Interior design is more than just aesthetics - it's about creating spaces that inspire, function seamlessly, and enhance the way people live and work.

At Cushman & Wakefield, Kathrina Tattersall plays a key role in bringing these spaces to life. As a Senior Interior Designer, she combines creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of client needs to shape environments that leave a lasting impact.

In this interview, we take a closer look at Kathrina’s journey in the design industry, her approach to innovative interiors, and what drives her passion for transforming spaces.

Getting to know Kathrina

What first drew you to interior design, and what keeps you passionate about it?

I was the kid in the family who was always breaking things and to avoid getting in trouble I had to quickly find ways to put things back together. This process of rebuilding and rearranging things started at a very young age.

What keeps me passionate about interior design is the process before the end product, working with clients through the concept and development phases, product and finish selection, overcoming budget and site challenges, and knowing that the end product will be exactly what the client expects because you've taken them on the journey.

How has your design philosophy evolved over the years?

Yes. When you are younger in your career, you're really driven by developing a sophisticated concept and you get stuck in making decisions.

Twenty years later, I'm quick to be clear on responding to needs, requirements and making strategic decisions that foster what the client is asking for.

Now, I look at the overall delivery and budget as a key factor to making quick decisions and tailoring design concepts to that.

What inspires you when approaching a new workspace design?

Balancing client budget, brand recognition and new workplace interior design trends.

Trends and innovations in office fitouts

What key trends are shaping modern office fitouts today?

Curves. Colour. Sustainability. Wellness. Budget.

How has the shift towards hybrid and flexible work changed office design?

Technology and the way we work today, enables this. Breakout spaces - places of informal working spaces (to supplement formal work touchpoints) have increased in footprint and value now, versus when I started, it wasn't a central consideration.

Creating a place to meet is core to workplace design today, it allows different settings for people to work together.

What role does sustainability play in today’s office interiors?

It's industry standard. As a specifier being conscious of the environmental impact you have in construction of and de-fitting of a site, through to the product selection.

Sustainability is and should be at the forefront of a specifiers process.

The art and science of office design

How do you balance aesthetics, function, and company culture in workspace design?

Interior design does not solve company culture. However it can contribute to enhancing how people connect and collaborate.

Our role as designers is to ensure we provide a sophisticated, fun and engaging environment that supports its users in all settings.

How we're able to do this is reliant on the technology that supports the way staff can work in these spaces e.g. wifi and laptops, allows users to meet and work in a variety of settings and not just at the traditional workstation (formal work point).

What are the biggest mistakes businesses make when planning an office fitout?

How services (mech, lighting, fire, hydraulics) can really take 40% of their fitout budget.

How can office design impact employee well-being and productivity?

I think we perform and collaborate better when the workplace environment is fresh, modernised and enabled (wireless not tethered). The workforce is changing and so the workplace should support this.

What design elements are crucial for fostering collaboration and creativity?

Technology and informal places to meet or work.

Office furniture and ergonomics

How important is ergonomic furniture in a well-designed office?

Ergonomics for end users is a workplace safety factor and should be at the forefront of specifying. In my view, it holds the same value as Sustainability.

What should businesses consider when selecting office furniture?

Staff physical requirements - we're all not built the same. You have a duty of care to provide a safe workplace.

Budget.

Commercial grade furniture that'll last the term of their lease.

Can you share any best practices for creating a workspace that supports both comfort and performance?

Providing multiple ergonomic work settings for staff.

The future of workplace design

Where do you see office design heading in the next five to ten years?

As the younger generations enter the workforce, I could see the workplace becoming more dynamic and perhaps more collaborative spaces in lieu of formal work touchpoints.

What advice would you give to businesses looking to future-proof their workspaces?

Tell your designer your lease term so they can select appropriate products and finishes. Invest in technology to enable staff to work flexibly within the office.

If you could design your dream workspace, what would it include?

My dream workspace that I would work in as a freelance interior designer??

I have boxes of samples everywhere so... it would be organised and tidy and there would be a local baker who would drop off freshly baked pastries to keep me going! 🤣