In this episode of But Why? A Design Podcast, Eugene and Stirling are joined by Tenille Teakle, Founder of GriTT Studio for a discussion on Why design needs a narrative?
Having worked on complex commercial projects throughout her career, Tenille’s transition into residential design was shaped by the experience of designing and building her own family home, Karijini House. Inspired by time spent in Western Australia’s spectacular Karijini National Park, the home demonstrates how a personal experience can become a powerful design narrative, influencing everything from spatial planning and material choices to how a place ultimately makes people feel.
Our conversation explores the importance of storytelling as a tool for creating authentic, meaningful and enduring design outcomes. Tenille explains how a strong narrative can provide clarity throughout the design process, acting as a guiding reference point when navigating competing priorities and expectations. We also challenge whether narratives can become too literal or disconnected from function, and consider how storytelling might help people develop stronger connections to the places and objects around them.
This episode touches on:
* Karijini House and how the landscape, textures, shadows and sense of isolation influenced its design.
* The importance of originality and authenticity as artificial intelligence increasingly influences the design process.
* How stewardship needs stories made simple, relatable and easy to communicate beyond the design profession.
* The influence of a ‘North Star’ in complex projects, where multiple stakeholders and competing requirements might converge.
* The idea of design ‘easter eggs’, subtle references and stories embedded within a project that reward curiosity.
* Why investing more time in design thinking can reduce unnecessary changes, resource consumption and waste.
We hope you enjoy.
Keep questioning, keep exploring, and most importantly… keep asking, But Why?
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* Tim Ross
Produced by us.
Music by Jessica Hooks.
