ABOUT
We bring strategy, creativity, and hands-on expertise to every project.
OUR
STORY
The Great Indoors is a Sydney-based, award-winning design consultancy specialising in commercial interior design for retail, hospitality, and workplaces. With over 25 years of experience, we bring strategy, creativity, and hands-on expertise to every project — managing everything from design and construction to shop fits and commercial fit-outs. Our end-to-end approach ensures every space is seamless, functional, and beautifully designed.
Founded by Lee and Gesa Hopkinson, our team has shaped interiors for global icons like Selfridges, Harrods, and Nike Town, as well as major Australian brands including Officeworks and Samsung. We also work closely with Australian-based entrepreneurs to create new brands and interiors from scratch—bringing bold visions to life through thoughtful design and meticulous execution.
OUR TEAM
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Interior Designer + Founder
Lee Hopkinson is a highly experienced interior, brand environment, and customer experience designer with over 25 years in the industry. As Studio Manager and Interior Design Director at The Great Indoors, Lee has led award-winning projects for major brands across retail, hospitality, and workplace design. Known for his unique hand-drawing style, he communicates ideas clearly with clients and collaborators. Lee has worked internationally with top firms and shares his expertise as a interior design lecturer and creative thinking lecturer.
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Architect + Founder
Gesa is a highly skilled architect with a degree in Engineering, graduating at the top of her class. With over 20 years of experience in interior design, architecture, and master planning across Europe and Australia, she has worked with renowned firms like Nicholas Hare Architects and Stanton Williams. Gesa specialises in construction and design documentation and emphasises strong project management practices. In 2015, she joined her husband, Lee Hopkinson, as Studio Director at The Great Indoors, focusing on branded environment design for retail, restaurants, and workplaces.
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The Great Indoors partners with other talented creatives + makers bespoke to each project. From branding experts like Alabaster and Brad Stevens to many other talented signwriters, builders, shopfitters and craftspeople.
The Great Indoors was born from Lee and Gesa’s shared passion for meaningful, well-crafted design. Lee brings bold, visionary creativity, while Gesa’s architectural expertise ensures precision and structure. Together, they shape inviting and inspiring spaces that connect people with places.
Their journey began in Berlin in 1996, working on Urban Geometry, a project reimagining city spaces. Later, in London, they contributed to some of the world’s most iconic commercial and retail environments, including Selfridges, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Nike Town, Hearst Media Tower, and DFS Galleria.
The Great Indoors specialises in branded environments, seamlessly merging architecture and identity to create spaces that leave a lasting impression—whether an office, cafe, restaurant, or retail destination.
Mojo Homes Sales Suite by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Adidas Y3 Retail Store by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
JBS & G Offices by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Lifegrain Cafe by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Clearly Eyewear Retail Experience by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Plume + Tsubi Kiosk by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Sushi Umi Kiosk by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Myung Jang Restaurant by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
KFC Parramatta by The Great Indoors | Commercial Interior Design Specialists
Free Thinking, Smart Design, Seamless Execution
We are free thinkers. We blend strategic thinking with creative freedom to design spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Freehand sketching, a key part of our process, fosters spontaneity and originality, allowing us to explore ideas intuitively and create spaces that balance aesthetics and functionality with a sense of theatre.
Success isn’t just about creativity—it comes from a deep understanding of purpose and user experience. By working closely with industry leaders, we uncover insights that shape intelligent, engaging designs that go beyond the visual to create meaningful connections between people and places.
But great ideas need flawless execution. Achieving exceptional outcomes requires precise design management, clear communication, and seamless coordination. We bring the creativity, expertise, and discipline to ensure every project is delivered on brand, on time, and on budget.