With a bold new studio opening in Sydney, UK-based design firm KAI Interiors is expanding its footprint into Australia’s vibrant hospitality scene. At the helm is Michaela Reysenn, who shares her insights with Hotel Designs on the nuanced charm of Australian design, the creative opportunities presented by cross-continental collaboration, and how thoughtful, place-led interiors are defining a new era of hotel experiences down under.
Michaela Reysenn: When I first launched KAI Interiors, I couldn’t have anticipated the scale of growth we’d experience. I was fortunate to have a close friend, Landis Middleton, support me through those early stages. He played an instrumental role in shaping the company during its formative years, and together we built a strong working relationship and shared vision. Eventually, Landis returned to Australia, his home country, and we often talked about the possibility of one day expanding KAI there. Now, with our UK studio well-established and thriving, it feels like the right moment to take that step.
On top of that, recent regulatory developments have made international collaboration more feasible. In March 2023, a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) was signed between the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), and New Zealand’s NZRAB. This agreement streamlines the registration process for architects across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand –reducing cost and bureaucracy while supporting cross-border practice. It’s a progressive step that aligns perfectly with our ambitions for long-haul design collaboration.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
