Master Classes by Di Henshall

Di Henshall Master Class at the Winnings in Brisbane - September 2025

Master classes are actually talks given by so-called experts in their field to specific audiences.  I think after over 30 years as a qualified interior designer, furniture designer, writer, registered builder and publisher of a magazine, I am experienced enough to share some knowledge with a variety of different audiences that want to be inspired to learn more about this fascinating, challenging and tough industry that we are in.

In the past few months I have given three master classes in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, each one geared to different audiences with different topics. 

The Sydney talk was given to NSW-based interior decorators, where we discussed how and why we got into the industry and how we can progress through our careers with confidence and growing knowledge that we use to create fabulous interiors for our clients.

In Melbourne, as part of the Décor and Design Expo, I presented a class to interior designers and design students that were all at various stages of their careers. Many in the audience are in their own businesses, but still found it a challenge to stay strong in the face of clients who can at times question the advice and creativity of designers.  This is understandable, but a topic that is often not discussed as many designers are either on their own or have a small team and don’t have a sounding board for these sorts of issues.  The conversation was lively and I think the participants got a lot of courage and encouragement from the exchange.

The Brisbane event, hosted by Winnings (Appliances superstars), was a master class in kitchen and bathroom design given to an audience of past clients, suppliers and the general public.  It was a three-and-a-half-hour mega-session, including a forty-minute break where we had some spectacular food prepared by the Winnings chef and a showroom tour.

These talks, all so different from each other, are just as valuable to our team as they are to the attendees.  I gain great insight into what concerns people and professionals in the industry about how to find solutions and where to look for guidance.  It is always such a joy to see people have light-bulb moments during the talks, when something resonates with them so clearly.  I absolutely love doing these talks and we are planning to have one in our hometown of Noosa Heads in the new year, before more in other cities. So stay tuned.