Show Notes
Design doesn’t need to shout to make an impact.
In this episode of Behind the Design, Camilla Ingall sits down with Daniel Boddam, founder of Daniel Boddam Studio, to unpack his philosophy of quiet living; a design approach rooted in restraint, calm, and deep respect for the Australian landscape.
Daniel shares his journey from architecture into furniture design, why he deliberately plays the long game, and how designing with nature (not trends) creates homes and objects that feel timeless, grounded, and human.
This conversation goes beyond aesthetics. It explores how spaces should feel, how materials age, and why true luxury today is found in simplicity, not excess.
In this episode, we explore: What quiet luxury really means (and why it’s misunderstood) Designing architecture and furniture that belongs to the Australian landscape The role of texture, sound, touch, and material honesty in great design Why restraint and patience lead to better creative outcomes Balancing architecture, furniture, business growth, and personal boundaries Designing homes that age well; emotionally and materially
If you’re an architect, interior designer, builder, or design-aware homeowner, this episode will reframe how you think about calm, timeless design.
Follow Daniel Boddam: Daniel Boddam Studio: https://danielboddam.com
Follow Unfolded:Website: https://www.unfolded.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_
Behind the Design is hosted by Camilla Ingall, founder of Unfolded, an interior design and styling studio based in Sydney and the Central Coast.
00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:32 - Welcome to Behind the Design 00:01:16 - Interview with Daniel Bottom 00:01:42 - Daniel's journey into design 00:03:16 - Transition from architecture to furniture design 00:06:00 - Challenges and changes in design journey 00:07:54 - Managing a design studio 00:11:06 - Balancing architecture and furniture design 00:12:32 - Quiet living philosophy 00:15:17 - Unfolded: Interior Design and Styling Studio 00:15:34 - Material Preferences and Sensory Design 00:17:43 - Reflecting on Past Experiences and Influences 00:19:15 - Client Briefs and Diversification 00:21:38 - Designing for the Australian Landscape 00:23:31 - Sculptural Simplicity in Design 00:24:32 - Balancing Function and Aesthetics 00:29:48 - Future Plans for the Studio 00:30:35 - Opening a Furniture Showroom and Expanding Overseas 00:31:26 - Reflections on the Pace of Work and Growth 00:32:46 - Managing Work-Life Balance 00:33:05 - Sustainability in Work and Avoiding Burnout 00:35:09 - Strangest Client Requests 00:36:34 - Closing Remarks
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