and learn all you can. Don’t expect to earn lots of money – do it for the
creation of a better built environment and a happier society.

What do you see as the current trends in architecture?
Organic, sustainable, fit for purpose.

What does success mean to you in your industry?
Turning people on to an understanding of design excellence.