BANKSIA BAY LIVING
LUCY GRAY ART STUDIO
Restoring flow, function and creative focus through organising, space planning and interior design support.
Every project begins with understanding the people who use the space.
This artist studio was a collaborative journey, combining Lucy's knowledge of her creative practice with my experience in professional organising, space planning and interior design to create a studio that better supports both making and exhibiting artwork.
The Challenge
Like many working artists, Lucy's studio had evolved naturally over years of creative practice.
Artwork, materials, teaching supplies and furniture had gradually accumulated to support her work. Over time, however, the layout no longer reflected how she wanted—or needed—to create, work and welcome visitors during Mandurah Open Studios.
Together we explored how the studio functioned day to day, identifying areas of friction and considering how the space could better support both creativity and exhibition.
Understanding The Person
Before considering layouts or storage, we took time to understand how Lucy worked.
We discussed her creative process, how artwork moved through the studio, what needed to remain visible, and how the space would transform when welcoming visitors.
Questions included:
• Where does creativity naturally begin?
• Where do you like to work?
• How does artwork move through the studio?
• What needs to remain visible?
• What requires easy access?
• How will visitors experience the space?
Behind The Layout
Once we understood how the studio needed to function, I developed layout concepts in SketchUp to test different possibilities before any major changes were made.
Rather than imposing a solution, each option explored circulation, storage, display opportunities, lighting and workflow.
Recommendations included:
• Storage Options
• Custom artwork storage
• Gallery wall planning
• Improved lighting
• New rug sizing
• Pelmet storage
• Flexible display areas
The Transformation
The final layout restored clearer circulation while creating dedicated zones for making, storing and displaying artwork.
Recommendations were implemented progressively, allowing the studio to evolve in a way that suited Lucy's creative practice.
The result is a studio that feels calmer, functions more effectively and better supports both the artist and the visitors who experience the space.
In Their Words
"Thank you Alana for your gentle approach, helping bring peace, order, and creative flow to my studio."
Lucy Gray
Artist, Lucy Gray Art
"Giving me vision for a cluttered studio and what it can become, plus doing the work."
Design Reflection
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how collaboration strengthened the outcome.
Lucy brought an intimate understanding of her creative practice, while I contributed an external perspective on organisation, layout and design.
Together we created a studio that not only functions more effectively today, but will continue to support her work as it evolves.
Project Gallery
A selection of photographs documenting the process, planning and completed studio.
Project photography includes original artworks by Lucy Gray Art.
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The Artist Behind The Studio
Every Banksia Bay Living project tells the story of a space—but the real story belongs to the people who live, work and create within it.
This studio was thoughtfully restored to better support Lucy's creative practice and the beautiful work she shares with others.
If you'd like to explore more of Lucy's contemporary artwork, inspired by the Australian landscape, visit her website below.