In the second part of our new series, we profile Meryl Hare (pictured below) of Hare & Klein, chosen by David Clark, former Editor of Vogue Living as one of his favourite Australian interior designers. 



What attracted you to the world of interiors and design?
I trained as a graphic designer and learnt some of the principles of form, colour and proportion. I suppose I applied those lessons to my own interiors, then friends asked for help with theirs, and it gathered momentum from there. I loved working with all the many aspects of design and still do.

Who are the people alive or dead that you think are/were truly inspirational?
Andrée Putman has such a timeless aesthetic – I have always been inspired by her work. Antonio Citterio is another design hero – I was delighted to meet him in Milan last year – his designs have stood the test of time and fashion.


Meryl's favourite project, a Federation home on Sydney's lower North Shore.

How would you describe your signature style?
I try not to have one! We approach each project taking into account the client brief, architectural envelope and purpose so that the end result is individual and bespoke. However, I suppose that the thread that weaves through the work is attention to detail, comfort, texture and liveability.



What matters to you most in the work that you do?
The quality of our work, its timelessness and the happiness of our clients!

Do you have a favourite residential project?
Yes, a Federation home (pictured above and below) that was completed about 18 months ago. We had a great rapport with the client, whom we'd worked with previously, and the team we worked with -­‐ architect, landscaper, and builder was creative and cohesive.



What is your design pet hate?
Pretentiousness.

What do you think works without fail?
Answering the client brief.


A warehouse conversion in Surry Hills.

What do you look for in the people you work with?
Creativity; an overdeveloped sense of responsibility; a similar design aesthetic to me; ability to work in a team and good communication skills.

What do you look for in the clients you work with?
A shared vision and enthusiasm for the project.



You have had much peer recognition over the years. Is there a key moment that matters most?
I was overcome when inducted into the DIA Hall of Fame.

What would the future bring that would make your career complete?
I find that really hard to answer! Some of the projects we are working on are career highlights, I tend to get excited by new challenges and I can't really envisage my career completing – so watch this space!

Image credits - Anson Smart (Federaton home), Jenni Hare (warehouse conversion). To learn more about Hare & Klein, visit their website.