Good design

A successful interior designer, Carolyn Varney is excited to share her success with the next generations of RMIT students.

A graduate of the RMIT Bachelor of Interior Design program, Carolyn Varney has enjoyed an illustrious career across Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Australia. Co-founding the acclaimed Designinc group with her partner Hans, Carolyn is well-known for designing exquisite retail, hospitality and major commercial projects.

A powerful team, Carolyn and Hans’ accomplishments and love of the industry are clear, as is their desire to help others achieve success in the interior design field.

“It’s a very interesting transition when you stop work, because you start thinking about the next generation [of interior designers] that’s going to come through, you start thinking about ways that you can help them, benefit the industry and make a difference,” Carolyn says.

Together they have been inspired to give back by leaving a bequest to RMIT and developing the Varney Travelling Scholarship for RMIT design students.

RMIT alumnus and donor Carolyn Varney
My partner Hans and I have had a lot of conversations about what is important to us and education is really the key, it certainly has been for us. It’s the thing that can help you support yourself and your family, it’s what transforms your life and so we came back to where it all started and that was RMIT.

Having seen firsthand the opportunities an RMIT education makes possible, Carolyn is looking forward to helping others enjoy life-changing educational experiences.

“The feeling of leaving a legacy is very satisfying, it’s good to know that it doesn’t just stop with you and that you can leave something that will be of lasting benefit for someone.”

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.