DESIGNING A JOYFUL LIFE

By Danielle Davey

MORNINGTON PENINSULA DESIGNER KATE WALKER – THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF KWD – IS COMMITTED TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE.

Embracing the coastal lifestyle of Mount Martha where she has lived for more than a decade, Kate has in turn been embraced by the wider regional community, forging meaningful ties with clients and businesses.

As guest editor on a collector’s edition of Home Beautiful last year, Kate included pages showcasing the work of Peninsula creatives between articles featuring her own interior designs. Further demonstrating her regard for local talent, she frequently collaborates with regional artisans and tradespeople. Her support is repaid by their loyalty, and repeat collaborations often occur. The respect goes both ways, with the opportunity to work on a KWD project being a mark of success.

Now a confident businesswoman capable of making visions a reality, at one point Kate was uncertain how her future would look.

Of her childhood in Geelong, she said: “My mother was an interior designer and my father was an entrepreneur, so I inherited a strong work ethic and appreciation for aesthetic.”

It would be easy to assume her upbringing would draw her towards a career in design, but as a teen she excelled in music, science and mathematics. After leaving school, she studied commerce science at Melbourne University and speech pathology at La Trobe University, but later realised her subjects weren’t the right fit.

“It was during my 15-year career at National Tiles that I truly understood my passion for design, and developed a unique blend of entrepreneurial skills, business operations, product management, client relationships, problem-solving, and a design sensibility that shaped a successful career in interior design,” she said. “It became clear that I needed to nurture my creativity and independence. Personal experiences and challenges highlighted the importance of creative expression and autonomy in my professional life.”

Kate and her then husband decided to move to Mount Martha, where her parents owned a holiday home, to provide a peaceful upbringing for her two children. Several years later as a single mother, Kate founded KWD out of necessity. Now, 11 years on, her team of nearly 20 professionals execute a wide range of design projects on the Peninsula, across Victoria and around Australia.

Kate’s personal values are reflected in her business. “KWD is built on the ethos of putting clients first, embracing innovation, and encouraging a sense of community. We are focused on enhancing our clients’ lives through the science behind the ‘art of joyful living’, creating environments that promote happiness and wellbeing.”

Projects are primarily residential, and there are plans to embark on some truly transformative undertakings this year. One of the most significant is the restoration of Mornington heritage property Combe Martin, which has required meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with Heritage Victoria.

The team has also worked on several commercial spaces. “One particularly exciting venture is Larnook, an off-grid tiny house concept that embodies sustainable, minimalist living. We are also very proud of our first commercial accommodation project for Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, which is opening in June and is designed to offer an immersive and tranquil retreat experience.”

KWD is committed to offering a range of design services tailored to various budgets. To see more of Kate’s work or to arrange a consultation, visit www.katewalkerdesign. com.au or www.kwdandco.com.au, and follow katewalker_design on Instagram.