Design Insiders x Alexandra Charnock

This month we launch Design Insiders, a More Space series that introduces the creative thinkers behind the Space brand. In our first interview we meet Alexandra Charnock, a graduate of interior architecture who is fascinated by design history and the architects, buildings, furniture and objects that define the industry.

Alexandra  Charnock is a passionate advocate for design who loves sharing her knowledge of the provenance and innovation behind furniture manufacture. When asked to nominate a favourite piece, it’s Le Bambole designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 that Alexandra singles out straight away. "It’s a cult classic that was part of the emergence of a new shape at the time…," she enthuses. "With design I am a big believer in what is good will always be good, and Le Bambole is the perfect example". 

More Space: What is it about the design of Le Bambole that caught your eye?

Alexandra Charnock: I love the original, organic shape, its parts are like a large soft cushion. As Bellini once said, they are not just covered in fabric, they are built of fabric. It's a cult classic that was part of the emergence of a new shape at the time. It's one of the important designs that came out during the early 1970s. I also love the original advertising campaign featuring Donna Jordan who was Andy Warhol’s muse. With design I am a big believer in what is good will always be good, and Le Bambole is the perfect example. I will be buying two for my home soon. I have two small children and Le Bambole never ages. The ‘natural’ free shape is perfect for children and as you can see in the photographs, my son and I had so much fun shooting this story. The chair just screams out to be climbed all over, it’s so playful.

Portrait of Alexandra Charnock and her son on Le Bambole. Photography © Tim Ashton.

Portrait of Alexandra Charnock and her son on Le Bambole. Photography © Tim Ashton.

Please tell us about your design path.

I studied interior architecture at UNSW where I was fascinated with the theory of design; the history, the concepts; the famous architects, buildings and furniture. Following university I began working on small hospitality projects for private clients and then took on a role with a Melbourne manufacturer to learn about design, manufacturing and distribution. That was when I fell in love with the furniture industry, its traditions and its designers.

And your biggest design influences?

My grandmother was a dressmaker and an interior designer, so from a young age there was a lot going on creatively at home and I think that has had a big influence on me. At university my design heroes were obvious ones; Ray and Charles Eames, Eileen Gray, Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto. Plus Zaha Hadid because what she was doing was just so different. More recently I am inspired by Kelly Wearstler and India Mahdavi who both use shape and colour in very interesting ways. I have always had a passion for original design and believe that you can afford authentic pieces on any budget, in fact the price of some replica furniture surpasses the originals. Good design will always be good so I like to see furniture handed down the generations.

"Le Bambole was part of the emergence of a new shape at the time. I think that is partly why it has become an icon.”

Alexandra Charnock

What do you enjoy most about sharing your knowledge?

Don’t they say, do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. I have a passion for design which is a privilege to explore, develop and talk about every day. Working in Space’s Contract Department I enjoy the variation across the project sectors, in particular the projects I do with designers Richards Stanisich and Smart Design Studio, and most recently the team at Davenport Campbell. The studios are great collaborators who draw me into all the details.

Design is an extension of who we are, it’s very personal. What advice do you give your clients when choosing a piece?


Buy once and buy well, and buy something you love because it will always look good in your home. Our homes are a reflection of our personality so don’t buy something because it's 'on trend’, you should have a personal connection to it. That way your home will have soul.

"Our homes are a reflection of our personality so don’t buy something because it's 'on trend’, you should have a personal connection to it. That way your home will have soul."

Alexandra Charnock

Finally, is there a project that has really stood out in terms of expanding your design experience?

I worked on the recent ground-up construction of The Foundry in South Eveleigh, Sydney, that was purpose-built for CBA by Davenport Campbell. The floor plate spans 9,000 square metres and houses over 10,000 employees so it is pretty impressive. I was involved with the interior design team, proposing furniture solutions in response to their design intent. The team at Davenport Campbell were trusting and respectful of the knowledge we could bring to the project which is so important when creating a furniture schedule. It was a very nice partnership.

Thanks Alexandra.

Alexandra Charnock is the first of eight interviews with Space Furniture's creative team who share a deep knowledge and passion for design and are the powerhouse of experience behind the Space brand. 

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