About Kate
Author. Editor. Design Advocate.
With over four decades at the forefront of the Australian design industry, Kate St James has dedicated her career to the belief that great design should be both accessible and sustainable. Today, after a distinguished career in both practice and publishing, Kate has transitioned her focus toward writing, education, and personal creative projects.
A Legacy of Industry Leadership
A Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia (FDIA), Kate’s influence has shaped the way Australians think about their homes. Her tenure as Editor-in-Chief at Universal Media Co spanned 18 years, during which she helmed a stable of iconic titles, including Grand Designs Australia, Home Design, Contemporary Interiors, and Luxury Houses & Apartments, among others.
Kate also authored several e-books for Universal Media Co, and wrote introductions and chapters for other authors who valued her professional insights and experience.
Her commitment to the industry extends to her past roles as:
President of the Australian Architecture Association.
Board Member of the NSW Architects Registration Board.
Judge for the Building Designers Australia Awards, Green Interior Awards and the Timber Design Awards.
Convenor for The Society of Interior Designers Australia, Queensland Chapter.
Speaker, presenter and moderator at industry conferences, design shows, and professional forums, sharing insights on interiors, sustainability and design practice.
Current Focus: Writing & Sustainability
Now based in the Northern Rivers, Kate has moved away from active interior design practice to focus on her true passion: sharing knowledge through authorship. Her current work distils 40 years of expertise into practical guides for the conscious homeowner.
Through her latest books—including Timeless Not Trendy and Sustainable Interiors Room by Room—Kate continues to advocate for "innovative and responsible" design, helping readers create healthy, eco-friendly sanctuaries that stand the test of time.
When she isn’t writing, Kate is dedicated to her own personal design projects, continuing her lifelong exploration of how our environments impact our wellbeing.
Timeless Rather than Trendy -
Quality Rather than Quantity
Welcome into my world.
After more than four decades in interior design and publishing, I've come to believe that the most beautiful homes aren't defined by perfection, but by thoughtful editing, personal stories and the way they're lived in every day.
Spaces that feel lived in - Not Staged
Thank you for visiting.
I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into my world.
Please enjoy the rest of my website.
Connect with Kate
Follow Kate's personal design projects and latest writing updates on instagram.com/katestjames_thedesigntimes and linkedin.com/in/katestjames.
For all other enquiries, please visit the Contact page.