Rachael McCarthy

Rachael is an experienced interior designer, strategist and thought-leader with a breadth of understanding across all sectors. She has a keen focus on the studio’s workplace sector - leading both design and strategy teams.

A natural communicator and trained facilitator, Rachael excels in strategic briefing, client liaison, and the management of large stakeholder groups. She has also chaired a number of Bates Smart and sector events, driving discussion and debate between community, corporate and design leaders.

Rachael has worked for both private and government clients, both locally and internationally. Her valuable input leverages evidence-based research and a future-focused lens to guide teams through complex design challenges, helping to successfully realise design aspirations that benefit occupants, building owners and the broader community.

Rachael joined Bates Smart in 2005 and became a Studio Director in 2018. During this time, she has worked on numerous major projects including 435 Bourke Street, 161 Collins Street, the Royal Children’s Hospital, The Club Stand at Flemington Racecourse and Australian Embassy in Washington D.C.