A Lasting Resonance – Richards Stanisich

Richards Stanisich is founded on an ethos of simplicity and clarity of vision. Founded by Jonathan Richards and Kirsten Stanisich, at the core of the studio’s work is an affecting quality that ensures visitors and occupants alike experience a genuine emotional response to the spaces Richards Stanisich creates.

The studio is based in Sydney’s Surry Hills and works across a number of platforms and portfolios, servicing a broad-ranging client base. Drawing from many years within the design industry and honing that knowledge into each new project with rigour, Richards Stanisich approaches each project with an explorative and intuitive spirit, pushing boundaries while also instilling integrity.

Drawing from many years within the design industry and honing that knowledge into each new project with rigour, Richards Stanisich approaches each project with an explorative and intuitive spirit, pushing boundaries while also instilling integrity.

With a shared professional lineage, there is a natural dynamism within the team and, in particular, between both founders. Jonathan says, “we have been working with each other for nearly 20 years and enjoy the freedom of ideas that our partnership brings. We both bring a different dynamic to the studio, but we’ve been lucky to enjoy an inherent synergy in the direction of our design work.” It is this connective and shared understanding of space and process that also helps articulate their unique sensibilities and inspiration. Kirsten adds, “rather than the final outcome, it’s often the vigorous pursuit of a conceptual idea that inspires us most – when you can see how a designer or artist takes an idea, develops it and expands it and pursues it to an extraordinary outcome – that process itself is often the most inspiring part.”

Describing their studio space, Jonathan says, “there are materials and prototypes everywhere. There are virtually no cupboards – we have open shelves for display of materials, styling accessories and project presentations. Our studio has a constant sound of music, but there are also places for quiet solitude.” He explains that the studio was designed as an open place of collaboration, “where we can see the material that we are working with”, and as a place that reflects their design principles. “We have furniture and shelving by designers we really admire and have detailed the space the way we would for a client.”

“Our studio reflects our design principles. We have furniture and shelving by designers we really admire and have detailed the space the way we would for a client.”

Richards Stanisich is inspired by and takes reference from a number of influences. Kirsten says, “whether it’s interior design, architecture, furniture, fashion – they are all intrinsically about resolving a problem in the most elegant way. They vary in their scale and construction, but we can learn an enormous amount by referring to the solutions of other disciplines.” She reflects on the importance of a close relationship between design and construction. “Design is also of course inherently connected with building and some of our closest relationships are with the tradespeople that realise the projects,” she says. “The builders, joiners, craftsmen and suppliers – we’re currently working with a seamstress on furniture details – all these relationships and skills are part of achieving the best possible outcome.”

Richards Stanisich’s work encompasses the realms of architecture, interiors, industrial and product design, all of which are underpinned by a tireless curiosity and affinity for how people experience spaces – both physically and emotionally. And while the climate of design is constantly evolving and adjusting, there is an agility that underpins the work of Richards Stanisich that, while the studio is has decades of experience on which to draw, results in a fresh approach to each and every project.