Design Voices: Where Object Meets Space

Riva Ceramica’s Design Voices: Where Object Meets Space was a sold-out event presented as part of Melbourne Design Week. Hosted at Riva’s showroom, the evening brought together three leading creative voices to explore how objects, materials and spatial design influence the way interiors look, function and feel.

GALLERY  

The showroom was filled with designers, architects and design enthusiasts for an intimate and candid panel discussion featuring interior designers Alexandra Cerny (By Cerny)  Brahman Perera and Samantha Eades (Mitchell & Eades)

Cerny is both an interior designer and ceramic artist, with an expansive portfolio that includes a landmark 90-room art installation at Hyde Melbourne Place. Award-winning designer Perera leads an independent studio with projects spanning residential, retail and hospitality, while fellow award-winning designer Eades brings an international perspective through hospitality projects across Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong and beyond.

The Big Idea

The concept of the object as anchor was at the heart of the evening.

The panel considered how a single object or material can establish the foundation of an interior, influencing everything from its palette and atmosphere to its functionality and the way people experience it.

The discussion moved between the emotional impact of design, the convergence of residential and hospitality spaces, and the importance of designing for human behaviour. Global hospitality influences and the evolving role of AI also featured, alongside the value of collaboration between designers, artisans, builders and suppliers in bringing creative ideas to life.

Exclusive Design Unveiling

A highlight of the evening was the first public unveiling of a new table designed by Brahman Perera in collaboration with Riva Ceramica.

Perera shared insights into the creative process behind the piece, offering a tangible example of how an individual object can become the starting point for a broader design conversation.

Later in the evening, a curated presentation of Alexandra Cerny’s ceramic works further illustrated the connection between art and interiors, and the role of handcrafted objects in shaping the spaces we inhabit.

The Experience

Designed to offer a more relaxed and social alternative to a traditional industry event, the evening encouraged genuine interaction between Melbourne’s design community.

With the showroom at capacity, conversations continued well beyond the panel discussion. Guests enjoyed signature focaccias and cheese platters prepared by Dan Paustian, chef and former contestant on MasterChef Series 7.

The result was an evening that felt thoughtful, welcoming and genuinely connected.

The Riva Perspective

For Riva Ceramica, Design Voices represented an opportunity to move beyond the traditional showroom experience and encourage a broader dialogue around design.

By bringing together different creative disciplines and perspectives, the event reflected Riva’s commitment to supporting the design community and creating opportunities for ideas, relationships and collaborations to flourish.

For more information, visit Riva Ceramica.

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