Boyac March ‘25

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2025
INTERVIEW WITH DECUS FOUNDER, ALEXANDRA DONOHOE CHURCH

Above: Alexandra Donohoe Church, Founder & Managing Director DECUS, BA. IntArch

In celebration of International Woman’s Day 2025, we thought, what better to acknowledge this day than celebrate one of our local female designers, Alexandra Donohoe Church, Founder & Managing Director of DECUS. Enjoy this Q&A with Alexandra where she draws on her inspiration from female designers from the past and present:

What first ignited your passion for design, and how has that passion evolved throughout your career? I can’t pinpoint an exact moment, but I remember being eight years old, living in the U.S., constantly rearranging my bedroom and collecting furniture catalogues—early Crate & Barrel, Laura Ashley and Ethan Allen were favourites!  I was drawn to colour, space, and the way environments could shape experiences. What started as ‘playing house’ became a lifelong passion.

Can you share a bit about your early days—your background, key milestones, and the mentors or moments that shaped your path in design?  I started studying Landscape Architecture at UNSW but soon realised my passion lay beyond plants, leading me to Interior Architecture instead. I’ve always been fascinated by how spaces shape emotions—whether a restaurant, office, or living room, my goal is to create environments that resonate. Along the way, I’ve been inspired by designers like Pamela Shamshiri, Clio Dimofski, Stéphanie Lizée, Sandra Weingort, and Katja Pargger. At Decus, we specialise in residential design, crafting spaces that feel both nurturing and unique — tailored to the people who call them home.

Your work is celebrated for its distinctive elegance and refined aesthetic. How would you describe the design language of Decus/your design studio? I’m not drawn to a single style; beauty exists across all genres. I love the tension of contrasts—elegance meeting brutalism, refinement balanced with rawness. That unexpected interplay is what makes a space truly compelling – and this is something we strive for in our projects. “Buy less, buy well” has always been a guiding principle for me. Timeless design, original pieces, and quality craftsmanship are at the heart of Decus.

What role does texture, fabric, and materiality play in your interiors, and how do you use these elements to shape mood and atmosphere in a space? Texture plays an enormous role in my work. layered details, geometric patterns, and depth of colour speak louder to me than spaces that scream for attention. I also believe in the power of tactile design—the softness of fabric on an armchair, the weight of a door handle in your hand. Surround yourself with beautiful design, and life simply feels better.

Do you find yourself drawn to any fabric styles or design movements, either contemporary or classic? I’m drawn to the European design movements of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, particularly Italian Rationalism, with its linear geometry and masterful use of space to create ambience. When it comes to fabric, texture is key—multi-tonal weaves, natural yarns, and bold geometric patterns always catch my eye. I gravitate toward Art Deco and Cubism over florals, but if a floral print introduces the right kind of contrast, I’m all for it.

Is there a BOYAC fabric, wallpaper, or supplier that you’ve found especially compelling or versatile in your work? Metaphores, without a doubt! Every collection brings a fresh mix of intricate weaves, rich colours, and delicate textures. It’s a beautiful French fabric house, and we love incorporating it into our work.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Above top clockwise: Thibaut new Wunderlust collection. Tivoli col sky blue wallpaper, Mangrove Tree wallpaper col blue, Orleans col apricot wallpaper.

THIBAUT “WUNDERLUST” COLLECTION

TROPICAL GETAWAY: Travel-inspired wallcoverings and fabrics satisfy the desire to see the world with patterns of fanciful foliage and tulip gardens, sleepy romantic vines of the South, or bold tropical mangroves. Painterly and whimsical designs are balanced by modern geometrics, and saturated tones are met with soft romantic shades like apricot and ginger. The breadth of the Wanderlust collection includes cottons, wovens and fabulous and durable wallpapers to brighten up any room. See the complete collection, click below.

Whats On

In The Press

Above: BOYAC fabric & wallpapers as featured in the office of Cameron Kimber. BELLE April 2025 issue.

Insider Favourites

Above: Thibaut wallpaper – Mangrove Tree col blue & Albero col tangerine & turquoise.