Fremantle Entrepreneur Expands Local Design Studio to Meet Rising Demand for Custom Work

Lisa Bennett opened her second workshop this month at 42 South Terrace in Fremantle after outgrowing the original space on Newcastle Street in Northbridge.

The expansion comes as Perth retailers seek alternatives to overseas platforms selling identical designs at lower prices. Bennett started Bennett Studio in 2019 with two staff and now employs 14 full-time makers who produce mosaics, tiles and signage for cafes, offices and public projects.

Why local production matters in 2026

National reports show online marketplaces have increased pressure on Australian makers through rapid copying of original patterns. Bennett responded by focusing on short-run commissions that cannot be replicated at scale, securing contracts with the Perth Cultural Centre and several Hay Street retail fit-outs completed in the past quarter.

Her team completed 47 custom projects in the first half of this year, including a 12-panel installation for the new library wing at the State Library of Western Australia. The work uses recycled glass sourced from a recycling facility in Welshpool, keeping material costs at $18 per square metre.

Numbers behind the growth

Bennett Studio recorded revenue of $1.2 million for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, up 38 percent from the previous year. Average project value sits at $7,400, with lead times of four to six weeks. The business runs a three-month apprenticeship program in partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE that has placed eight graduates into paid roles since 2023.

Bennett plans to open a small retail counter at the Fremantle workshop by October to sell offcuts and smaller pieces directly to the public. She is also exploring a shared-equipment arrangement with two other makers in the same building to reduce overheads for all parties. Local buyers can contact the studio through its website or visit during weekday hours to discuss upcoming commissions.