Design as a Way of Living: The Vision of David Hicks

David Hicks and his acclaimed studio, David Hicks Design

David Hicks has spent the past 25 years shaping the language of contemporary design, curating interiors that embody both architectural discipline and decorative richness. As Founder and Creative Director of his namesake studio, Hicks is known for a refined design ethos that balances spatial precision with material warmth—an approach that has positioned him as one of Australia’s most respected design figures.

His creative journey began in childhood, immersed in imaginative play with form, structure, and landscape. Influenced by formative years spent in Malaysia, Hicks developed an intuitive sensitivity to contrast, balance, and materiality—qualities that continue to underpin his work today.

Though initially drawn to architecture, it was the expressive and intimate nature of interior design that ultimately captured his focus. Early professional experience in retail and hospitality gave Hicks a foundation in both spatial planning and brand storytelling, informing his now-signature aesthetic: refined, rational, and richly layered.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (Honours) at RMIT, Hicks contributed to several luxury projects, quickly earning a reputation for interiors that married clarity with elegance. In his mid-twenties, he launched his own studio, establishing a portfolio of hospitality venues and retail spaces that would evolve into a body of work now spanning over 800 luxury apartments, private residences, flagship stores, and boutique developments.

While his early work embraced minimalism, Hicks’ style has matured into what he terms “decorative minimalism”—a finely tuned interplay of architectural form, symmetry, and expressive detailing. Whether through bold material contrasts or the integration of sculptural furnishings, his interiors are guided by a clear narrative: timelessness over trend, restraint over excess. Hicks’ impact on the industry is not simply visual—it is philosophical.

His approach to design is both intuitive and intellectual, built on decades of lived experience and a constant desire to evolve. “After 25 years, I still feel driven by the same creative energy that launched my career. Design has changed dramatically, and I’ve grown with it—refining my practice, responding to the times, but staying true to the core of what makes a space exceptional. It’s a privilege to still be doing work that inspires others, and to help shape what design looks like now and into the future.”

Based in Melbourne but with an international presence, David Hicks Design brings together a multidisciplinary team that navigates every aspect of a project, from early concept development and spatial planning to documentation, procurement, project management, and landscape coordination. This holistic approach ensures that each interior is not only beautiful but also intelligently and purposefully realised.

At the heart of Hicks’ work lies a commitment to enduring materials, sculptural form, and a sense of quiet luxury. His philosophy is grounded in the idea that true elegance emerges from considered restraint and thoughtful detail.

The studio continues to celebrate the art of meaningful interiors: layered, evocative, and built to last. Expect spaces that tell stories, reveal character, and reflect a strong sense of place—whether grounded in heritage or embracing modernity.

Today, the studio remains one of Australia’s most influential design practices, recognised for its enduring style and thoughtful execution. David Hicks’ legacy lies in his ability to create spaces that are not only beautiful but built to last—spaces that speak to design as a way of living.