Approach

Alena Smith Interior Design is a Sydney based design studio that combines the enduring qualities of architecture with the emotive inspiration of interior design.

Alena commenced the studio with the intent to create spaces with an emotional connection for her clients, to pursue a sense of well-being, through sustainable innovation & elevate the everyday. Integrated into all our designs are sustainable principles that benefit our clients & our planet. We pride ourselves on pairing creativity with rigour, excellence with curiosity, all in the pursuit of the art of living well.

Put simply, we want you to have a beautiful place to live.

Alena studied Architecture (B.Arch Hons) at UNSW Sydney, with further academic grounding at KTH Stockholm and the Architectural Association in London. Her professional journey has seen her lead interior teams within some of Sydney’s most respected design studios, delivering projects across private residential, multi-residential, boutique commercial, hospitality and seniors living sectors. Her work—defined by a warmth, elegance and a deep sensitivity to material and context—has been featured in Belle, House & Garden, Local Project, Habitus Magazine, and EST Living.

In 2023, Alena was nominated for the Belle Fanuli Emerging Design Star Award, recognising her as one of Australia’s rising voices in interior design.

 

Services

We create interiors that are both beautiful and highly functional designed to reflect the individuality and lifestyle of each homeowner.

Every project is guided by careful planning thoughtful material selection and meticulous attention to detail ensuring your home is elegant comfortable and effortless to live in. We work closely with our clients throughout every stage, from concept to completion, creating bespoke solutions and sourcing exceptional craftsmanship to create spaces that feel uniquely yours.

We collaborate with council architects, builders developers, structural engineers, heritage and landscape consultants that are best suited to your project. Your investment in design fees will be determined early once the project scope has been established.

  • Initial Consultation & Site Measure

    Design Direction Exteriors & Interiors

    Masterplanning & Council Application

    Consultant Co-ordination

    Architectural & Interior Design

    Construction Documentation

    Tender & Site Consultation

    Handover

  • Review of Interior planning

    Look & Feel, design direction of interiors

    Joinery Design & Detailing

    Bathroom & Kitchen Design

    Bedroom, Study & Living Area Design

    Finishes, Fixtures & Equipment Specification

    Lighting & Window Covering Design

    Construction Documentation

    Tender & Site Consultation

    Handover

  • Look & Feel, Design Direction of Furnishings

    Microplanning of Rooms

    Budgeting for furniture, art, accessories

    Furniture Specification

    Bespoke Furniture Design & Documentation

    Procurement & Defect Control

    Supervision of Delivery & Install

    Handover

  • Our process is both rigorous and collaborative, beginning with discovery and research to define a meaningful brief. We then translate vision into form. From developing concepts, refining materials and layouts, and resolving every detail. We are precise in our documentation, rigorous in our standards, and deeply invested in resolving every element with clarity and care. During delivery, we work closely with skilled contractors to bring the design to life, ensuring quality & accuracy.

 

Sustainability

Sustainability is not an add-on—it’s embedded in everything we do. Our proprietary Sustainability Playbook, aligned with the principles of WELL, Greenstar and the Living Building Challenge, guides every project. This ensures rigour from the materials we specify to the air quality we protect—supporting both environmental and human health. Each of our projects addresses fundamental sustainability principles, outlined below.

  • Good design starts with good planning. We take an architecturally grounded approach, focusing on structure, layout, and function. We prioritise passive design—optimising sunlight, natural ventilation, and passive heating & cooling use to reduce energy demand. Biophilic elements, like views, greenery, and a connection to nature, are integrated early to support calm, intuitive spaces that feel effortless.

  • We reduce environmental impact through deliberate material and product choices. This means prioritising low-carbon, natural, and recycled materials; specifying energy- and water-efficient systems; and encouraging renewable energy solutions like solar. We source locally wherever possible to lower transport emissions and support regional makers. We also guide clients toward a “buy once, buy well” mindset—creating interiors that are both responsible and refined.

  • Wellness is central to our work. We design interiors that foster physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance—balancing function with feeling. Connection to the space, colour considerations & biophilic connections are all core elements. We specify low-tox, ethical materials to improve indoor air quality and long-term wellbeing. The result is a restorative, considered space—designed to elevate daily life.