Two rising stars of interior design, Megan du Preez and Amanda Leeson, are stepping into a new chapter as Co-Directors of Collectivus. With creativity, resilience, and a shared vision, they are shaping the studio’s future while redefining what it means to lead a design-led business.
When Megan du Preez and Amanda Leeson describe their journey together, one theme keeps coming through: balance. Balance between design and business, ambition and pragmatism, creativity and buildability. This dynamic partnership is now the new Co-Directors of Collectivus, a design-led studio that challenges the status quo and delivers experiences that resonate far beyond aesthetics.
For Megan, the path into design was almost instinctive. “As a child I was always drawn to the way spaces could shape experiences,” she recalls. “I became fascinated with the tactile qualities of materials, and those early observations have grown into my design philosophy today.” Her career began in senior design roles where she quickly discovered that client relationships and business strategy would be just as integral to her career as creativity itself.
Amanda’s journey took a more international turn. “I always knew I’d end up in a creative industry,” she says. “I started in graphic design, but found my true place in interiors. Working in London across the UK, Europe and Africa gave me an international lens that really shaped how I see design.” That exposure to diverse projects, cultures, and clients gave her the versatility and confidence she carries into her leadership today.
Though their paths were different, both found themselves moving quickly through senior roles before stepping up as Directors of Collectivus. Formerly part of leading fitout company Unita, Collectivus has entered a new chapter under Megan and Amanda’s leadership, with the pair completing a management buy-out of the studio. For both, it was more than just a career milestone, it was a defining moment of ownership, continuity, and creative direction.
Stepping into ownership has not been without its challenges, Megan explains. “The biggest hurdle for me has been learning to shift between very different states of mind. Balancing creativity with the practicalities of running a business can be challenging, but building strong systems and surrounding yourself with the right team makes all the difference.”
Amanda agrees, noting the steep learning curve of “wearing all the hats at once” – from finance and operations to HR and project delivery. Yet both have embraced the challenge, leaning on each other and their team while growing into leaders who thrive in the complexity.
The balance of creativity and pragmatism is evident in their project work too. Megan points to the design of Blacklist Coffee in Bali as a defining moment in her career. “The challenge was to create a concept space that embodied the brand ethos without defaulting to the typical Bali aesthetic,” she says. “We pushed creative boundaries while staying practical and mindful of budget, sourcing local materials and trades to create something unique and authentic.”
For Amanda, TotalFusion in Chermside Queensland stands out. “The client had a bold vision for high-end wellness meets performance training. Delivering that in a massive space while keeping to budget meant getting creative with materials and planning, but we achieved a luxe feel without compromise.”
These projects, alongside many others, reflect their shared philosophy: design should be as functional as it is beautiful. “We’ve built our reputation on delivering spaces that work as well as they look,” Amanda says. Megan adds that her strength lies in understanding how ideas translate on site. “I take time to think about the impact of design across all sectors, not just on paper.”
Their leadership also extends beyond projects. For Megan, success is measured when clients return again and again showing a sign of trust and long-term value. For Amanda, it’s about the client’s experience, “I want our clients to feel part of the design journey from start to finish.”
Looking ahead, Megan and Amanda are united in their vision for Collectivus and they are excited to grow their presence in hospitality, wellness and retail while staying true to their boutique roots. “There’s limitless potential,” Megan says. “We want to keep pushing boundaries.” Amanda adds, “What excites me most is building a culture where creativity thrives and clients feel genuinely looked after. That’s what will set us apart.”
There may not be one single moment that defines their partnership, but what truly stands out is the strong alignment in their values and approach.
As Collectivus steps into its new chapter, it’s clear Megan and Amanda aren’t just Co-Directors, they are co-creators of a vision that will shape the studio’s future and the industry itself.