My inspiration
Inspiration is all around us. I see it in nature, in architecture, in art, in colours and in people. Design is about expressing passion and interpreting people’s needs into reality. My biggest inspiration always comes from observation and then thinking outside the square. That is what I think makes my company, distinctive, what it is.

My motivation
I often get asked this question and the truth is I wake up every single day excited about what lies ahead. The past is the past and every new day is the chance to make a difference and do things better. My drive certainly comes from within and I think it’s all about making things beautiful, making things better and making a difference. Design is simply the vehicle that allows me to do it and television is the medium in which I can reach the greatest number of people.

Why I succeeded
People recognise passion and respond to it. Many opportunities have come my way because I haven’t been afraid of showing my truly deep passion for what I do. My company is a success because it combines passion with good solid planning. My media career in both television and writing has developed because I am willing to share that passion with others.

How I did it
You reap what you sow, so today I am in this position because of obvious passion, hard work and most importantly, focus.
I built my company from scratch with no money and no support. I have always understood and constantly assessed my market and developed the company in response to that. I seized every opportunity that has come my way and made the most of it each and every time. Work on the detail while still remaining focused on the big picture. My work in the media resulted from a combination of that passion and hard work coming together when I was asked to write and then present on TV after winning design awards and undertaking some public speaking at gardening events.

My best lesson
That would have to be ‘Know your Strengths’. For me that means getting a good accountant to manage the day to day and maintain cash flow. It also means that each and every year I do a business plan. It shows me the company’s strengths and weaknesses and gives me focus. It’s amazing to read back and see what your goals were and how you have either achieved them or how you have evolved because of market changes.

When I’m not working
I garden. At the heart of it all I just love gardens. I also visit art galleries and I love great architecture. When I’m not working I’m feeding my senses for both interior and garden design.

What’s next
I hope to get in some more travel this year (for more inspiration). I’ve just become Vice President of my industry association, AILDM, so I hope to have a helping hand in building the industry and raising its profile. The company is working on some very large residential projects in regional NSW. Very exciting stuff as we’re helping to build a brand, literally from the ground up. The media side of things will see me continue to write for several magazines and I start back filming for some corporate work early in the New Year. Whatever lies ahead I know I’ll do it with passion and give it everything I’ve got.