WOMEN IN DESIGN SERIES

THE LOCAL PROJECT & DOT + POP

“True sophistication is not only exceptional; it is radically comfortable. The best design decisions express this absolute with an understated knowing.” GOLDEN

GOLDEN is an award winning interior design practice focused on creating spaces that are exceptional, sophisticated and comfortable. It was founded by Kylie Dorotic and Alicia McKimm, two exceptional women who live and breathe design.

‘We are golden on the inside. We are pedantic about material quality and revere customisation. Our practice is to cultivate brilliance from the innermost details, then radiate those elements back out.’

Driven by design, aesthetics and a passion for creating emotional connections through their work, Kylie and Alicia started GOLDEN to unleash their desire for creative freedom. They had collaborated on projects in the past, hence when the opportunity to build a brand and a business together arose they knew it was the right time - “We knew that working together would produce a richer quality of work and make for a much more enjoyable day-to-day experience."

"GOLDEN projects have a resonance that is designed to be experienced, not just photographed. The effect is exclusive, but not branded; unspoken, deeply felt.” GOLDEN

Both Kylie and Alicia are Melbourne born and bred, receiving their Bachelor of Design – Interior Design degrees at Swinburne University. Alicia, who is the Director at GOLDEN, focuses on functionality as well as the uniqueness behind each design detail. Her approach is driven by a desire to express intelligence, minimalism and beauty through design. Kylie has a background in visual arts that developed her intuitive sense for design and aesthetics. She has a strong conceptual focus, looking for ideas that have positive emotional affect, functionality – and impressive design nous.

GOLDEN’s design philosophy is to create bespoke interiors that reflect the refinement of their shared belief that spaces go beyond the aesthetic, to create a truly resolved outcome that is thoughtful and deeply felt.

“GOLDEN produces bespoke interiors, with an emphasis on high attention to detail and timelessness. We work across all sectors, from high-end residential to multi-residential, hospitality, retail and commercial.”

In February this year GOLDEN won the coveted London World Interior News Awards for best cafe for Moby 3143 cafe in Armadale, Victoria. The awards recognise the world’s most influential designs and practices that have made an impact across hospitality, retail, workplace and residential interiors. 

GOLDEN’s design for Moby 3143 reactivated the shell of a former espresso bar that was regarded as an institution by locals. Moby 3143 draws inspiration from the existing architecture to transport patrons to 1970s Tuscany with a palette of dusty ochre rendered walls and bold colour-blocked teal. Emerald green tiles frame the kitchen, whilst contemporary white stair balustrading draws patrons through the expansive multi-levelled space to bask in the sun on the café’s rooftop garden.

“We strived to design a café experience that would invite locals to reconnect with the iconic building,” says Kylie Dorotic. “The design celebrates the striking façade and creates a dining destination that still feels approachable.”

GOLDEN continues to grow, push boundaries and transform spaces with it’s understated, refined and thoughtful design ethos. Kylie and Alicia have several new and exciting projects that will be revealed in 2018 -  a beautiful café transformation in Albert Park, a large residential project on the Esplanade in Brighton, a new yoga studio and an incredible heritage home in Albert Park.

‘Women in Design’ Series by DOT + POP & The Local Project

Read Feature 1: Melissa Bright on Empowerment on The Local Project here

Features to be released every Monday and Wednesday, watch this space!