The Studio

Sarah Barns and Michael Killalea in 2023

Studio ESEM is a multi-disciplinary design and creativity studio based in Sydney, Australia. Originally founded by Dr. Sarah Barns and Michael Killalea in 2012 as Esem Projects, in August 2024 we relaunched as Studio ESEM.

With renewed intention, we now lead an expanded team of practitioners and collaborators who share our passions and purpose.

We’re a design & creativity studio for storytellers and change makers.

We lead creative partnerships and storytelling programs that inspire authentic connections between places, communities and habitats.

We use storytelling and digital engagement programs to empower purpose-driven precincts and organisations engage with communities and change-makers to achieve their mission and impact. Our ‘north star’ is the creation of places were people and nature thrive.

Our creativity and design practices facilitate deeper connections and engagement with diverse places and environments: their history, their creativity and their possible futures. To achieve our work, we’re supported by multi-disciplinary teams of storytellers, researchers, curators, designers, artists, scientists and technologists.

We connect research and innovation with design and storytelling. Our creative methods employ and expand the potentials of working with data and digital interfaces, historical collections, and community insights to shape public engagement programs, spanning events, festivals, placemaking activations, installations and digital storytelling platforms.

With a long-term focus on programming experiential media in public spaces and precincts, we’re trusted for our capacity to deliver complex technical design projects incorporating a range of media interfaces and design solutions.

We learn from the past to shape the future. We believe in the power of creative collaboration to create places of belonging, care and connection that inspire change. And we hope you do too.

Interested in collaborating with us? Reach out to start a conversation.

The Story
So Far

As ESEM Projects, Sarah and Michael spent over ten years collaborating with communities, artists, technical designers and cultural partners to expand the potentials of digital storytelling for placemaking and urban transformation projects. 

Learn more about where we’ve come from, and our vision for the future of Studio ESEM.

Clients & Partners

  • Barangaroo Delivery Authority

    CBRE Group

    GML Heritage

    GPT Group

    Hassell

    Lendlease

    Mirvac

    TKD Architects

    Paul Kelly Design

  • Art Centre of Christchurch

    Australian Museum

    Australian National Maritime Museum

    National Gallery of Australia

    State Library of NSW

    Sydney Living Museum

  • Bathurst Regional Council

    City of Sydney

    Clarence Valley Council

    Inner West Council

    Liverpool City Council

    Newcastle City Council

    Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

  • Australian National University

    RMIT University

    University of New South Wales

    Western Sydney University

  • Arts SA

    CSIRO

    Data 61

    Enterprise Connect

    Government Architect NSW

    Transport for NSW

Awards

The Team

DR. SARAH BARNS
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
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MICHAEL KILLALEA
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
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LEIF WILSON
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
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GIGI FONG
STRATEGIC DESIGNER
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VICTORIA JOHNSTONE
EVENTS PRODUCER
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JAMES SCHULZ
CREATIVE PRODUCER
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Sarah Barns headshot

Michael is a multi-media artist and designer who works across a range of mediums spanning video art, painting, print and magazine design, illustration, art production, digital and experiential design. Michael leads Studio ESEM’s production and installation teams.

Sarah is a strategist, writer, researcher and consultant working at the intersection of technology futures, urbanism and culture. Sarah is also currently a research fellow at RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research.

Gigi is an emerging Strategic Designer with multi-disciplinary training across spatial, experiential & digital design. Gigi is devoted to designing for impact and dedicates her career to focusing on the intersection between design practices and social innovation.

Leif is an experienced on-site production manager who leads all ESEM’s outdoor installations and programs. Leif and his team have successfully delivered over 40 public programs for ESEM spanning large scale projections, temporary and touring event programs.

James supports ESEM as a part-time Creative Producer on video production and delivery. James has worked across television and digital content to visual effects, animation, and design. He joins ESEM with a love of creativity in bringing unique and impactful visions to life across many mediums.

Victoria supports ESEM in the delivery of public art activations and experiences. Formerly of Inner West Council and the City of Sydney, Vic founded Perfect Match public art partnerships and is passionate about the power of community activations in creating great places.

Our Collaborators

Creative Strategy & Design: JACQUI TRIGGS

Technical Direction and Installation Services: PETE HIRD

Motion Design: JULIAN BURGESS, ANNA FRASER, ANDY NOONAN

Production: OMEE DELING, CLAIRE EDWARDS, SARIE EDWARDS

Photography and Videography: We work with a number of photographers appropriate to specific jobs and budgets.
Past collaborators include TOBIAS ROWLES (Sam I Am Management), ROY WEILAND, DAVID ARNOLD, ALAN RICHARDSON

Illustration: RICHARD BRIGGS, ELIN MATILDA ANDERSSEN

Do you have a passion for curatorial and community-focused programs that elevate shared stories that inspire and connect people to places? Let us know!