A hotel interior informed by drag culture and the reimagining of an ocean pavilion that preserves an inter-war building are included in Dezeen's latest school show from students at Sydney Design School.

Other projects include a converted warehouse that uses bioplastics, mycelium and waste materials across its surfaces, as well as a hospitality space that has a zero food waste philosophy.

Sydney Design School

School: Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online
Courses: Diploma of Interior Design and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
Founder: Amanda Grace

School statement:

"Sydney Design School is an award-winning interior design school focused on community, professional mentoring and innovation. From day one, you're treated like a member of a real design studio – learning your craft from practising interior designers and architects.

"We're passionate about providing industry-relevant education and a personal experience. Our philosophy centres on the fundamental principles of design and conceptual exploration.

"Our graduates are sought after by the industry as creative thinkers and planners with exceptional presentation skills. Our online school, Interior Design Online, offers our accredited courses entirely online, with creatives studying in over 30 countries."

Cornersmith, Hospitality design by Ainhoa Beascoechea Arambarri

"The site was a warehouse in Sydney's vibrant Marrickville. I noticed that the beauty of the building was hiding behind its facade. I decided to be playful with the architecture, cutting sections in the roof, imagining how the light would play, creating interest.

"It was important in my zero waste concept that the finishes and furniture selections were either sustainable, vintage or made from recycled materials. I used cork flooring that simulates concrete, a marble-like material made from sunflower waste, bio textiles made from mycelium for upholstery, a translucent bioplastic made from walnut flour, repurposed steel and Kenoteq bricks made from construction waste."

Student: Ainhoa Beascoechea Arambarri
Course: Diploma of Interior Design

The Bower, Design specialisation by Jenna Ritchie

"The Bower project was fascinating as the architecture by Koichi Takada reflected my passion for concept development influenced by natural forms.

"I developed a concept inspired by the raw beauty of the sun rising over the ocean and was delighted to discover later that it was very similar to the architect's original idea. I expressed this concept by layering highly textured materials to create a luxurious interior."

Student: Jenna Ritchie
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Cornersmith, Hospitality design by Ryan McGregor

"Taking on the client's ethos and food philosophy of 'zero waste', I focused on the concept of preservation. The expansive site allowed initial offsetting from the original facade, thus creating an internal courtyard providing a moment of rest from the industrial street frontage."

"The vibrant courtyard would also play towards lowering energy consumption as natural light filters through the new facade, reducing the need for artificial lighting consumption. Retaining the existing building aligned itself to the client's company values and plays an important role from a sustainability angle while creating a place within the community that allows people to connect."

Student: Ryan McGregor
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

3rd Base, Design specialisation by Vieri Landini

"My concept is intended to provoke a conversation about climate change. Every aspect has been designed to represent the elements required to generate fire: oxygen, fuel and heat. I believe sustainability should be a key element of interior design and our world as a whole. Both the design and the materials bring into focus the environmental issues we face, challenging human passivity.

"I am a practising artist, and this is the base from which all my creativity stems. Our connection to art goes beyond face value. Its purpose is to stimulate thought, allowing viewers to connect with their emotions and pull from personal experiences."

Student: Vieri Landini
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Destination Utopia, Workplace design by Louise Mackay

"Noun: an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. You are invited to dive into a utopian world illustrated by a futuristic, tech-glam aesthetic. Exploring the concepts of wanderlust and futurism, this is a vision of paradise for Hotels.com – a utopian destination."

"Escape the everyday life through surreal beauty, fluid forms, tactile furniture and flowing drapes. Lights emit a soft luminosity and feel, illuminating spaces with an even glow to create calm while encouraging curiosity. The layering of tinted glass, matte surfaces, opaque elements and ethereal tints reveal unexpected effects and structures."

Student: Louise Mackay
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Wild, Hospitality design by Nic Kelly

"My task was to design a restaurant, workshop and office space for a chef renowned for cooking with minimal resources in the bush. The Australian landscape heavily influenced my conceptual journey. I elevated all the sensory touch points of cooking outdoors by turning this restaurant into a fine dining experience.

"I love the emotive response linked to moments shared around a campfire. I translated this into the physical space by wrapping bar seating around a large open fire. Guests interact with the chef who educates them on locally sourced produce."

Student: Nic Kelly
Course: Diploma of Interior Design

SiR Queen, Hotel design by Louise Mackay, Celine Layoun and Tianna Andrews

"A vibrant, playfully creative design based on our concept of Alter Ego: One Hotel. Two Personalities. The new persona for the Woolloomooloo site will be reflective of the vibrant spirit of the city – inspired by the LGBTQI+ community, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and the playfully creative vibe of drag culture.

"On arrival at SiR Queen, guests will enter an unassuming building to come across a flurry of colour, glamour and stunning finishes to inspire their alter ego journey. A sophisticated mix of high chroma and neutral tones creates a playful mood."

Student: Louise Mackay, Celine Layoun and Tianna Andrews
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Cornersmith, Hospitality design by Anežka Kočnerová

"The brief was to convert a two-storey warehouse in Marrickville into a sustainable and zero-waste restaurant focusing on locally sourced food. My approach was to create an exciting dining experience by showing customers how the world would look many years after all human beings are gone.

"Pictures of abandoned places overrun by nature inspired me to create a venue where the present meets the future - a place where nature takes back!"

Student: Anežka Kočnerová
Course: Diploma of Interior Design

Ocean Baths, Design specialisation Pavilion by Chelsea Ernst

"Chelsea took on the task of reimagining and 'rebirthing' Newcastle's iconic Ocean Baths Pavilion for her final self-led project. Respecting the history and tradition of this national landmark was critical. She retained the aesthetic of the inter-war facade while improving public amenity spaces, providing shade and increasing disability access points."

"The large scale project includes newly designed public change rooms, a cafe, restaurant, bar and kiosk with views of the beach, a function centre, spa, gym and additional unique spaces for community gatherings.⁠⁠ Chelsea selected subtle textures and materials that are long-lasting and sustainable, responding to the surrounding marine and land environments."

Student: Chelsea Ernst
Course: Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

The Bower, Design specialisation by Carolina Ghigonetto

"The Bower is inspired by the undulating movement of waves and takes advantage of its coastal position featuring a casual, beachy and sophisticated look. The concept of 'flow' is expressed throughout the space via harmonious curves and a sinuous parametric timber wall located in the centre of the cafe. It separates the takeaway area from the dining area without blocking the million-dollar view.

"Pastel colours, exposed concrete and Moroccan tiles combined with raw finishes are chosen to create a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. The Bower provides both an intimate escape and memorable experience for visitors."

Student: Carolina Ghigonetto
Course: Diploma of Interior Design (online)

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the Sydney Design School. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.