Search for topics, projects, case studies and hit enter to search

Thirty years of experience as an Interior Design Firm has taught us the importance of planning for people, present and future.

At Merit, we don’t rest on past achievements and finished projects — however great they are.

For us, it’s not about how far we’ve come, but the excitement for what we are yet to achieve — the impact our designs will have on the people who inhabit these spaces.

Why Merit

Design Built Around People

Our designs nurture employee well-being and drive business productivity in perfect symbiosis.
We design from the inside out with people at the core. This principle allows us to take our clients brief and use our industry experience and knowledge to provide an innovative space that reflects best-practice design and our client’s culture.

We consider sustainability throughout the design process. +

An empowered team

We are a family owned and operated business that values people above all else. We’re cohesive operators who push the boundaries of innovation, ingenuity, and influence to deliver office interior design solutions that do more than just fill a space – they inspire greatness in your people and culture.

The value we place on people starts within our own walls, empowering each member of the Merit Interiors team to contribute their expertise and energy towards the success of our business.

Leadership Team

  •  

    Barry Bumpstead

    Director

    With over 42 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, Barry is a highly respected figure and the founder of Merit Interiors. His diverse experience in overseeing a vast range of projects, from small renovations to large builds, has provided him with an unparalleled understanding of the industry and its unique challenges. As a leader within Merit Interiors, Barry is committed to delivering excellence in project delivery and brings a meticulous attention to detail to every project, earning him a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner for clients across a range of industries.

  •  

    Bill Murray

    Director

    Bill is a highly motivated and results-driven professional at Merit, with a deep understanding of delivering cutting-edge solutions that exceed client expectations. He contributes to the company's culture of client satisfaction, ensuring leading design and innovation are present in every project he undertakes. Bill's passion for staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies makes him an asset to Merit, as he constantly seeks new solutions to challenges faced by clients. His dedication to client satisfaction and commitment to delivering exceptional results have earned him a respected reputation within the team.

Design Team

  •  

    Kahli Jenkins

    Senior Interior Designer

    Kahli has a strong sense of design, an ability to develop innovative design and build projects. She brings over 10 years’ experience to the team. Kahli’s strong communication skills provide value and integrity through all phases of a project. Her passion for design and eye for finishing detail enables Kahli to assist clients in achieving their highest value of design in many different disciplines.

  •  

    Gemma Daskalou

    Senior Interior Designer

    Gemma is Merit's Head Designer and is dedicated to creating stand-out design that is fit-for-purpose. She believes great design is about more than meeting a client’s brief, but understanding the culture and dynamics of the business and its people.

  •  

    Miriam van der Waal

    Design Director

    Miriam is a highly skilled and creative Interior Designer and workplace strategy expert with a proven track record of designing functional, timeless and elegant interiors that support and enhance the client's operational goals. With years of experience in the field, she has a deep understanding of the industry's complexities and is passionate about collaborating with clients and team members. Her keen eye for detail and ability to translate clients' needs and desires into stunning designs has earned her a reputation as a trusted partner for clients across a range of industries. Miriam is committed to delivering exceptional results and providing a seamless and stress-free experience for every client.

  •  

    Ciara Gibson

    Senior Interior Designer

    With a keen eye for design and a dedication to creating spaces that merge aesthetics with practicality, Ciara is a talented interior designer. She brings a unique approach to every project, striving to create spaces that challenge conventions and delight end users. Ciara values collaboration and works closely with clients and employees to ensure that every aspect of a project is carefully considered. Her holistic approach to design ensures that the spaces she creates are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and tailored to the needs of those who use them.

  •  

    Justin Phillips

    Principal, Design

    With an impressive background in both local and international design, Justin possesses a wealth of knowledge in contemporary architectural practices, as well as a deep understanding of design precedents. Having worked with some of Australia's most prominent architectural firms, he brings with him a vast experience in education, retail, and interior fitout projects. As a liaison between the client and the design team, Justin ensures that the concept is rigorously executed from start to finish, delivering projects that exceed expectations. His ability to seamlessly integrate creative vision with practical considerations is a testament to his exceptional communication skills and technical expertise.

Project & Client Management

  •  

    Natasha Taylor

    Project Manager

    With a decade of experience in the construction and project management industry, including two years of specialised expertise in façade design and construction, Natasha is a seasoned professional. Her professional journey began as a Para-legal, endowing her with extensive knowledge of conveyancing, construction, and contractual law. Natasha has adeptly managed multi-million-dollar projects from conception to completion, offering superior project services, counsel, and administration. Her experience in intricate commercial and residential projects, including high-risk and high-elevation projects, is vast. Natasha’s remarkable communication abilities, passion, and dedication to excellence establish her as an exceptional Project Manager.

  •  

    Mark Murray

    Senior Preconstruction Manager

    Mark is an experienced professional with a strong background in design and construction solutions for industrial and commercial sectors. He has successfully managed all project delivery stages from design development, planning, procurement, construction, to transition. With his expertise, Mark is an invaluable asset to Merit's design team, providing support to clients from concept development to fit-out completion and handover.

  •  

    Jeanne Bumpstead

    Account Management

    Jeanne is a highly efficient administrative professional with a proven track record of providing essential support to businesses across various industries. She brings to Merit a wealth of experience in coordinating and executing administrative duties. Jeanne's attention to detail and ability to prioritise tasks ensure that all administrative functions are carried out seamlessly. Her excellent communication skills and friendly disposition also make her a valuable point of contact for clients and stakeholders. Jeanne is dedicated to ensuring that all in-house operations run smoothly, allowing the Merit team to focus on delivering exceptional results for clients.

  •  

    Aaron Pearson

    Senior Project Manager

    Aaron is a highly experienced professional with over 27 years of experience in the construction industry. As a member of Merit's Project Team, he brings a robust expertise and knowledge, working closely with clients to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standard. His attention to detail and exceptional communication skills makes him a valuable asset and a trusted partner for clients across a range of industries.

  •  

    Brodie Kelsey

    Business Development Manager

    Brodie is a professional who is driven by building and maintaining lasting relationships with clients. He is passionate about the future of work and how it shapes modern workspaces. With his enthusiastic approach and exceptional communication skills, Brodie is invaluable in supporting Merit's clients. He understands the evolving nature of work and is well-placed to offer insights and solutions that meet their needs. Brodie's dedication to excellence and his commitment to delivering results have earned him a reputation as a trusted and reliable partner.

Merit-Interiors-Why-Work-with-us

Work with Us

The commercial interior design industry is an evolving space providing an abundance of opportunities for emerging and established designers.

It’s not in our nature to put a cap on talent, so we encourage like-minded people who share our design philosophy to connect with Merit Interiors by sending us a letter of introduction and your resume.

Forward your Resume

Registered Building Practitioners

Our attention to detail doesn’t start and end with interior design, which is why, as Registered Building Practitioners, we ensure every office fitout complies with building and safety regulations and is appropriately certified.

Registered Building Practitioner