Cassie Hansen, editor of Artichoke magazine:
Mark fell into the design world. He made it a better place and was a great friend and colleague to us all.
He had a relentless commitment to making and creating a design community that was, thankfully, exactly like him: thoughtful, honest, friendly, inclusive and full of integrity. His activism and legacy – from being a committed design colleague to a driving force behind community initiatives – is what we should all aspire to. He was always thinking of how to make the world a little bit better. Early last year, I was in Sydney and Mark and Dave were giving me an early tour of Ace Hotel. We were crossing the street to reach the hotel, in deep conversation about something or other. Mid-sentence, Mark stops, looks up at the building and says to himself, “We need a pride flag up there ASAP” and then continued with the original conversation. His brain was wired like that – always putting the community first, and championing for a better world.
I will treasure all the trips we did – Hong Kong, Brisbane, Sydney – but most of all, the conversations and time I spent with him. It was always insightful, restorative and joyful.
Mark fell into the design world. And how lucky we were that he did.
Mark Robinson
Image: Courtesy Flack Studio
Kate Challis, design director of Kate Challis Interiors:
I will remember Mark Robinson as a passionate, sensitive, generous, cheeky, intense and beautifully opinionated human.
We met at an award event. I was a new comer to the industry and knew no one. Attempting to disguise my imposter syndrome, I wore a fully gold-sequin dress, I bumped into Mark at the bar. He threw me a line that only a die-hard Ru Paul Drag Race fan like myself would understand. Waiting for our drinks thrashed out our favourite Drag Race moments. Then he scooped me up introduced me to friends and colleagues with the familiarity and generosity which usually comes from a lifetime of friendship.
Over the subsequent years, I could always count on Mark for honest and unfiltered advice. His willingness to be open about his own experiences in the industry gave me strength and encouragement. This was not so much born out of a belief in me as an individual, but because of his deeply held belief in community and the need for us all to take care of each other. His generosity and kindness I will always remember and his untimely death is a potent call to action for all of us.
Dana Tomić Hughes, founder and editor of Yellowtrace:
We bonded over our love of straight talk, zero tolerance for bullshit and brutal honesty. Wise beyond his years, I found Mark’s penetrating gaze and palpable friendliness disarming and comforting. He could really see people and identify what was going on — always ready to offer moral support, give advice (oh, how he LOVED giving advice) and share a wicked joke…
I’ve never met someone so inclusive, generous, selfless and genuine, with mischievous dark eyes that said so much. Mark’s actions and what he stood for have stuck with me forever. He taught me so much, but above all — he taught me that vulnerability is a sign of real courage rather than weakness… and to always look deeper. He was one of a kind. We’ve lost a bloody good one who’s left behind a massive void.
Mark Robinson and David Flack
Image: Courtesy Flack Studio
Danielle Brustman:
Mark was inclusive. He had an ability to connect deeply with many us in his orbit. He was honest and direct, often delivered with his wicked sense of humour. He made us laugh. He also made us feel like we belonged to a supportive and strong local design community.
Mark led by example and always advocated for marginalised people. He encouraged and reminded his peers to try and do the same. I loved what he brought to the design community; his keen eye, passion for politics and a genuine care and interest in others.
On a more personal note, I felt seen by Mark. He encouraged me to be honest and helped me to believe that my voice and contributions were valid. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
Sarah-Jane Pyke and Juliette Arent, directors of Arent and Pyke:
Mark was a compassionate leader, a great storyteller, a connector of people and a dear friend. It was during the lead up and the presentation of The Rigg Design Prize in 2018 at the National Gallery of Victoria where our friendship was deeply forged. We will remember him for his passion, intelligence, humour and wit. Mark’s commitment to inclusion for all marginalised people, dedication to reconciliation and leading industry discussions on Acknowledgment of Country was unwavering. Mark was passionate about sharing his experience of life and love, and he will be deeply missed.
Jo-Ann Kellock, CEO of Design Institute of Australia:
I first met Mark through his participation in the establishment of our Interior Design Practice Group set up in 2017. Flack Studio had joined the Design Institute of Australia two years before when they had established their practice. When I officially took on my role as CEO in 2017, Mark was one of the first DIA members to offer his support. Our members speak highly of his capability, his passion for advancing the profession, his sharp intellect and quick wit. Without doubt, he was an achiever.
Flack Studio holds respect for their approach to design and support of not just the design community but their local initiatives. They had a remarkably successful year in 2022 winning major awards for their projects. Our hearts go out to David and his team and Mark’s colleagues and the broader design community who have also been impacted by the sudden loss.
If this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.
