practice profile
Burns McCrave Design started life as Retail Therapy Interior Design in Melbourne, in 2006. Bringing together the expertise gained from working in some of Australia's leading architectural and interior design offices, directors Carolyn Burns-McCrave and Leonard McCrave have created a practice that truly reflects their values, philosophies and considered approach to design. And so it is that the practice name now reflects them.
Burns McCrave Design have gained a reputation for their intuitive and client focused design solutions. Listening to, and learning about the unique needs and desires of clients is the foundation on which their work is built, allowing for the open flow of dialogue, ideas and exciting design outcomes.
As both building designers and interior designers, Burns McCrave Design is uniquely placed to offer a wide range of services ranging from decoration consultations, renovations and extensions, through to the complete custom design and documentation of your dream home. Whilst the practice works principally on residential commissions, Burns McCrave Design also undertake retail, commercial and hospitality projects, creating inspirational spaces that are as dynamic in design as they are functional.
carolyn burns-mccrave
Carolyn's 'happy place' is when she is reworking an existing floor plan, adding an extension or creating a new space from scratch. She designs 'from the inside out', coaxing from every project as much light, flow and usable space as possible. Carolyn maintains that a meticulously resolved floor plan is the heart and soul of a fabulous space. All the things you don't see, but sense and feel, are at the core of her design philosophy.
This attention to the built form then allows the layering of beautiful, considered finishes, the selection of fittings, fixtures and furniture and the detailing of bespoke joinery to create interiors that feel warm, classic and effortless. Whilst her projects are informed by her design DNA—colour, pattern, texture and scale—Carolyn's focus is always to create buildings and interiors that truly reflect the people that inhabit them.
Giving clients the best version of their own style has become her stock in trade over the last 16 years as an Interior Designer, and has seen her reputation and business grow through client referral and extensive publication.
In 2013, Carolyn began a new adventure into the world of television and is now delighted to share her expertise and passion for design on the Channel Seven renovation show 'House Rules' as the resident design expert and mentor. Guiding and supporting contestants through the design and renovation process is as rewarding as it is fun, and allows Carolyn to share her belief that creating beautiful, inspirational spaces in which to live can enhance and enrich our lives.
leonard mccrave
Leonard McCrave can trace his awareness of design & building to early childhood, when old design plans from his father's joinery business were used for 'colouring in' with crayons. Weekend outings often included visits to buildings and building sites that his dad was working on at the time. This early exposure to the design and construction of different spaces informed his career, along with a passion for architecture, interiors and art.
Leonard originally trained as a cabinetmaker, leading to years of practical experience as a joiner and shop fitter. This technical background, coupled with the subsequent study of Building Design enable Leonard to approach design projects from a uniquely pragmatic and informed starting point. He brings with him a multidisciplinary approach after several years working in design documentation for leading architectural firms and in design management roles for ASX Top 100 companies. Leonard has the skills to provide a unique understanding of the many stages of the design and building process. His attention to detail allows him to achieve design solutions that meet and exceed client expectations, with a focus on quality service delivery.