Lisa Madigan // Lisa Johnson Design
Lisa Madigan, Founder/Principal Designer of Lisa Johnson Design- an Interior + Exterior Design Studio.
Community and Background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Coledale community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I started my Retail Therapy and Design Studio in Thirroul back in 2020, aiming to be fully design-focused by the 10-year mark. When my shop and studio lease was coming to an end, an amazing opportunity popped up—a gorgeous exterior studio space at Worklife Coledale. Things started falling into place, and somehow, I’ve made it to my goal five years early!
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I started out studying Architecture at UTS before running a small fashion design studio in Orange, NSW. From there, I spent a few years designing, owning, and operating boutique hotels across Orange, Dubbo, Mudgee, and Wagga.
Along the way, I was asked to design a few cellar doors, some cafés, specialist medical centres, and even a bespoke rosin brand. If someone needed something designed, I’d just say yes!
Eventually, residential projects started creeping in, and that’s when the idea for my current business model really took root.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
I’ve been running small businesses since I was 21, so work-life balance has always been a wild mix of chaos and joy. I worked through having my four kids—cried a bit, slept a lot less, and loved every second of it.
Starting a new business and brand after moving from Orange in 2020 was a whole new challenge. Juggling a business launch during COVID lockdowns while helping my kids settle into their new world? Absolutely insane!
As a single mother with my kids full-time since 2018, balancing work and family has always been a juggle. My work hours have mostly been school hours—then work comes home with me. But now, with my youngest in Year 10, things are starting to feel very different.
Lots of yoga got me through a big chunk of it!
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
My most recent challenge was miscalculating the Christmas break—no retail income to cushion staff holiday pay, a closed studio, and no deliverables for a few weeks. It took a deep dive into my cash flow to map out a better strategy for managing it next time.
Other than that, the transition has been pretty great.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
I love to swim laps at Corrimal Pool, Wombarra Pool is a fav but more for a dip. I have a motorbike I don’t ride enough, I love beach walks and want to reactivate my yoga practice this year. I have made a promise to myself to get my camping mojo back.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
Currently reading Honeybee by Craig Silvey and Warra Warra Wai by Darren Rix and Craig Cormick. My fav podcasts are Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps and No Filter with Mia Freedman/Kate Langbroek.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
My work is my joy, so it plays a healthy role in my personal life. It occupies my mind during showers, on walks, and during long drives. I mentally walk around my projects in 3D. I don’t talk about work much though; I stay present in all of my relationships, but I am still definitely creating something when I’m having me-time.
A positive aspect is that I’ve learned how to compartmentalize my creative/business mind and allow empty space for other things to fall in as well.
Home and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
I have a lovely collection of contemporary mostly Australian artists. Painting and ceramic pieces as well as furniture items. My taste is having ‘only things that I love’. I have recently downsized my home and moving items to their new owners has been the most refreshing experience. Letting go is the best!
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
I love the whole WorkLife complex. The location is the bomb, the people are all amazing and my Studio is next level stunning. I can’t fault a single thing. I love the little details. The snacks, the shower, the considered toilet paper!! I am a layering fan and WorkLife has layers!! The meeting rooms are great. Such an excellent business model.
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
We coffee shop hop. So many amazing choices. Love the range of casual through to fancy dining. Beach walks with coffee in hand is my favourite way to start the day. I love Anita’s Theatre for live music too, we are so fortunate.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
I take frequent leg-stretching breaks and, when the weather allows, I eat most of my lunches outside, staring at the escarpment. These moments are my reset and regroup time, and they always boost my productivity.
At the start of each week, I have a programming meeting with my staff, and we adjust the schedule as needed throughout the days as meetings happen and client priorities shift.
Most of my client meetings involve a mix of skills, so I’m constantly switching between deep creative thinking, structured scheduling, and coordinating the many layers of design and construction. With projects at various stages, I wear a lot of different hats in a week!
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
Kate’s passion shines through in how WorkLife seamlessly blends a dynamic, community workspace with everything needed to run a business efficiently.
The members’ lunches are always excellent, and Charlotte and Romany are amazing— the perfect team to bring it all together each week.
We’re incredibly lucky to have WorkLife here in Coledale!
Connect with Lisa at www.lisajohnsondesign.com.au or find some inspiration on her Insatgram @lisajohnsondesign_
