The materials palette chosen for the new MAD Studio in suburban Adelaide was built around Eveneer timber veneer from Elton Group.

Masters of high-end residential housing, MAD (Michelle Attard Design) Studio was established by Michelle Attard in 2015, following her decision to go ‘back to her roots’ and relive her passion for design after 20 years of practising design across a range of sectors and project sizes.

MAD Studio allowed Michelle to work closely with clients to develop intimate project journeys, which are reflected in the spaces the practice delivers. The practice expanded rapidly around her designers Krystalle, Lee and Meg, soon outgrowing the home office and prompting the move to a beautifully designed and appointed first floor studio suite, presenting them the opportunity to ‘open the door’ to bigger clients and projects.

Elton Group met with MAD Studio late in 2021 and was welcomed into their new studio space in a light and lofty position overlooking Glenelg.

“It was important to create a studio, which felt calm and relaxed and intimate, where we could bring clients and feel collaborative, friendly, generous – with a good energy.”

“It is exactly how we approach design; it’s how we resolve details and share knowledge.”

“A neutral and refined palette heroing Elton Group’s Eveneer with orderly storage and a nod to Marie Kondo, the studio is the perfect stage for presenting concepts, materiality and sampling as our team home and the context to demonstrate attention to detail and earn our client’s trust – understanding the significant financial and emotional investment they are making.”

According to Michelle, their practice’s success is heavily based on relationships, not only with long term clients, but also the ongoing support of reps and suppliers, which has contributed to their practice’s project history and growth.

One look at their projects confirms a sophisticated knowledge and appreciation for materiality. “It’s such a big part of what we do.”

“To us materiality is very much about the relationship with the supplier.”

“We also have to use the ‘budget’ word and design to what is achievable – we never want to over design and present something the client can’t attain. The product’s fit for purpose, sustainability and price are always considerations – but the relationship, contact and response are vital and cannot be underestimated.”

Often selecting timber veneers to achieve texture and warmth, the designers understand that specifying veneer requires knowledge and trusted advice.

“We have no room for dusty binders, we expect to be continually updated and educated on new products and ranges. The more of that we have the more we will specify. For us, Elton Group is always front of mind.”

Project credits

Interior Design: MAD Studio

Photography: Jonathan VDK / by Jamie