our collective

United by Design

the studio

Instinctively Creative.

Every Melanie Tomlinson Design project is personally led or overseen by Melanie, bringing a clear creative vision to each commission. Around that vision, we bring together the right combination of interior designers, interior architects, registered architects, project managers, builders and specialist consultants according to the individual needs of the project.

This collective approach gives us the flexibility of a boutique studio with access to the depth of expertise required for complex and ambitious projects. Rather than applying the same team or formula to every commission, we assemble the expertise each project genuinely requires.

Working collaboratively from concept through to completion allows creativity, technical knowledge and craftsmanship to work as one, protecting the integrity of the design while ensuring every detail is considered, coordinated and beautifully resolved.

The result is a highly personal design experience supported by collective expertise individual in its vision, collaborative in its delivery.

our team

Meet Us

MELANIE TOMLINSON

Director | Lead Designer


Melanie's design career began in 1997, with a foundation in architectural drafting and technology followed by interior design an early combination that continues to shape her architectural approach to interiors today.

Having lived and worked across Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, Melanie brings an international perspective shaped by different cultures, architecture and ways of living. After leading her first Sydney design studio for eight years, she established Melanie Tomlinson Design in the UK before returning to Sydney.

Today, Melanie personally leads the creative direction of MTD, creating interiors defined by architectural clarity, warmth, materiality and relaxed sophistication.

Away from the studio, life centres around her two boys, the outdoors and, more often than not, sport.

CARINA LENEY

Marketing & Project Management


With more than 20 years’ experience across corporate and agency marketing, Carina brings a strong combination of project management, organisation and strategic thinking to Melanie Tomlinson Design.

Since joining the studio in 2021, her role has evolved across project coordination, sourcing and procurement, business operations and marketing, helping to keep both projects and the studio running seamlessly from behind the scenes.

A natural multitasker with a longstanding love of interiors, Carina brings energy, practicality and attention to detail to everything she does.

Away from the studio, she can usually be found with an interior design book in hand, socialising with friends or persuading her two children to join her on a long walk.

AMY BYRNE

Interior Designer


Qualified in Interior Architecture & Design, Amy brings a fresh and considered approach to the studio, with experience across residential interiors, styling, staging and procurement.

Since joining MTD, Amy has worked across projects in both the UK and Australia, developing concepts, coordinating design details and working closely with clients, suppliers and contractors to bring each project to life.

With a natural eye for detail and a strong understanding of how spaces come together, Amy brings creativity, energy and a thoughtful approach to every project.

Away from the studio, Amy is happiest exploring the countryside, preferably on a walk that happens to finish at a great local pub.

Testimonials

  • An architect can put a lot of house on a block of land, but it takes something more to see each individual space within that same structure as a new opportunity to maximise functionality and beauty. Until my project, I didn't realise an interior designer did anything more than choose paint colours and vases. Within a few weeks of the project I realised bathroom spaces re-imagined, paint ideas explored, and furniture choices complete. Any project I undertake in the future will only happen with Melanie onboard.

    ML | Sydney

    Balmain

  • Melanie Tomlinson Design not only excited us creatively, but their attention to detail, documentation and planning left us feeling informed, confident and in control.

    Kathy Campbel | Sydney

    Turramurra

  • We thoroughly enjoyed the entire process of our exciting project and would recommend Melanie and her team without hesitation to friends and family or anyone considering appointing an interior designer. Every time we walk through the door of our incredibly stylish apartment we feel that, after being carefully and sympathetically guided by Melanie and her team, we have succeeded in creating a beautiful home.

    John Little | Sydney

    Surry Hills

Follow Us on @Instagram