I'm Sandra Tallat, a dynamic interior design professional with over 23 years of experience delivering high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects nationally and internationally. I specialize in unique, bespoke design solutions that blend innovation, functionality, and refined aesthetics. I'm a member of the Design Institute of Australia and an experienced interior design educator, integrating industry expertise with academic engagement. As founder & Creative Director of Stella Interiors Home, I lead projects from concept to completion, overseeing design coordination, tender documentation, and client relations. I’ve delivered luxury residential and hospitality developments in Dubai and Australia, including Anantara Hotel penthouses, and I regularly mentor students through formal teaching roles at Box Hill Institute and other institutions, sharing practice-based insights to elevate design standards through creative vision and strong project management.…

Sandra Tallat

I'm Sandra Tallat, a dynamic interior design professional with over 23 years of experience delivering high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects nationally and internationally. I specialize in unique, bespoke design solutions that blend innovation, functionality, and refined aesthetics. I'm a member of the Design Institute of Australia and an experienced interior design educator, integrating industry expertise with academic engagement. As founder & Creative Director of Stella Interiors Home, I lead projects from concept to completion, overseeing design coordination, tender documentation, and client relations. I’ve delivered luxury residential and hospitality developments in Dubai and Australia, including Anantara Hotel penthouses, and I regularly mentor students through formal teaching roles at Box Hill Institute and other institutions, sharing practice-based insights to elevate design standards through creative vision and strong project management.…

Available to hire

I’m Sandra Tallat, a dynamic interior design professional with over 23 years of experience delivering high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality projects nationally and internationally. I specialize in unique, bespoke design solutions that blend innovation, functionality, and refined aesthetics. I’m a member of the Design Institute of Australia and an experienced interior design educator, integrating industry expertise with academic engagement.

As founder & Creative Director of Stella Interiors Home, I lead projects from concept to completion, overseeing design coordination, tender documentation, and client relations. I’ve delivered luxury residential and hospitality developments in Dubai and Australia, including Anantara Hotel penthouses, and I regularly mentor students through formal teaching roles at Box Hill Institute and other institutions, sharing practice-based insights to elevate design standards through creative vision and strong project management.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Arabic
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder & Creative Director at Stella Interiors Home
April 1, 2014 - Present
Spearheaded small-scale residential projects and styling in Melbourne; conceptualised and sold original art pieces; managed design coordination and stakeholder engagement for residential and commercial projects in Melbourne, with involvement in luxury Dubai developments including Anantara Hotel penthouses; delivered end-to-end project delivery ensuring quality, timelines, and budget alignment.
Lecturer & Assessor (Permanent) at Box Hill Institute
February 1, 2024 - Present
Delivered Certificate III MSF31018 interior design training, developed lesson plans and assessments, and facilitated enrichment activities to enhance industry exposure for students.
Lecturer & Assessor (Permanent) at ISCD, NextEd Group
October 1, 2024 - Present
Instructed Diploma & Certificate IV in Interior Design; guided students in design software and styling; created supportive online learning environments that significantly improved student outcomes.
Lecturer (Part-time) at APC & Collarts School of Art
March 1, 2023 - June 1, 2024
Delivered core modules for DM5, CIV 3 and 4 units including Design Practice, WHS, Colour, and 3D CAD; developed assessments and industry-relevant course materials.
Design Manager – Client Representative at TIG Holding
June 1, 2018 - November 1, 2020
Engineered comprehensive interior design packages and managed tender documentation for three 1600 sqm luxury villas; coordinated multidisciplinary teams; managed consultant approvals; directed budgeting and stakeholder communications to deliver guest-centric designs.
Interior Design Manager at KEO International
October 1, 2012 - February 1, 2014
Directed interior design delivery for 365 high-end villas on Saadiyat Island; managed FF&E packages, shop drawings, and value engineering; secured approvals from TDIC and planning authorities.
Senior Interior Designer at Dubai Pearl
April 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Designed interiors for Baccarat and Bellagio penthouses within a $2 billion hotel development; led interior design for Emirates HQ and VIP offices; oversaw villa styling for VIP clients.
Interior Design Manager at Vanguard Design
November 1, 2003 - July 1, 2009
Delivered commercial, retail, and residential projects from concept to completion; managed client communications, contractor coordination, and FF&E approvals; ensured design compliance and timely decision-making.
Associate Interior Designer at Bruce Henderson Architects
July 1, 2000 - August 1, 2002
Produced FF&E documentation and detailing for Royal Domain Tower and Concept Blue Residences; coordinated design for the conversion of Melbourne’s former Police building into CBD apartments.
Interior Designer at HASSELL Architects
February 1, 2000 - April 1, 2000
Contributed to Waterfront City mixed-use developments; assisted with FF&E sourcing and space planning to maximise functionality and design appeal.
Interior Designer at Bate Smart Architects
June 1, 1999 - December 1, 1999
Assisted in small commercial projects; focused on FF&E sourcing and effective space planning.
Interior Designer at University of Auckland
February 1, 1996 - February 1, 1999
Developed refurbishment concepts and coordinated campus design.

Education

Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support at Melbourne College of Further Education
June 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment at Swinburne University
October 1, 2022 - August 1, 2023
Certificate IV in Property Service at RIEV
July 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Diploma of Architecture at New York Institute of Technology
September 1, 1990 - June 30, 1991
Bachelor of Architecture at University of Baghdad
September 1, 1991 - June 30, 1994
Master of Architecture – Environmental Design at University of Auckland
March 1, 1997 - June 1, 1999
Certificate IV, School-Based Education Support at Melbourne College of Further Education
June 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Certificate IV, Training & Assessment at Swinburne University
October 1, 2022 - August 1, 2023
Certificate IV, Property Service at RIEV
July 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Diploma of Architecture at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
September 1, 1990 - June 1, 1991
Bachelor of Architecture at University of Baghdad
September 1, 1991 - June 1, 1994
Master of Architecture – Environmental Design at University of Auckland
March 1, 1997 - June 1, 1999

Qualifications

First Aid HLTAID011
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026
Working with Children Check
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment