Rosanna Pappalardo, the Principal and Head Designer of RJP Design and Décor, has had an inspiring journey into the world of interior design. With a background in Administration and Finance, she took a bold step to pursue her passion for interior design, studying while working full time in a different industry. Her determination led her to gain invaluable experience under Tracie Dunne, a renowned designer and the Principal of the Beaumont Decorating and Design School in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Now based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Rosanna runs her own successful business, RJP Design and Décor. Her unique blend of administrative acumen and creative flair has shaped her approach to design, allowing her to deliver personalized and functional spaces for her clients.
In this interview, Rosanna shares insights into her creative process, sources of inspiration, and tips for aspiring designers. She also discusses the impact of technology on the creative industry and her vision for the future of interior design. Join us as we delve into the world of design with Rosanna Pappalardo.
How did you first get into the industry?
Always wanted to get into Interior Design so studied while working full time in a completely different industry. Did work experience with Tracie Dunne, a well-known designer in the industry and also the Principle of the Beaumont Decorating and Design School in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Working in my own business, RJP Design and Décor.
What is your personal background and what role did it play in your career?
My background was in Administration and Finance. It gave me a good understanding of business and the administrative processes which is universal across all industries.
Once I chose to start my own business, I contracted to a Tile Shop and dealt with clients building and renovating - choosing tiles and flooring for their property; as well as a stint in a Carpet Store.
Working in these businesses assisted with my knowledge of flooring, tiling and other aspects of building and renovating. I also had a mentor that trained me in Window Coverings as well, so this helped with measuring of these areas as well as the different types of Window Coverings available.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
Good question…probably my fall-back skills of Administration or Finance. But being universal in all industries I could be doing it anywhere!
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
My creative process involves me thinking and analysing the space, getting inspiration from other designs, books, photos, Pinterest, Houzz, etc…..this part is pretty normal I suppose but my unique part is designing and visualising in my head while I am trying to get to sleep at night!!
The other unique part of my process is “I feel it”….the energy of the potential design….I use my intuition and spiritual side.
How would you describe your style?
I love and feel at home with Mid Century Modern.
I love the simplicity and functionality of Japanese Design too.
However, what I always say to clients or potential clients, it doesn’t matter what my style is as this is your space and my job is to listen to your brief and take note of your personality and create the style that suits you!!
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
I gain inspiration from lots of individuals in the creative industries but when it comes to interior design my heroes are Di Henshall, John Croft and Greg Natale.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
Don’t overlook opportunities to work in the retail sector at tile shops, carpet stores, fabric shops or curtain shops for example as these places will give you many skills that you will need working in any aspect of the creative industry.
Working with different clients, understanding and building your knowledge base with tiles, flooring, curtains, fabrics, colours, etc plus the importance of documentation and administrative skills which will all be beneficial when you get to where you want to be in the industry.
It doesn’t happen overnight but with persistence and drive you will get to where you want to be!
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Good question!
- Really get to know your target client – find out as much as you can without stalking them as such.
- Use social media and analytics to its potential – be in front of people daily but naturally
- Know your competitors and learn from them.
- Be true to yourself and show clients through marketing who you are (don’t be mainstream or generic)
Can you share a memorable experience from your career journey that shaped your approach to creativity?
I have found that creativity is such a personal thing and its everywhere. Finding the right people to be on the journey with you will help shape how you see things, how you approach things and how you want to do things.
I don’t have any one experience to note as I find I have so many experiences daily that shape how I approach the task on hand and carry that through to the next creative task.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
- Colour Atlas / Fandecks
- Tape Measure – both manual and laser
- 3D Visualisation Software – Sketchup Pro
- Any type of “visual candy” ie. Magazines, Social Media, Books, Internet
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
- Being part of professional groups within the industry
- Mixing with like-minded business professionals
- Print and Digital Media such as magazines, social media, etc
- Attending and being part of Award programs within the industry
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
Winning KBDi Queensland Designer Small Kitchen in 2018
As someone with experience in the industry, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of creativity?
Artificial Intelligence – with the likes of ChatGPT and virtual and augmented reality. Technology is going to continually evolve the landscape of creativity.
What do you think sets apart truly exceptional creatives from the rest of the pack?
Innovation – being able to think outside of the box!
How do you think technology has influenced the creative industries and how have you adapted to these changes?
Technology has influenced greatly in the creative industries in many ways. It has changed and sped up how things are done. Sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad unfortunately. No more note taking with paper and pen or accommodating the large architectural drawing boards in offices and having scaled rulers, furniture templates and set squares.
It all comes down to computers and software and having all this at your fingertips literally! The likes of the life-size floor plans to walk through new homes that haven’t been built, any type of virtual working via video and collaborating remotely globally with other creatives.
Its moving fast and I have adapted with it, with some things but with others I am slow at the adaption as it is taking the control away so to speak. Technology is great with how long it takes to do things compared to past labour-intensive tasks but it can take longer to learn and understand how to use technology for some!
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
The true craft of a manual trade is getting lost due to technology, money and time. The quality of how things are made is not the same and would love for that to come back – furniture is so mainstream and finding someone who would do the true art of furniture making is disappearing, as well as trades like glassblowing, wood working, leather making, stained glass, etc
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Websites such as Houzz, Pinterest and Architectural Digest
Books such as Greg Natale’s – The Tailored Interior and The Patterned Interior, and The Interior Design Reference and Specification Book by Chris Grimley and Mimi Love
Podcasts – The Chaise Lounge and A Well-Designed Business
