Sonia Simpfendorfer MDIA

Creative Director

Sonia Simpfendorfer determines the creative direction of each project, leading her award winning team of designers to deliver interiors that are highly personal, distinctive and enduring.

She is entrusted with continuing the ground-breaking design approach established by Janne Faulkner, in 1967, which has made Nexus Designs synonymous with Australian style.

Sonia’s knowledge of design, history, technology, art and architecture combines with her extensive professional experience to ensure that our design studio delivers excellent, bespoke contemporary design.

A co-author of the highly acclaimed interior design reference book Living, she has been a director since 2005.

As a design and trend commentator, Sonia is sought after by Australia’s leading product manufacturers and design publications.

Harley Anstee FDIA

Joint Managing Director

Harley Anstee has more than forty five years of history with Nexus Designs and has been instrumental in its development.

Harley is an acknowledged industry leader in colour and trend forecasting. He has influenced the look of the Australian built environment for decades through his product development work with leading building product manufacturers, for example BlueScope Steel’s COLORBOND®. Harley’s comprehensive research and colour advice assists companies to develop new products and ranges that deliver product differentiation, competitive advantage and improve market share.

Harley’s leadership and commitment to design excellence has helped to establish Nexus Designs as one of Australia’s most renown design studios. Harley has mentored and developed the talents of many young designers and is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.

Michael Malignaggi CPA

Joint Managing Director

Michael Malignaggi has spent the last twenty-five years in the design industry and is a keen advocate of design. He oversees Nexus Designs business and marketing strategies.

As a Certified Practising Accountant, Michael brings a clear business perspective to design strategies. His analysis of product, sales and survey data assists in the formulation of key findings for our manufacturing clients.

Michael is responsible for our business development and promotional activities and has been instrumental in successfully negotiating major contracts in graphic, product and commercial design.

Janne Faulkner AM

Founder

Founder, Janne Faulkner, continues to innovate, challenge and inspire all levels of the company. Janne established Nexus Designs in 1967 as one of the first Interior Design practices in Australia and has influenced countless designers over five decades and the lives and houses of many Australians.

Janne has served on the Design Arts Board of the Australia Council, the Board of Heide MoMA and was appointed as a member of the Order of Australia for services to Design and the Arts in 1988. Janne maintains an active involvement across all the disciplines of the company.