5 minutes with Alla DeLion

1. What did you study at RMIT and what attracted you to that program? 

Growing up in the Soviet Union, I studied fine arts and was heavily influenced by European artists, designers and architects.  Years later, when already living in Australia, I decide to study Interior Design at RMIT as it would give me opportunity to explore these disciplines and apply them in real world environments. During my Interior Design course, I was particularly drawn to the way that built environments influence behaviour and reflect its inhabitants. This developed into a larger interest in psychology and human behaviour, as well as the effects of policy and its implementation. I settled on enrolling in RMIT’s course on Social Sciences, due to the holistic knowledge this degree offered in understanding policy and societal dynamics.

2. What is your business all about? 

Given my unique educational background, I have built STUDIOMINT to prioritise more than just aesthetics in our design; we craft environments that promote well-being and enrich lives through the principles of positive psychology. Our philosophy applies across all sectors, from residential to healthcare, wellness, and hospitality, always striving to boost morale, instil calm, and curate unforgettable experiences. Our mission is to inspire, motivate, and uplift those who inhabit our spaces, enriching their lives in profound ways.

3. Where do you see your business in 10 years’ time?

In a decade, we envision our business growing and expanding, gaining international recognition with an extensive portfolio of global projects. Building upon our recent ventures into large-scale luxury resort developments, we aim to solidify our presence in this sector while exploring new opportunities for positive impact.

4. How has studying at RMIT prepared you to run your business? 

In my experience, the most essential thing my professors did to prepare me for leadership was to teach me how to learn. Instead of giving us the answers to they taught us how to find them. They fostered a mindset of adaptability and self-driven development, which are essential qualities in the unpredictable world of business.

5. What advice would you have offered yourself when you first started your business? 

If I could go back, I would tell myself to recognise the importance of trusting and nurturing the talents of my staff. In the early days of the studio, I had to be personally involved in every little project and task that needed to be completed. Rather than attempting to handle everything independently, embracing delegation and empowering team members to contribute their skills would have been a valuable lesson in operating the business more effectively.

6. Where do you find inspiration for your designs? 

Seeing ourselves as space creators rather than just interior designers, we take a holistic approach when designing an environment. We consider not just the visual aspects of the space, but the aura as a whole – the atmosphere, lighting, and even ventilation of the room. One of our favourite elements to incorporate is scent, as it can profoundly shape the overall experience and ambiance of a space. We delight in pairing thoughtfully curated scents to enhance the multisensory journey within our designs.