About us.
From a boutique studio to a comprehensive educational platform—discover how we're making designer homes accessible to all.
We are passionate about beautiful homes and great design, but more than that we want to help to demystify the world of design and pull back the curtain on our much loved design studio to educate and inspire you. We firmly believe that good design and the smooth execution of projects should be accessible to everyone no matter the size, budget, location or timing of your project - and no matter where you’re at on your design journey. We have something to help you wherever you’re at and at every step of the way plus we are here to teach you everything we know to empower YOU to create a home you love!
WE ARE AUSTRALIA'S MOST TRUSTED VOICE IN DESIGN
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WE ARE AUSTRALIA'S MOST TRUSTED VOICE IN DESIGN -
We believe:
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that good design starts from the inside out. At every level, we honour the deep human connection to the built environment—recognising that design is more than just aesthetics; it's the physical, spatial, & cultural expression of how we live, work, & gather. It’s the result of thoughtful effort, where materials, energy, & intention come together to shape spaces that support everyday life with meaning & purpose.
Meet us:
Melissa Bonney
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Diploma of Commercial Arts (Interior Design) n.c. 2011 | Bachelor of Science (Psychology) n.c 2007 | Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) 1999 | Class 1 Licenced Real Estate Agent (Buyers Agency) NSW REA 20530398 | QLD REA 4834680
Melissa Bonney is a trusted voice in the Australian design and building industry, bringing over 30 years of experience across property, building + interior design, project management, marketing, and human behaviour. Her career spans client projects, personal developments, and strategic brand partnerships—resulting in a uniquely holistic and people-focused approach to both design and education.
As Founder and Creative Director of The Designory, Melissa has led more than 400 successful residential design and build projects. Her strength lies in blending creative vision with practical insight — making great design feel accessible, intelligent, and deeply considered.
Melissa is also an advocate for accessible, transparent design. She’s passionate about sharing professional insights, simplifying the process for homeowners, and breaking down industry barriers through education, digital resources, and collaborative storytelling. Driven by curiosity and a love of innovation, Melissa is on a mission to empower others to design with confidence and creativity—without the barriers of jargon or exclusivity.
mumma of 3 | property obsessed | collector of old things | lover of tea | golden retriever enthusiast | yoga teacher in training
Cat Gerke
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
Master of Business (Marketing) 2016 / Bachelor of Art Education 2015
Cat Gerke is a seasoned marketing and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience creating campaigns that connect deeply with people and purpose. With a background in both strategy and fine arts, Cat brings a unique blend of commercial insight, creative storytelling, and heartfelt advocacy for makers and design professionals.
As Co-Owner and Director of Strategy & Partnerships at The Designory, she’s focused on evolving the studio into a platform that bridges design education, industry collaboration, and accessible resources for homeowners. Her work is rooted in connection—between brand and audience, creative and commercial, idea and execution.
Cat’s journey with The Designory began in 2016, sparked by a shared vision with Melissa Bonney and a passion for storytelling that elevates Australian interiors. Alongside her strategic work, Cat is also a professional artist, having exhibited in galleries across the country. This artistic lens gives her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and fuels her mission to empower others to engage with design in a thoughtful, creative, and approachable way.
mumma of 2 dogs | lover of black clothing | collector of aussie art | coffee addict | sustainable building enthusiast | red wine lover
The Journey:
2012 -2015
We opened our first combined design studio and retail store, The Design Hunter, in Sydney’s coastal east. As demand and our team grew, we quickly moved into a larger space just doors away to expand both our studio and curated retail offering.
2016 - 2017
Cat joined the team, and together we rebranded as The Designory, marking a new chapter. We shared our first full in-house project, AYANA HOUSE, and began collaborating with some of our favourite brands along the way.
2018-2019
Mel and Cat travelled frequently between Sydney and Byron while working on The Barefoot Bay Cottage. In 2019, Cat made the move north, and soon after, The Barefoot Bay Villa came to life—marking the start of our next design chapter in Byron Bay.
2020 - 2022
Amid COVID challenges, we completed Walker Farm, a contemporary rural home. As the industry shifted, Cat pursued her art career and Mel brought The Vela Properties to life—three timeless Byron Bay homes launched between 2022 and 2023.
2023 - 2024
As design shifted, The Designory evolved—strengthening partnerships, welcoming new clients, and refining our residential and commercial projects. We also grew our online presence, building an engaged community through social media and sharing expert insights along the way.
2025 - the future
Cat returns as a co-Owner and Director, reuniting The Designory’s original creative team. Together, they launched a new mission to share, teach, and mentor—offering expert insights to help others design with confidence.
The Press
Explore our Projects
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LAVANA House
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SIKATA House
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SAMUDRA House
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AYANA House
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BAREFOOT BAY Villa
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BRONTE House
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BAREFOOT BAY Cottage
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WALKER Farm
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BONDI House
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PADDINGTON Townhouse
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CLOVELLY House
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COOGEE House
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LUGAR House
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BRONTE Villa
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NORTH BONDI House
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MAROUBRA House
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ST PETERS House
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RANDWICK Kitchen
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PADDINGTON House
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GLEBE Townhouse
We’re proud to support three powerful organisations that align with our values of equity, empowerment, and sustainability:
ReLove – Helping women and families leaving crisis situations rebuild their lives by fully furnishing safe, functional homes with care, dignity and respect.
Greenfleet – Tackling climate change through native reforestation and biodiversity projects that restore ecosystems and offset carbon emissions across Australia and New Zealand.
One Roof – Australia’s leading female-founded network supporting women to build financial independence through entrepreneurship, mentorship and education.
This is about more than giving back—it’s about moving forward, together.
Every home you create with us supports someone else in building theirs.
PURPOSE LED DESIGN. PEOPLE-FIRST IMPACT
Giving Back
At The Designory, we believe good design should make life better—not just for those who live in beautiful homes, but for the broader communities and environment we’re all a part of. That’s why we’ve woven giving into the heart of our digital product offerings. For every eBook sold in The Designory Guide series, 20% of the proceeds go directly to a cause chosen by you—the reader.
Contact us
We'd love to hear from you - please use the form to send us your message.
FAQs
About The Designory:
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The Designory is a multi-disciplinary design studio and educational platform offering services in interior design, architecture, and building.
the-designory.com.au -
The Designory is located in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia.
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Melissa Bonney is the Founder and Creative Director, and Cat Gerke is the Director of Strategy & Partnerships.
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They believe in "designing from the inside out," focusing on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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The Designory has been operating for 15 years in the design industry.
Services offered:
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They offer full-service design projects, design consultations, property advisory, and buyers agency services.
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Yes, design consultations with Melissa Bonney are available and can be booked through the website here.
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Yes, they provide design consultations via Zoom for clients worldwide.
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It's a division of The Designory focusing on tailored services in design consultancy, property advisory, and buyer advocacy.
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Yes, through 'The School,' they offer masterclasses, workshops, and free design resources.
Products and plans:
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They offer ready-to-use architectural and interior design plans, including detailed layouts and curated schedules.
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Yes, plans come with options for DWG/CAD files, allowing customisation to suit specific needs.
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Yes, they provide a range of free design guides and resources on their website. Click here
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Interior plans include detailed layouts for various spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more.
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Free resources can be downloaded directly from their website under the 'Free Design Resources' section. Click here.
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Unfortunately no, we don’t offer a refund on these products given they’re informational in nature, and for copyright and intellectual property reasons.
Educational Offerings
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'The School' is an educational platform offering courses, workshops, and resources to help individuals design, renovate, and style their homes.
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Yes, the courses are designed for both beginners and those with some design experience.
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Yes, workshops are available online, making them accessible to a wider audience.
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Masterclasses cover various topics, including interior design principles, renovation strategies, and styling techniques.
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Yes, upcoming design events are listed on their website under 'Upcoming Design Events'.
Working with The Designory
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You can initiate a project by contacting them through the 'Contact Us' page or emailing hello@thedesignory.com.au.
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Yes, they offer online consultations and resources accessible to clients worldwide.
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Yes, they offer brand ambassadorships and partnership opportunities.
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Yes, the 'TD Preferred Professional' program allows design professionals to be featured on their platform.
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Applications can be submitted through the 'Preferred Professional Application' page on their website.
Contact and Support
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You can reach them via the contact form on their website or by emailing hello@thedesignory.com.au.
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They aim to respond to inquiries promptly, typically within a few business days.
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Yes, you can subscribe to their newsletter for updates on products, promotions, and exclusive content.
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Yes, the 'TD Preferred Professional' program allows design professionals to be featured on their platform.
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Applications can be submitted through the 'Preferred Professional Application' page on their website.