New Article Format Catherine Dixon

How does your experience in architecture and law, shape your role as an agent?

It changes the conversation in a few ways. I can see opportunities that others might miss. How to draw in light, how to rethink space, how to improve flow. It’s also given me a deep understanding of what constitutes ‘liveability’ and what a nuanced concept it is. I feel fortunate to understand how the spaces we exist in impact our lives, how we connect, where we spend time, and how we feel. On a practical level, law has given me a pragmatic approach which is essential in real estate and is also beneficial in client conversations and when working with developers, builders, or lawyers.

You lived in Paddington for a number of years. Where do you live now?
After living and working in Paddington for decades I felt like a change. A few years ago, I moved to my apartment in Potts Point. I love being close to everything and knowing that no matter what time of day it is, I can walk outside and there are lots of people around. 

How do you define success?

Success for me is having the freedom and means to do what I love to do – whether that’s at work or during downtime. It means being able to spend as much time with my daughter and family and have as many experiences with them as I can. I don’t count material possessions, lavish houses, or expensive cars as a measure of success. The people I admire the most are those that carry themselves the same way before and after their success. 

We’re here today in your home. Does it reflect who you are?

While I didn’t plan the design of my home like I have on other properties I have renovated to sell, I did renovate it after purchasing it brand-new off the plan. It’s a collision of who I am and what I love. I often change things around, particularly art. I collect art and my favourite pieces get names, and get sent to have their own holidays on the walls at my home in Bundeena [Sutherland Shire]. There’s always a piece or two on the road! 

Do you have a favourite piece in your home?

I’m not a material person in the sense that I don’t aspire to own a lot of things or covet brands. I don’t shop very often but when I do, I always buy what I like and what I can see lasting for the rest of my life. Besides my art, my favourite things at home would be two blue velvet 1960s armchairs by Carl Erik Klote, that I purchased just after graduating. Besides being amazing to sit in and look at, they remind that when you buy good design and look after it, you don’t need to keep buying replacements every few years.