ABOUT

SIMONE HAAG
DIRECTOR/DESIGNER

With over a decade of experience within the Interior Design Industry, Simone has developed a design signature that is truly unique. She has been nominated as one of BELLE Magazine’s Emerging Design Star and it is not hard to see why. Unfazed by trends, she simply creates warm, layered spaces that reflect the personalities of her clients.

Simone has forged a path as an aesthete, an influencer and a spokesperson for the Melbourne design community. Her work is regularly featured in publications such as Belle, Vogue Living, Real Living & Elle Decoration as well as blogs such as Est. and The Design Files. The studio’s projects have been nominated in the Australian Interior Design Awards and more recently the IDEA Awards, in which Simone has recently sat as a jury member.

Simone takes annual buying trips to New York and Stockholm and brings a collection of found pieces from LA to Melbourne. She is known for her warmth, humour and dedication to creating beautiful spaces for her clients.

MELISSA STRAUCH
LEAD DESIGNER - MATERNITY LEAVE

Born in Munich, Germany, Melissa brings a European aesthetic and style to the Simone Haag projects. Her background in journalism and her design qualifications make her a great asset to the studio team. She has a refreshing sense of style, a considered approach and maintains high levels of customer service.

Melissa leads her projects with care and enthusiasm,  developing concepts and finding the right pieces for projects. She is also the point of contact for media and communication within the studio and plays a pivotal role in the storytelling of the project journey and outcomes. 

CINDY PHILLIPS
LEAD DESIGNER

Cindy has joined the Simone Haag team as a Designer and Production Lead. She brings incredible creativity and precision to the design process. With her career spanning Advertising, Luxury Goods and Interior Design, Cindy has always been surrounded by creativity.

She oversees the studio’s projects by integrating her Design and Production skills, with a focus on custom design concepts, including bespoke joinery.  While working alongside suppliers and artisans, Cindy will gracefully guide clients through their journey, from initial concepts through to the completion of their project. Always with her signature humour and poise.

JODIE DEAN
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jodie has extensive experience in creative arts financial management and has a particular interest in the field Interior Design and Styling. She brings 15+ years’ experience to the Simone Haag studio assisting orchestrate orders on behalf of clients and managing all things finance and billing related.

Jodie is committed to creating positive outcomes, with a focus on accuracy, forward planning and strong communication between the client and the studio. Jodie always welcomes the opportunity to work positively with clients and guide them through the ordering and billing part of the project.

OLIVIA MARSDEN
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER & STUDIO SUPPORT

Olivia assists both the Design Leads and the Director as a a trusted aid. Often referred to as the quiet achiever, Olivia is across each and every project from initial engagement through to the bump in and photo shoot.

Olivia's style eye and attention to detail provides incredible support and helps transition projects from concept to realisation.

Beyond her hands-on involvement in projects, Olivia handles aspects of studio administration, ensuring that the behind-the-scenes operations flow seamlessly. Her involvement with the media and marketing also allows her to bridge the worlds of design and communication effectively.

CAROLINA MORALES
CLIENT & SUPPLIER SERVICES

Carolina Morales has joined the team in a Client and Supplier services capacity. She brings with her 20 years’ experience in the A&D industry, predominantly representing luxury furniture and joinery brands in the Italian market sector.

Carolina is the initial point of contact for our potential clients, assisting with the on boarding and briefing of new projects within the studio. She also plays a pivotal role in coordinating our installations days, facilitating any client after care requirements and working alongside our financial controller Jodie in the accounts space.

The Simone Haag team benefit from Carolina’s experience in Studio Management and her passion for high end residential design.

ELLIE DEAN
CLIENT & SUPPLIER SERVICES - MATERNITY LEAVE

Ellie Dean brings her experience in the luxury, fashion and high-end furniture space to the Simone Haag Studio. She is the initial point of contact for our potential clients and assists with the onboarding and briefing phase of any new project.

Ellie is a client services specialist who not only accompanies and assists Simone during that engagement phase but plays a pivotal role in coordinating deliveries and installations. Working alongside our Financial Controller Jodie in the accounts space and client aftercare also sit within Ellie’s domain.

ERIN NANNES
ASSISTANT - LOGISTICS

Erin's role at the Simone Haag studio is in the realm of Client and Supplier Services. She assists with logistics, freight, order ETA's and bump in days - often being the conduit between our suppliers and our clients so they know what of their pieces will be arriving when. 

Erin brings an infectious enthusiasm to the studio and in particular, bump in days where she coordinates suppliers and trades with ease. 

AARON MONTAGUE
OPERATIONS MANAGER

Aaron assists with maintaining our processes and procedures, ensuring they are best practice and on-point. With 15+ years project management experience and a wellspring of operational knowledge forged at some of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions, Aaron’s insights have helped shape how we work and how we interact with clients and suppliers.

As a champion of organisational effectiveness and operational excellence, Aaron works closely with the team to optimise performance, drive outcomes and ensure the best possible client experience.

NATASHA ALLEN
MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER

Throughout her media career Natasha has forged enduring relationships with the world’s best creatives and brokered profitable editorial collaborations including most recently at Vogue Living and The Australian’s Travel+Luxury magazine.

Within the wider design industry – from advertising to architecture, print to pixel-publishing - she is respected as a quiet visionary who can cut through the cultural ether with campaigns and concepts that stick, sell and rouse the most cynical of souls.

 She joins the team as Media Relations Manager, to oversee the media and digital presence of this high-end Interior Styling Studio.