School of Built Environment
UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is now 100K alumni strong. We spoke with some of our alumni who are making the world a better place. Here are their stories.
Nurturing creativity and resilience at UNSW
Cushla's passion for the built environment and design emerged from a deep appreciation for the natural world she had from an early age. At UNSW, Cushla pursued a Bachelor of Interior Architecture, a program that seamlessly blended art history and architecture, providing her with the ideal platform to unleash her creativity onto a tangible career path. The rigorous coursework at UNSW not only honed her skills but also instilled the importance of structure in the creative process, equipping her to tackle complex projects with determination and resilience.
School
Degrees
Bachelor of Interior Architecture 2010
Current Title
Director, Co-Founder of Tom Mark Henry
Cushla McFadden - Photography by Damian Bennett
I learned that within the creative process it is good to allow for structure, and that now helps us manage complex projects.
A serendipitous encounter shaping Tom Mark Henry’s destiny
UNSW became the catalyst for a life-changing moment when Cushla crossed paths with Jade Nottage, who would become her friend and the co-founder of Tom Mark Henry.
"I vividly remember Jade tapping me on the shoulder to introduce herself and say hello. She recognised me from an exam that we both sat for another degree. – you could say that we were always destined to study and go into business together."
Tom Mark Henry is a women-led award-winning interior design studio which has made significant contributions to the field of design. In 2024, Tom Mark Henry will proudly celebrate a decade of visionary design. It has evolved from a team of two to a team of 15, establishing offices in both Sydney and Brisbane. Cushla's journey from UNSW to co-founding this women-led, award-winning interior design studio reflects the true value of relationships and having a strong commitment to a unified goal.
Tom Mark Henry Directors Jade Nottage and Cushla Mcfadden
Sustainability and community led design
Tom Mark Henry is deeply committed to sustainability, supporting local manufacturers, makers and suppliers while embracing eco-friendly practices. The studio's dedication to First Nations communities underscores its approach to community-led design, ensuring that historical context and community values are honoured throughout the design process. “When working on Country, we engage with the community from the start, understanding the history of the site and current community values. To make sure we're working with, and not against those values.” It’s this approach that Cushla credits to the ways communities have embraced their work because they can see themselves intertwined within the design.
A recent milestone for the studio was the Microsoft Technology Centre project. This project exemplified the power of design to engage and impact society. Through engaging and celebrating Australian design culture and community involvement, the team created a perfect fusion of aesthetics, functionality and local pride.
"We engaged local artists to create murals that touch on the historical artefacts of the building and weave the client story into the design."
Industry insights and a vision for the future
Since graduating from UNSW, Cushla has seen a growing emphasis on integrating sustainable practices and materials into design, reflecting a shift towards a more environmentally conscious approach. Regarding technological advances, she says, “it’s important to continue to stay engaged in learning and understanding these new technologies so that we can embrace them within the studio”.
Cushla hopes for a design future where diversity, equal opportunity and Indigenous representation are of utmost priority. She believes that by involving Indigenous artists, designers, and creatives, the interior design industry can create designs that honour and respect the culture and history of the land.
Advice for students
Cushla’s advice for students is simple: “Seek out work experience, an internship opportunity, take advantage of what your course offers.” Tom Mark Henry frequently offers internship opportunities to students in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture at UNSW.
"Nothing will prepare you for working in the industry, like working in the industry."
Celebrating 100K Alumni
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture alumni like Cushla.
Learn about the evolution of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and meet the UNSW ADA Alumni who are making the world a better place.