Yellowtrace Presents: Sofa Session with William Smart.

Details from the set: Zaza Modular Sofa by Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson for King. Oceania hand-loomed pure New Zealand wool rug from King, colour Terra Firma.

Back left: Monument porcelain ceramic side table from King (suitable for both indoor and outdoor use). Front middle: Issho asymmetric pebble-shaped coffee table from King. All sculptures (in metal and stone) by an independent Sydney-based artist, Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.

Overnight success over twenty years in the making, William Smart, founder and creative director of Smart Design Studio, is one of Australia’s most well-known and revered architects. With a slew of award-winning residential, commercial and cultural projects, William is unapologetic about his relentless pursuit of excellence.

I recently had the great pleasure of chatting to William for the launch of our video interview series dubbed Sofa Sessions – in partnership with the Australian furniture design brand King – and I’m beyond excited to share with you what was truly a joyous conversation with one of this countries’ finest talents.

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“I’m quite attracted to things that blur lines – things that are hybrids, that cross over, that can do more than their calling was. So the brief might say – do this, and I always think – how can we do more than that, how can we take it to the next level?” — William Smart

The two of us covered a lot of ground during our Sofa Session – his creative drivers and ideology, the challenges, the lessons, but what was perhaps most inspiring was hearing William’s thoughts on how he defines and actively pursues greatness in his work.

“I feel like the design is to be discovered,” says William. “I’m certainly not that person who sits down and thinks – the building’s got to be round, here are five reasons why, and it all falls into place. I draw option after option, and I learn from each one, then throw it in the bin and start again.”

William talked about Smart Design Studio designing buildings from the inside – their approach to bringing light into the space, then bending light and sculpting air between four walls to generate a beautiful interior, and from there exteriors of buildings take shape.

“Good design has a sense of rigour, functionality and purpose, it knows what it’s doing, what it’s saying and how it works – and there’s also a sense of poetry. And I think without that ingredient of poetry it can be good or very good, but greatness for me is that little moment when I feel goosebumpy or I feel a bit excited, or I feel jealousy.” — William Smart

With countless pearls of wisdom from William to be devoured, I couldn’t be prouder our inaugural Sofa Session is such a goodie. But don’t fret – our chat wasn’t all highbrow design talk. I’m sure you’ll learn a thing or two about William too – from his extravagances to weaknesses, favourite movie, and uncool habits. What can I say, the man is an enigma!

This Sofa Session was made possible through the generous support of King, an Australian furniture design brand with a 40+ year history. For more information and to explore King collections, visit their website here. To apply for King Trade & Commercial Account, a tailored division for registered Architects, Interior Architects, Interior Designers and Design Professionals, visit this page. 

Details from the set: Zaza Modular Sofa by Sydney-based designer Charles Wilson for King. Oceania hand-loomed pure New Zealand wool rug from King, colour Terra Firma. Issho asymmetric pebble-shaped coffee table from King. Monument porcelain ceramic side table from King (not in frame). All sculptures in metal and stone by an independent Sydney-based artist, Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.

This Yellowtrace Promotion is proudly supported by KING. Like everything we do, our partner content is carefully produced to maintain the utmost relevance to our readers. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Yellowtrace.

[Photography by Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace. Video by Tommy Devy. Furniture and accessories by King. Artwork by Clementine Maconachie of The Visuals.]