| 113 DESIGN TTD Studio oakleysplumbing.co.nz DUNEDIN | MOSGIEL Get in touch with us and discover why Oakleys Bathroom Solutions is trusted by many of Dunedin's leading designers, builders and plumbing professionals for quality products, expert advice and dependable service. Oakleys is proudly supporting TTD Studio Proudly Supporting TTD Studio +64 3 455 6520 info@tmkitchens.co.nz tmkitchens.co.nz T T Aimee Wilson Creating timeless spaces Projects span bespoke residential interiors, restaurants, cafés and lifestyle clinics. Photos: Nick Beadle Dunedin-based interior designer, Talia O’Connor, has never been afraid to play with colours and textures, and with a small team at TTD Studio, the proof of its growing reputation is in the number of original clients that continue to support her 10 years on. “For many, it’s not my first time working with them, and it’s been such a privilege to be able to work across multiple projects over the years,” Talia says. Projects span bespoke residential interiors, restaurants, cafés and lifestyle clinics, with Talia enjoying the variety and creative opportunities that come with working across both residential and commercial spaces. “We’re lucky enough to get a lot of repeat business. One minute we’re designing a holiday home for someone, and then their apartment. It’s really rewarding to build those long-term relationships with clients and be involved in multiple projects with them.” With several high-profile clients, who appreciate her sense of style and judgment, and importantly, her discretion, Talia has worked hard to build a strong reputation within the industry. “We get to work on some pretty special projects, both locally and throughout the country.” Ten years ago, interior design was still relatively new to Dunedin within the construction and architectural industries, “and I had to earn my stripes,” she says. Talia particularly enjoys the opportunity commercial projects provide to be more creative and experimental with materiality. “There’s a lot of trust from the outset.” In her latest project for a new inner-city restaurant, Talia introduced playful elements through striped wallpaper, checkerboard tiles and pleated sculptural lighting in the bathrooms, alongside coloured joinery and carefully selected tiles throughout. A component of the main counter was handcrafted by the local Woodturners Club. “We love working with local artisans and suppliers wherever we can, bringing their craftsmanship into our projects,” says Talia. “We’re always aware of trends, but our aim is to create spaces that feel timeless and enduring. We look at who we’re designing for and use that as a starting point, bringing our own perspective to create something that feels personal to them.” A significant turning point for TTD Studio was when interior designer, Channon Latta, joined the team almost two years ago, which Talia describes as a fortuitous moment. “Having Channon join the studio has allowed us to take on more ambitious projects while continuing to deliver the level of detail and personal service our clients expect.” Having the right eye for interiors is something that came naturally to Talia, even when she was studying to become a teacher at the Dunedin College of Education. “I used to drive my flat mates bonkers by rearranging our flat.” Her career took her to London, Vienna, Zurich and Melbourne before she returned to New Zealand to study interior design. She then embraced her new skills and established her own business, initially importing unique homewares from around the world.
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