Hello!
I'm Christiane

"From Business Grad to Building Designer: Creating Spaces with Heart and Purpose"​

A few years after earning her Business Degree from UTS and establishing an early career, Christiane set out on a solo journey through Western Europe, seeking inspiration from diverse cultures and local architecture. On a small Italian island, she reconnected with her heritage and fell in love with Sicilian architecture—drawn to its simple coastal designs, thoughtful adaptation to landscape and climate, artistic details, and strong sense of community. 

Upon returning home, she channeled that passion into opening an espresso bar—a warm, community-driven space where stories and ideas flowed as freely as the coffee. More than just a business, the bar still thrives today as a beloved local hub, echoing the same communal spirit she had embraced in Italy.

Motivated to merge her love of community spaces with design, Christiane pursued a Diploma in Building and Sustainable Design. Equipped with new skills, life experience, and a genuine dedication to lifestyle driven architecture, she launched her career in building design—focusing on creating homes that reflect the unique stories and needs of her clients, while embracing sustainability and well-being.

With this vision in mind, she founded ZonaStudio—a design practice dedicated to creating spaces that are both functional and soulful.

Christiane believes great design doesn’t just shape a space—it enhances how people live, connect, and thrive within it. Today, through ZonaStudio, she’s designing homes that feel as welcoming and thoughtfully crafted as her espresso bar—spaces where community, creativity, and comfort seamlessly come together.