Born and bred in Darwin, Nicole Wheeler is one of the few true ‘local’ designers. With a good understanding of the local culture and environment, Nicole has a strong interest in the possibilities of living outside. She is continually exploring flexible spaces and how they ‘open up’ to the external elements.
Whilst obtaining a degree in Interior Architecture at the Charles Darwin Universtiy (formerly NTU), Nicole gained valuable industry knowledge working with Peddle Thorp (NT) Architects. After establishing her own business in 2001, Nicole set out to talk to every tradesperson she came across on building sites about their trade. This gave her a good insight into understanding building materials and the building process.
From concept to completion, Nicole works toward finding appropriate solutions for the Clients in relation to their needs and how they will occupy their spaces. She is committed to experimenting with new and innovative ways to provide better living and working spaces. Recognising the importance of collaborating with professionals from other design disciplines, Nicole often collaborates with Architects, Graphic Designers, Landscape Architects etc. This provides a continual learning process from which the design journey evolves.
Nicole is keen to educate the public about the power of a well designed space. Never having advertised, all of her clients make contact through ‘word of mouth’ or have physically experienced a space she has designed. She believes that living & working in a functional, well designed space that responds to a persons needs, as well as being aesthetically beautiful can have an amazing effect on their general wellbeing. She believes it offers a greater quality of living.
In essence, Nicole believes the simplest designs are often the best but also acknowledges these require the most work. A simply resolved space under close observation, will reveal detail complexities not instantly revealed to an untrained eye. Her approach combines a minimal aesthetic with functional simplicity.