A collaborative force of experience and energy
LEVINE VOKABERG is a dynamic trio of accomplished designers comprising of Ruth Levine, Lisa Falvo, and Debbie Freedberg.
Together they are a collaborative force with decades of award-winning experience shaping Australia’s design landscape through their innovative transformation of interiors.
Influential and respected, the studio is recognised for creating interiors that are layered, luxurious, timeless and designed for you.
RUTH LEVINE
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I love this fourth incarnation of my design career.
Sharing similar beliefs, values and humour, we work seamlessly, bouncing ideas off one another without the barriers of egos hindering the success of the ultimate design.
Our beautiful partnership began when Lisa, Jess and Deb were employed by one of my previous entities, Ruth Levine Design {RLD).
And about me? I bring experience and Client relationships having designed countless high end private residences and many of the high profile Sydney developments over my 40 year career, commencing with the first $1m apartment sale in Australia at Kincoppal for Mirvac, a great start for a newly hatched designer!
I'm also an artist/sculptor @studiolevine2022, creating vessels and totems out of canvas and recycled materials. Yes I'm a keen recycler and hate the waste in our industry which spurred on my artistic ventures. All the work is textural, tactile and intriguing.
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When I was growing up, we weren't aware of the term interior design. People inherited their houses and furniture and that was that.
I think design came from within.
The weekly changing of the wallpaper in my doll's house and the construction of their furniture out of cardboard boxes, progressing as a teenager to collecting Italian Design magazines and bags of fabric scraps, meeting with the formidable Florence Broadhurst, designing my bedroom, constantly rearranging the furniture and the design and construction of a giant telephone chair/ soft sculpture which was selected for Art Express, and was a ‘neon sign’ as to what the future held for me!!
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Self proclaimed Japanophile before it was a popular destination. I travelled to Japan as a student and the aesthetics, proportions, textures, patterns, traditions, green tea, respect for design and artisans has remained with me.
I love the work and design philosophy of Charlotte Perriand and her work with le Corbusier of the 1920s and 30s.
And balanced with that is the love for the colour and texture of the Australian bush and the wonderful art of textiles.
In design, I must have a design hierarchy, like a great painting, the eye needs to focus, study, appreciate then rest.
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I love meeting with people, visualising the brief and the finished project.
Designing as a team is elating along with space planning and problem solving, the selections of finishes and fittings and nutting out details.
I think I love all of it! Especially when the Client is knocked out with the final hand over
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Interesting question. I think artefacts and art are more treasured by me than furniture. It's the story behind the object I treasure, who owned it, who held it. I think if that is the criteria , it's my Kawai upright baby grand piano, hardly touched now but a symbol of home.
A big regret is having given away my original Alanda B+B Italia coffee table I bought in the early 80s!
LISA FALVO
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Born to Italian parents, one of three siblings, I have a rich Italian heritage with very strong family values. My Italian heritage fuels my passion for entertaining loved ones and I have a strong appreciation for fashion, delicious food and wine.
Levine Vokaberg is a collaborative force. Our design methodology layers texture, colour and form to create warm, considered and luxurious interiors that are tailor made for the needs of our Clients.
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Contemporary and minimalist interiors truly captivate my senses. I appreciate the light-filled spaces, open layouts, monochrome colour schemes and uncluttered designs. I also have a deep admiration for New York interiors, with their oversized windows, soaring ceiling, and a blend of timeless and bespoke elements.
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I thoroughly enjoy the furnishings and decorating process. My business partners refer to me as “The Furnishings Queen” with my keen attention to detail. Sourcing textiles and furniture, as well as exploring art galleries for unique artwork and sculptural pieces, truly excites me. The decorating stage is where all the magic happens, transforming the vision into reality.
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Designer and Architect, Patricia Urquiola, I mean can she do any wrong? Her poetic and playful style that translates into endless feminine forms and bold colour use is to be admired. I particularly love her collaboration with Louis Vuitton for the Swing Chair.
I admire the architectural legacy of Harry Seidler, the beauty of modern mid century residential design, that Seidler introduced to Australia is key to shifting the Australian style into the modern era. The intelligence and courage in the simplicity of colour, form, texture and planning still stands today. To sit by the open fireplace in Rose Seidler House is pure joy.
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For me, it has to be my B&B Papilio dining chairs. The back resembles butterfly wings, a design that truly captures the spirit of elegance and nature.
DEBBIE FREEDBERG
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I am an Australian born, beach loving family girl.
My design journey started in top tier Architectural firms and years later I found myself searching for a residential design aesthetic on a more bespoke and personal level. Which is how I found and connected with the Levine Vokaberg team. We have been growing our connection now for over 15 years together. Our firm is a collaboration of design and fun with each project being tailored to each Client’s brief
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Modernism is what resonates the most with me. That is not as rigorous as traditional architectural modernism, but the elements that it represents. Minimal lines and materials, clear spaces, high ceilings, thoughtful details, all the parts that emulate a feeling of calm and sanctuary which is what I think a home should imbue.
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My favourite part of the design process has to be the space planning and developing the concept, the idea behind what we will create. It is the stage where we learn the most about our Clients and create a design response to their brief. Always fun and rewarding.
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Having ups and downs, is how you learn and evolve. I have worked under many well established Interior Designers and Architects(both male and female), learning a great deal along the way about design, people and the environments they inhabit. Establishing Client trust is a fundamental base on which to build an outstanding design.
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I am currently enjoying entertaining around my custom organic concrete dining table with my loved and anticipated, Emporium navy rattan dining chairs.
