Recognising Remarkable Women
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements, the strength of female community, and the importance of wellness – values Alba proudly upholds every day.
As we celebrate female visionaries shaping the sensory experiences every woman deserves, this special newsletter introduces a Q&A with Kate Walker, founder and creative director of Kate Walker Design. Known for her thoughtful, community-minded approach and close collaboration with local designers, architects and trades, Kate led the design of The Sanctuary at Alba with an all-female team. Read on to discover her advice on finding the balance to build a successful business that delivers a solid family foundation, and why her mum remains her greatest mentor.
IN CONVERSATION WITH KATE WALKER
A joyous career
There are two facets to my role that are especially rewarding. Firstly, as a business owner, I’ve had the privilege of providing opportunities for women to shape their own professional journeys, nurturing independence, encouraging upskilling, and fostering growth in a supportive environment. Secondly, nothing compares to the joy of delivering a completed project to a client, knowing our knowledge of design and ergonomics has crafted not just beautiful spaces but settings that genuinely uplift everyday living.
Advice for building a business, and balanced life, with intention
My guidance is to embrace that you cannot “have it all” at once, every ‘yes’ to work, family, or personal ambition inevitably means saying ‘no’ elsewhere. I’ve learned, as a once-single mother, to prioritise honesty and seek support where needed, understanding that excelling in one domain sometimes requires strategic trade-offs in another. The key is to honour your choices and recognise that a thriving business can be built not just for yourself, but as an enduring foundation for your family’s future.
The importance of consistent female role models
My greatest mentor is undoubtedly my mother; a renovation expert whose resourcefulness and artistry inspired me from childhood. Whether on tight budgets or ambitious projects, her unwavering ability to create beauty profoundly shaped my own philosophy; it’s not the budget but the vision and the warmth injected into a home that defines its success. Her commitment to cultivating family traditions and a sense of belonging has become the blueprint for both my personal life and my work creating legacy homes.
Shining a spotlight on female businesses on The Peninsula
Studio & Co. stands out as a hub for female creatives on The Peninsula, a collective space where artists and makers unite, sharing both their triumphs and challenges. I greatly admire the vision and dedication of its founders, Nadia Hughes and Leisa Wharington, and the magnetic energy of Kelli Lundberg, who curates exceptional events that uplift our region’s creatives and foster genuine community spirit.
Kate’s vision for The Sanctuary
My vision for The Sanctuary was to create an enveloping, restorative environment. One that balances the springs’ existing austere, architectural forms with a sense of warmth and nurturance. Rather than echoing the cool greys and raw concrete, I leaned into a palette of warm neutrals and soft, linear travertine to form a cocooning space. A gentle antidote to today’s frenetic, information-saturated world. My intention was for guests to find genuine restoration here. A space that dials down energy, inviting one to look inward and simply be.
A celebration of women in design
The design process for The Sanctuary involved an all-female team whose input was central to every decision. Through collaborative staff interviews, we uncovered an emerging need: a calming, quiet accommodation entirely devoid of bright distraction. It was an enlightening process, drawing on our collective experiences to layer soft textures and curvatures that invite repose, resulting in a space that, quite literally, feels like a gentle hug.
Favourite moments at Alba
A night at The Sanctuary. Wrapped in a soft robe by the fireside after soaking in the healing springs, I find the pace of life slows and true rest becomes possible. On my next visit, I’m eager to indulge in one of the extended spa journeys, dedicating an entire day to renewal and deep restoration, a space and experience every woman should prioritise and absolutely deserves.
Recently recognised by Michelin, The Sanctuary villa accommodation at Alba has earned a place on the High Quality Stays list on the prestigious Michelin Guide.
