We are thrilled to welcome Senior Interior Designer Merey McGuckin to our studio.
Returning to Adelaide after living in Sydney for the last 10 years, Merey brings key expertise in hospitality, workplace and retail design, and a passion for creating human-centric interiors to our team.
Merey’s professional trajectory includes roles at esteemed Sydney practices; Morphos Projects, where she honed her skills across all stages of workplace projects; Pony Design Co, where she focused predominantly on hospitality design; and Studio McQualter, where she gained valuable experience in luxury retail interiors including the design of global Zimmerman stores.
A standout in Merey’s career is her most recent work at Strutt Studios on the Sage Space project, an unexpected and highly acclaimed dental clinic design. Embracing a maximalist approach, Sage Space earned a finalist spot in the Dulux Colour Awards 2024, exemplifying Merey’s ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. This project reflects her philosophy of integrating functionality, materiality, and sentiment to create environments that are not only beautiful but also deeply considered.
Merey’s early career saw her working as an editorial stylist for renowned publications Real Living and Inside Out as well as retailers David Jones and QVB Sydney while completing her studies at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University. These formative years shaped her aesthetic sensibilities and provided a robust foundation for understanding the intricacies of interior spaces.
Driven by a desire to be closer to her family, Merey returned to Adelaide earlier this year. Joining S9 in April, she was drawn to the studio’s broad portfolio of work and our collaborative cross-disciplinary environment.
Currently, Merey is working on several exciting hospitality projects within the studio, including a new bar and dining offering at Fed on Semaphore, the upgrade of hotel rooms and expanded facilities at McCracken Country Club and a new beer garden at the Grove Tavern.
Merey’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in understanding the human experience within a space. She emphasises the importance of materials and design elements in affecting how people will feel. By focusing on relationships and collaboration, she aims to create interiors that are inviting, comfortable, and innovative. Her hands-on approach to design, including personal experience with home renovations, ensures that she is well-versed in the practicalities of construction and implementation.
Merey’s rich background and dedication to pushing design boundaries to improve the user experience promises to bring fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the team. Welcome to the studio Merey — we are delighted to have you on board.
