Kirsten Stanisich FDIA

Kirsten Stanisich has made a significant contribution to the practice of interior design and interior architecture in NSW through her leadership roles, creative output and active participation in the Design Institute of Australia (DIA).

Born and raised in Melbourne, Kirsten studied at University of Melbourne and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1994.

She joined SJB Architects in 1996 and remained with the company for 22 years moving to Sydney, becoming an Associate and then a Director of SJB Interiors. In 2018, with fellow Director Jonathan Richards, Kirsten migrated SJB Interiors Sydney to a stand-alone practice; Richards Stanisich.

Over her career, Kirsten has designed and overseen many significant Hospitality, Retail and Residential projects including 12-Micron at Barangaroo, A Private Residence - Sydney, Loftus Lane Apartments and countless other residential projects.

In her work, Kirsten is particularly interested in texture, lighting, colour and the concept of longevity within an Australian Context.

Her projects have won numerous design awards including the Best Decoration category in 2017 Australian Interior Design Awards. In 2017 she was also awarded Designer of the Year at both IDEA and Belle Coco Republic Awards.

Kirsten has long been a strong advocate for the Design Institute of Australia and a Member since 2008. She was a Board Director and NSW President from 2012 to 2014, a period of significant activity for the branch. During this time her focus included intellectual property, lobbying, corporate partnership and events including Milan Review, Top 3x3, Top 4x4, GOTYA and DesignEx. She also facilitated the induction of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore as an Honorary Fellow of the DIA.

Kirsten has also been active with the UNSW Built Environment Advisory Panel and has been a judge of the Australian Interior Design Awards, BEST Awards and IDEA Awards, a participant in the 2018 Rigg Design Prize and is a regular speaker at industry events.