10 Years Of BLOK Design: The Interior Design Firm Creating Beautiful Spaces
A decade of design
By Natalie McGowan | 9th July 2025BLOK Design is celebrating a major milestone this year — its tenth birthday. As the studio enters its next chapter, new owners Megs and Tim McIlwain, together with recently appointed creative director Grace Titmus, are ushering in a bold new era for thoughtful, considered design. We chatted with the team to reflect on the journey so far and uncover what sets BLOK apart in Brisbane’s growing design landscape.
Blok Design team
Can you walk us through what a typical project journey looks like at BLOK, from concept to completion?
We start the interior design journey with a comprehensive consultation, exploring any inspiration, plans, materials, timelines, and budgets in play. Our designers then curate an initial concept and scope of work — a detailed project proposal that includes a visual concept direction using key reference images, fixtures, finishes, and materials to reflect the essence of the idea. It also outlines our recommended approach, design stages, and associated fees. From there, we work to source, document, and procure. Our team is here to deliver a turnkey experience that completely removes the stress for our clients.
Collaboration seems to be a big part of the BLOK ethos. How do the various teams (design, styling, operations, removals) work together behind the scenes?
Collaboration is absolutely one of our core values at BLOK and is key to creating seamless integration across all departments. Everyone plays an important role in not just what we do, but how we do it. We’ve fostered a truly supportive and inclusive team culture, where each individual is valued and empowered. Over time, we’ve built strong friendships within the business, which has created a work environment where we feel confident, connected, and aligned in working toward a shared vision.
What are some standout projects BLOK has been involved in, and what made them special?
A major highlight from the past year was securing the tender for the Queen’s Wharf Residential Tower. We custom-designed lounges, armchairs, and rugs, commissioned original artworks, and centred the spaces around luxurious materials like marble and textured fabrics. We’ve also completed standout commercial projects, including the Charlton House Display Suites, Brisbane Hotel Grand Chancellor, and the Wings Early Learning Childcare Centres.
Queen’s Wharf Residences
Are there any distinct characteristics or design elements that define Brisbane’s style right now?
Brisbane is really stepping it up — we’re coming into our own as a city and becoming much more competitive with Sydney and Melbourne in the design world. Our clients are increasingly confident and keen to move beyond the traditional Queensland palette of oaks and whites. We’re seeing more depth in tone and colour, playful patterns, creative use of lighting, and sculptural elements that bring energy and personality to a space.
What sets BLOK Design apart from other interior design and property styling studios in Brisbane?
What truly sets us apart is our full-service, in-house offering. With our head office, design studio, and expansive warehouse all centrally located in Hendra, this hub is the heartbeat of BLOK. It enables us to deliver a seamless, white-glove service from concept to completion. There’s enormous value in having every part of the process under one roof — our designers work closely with our Creative Director to bring each project’s vision to life. Every item we source is carefully quality-checked, assembled, and securely stored ahead of installation. Our in-house removalists then hand-deliver and professionally install every piece on site, ensuring attention to detail at every step. We also pride ourselves on the strength and experience of our team. Our Senior Interior Designer, Karli Robinson, brings a globally informed design perspective from her time working in both Dubai and Melbourne. Her strategic approach and elevated aesthetic help shape BLOK’s distinctive creative direction, pushing boundaries while remaining deeply attuned to local context.
What does “good design” mean to BLOK, and how do you bring that philosophy to life?
Good design is considered design. At BLOK, our philosophy blends curation, emotion, and storytelling to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply functional. To us, good design is timeless, both in style and durability. Our work centres on bringing personality into every project, particularly in residential spaces. It’s about truly understanding our client – their lifestyle, values, and aesthetic — and curating a home that tells their story and feels authentically theirs.
