Our Sydney team brings together design, engineering, fabrication and material expertise. Since 1995, we have worked with architects, designers and artists to turn ambitious ideas into carefully resolved projects.

KRIS TORMA
Co-founder & CEO
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Kris co-founded Axolotl with his brother Kim in 1995, bringing a background in cinematography and art direction in Australian film and television. That experience shapes his approach to architecture and art, with an eye for composition, materiality and how people experience a space.
Over three decades, he has guided Axolotl’s growth through experimentation, craftsmanship and collaboration with architects, designers and artists, bringing together the people and processes to make ambitious ideas possible.
Selected as a Good Design Ambassador and frequently invited to judge industry awards, Kris combines creative direction with the practical demands of delivering bespoke work, helping projects become carefully resolved results.

KIM TORMA
Co-founder & Creative Director
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Kim co-founded Axolotl with his brother Kris in 1995 and has shaped its creative direction for more than three decades. His work combines a passion for organic forms and textures with meticulous attention to detail and an inventive understanding of materials and fabrication.
Working across design, experimentation and production, Kim brings both creative intuition and practical ingenuity to each project. He thrives on a challenge, developing unexpected solutions through hands-on exploration and a determination to make ambitious ideas work.

EMMALINE COX
Design Director
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Emmaline joined Axolotl in early 2012 with a Bachelor of Interior and Spatial Design from the University of Technology Sydney. She now has more than ten years of experience designing and managing commercial projects for Tiffany & Co, The District, and Genting Group.

MARNIE BATEMAN
Operations Manager
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Marnie has been part of the Axolotl team since 2007. Whilst working at Axolotl Marnie was suitably inspired to also complete an Advanced Diploma of Interior Design at Enmore Design Centre. With her valuable combination of design flair, business and life experience, Marnie is an integral part of the day to day operations at Axolotl.

SHEKHINA GENISH-GRANT
Head of Design and Special Projects
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Shekhina has over seven years of industry experience extending from work in luxury furniture through to interior design, where she has worked on the design and curation of residential, commercial and large-scale hotel projects.
Throughout Shekhina’s design journey her interest has always laid in people’s emotional response to space but also holds a strong appreciation for the finer details in designs, and the beauty behind the creation of art and sculpture.

REINA RIVERA
Interior and Graphic Designer
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With a background in Fine Arts, graphic design, and interior design, Reina brings a multidisciplinary approach to Axolotl. Her experience spans print and publication, as well as residential and commercial interiors. This diverse background naturally led her to Axolotl, where she continues to explore her passion for design while developing a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, materials, and production processes behind bespoke architectural finishes.

ALIVIA PAGANO
Interior Designer
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Alivia is an interior designer and a graduate of Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University, with a Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential). Her approach balances the visual character of a space with its function, supported by careful attention to detail and an interest in evolving design processes.

FOX MCDONALD
Industrial Designer
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Fox is an Industrial Designer with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of New South Wales and a strong background in product design, manufacturing, and robotics. With extensive hands-on experience working with unusual techniques and complex machinery, Fox brings detailed understanding and a keen eye for detail to the design process.

CHERYL LUM
Interior Design / AAP Project Manager
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Cheryl has over 15 years’ experience in interior architecture and design, with a background in concept development, placemaking and design management across Australia and Asia Pacific.
At Axolotl, Cheryl manages public art projects from design development through to fabrication and installation. She brings a considered design approach and a collaborative mindset, working closely with artists and project teams to translate artistic vision into built form while balancing creative intent with the technical and practical requirements of each project.

FREDRICK KITSAO
Production Manager / Engineer
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Fredrick is Axolotl’s Production Manager and Engineer. His work brings engineering and manufacturing management together to support the delivery of bespoke architectural surfaces. He values clear direction, practical problem-solving and teamwork, with a focus on lean manufacturing and effective production processes.
Our wider team








