About
Giving Form to Experience
Design Theory is a multi-disciplinary architecture and interior design studio, giving form to experience. Our work centres around people, designing exciting places and spaces that encourage movement, gathering and connection.
We believe strongly in responsible design—socially, financially and environmentally—and our practice, people and projects always reflect this.
Based in Walyalup/Fremantle, our team of architects and designers bring their collective experience, shaping strategic outcomes and offering the highest-level service to our clients.
Approach
Working across interior design and architecture, Design Theory strives to encourage better living through meaningful impact. Every detail, from pattern, materiality and scale, to balance and flow, our designs influence connection and interactions with the world around us.
With research, strategy and visioning underpinning our approach, we always begin with the site, tailoring each project in response to its unique context. We enjoy collaborating closely with our clients, understanding that this input allows us to create physical environments that are thoughtful, responsive and multi-dimensional.
People
Design Theory was founded in 2013 by Lisa and Evan Reeves. Together, they lead a specialised team of architects and designers with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Evan is director and co-founder of Design Theory. With over 25 years’ experience, he has led a diverse portfolio of award-winning projects, from large-scale workplaces for local and international clients to neighbourhood wine bars and boutique hotels.
Before starting Design Theory, Evan spent time at several renowned Australian practices and gained international experience working in London, Dublin and Singapore. He is particularly committed to design that creates meaningful impact within communities, focusing on sustainability, innovation and fostering connections between people and place.
Lisa has over 25 years of experience in interior design and art consultancy, working with prominent gallery owners, artists and designers before co-founding Design Theory in 2013 and Art Theory in 2021.
With a background in both design and art, Lisa takes a strategic approach to creating original design concepts that are designed to endure and make a positive impact. Her passion lies in achieving harmony and balance, from spatial planning through to the finer details of a project, where she curates and works closely with clients, craftspeople and artists to carefully shape every detail.
Daniella is a registered architect with experience across the hotels, workplace and retail sectors. After graduating from the University of Western Australia, she was selected as a co-coordinator for the international architecture exhibition Venezia Biennale d’Architettura in 2014 and worked for several years at the global studio Woods Bagot on a range of international projects. She became a registered architect in 2019.
With experience spanning both architecture and interiors, Daniella brings a comprehensive understanding of the design & delivery process. With Design Theory since 2017, she has led the design for projects including Boston Brewery in Victoria Park, adaptive reuse projects Ardross Street & Village Green, and ongoing work with RAC Arena.
Gab Scott is an interior designer and artist with 20 years’ experience. With a Bachelor of Arts (Film) from Curtin University of Technology and an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design from Sydney Design School, Gab’s career has spanned production design for the MTV Australia Awards, gallery directorship in Sydney and interiors projects.
Drawing on her multidisciplinary background, Gab’s eye for art and design sees her creating dynamic spaces layered with rich storytelling. She works with Design Theory as a designer, and with Art Theory as a consultant.
Tessa Gaunt is a registered architect with wide-ranging experience working in both local and international practices. She holds a Master of Architecture (MArch) and a Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvDes) from the University of Western Australia, and also briefly studied at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano.
Tessa has spent time working with German studio BeL on architectural and urban design competitions and at a Melbourne-based practice focusing on residential alterations and additions. Tessa’s expertise in conceptual design and keen interest in construction processes, combined with her love of collaborative teamwork, means that she enjoys translating the values and ideas of a project into tangible outcomes.