How Tom Mark Henry Designs Without a Signature Look

In an industry that often celebrates a recognisable visual signature, interior design studio Tom Mark Henry has intentionally chosen a different path. Founded by Cushla McFadden and Jade Nottage in 2014, the Sydney and Brisbane based team has built a decade-long reputation for delivering bespoke interiors guided by human connection, deep listening, and rigorous attention to the brief.

“We always say our point of difference is that we don't have a clear identity in terms of project output.” Jade explains. “You wouldn't necessarily pick a Tom Mark Henry project in a lineup, and we’re proud of that."

This deliberate choice reflects a studio that values their client's stories over personal style to ensure they create a result that is entirely tailored. Their goal: “delivering functional spaces, with delightful elements of the unexpected.”

“We're not there to push a certain agenda about a certain material that we must see in every project. It's really, let's interrogate the brief on its own merits and do a project that responds to that.”

As part of a recent collaboration with King Living on the Room Project series, Cushla and Jade sat down with King Living to share her their story and how through their boutique service, they create spaces that inspire and enrich lives.

The story behind Tom Mark Henry

Before Tom Mark Henry became known for its layered and considered interiors, it began as the product of a shared vision and mutual trust. Co-founders Cushla and Jade first met at university and, years later, reconnected to establish a design studio grounded in collaboration and creativity.

“Cush and I met at Uni many moons ago and went off in our own directions. We came back together in a moment of beautiful naivety and decided to form Tom Mark Henry.” Jade shared.

With no formal business plan in place and a domain name registered by Cushla’s husband, the practice began in 2014. Ten years later, the studio is now a respected name in Australian interior design, with offices in Sydney and Brisbane.

“We did what you shouldn't do, which is start a business with no plan. But here we are 10 years later.”

Even the name, Tom Mark Henry, reflects something personal rather than polished branding.

“It our father's and grandfather's names. Just very influential male figures in our lives. We didn’t expect it to be such a talking point, but it really is. And we love that.”

Both Cushla and Jade bring individual strengths to the studio, shaped by creative upbringings, an appreciation for art and design, and shared values.

“I've always had a passion for art and creativity. I think it was this combination that led me to a career in design and starting the business with Jade.”

“Before I did interior architecture, I did fashion design. And I guess that delay in starting that degree meant that I crossed paths with Cush. So it was a beautiful delay.”

With a foundation built on creativity, trust, and openness, it is no surprise that the studio takes an equally open-minded approach to their projects.

1978 High Back Chair in Leura Caramel and Bruny Rug in Sand.

Designing for client’s lives and stories

Tom Mark Henry’s approach starts with deep consultation. Before any sketches are made, the team prioritises understanding the human layer of the project, how it needs to function, what it should feel like, and how it will be lived in. This ensures that no two projects are ever the same.

“The very first step when working with clients is to understand the brief, and we have a really extensive process of sitting down with the client and working that out together.”

“Once we understand the requirements for the project, we'll then establish the concept and the design choices unfold from there.”

This open-minded framework allows them to explore different aesthetics, draw on diverse references, and respond to each site with fresh eyes, whether the project is a heritage home, a multi-residential development, or a boutique hospitality fitout.

Magnolia Extension Dining Table in Natural Oak and Tasman Dining Chair in Natural Oak and Origin Tan leather.

Designing without a signature look

By resisting the pressure to create a recognisable “style,” the studio has embraced a design language that is fluid and versatile. Their identity lies not in the repeat use of forms or finishes, but in their ability to shape-shift with confidence and clarity.

“If that means that every single project in our portfolio looks wildly different, then that's fine. We consider that to be a success and definitely something that sets us apart.”

Instead of chasing trends or building a branded aesthetic, the team places trust in the design process. Their adaptability is by no means a lack of direction; it’s a strength that enables true collaboration and originality.

“We draw our inspiration from so many different sources, and because we are so brief driven as designers, the inspiration really moves with the project. For one brief, we may be inspired by travel or art or a film or fashion for another.”

1977 Sofa in Leura Biscotti and Amara Dining Chair in Smoked Oak and Origin Tan leather.

Letting function lead

Underlying this flexible lens is a firm commitment to functionality. The team begins every project with rigorous spatial planning, allowing beauty to emerge from intelligent design logic rather than decoration alone.

“That's our very first thing that we do in a project is the spatial planning. And without that really rigorous interrogation, the project really doesn't land. All the beautiful things flow from here.”

By putting functionality first, the final result is not only tailored to the client’s taste, but also responsive to how they live, move, and work within the space.

“We want people to feel instantly at ease walking into a Tom Mark Henry space. And I think with a little side of awe. Like looking around in wonder and loving what they see and really not being able to put their finger on what makes it feel so good.”

The 1978 High Back Sofa in Leura Caramel.

Working across sectors

The studio does not restrict itself to a particular project type. Their work spans residential, hospitality, multi-residential, boutique retail, and commercial spaces, with each new brief offering a chance to explore a different design direction.

“We do all kinds of projects. We couldn’t pick a favourite because it all depends on the perfect conditions of a project.”

That openness to variation is reflected in their flexible process. It’s not about the category of the project, it’s about the quality of the opportunity.

“A great client, an amazing brief, a great site, maybe some really interesting history about the project or the person that we're designing it for… it really can vary from project to project.”

Choose from over 200 exclusive King Living fabrics and leathers.

Furniture as a design tool: Collaborating with King Living

While Tom Mark Henry is often brought in for the full interior journey, they’re equally trusted for one critical stage of many projects: furniture specification. For Cushla and Jade, this is an opportunity to bridge architectural elements with the tactile layer of daily life.

“We are often engaged for the furniture specification component of projects.” Jade shared. “We love the opportunity to do this because we're able to really integrate the hard finishes of the home and the joinery in with the soft furnishings and furniture.”

With access to customisable pieces, a deep understanding of materiality, and a responsive trade support model, King Living helps enables the studio to maintain alignment between vision and execution.

“We'll meet with our King Living trade rep either in a showroom or they'll come to us in the studio, go through new ranges and fabric options. We always feel like we're looked after, and we'll find a solution that will work for the brief.”

1977 Sofa in Leura Biscotti and 1978 High Back Chair in Leura Caramel. Styled with Crescent Ottoman in Balmain Spice, Bruny Rug in Sand, Amara Dining Chair in Smoked Oak & Origin Tan, and Issho Coffee Table and Side Table in Smoked Oak.

A model for client-first design

Tom Mark Henry’s non-signature model offers a refreshing alternative in the world of interiors. It reminds the design industry that success is not about uniformity or self-expression, it’s about listening, adapting, and delivering spaces that are as individual as the people who inhabit them.

For Tom Mark Henry, the answer is clear. It’s not about creating a name through a signature look. It’s about designing with purpose, for people, one unique project at a time.

Follow Tom Mark Henry on Instagram for more inspiration or explore more designer exclusives:

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