28. Creative Burnout, Boundaries & The Business of Design - Lessons from Smac Studio
Behind The DesignShow Notes
This episode of Behind the Design features Shona McElroy from Smac Studio, one of Australia’s most exciting emerging interior designers. What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving studio known for its bold use of materials, thoughtful detail, and high-end residential interiors that balance precision with personality.
In this honest and grounded conversation, Shona opens up about the realities of building a creative business; from hiring the right people and managing clients to setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying inspired in a fast-moving design industry.
Expect to learn: How Smac Studio grew from an “accidental” start-up into a five-person design studio The secret to scaling without losing your creative identity How to build client trust and set boundaries that protect your process Why burnout and imposter syndrome are part of every creative’s journey The truth behind design trends like Modern Spanish and Modern Mediterranean What it takes to grow a sustainable, fulfilling design business
Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or creative founder, this episode will inspire you to grow with confidence and clarity. And if you're planning to renovate or build from scratch, this podcast is packed with insights to guide your journey.
Connect with Smac Studio https://www.instagram.com/smac_studio https://www.smacstudio.com.au/
Follow Unfolded: https://www.unfolded.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_
00:00:00 – Welcome to Behind the Design 00:00:36 – Meet Shona from Smac Studio 00:02:01 – How Smac Studio Began 00:05:15 – Scaling a Design Business 00:06:00 – Delegation and Building a Team 00:08:05 – Balancing Growth and Client Demands 00:10:12 – Design Trends vs. Timeless Interiors 00:13:24 – Creating Trust with Design Clients 00:15:13 – Developing a Signature Design Style 00:17:33 – Why the Concept Phase Matters 00:20:17 – Managing Revisions and Client Feedback 00:26:05 – Modern Spanish & Mediterranean Design Trends 00:28:50 – Social Media’s Impact on Interiors 00:30:29 – DIY vs. Professional Interior Designers 00:34:10 – Career Highs, Lows & Lessons Learned 00:39:54 – People Pleasing in Creative Business 00:43:54 – Dealing with Burnout in Design 00:47:40 – Recovering and Regaining Creativity 00:51:15 – Building Team Culture & Collaboration 00:55:00 – Imposter Syndrome in Design 00:58:41 – What’s Next for Smac Studio
* Smac Studio * Shona McElroy * Interior design podcast * Creative burnout * Design business tips * Scaling a design studio * Boundaries with clients * Australian interior designer * Modern Mediterranean design * Modern Spanish interiors * Creative entrepreneurship * Managing design clients * Signature design style * Imposter syndrome in design
More from Behind The Design
Twenty years ago, Sonia Warner and Jacinta Woods started Woods & Warner with two people, no plan B and a shared goal of creating beautiful spaces. Today they lead a seven-person Sydney studio, and most of what they know about running it was learned the hard way.
What happens when a designer spends years pursuing the practical path before finally trusting his creative instincts?
Bowerbird Interior’s success isn’t just a story about beautiful design. It’s a story about what happens when the business behind the design keeps getting bigger.
What do two successful designers admit when there is no guest to interview and the questions are coming straight back at them?
What happens when the business you're building almost ends before it really begins?