The art of enduring passion: a conversation with Mark Alexander

ArchiPro met with Mark Alexander, head of luxury design and manufacturing company Mark Alexander Design Artistry, at his Ballarat studio. He sits casually, clearly at home in the beautifully converted 1850s bank with its intricate fireplaces, adorned chairs, lush fabrics, and detailed sketches of his latest project—a fitout for Cartier.

As the conversation begins, it becomes clear that Mr Alexander’s expertise doesn’t just stem from his eye for detail but from his understanding of how deeply personal the design process is for his clients. “Many of my clients are incredibly busy, so they’ve previously worked with architects who select the designer for them. But the result isn’t always what they hoped for,” he says. “I recently had a client who came to me saying her last house design resulted in a space she hated for ten years.”

“Handing over the design to the wrong hands can be disastrous. It’s about connecting with the client, understanding their needs, and creating something that resonates with their lifestyle.”

The reality of luxury design

Mr Alexander remarks that business has taught him much over the last 30 years. “We’ve all been educated by bank managers who say a fit-out should be 10 per cent of the budget, but that’s rarely the case. It’s usually between 15-25 per cent,” he says.

“When clients ask me to make their home into a palace, they need to understand that this transformation demands more than they initially think. Many people, even those with $10-million-dollar homes, get to the end of the project without having set aside enough for the fit-out,” he says. “We often say that some of these clients are ‘camping’ in their own homes – living in the dream but not comfortably.”

When asked about his signature style, Mr Alexander’s response is, “What truly sets my work apart is the level of detail. Curving, shaping, and proportioning furniture is an art not everyone can master,” he says.

“There’s no room for error. Every piece is a one-off, designed with precision and care.”

The decline of skilled craftsmanship

Looking to the future, Mr Alexander expresses concern about the industry’s trajectory. “The problem we face is the decline of skilled tradesmen who can create shapes, curves, and details. Everything is becoming machine-based, and the personalised touch is fading,” he says.

“This, along with the rising cost of Australian labour and imported timber, means we’re being driven towards a more minimalistic design approach, not out of choice, but necessity.”

"The costs of building projects are continuously increasing, and nothing is left for the interior budget," he adds.

Yet, Mr Alexander remains optimistic about the luxury market’s resilience. “I believe the luxury market will always seek that point of difference. Even as the industry shifts, there will be a demand for craftsmanship that stands apart.”

The passion behind the brand

So, what drives Mark Alexander after all these years? “People say it’s just design, but for me, it’s been my hobby and my life’s dream,” he says. “I still enjoy the beauty of it—there’s no greater satisfaction than drawing, building, and seeing it come to life.”

For Mr Alexander, the joy lies in the process. “Interior design is a marathon, not a sprint,” he says. “You’ve got to have someone who can see it through to the end and ensure it’s finished right. That’s what people need: enthusiasm at the end of the project.”

Throughout his career, Mr Alexander has built more than just beautiful homes, “Trust is everything in this industry. It’s not just about delivering what the client wants but about giving them what they need.”

“That’s the service they rely on and the trust I’ve spent decades building,” he adds.

As the interview concludes, it’s clear that Mark Alexander is more than a designer—he’s a visionary who has dedicated his life to creating spaces that are not just luxurious but deeply personal. His story is one of enduring passion, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in the power of bespoke design. For those who have had the privilege of working with him, it’s not just a home he creates; it’s a legacy.

"People invest in things that create momentary joy, but they overlook the value of investing in their interiors, which they interact with daily,” says Mr Alexander.

“Why not invest in a beautiful, comfortable environment with quality furniture that lasts and continues to delight you?"

Mark Alexander Design Artistry is a holistic studio offering end-to-end solutions, from consultation to designing and manufacturing the end product.

Contact Mark Alexander on ArchiPro today.