Julie and her firm have completed a number of well received and significant aged care projects, leading a dynamic and well respected team. Innovative and holistic solutions are often put forward in response to traditional problems. which translate to comfortable, restful and thoughtful environments focused on the individuals' wellbeing.

Our work together has challenged the traditional aged care environment, effectively re-setting the benchmark for future developments.

When I first started working in the aged care sector, buildings were not resident centric and the aesthetic was not considered a critical part of the equation. Some of these practices continue today. However, it is becoming harder for providers to maintain this model. One of the main people responsible for this positive change is Julie Ockerby.

Julie faced a lot of resistance, as she does today, but her passion and vision are irresistible. She inspired others to follow suit and what started as a small insurrection in a vast sector has become the standard by which others judge their work. It is true that others also played a part in this revolution that has benefited so many of our elderly, but at the forefront of the barricades back then, and continues today, was Julie Ockerby.

Julie’s commitment and hard work has been a testament to her success, she has brought extensive expertise in healthcare, hospitality and interior design to the ever-growing and adaptive residential aged care industry.

Julie is able to effectively adapt her designs to meet her clients' briefs and operational models within set budgets. Witnessing peoples’ reactions and responses to her well thought out and planned homes is both inspiring and rewarding to be a part of.

It goes without saying that Julie has changed the industry for the better, she has continued to push the boundaries and continues to strive and achieve a better outcome for our ageing population.

In my more than 20 years in the aged care sector, I have rarely come across a business partner of Julie’s energy levels, customer focus and alignment to our Vision.

With her uniquely diverse background experience across hospitality and healthcare and being a registered nurse, Julie has been able to respond to our Design Vision in both challenging and broadening our thinking on the ways if can be achieved.

Meli Studio has outfitted the interior of Estia Health’s three premium, greenfield homes. As Head of Sales, I have personally worked closely with Julie and her team and can commend them on their outstanding service delivery. They are responsive and always step up to the challenge. I have requested some extraordinary last minute requests from the Meli Studio team and they never disappoint! Julie is keen to support the sales team to ensure the homes are presenting at optimum for open day events. Julie has personally worked long hours to ensure all is in play for key events. I highly recommend team Meli Studio for their professionalism, agility and keen eye for detail.

It is not often that one experiences the extraordinary ... working with Meli Studio was a milestone and truly joyous experience in my life. I needed to transform my late parents’ Mosman apartment into a dream home - and the result is beyond all my expectations!

Throughout the whole process and renovation, the team at Meli Studio were beyond outstanding in translating this brief into a reality. Their knowledge, ideas, range of quality builders, sub-contractors, trades people, design, colour, hard and soft furnishings, lighting, window treatments, art installations and more ... is exceptional. Their project management skills are exceptional and to the highest standards.

The result is simply the best and extraordinary! The apartment fills me with joy, happiness, sentiment and comfort. The functionality, ambience, design and decor are just superb.

How lucky am I? The outcome is beyond expectations and a masterpiece with a soul.