David Flack has transformed from a small-town kid who dropped out of design school into Australia's most sought-after interior stylist, with a career that skyrocketed after designing pop star Troye Sivan's home. The internationally renowned designer now runs a decade-old studio known for creating distinctly vibey Australian interiors that have caught the attention of celebrities and luxury hotel chains alike.

Flack's journey to the top of Australia's design world began in an unexpected way in the regional city of Bendigo. As a studious 12-year-old in the 1990s, he would spread out large A3 sheets of paper across the floorboards of his family home, meticulously designing what he called "Gumnut Plaza" - his imagined cutting-edge shopping center for regional Victoria. He still vividly remembers working on his childhood masterpiece when the news of Princess Diana's death was announced on television during that winter day in 1997.

Despite his early passion for design, Flack's path wasn't always smooth. He initially enrolled in design school but felt overwhelmed by the academic environment and made the difficult decision to drop out. However, this setback didn't deter his creative ambitions, and he eventually found his way back to the design world through a different route.

The breakthrough moment came when Flack was commissioned to design the home of Australian pop sensation Troye Sivan. This high-profile project put him firmly on the map in the design world and opened doors to numerous other celebrity clients and prestigious commercial projects. His work on Sivan's residence showcased his unique ability to blend Australian aesthetic sensibilities with contemporary luxury.

Today, Flack's design philosophy centers around creating what he calls "vibey Australian interiors" - spaces that capture the relaxed yet sophisticated essence of Australian living. His portfolio has expanded to include luxury hospitality projects, most notably his work on the hyper-cool interiors of Ace Hotel properties, which have garnered international acclaim.

Flack is known for his meticulous approach to every project, with each undertaking lasting a minimum of three years from conception to completion. "It's a big journey," he explains, emphasizing that clients must be fully committed to the lengthy design process. This extended timeline allows him to develop deeply personalized spaces that truly reflect his clients' lifestyles and personalities.

His decade-old studio has become synonymous with a distinctly Australian design aesthetic that has gained recognition far beyond the country's borders. The studio's success represents a coming-of-age moment for Australian interior design on the international stage, proving that homegrown talent can compete with established design capitals around the world.