Design Consultant.
Design Consultant.
Meet Kobi Smythe, design consultant, mum of four, DIY enthusiast, and self-confessed chaos coordinator. Between juggling kids, clients and colour palettes, she’s built a reputation for crafting spaces that feel as fun and full of personality as she is (just take one look at George’s Deli or DAYO and you’ll get the vibe). From fashion design beginnings to interiors that blend texture, colour and soul, Kobi’s got an eye for the details and the deadlines. We caught up with the Kingscliff creative to chat about her design journey, her love for the laidback Northern Rivers lifestyle, and how she manages to do it all.
How long have you been a Kingscliff local?
I moved to Kingscliff over 10 years ago when I first started dating my now husband. He is a born and bred local here and I much preferred the laidback lifestyle over where I was living in Palm Beach, so I was happy to make the 15-minute move south. My grandparents lived in Kingscliff when I was growing up though, so it’s always been a special place to me.
What do you love the most about Northern Rivers?
It has some of the best beaches, creeks and national parks. It is getting busier, but it’s still (for now) a slower pace which I love.
Tell us a bit about yourself (both personally and professionally)
I am a Mum/zoo keeper to 4 beautiful children and wife/technical support for my husband. When I’m not running around doing dance, school or footy runs, or deep in work mode- down time is best spent catching up with our besties for a bbq/margarita/red wine and a laugh, or walking down the main street of Kingy with the family for Breaky and creek checks.
I’m outgoing, colourful and very transparent- I often wish I could tone it down haha!
Many moons ago when I finished high school, I studied Fashion Design in Brisbane which eventually led me to the kid’s fashion industry for over 12 years. I have always loved design of any sort, so I decided to turn to residential/commercial design for a change of scene and here I am!
I’m a huge fan of Mid-Century architecture, family adventures/holidays, block colours and any creative activities. I’m great at starting my own DIY projects and leaving them 80% finished.
It’s all wonderfully chaos in the world of Kobi but I wouldn’t have it or know it any other way!
You’ve designed two of our favourite cafes, George’s Deli and DAYO. What was the design process like for these spaces?
It was an absolute dream to be asked to design both these venues. The cafes are owned by the same incredible family trio and they had a really cool concept for the style of food they wanted to serve. But other than the epic menu they were creating, the great locations, a specific colour (the orange for George’s Deli, Mint green for Dayo) and the names of the places that had a special meaning for them- the rest of the design I was fortunate enough to guide and curate.
George’s Deli: True to a Deli/Diner style with timber walls, bench seating, and retro artworks were focus.
Dayo: Embracing the beautiful Tweed River location- colourful beach shacks, boats and vintage milk bars came to mind when designing this space.
Both fit outs had a very quick time schedule to stick to, ensuring they were open as soon as possible and not sitting out of action too long. Luckily, I work aside a great bunch of trades who were able to smoothly execute it so fabulously and fast!
If a client gives you complete creative freedom, what direction do you find yourself gravitating toward when designing?
Well, this depends hugely on budget too… but I do love to design anything with texture, natural finishes, colour and clean lines- keeping timeless and having a point of difference. Great art. Beautiful custom joinery. I do ensure that no matter what areas of the design I push, I tailor it to the clients lifestyle, location, personal taste and brief however little or big it is. You can come up with all the most stunning designs, or what I would consider to be the dream concept- but no outcome is a success unless it’s true to the clients style and it also serves practicality- within budget!!
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a designer?
Navigating the fast growth of Kobi Concepts and time management! Balancing multiple projects at a time and having four kids to run around for, as well managing all the bookwork for my husband’s plumbing business- has meant constantly refining my systems and learning how to work smarter not just harder. It can be quite a juggling act, but I feel like I’m slowly getting into a good rhythm! I do feel like I’m doing something that I am so passionate about, so it does make the chaos alot more enjoyable!
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I’d have to say starting up a successful children’s clothing label ‘Alfie’ which I started in 2011 and sold in 2022. It was really hard to let go of and I was extremely nervous to take the leap and pursue my passion in Interior Design instead. Never in a million years did I think I’d be where I am now with my new venture but incredibly humbled and excited by how the last few years have unfolded for Kobi Concepts.
What advice would you give someone wanting to break into the design industry?
I’d say yes to as much as you can early on- even the small or unpaid jobs, because every project teaches you something different about how people actually live and how design works beyond a moodboard.
Don’t wait until you feel ready- just start! Connect with people in the industry and learn how things are built, not just how they look. The best designers understand materials, trades, budgets, and people. Most importantly, be original!! Build your own point of view rather than chasing trends. Authenticity, passion and energy will always stand out!
What’s next for Kobi Concepts?
I hope to continue picking up incredible projects and meeting new clients with big and wonderful ideas. I’ve recently just opened my own studio on Marine Parade in Kingscliff– so I feel like everything is aligning perfectly and I’m super excited for all the great things to come.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: Obviously, George’s Deli and DAYO! They are also absolute master chefs, the friendliest people and their spaces are sucha vibe too!
I also love Choux Box and Zanzibar in Kingscliff too. These guys have been around forever and the reason they have been so successful is obvious in the consistently good coffee, food and service. (Clearly, I don’t venture far from Kingscliff!)
In saying that, if I ever do head up to the Gold Coast it’s a must that I stop in to Sunny Boy Espresso or Elk Espresso– I used to work for the owners Andrew + Jodie when they had Vintage Espresso many years ago and they seriously know how to kill it in the hospitality industry! You are guaranteed a well made coffee and yum meal!
Restaurant: I’m a big fan of Siblings in Kirra because not only are the cocktails delicious and the setting great, I love having the option to mix it up with a variety of tasty share size meals. I’m too indecisive when it comes to picking just one meal/cuisine!
Bar or place for a drink: To be honest I can’t remember the last time I went to a bar or somewhere for a drink that didn’t include a kids menu or playground. BUT- in that rare occasion it would be Kirra Beach Hotel or Eddie’s Grubhouse.
Beach: Kingscliff main beach or Fingal for sure!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
A great day off is one spent with the kids, husband and our close family friends doing something like a boat day on the Tweed River or setting up for a day at the creek, cold drinks, and hot chips! I do love a chill Sunday though pottering around the house and catching up on the 400 loads of washing etc before the work/school week starts again.
Dayo is the brunch spot of your dreams.
From the legends behind George’s Deli in Kingscliff comes a bold new brunch spot that’s already turning heads on the Tweed. Say hello to Dayo, a waterside wonderland serving up flavour-packed plates and good vibes all day long.
Taking over the light-filled café side of the Ancora building on Wharf Street are double-threat chef power couple Johnny Ang and Jerrika Guiang, and Johnny’s sister Kristyn Ang, a chef with kitchen chops of her own. Together, they’re making big power moves with the launch of their second foodie venture.
Dayo, which means “visitor” in Filipino, is a word that hits close to home for the trio. They are all immigrants from the Philippines who’ve brought with them the rich tradition of starting the day together, gathered around the breakfast table. Now that they all call Australia home, they’re inviting us into their home rituals, with a stacked menu and river views too.
And what a home they have created. Wander into the white-washed building and be swept away to a mini paradise.
They’ve pulled out all the stops, bringing in Kobi Concepts (the interior designer for George’s) to work their magic on this space too. The team haven’t just embraced the location, but celebrated it, with picnic tables out under the jacaranda tree and sun-kissed balcony seating that overlooks the river and island across.
Retro fittings and pops of colour like a pink ceiling, green chairs and blue-and-white-striped upholstery all create a welcoming space that complements the very modern menu.
Now let’s dive into that menu!
The trio have taken the flavours we know and love from George’s Deli, but levelled it up into a gourmet brunch offering. Think Filipino roots, Southeast Asian spice with a Mediterranean twist. Chef’s kiss!
Benny-San is calling your name (and ours), featuring your choice of pork chasu or teriyaki mushrooms, served with two poached eggs milk loaf, hollandaise spicy sesame seeds and herbs.
Wrap your lips around finger-lickin chicken with the K-POP Chicken Waffle – snowy cheese fried chicken, waffle pickled radish, spicy maple, roast pepper and tomato mascarpone.
Like to start the day on a sweet note? The Strawberry Matcha French Toast is already a fan fave, with white chocolate matcha sauce, matcha ice cream, fresh strawberries and milk crumbs.
There’s a dedicated menu for the kiddies to keep them happy, and Ground Control coffee to keep you smiling too.
If you’re looking for the most instagrammable drink in town, you need to order the Ube – a vibrant purple number made with ube, a yam native to the Philippines.
Too much matcha? Never! Other speciality drinks include iced matcha your way – with your choice of strawberry, blueberry or peach mango.
And because you’re definitely going to want a little something to take home (or eat on the riverbank), don’t skip the cabinet full of the famous George’s Deli donuts on your way out.
Where: 118 Wharf St, Tweed Heads
When: Daily from 7am until 2pm
Instagram:@dayo.tweed
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Kirra Smith
Gorge on loaded NY style subs and handmade donuts at George's Deli.
Sucker for a sando? Rhetorical question. Specifically, the NY-style, pastrami and pickle stuffed variety frequenting delicatessens from Brooklyn to Manhattan – you know, the ones usually only found at the other end of a 20 hour red eye? *Cue major fomo*
Well, ‘donut’ despair, peckish folk, George’s Deli is here – and they come bearing delicious (suspiciously sub-shaped) gifts. Get your first look at the new, sandwich-slinging kid on Kingscliff’s block…
Bringing handmade donuts, coffee and cold-cut loaded subs to the coastal township’s beach-studded main drag – George’s signifies the delicious debut for double-threat chef power couple, Johnny Ang and his wife Jerrika. Rounding out the venue’s ragtag trio of Reuben-slinging chefs, the husband and wife team are joined by Johnny’s sister, a skilled chef in her own right, to keep the portable treat offering ticking along. Cripes – talk about kitchen chops, can you imagine the killer spread this lot would bung on at family dinner?
Doling out handheld bites to Marine Parade’s beachfront perambulators, the compact menu melds beverages and baked-goods infused with Filipino influences, with classic New York-inspired sandwiches. Inspired by her travels abroad, Jerrika was the driving force behind the deli fusion concept. First uncovering her appreciation for the delicatessen staple (and the unique and vibrant foodie culture, obviously) following a stint in the US to complete her apprenticeship.
The couple, who had their meet cute cheffing aboard a cruise ship, bonded over their shared passion for culinary innovation. Later embarking on an opportunity based in Casuarina, Johnny and Jerrika quickly caught feelings for the locale’s knockout looks, laidback vibe and people. They’re only human, right?
For their first ever culinary venture, the crew engaged the services of local experts Kobi Concepts and Coakers Building to handle the interior direction and fit out, respectively. Going for a cool, retro deli aesthetic (insert sparkly emoji – the millennial equivalent of jazz hands, here) peppered throughout George’s interior are rustic tiles, pops of red and an awning window that opens wide to the surf beyond. Basically, we predict this ultra-cute sando spot is set to be some pretty hot real estate among southern punters.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, the passionate foodies have also jumped at the chance to pay homage to their culinary heritage by incorporating nationally-beloved flavours from their homeland into their offering. Weaving in flavours seldom found in Australia, such as Ube, the distinctive purple yam, which you can get in Latte or house-made Donut form.
Mouth watering at the prospect of getting your mitts on those pillowy hand-crafted donuts? Well, hold on to your britches, Gold Coasters – ‘cuz we’ll really be ‘ruben’ it in as we unpack the rest of the menu.
To complement the unmissable Ube Donuts, the signature offering is centred around the short but sweet selection of signature toasties. Such as the La Cubano, made with pork ham, lechon, pickles and Swiss and the Ain’t Reuben toasties, which are both firmly in the #MustTry realm.
Be there, or be square, sandwich fans!
Where: Shop 3, 106 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
When: Monday-Thursday: 7:00am-2:00pm, Friday-Sunday: 7:00am-2:30pm
Instagram: @georges.kingscliff
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Owner and founder of Covetear.
From fashion runways to fine piercings, Gill Lawrence has always known how to turn style into a statement. After years building iconic fashion brands, she returned to her Gold Coast roots to launch Covetear, a luxury piercing and jewellery brand redefining what it means to adorn yourself with intention. We sat down with Gill, the creative force behind Covetear to talk inspiration, sustainability, and what makes the Gold Coast the perfect home for a little stylish rebellion.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I actually grew up on the Gold Coast, my family moved here from Melbourne when I was 13 – I went to St Hilda’s in the early ’90s before moving to Sydney to become a doctor. Spoiler: I became a fashion designer instead. After twenty years in Sydney and four kids later, I missed the sunshine, space, and attitude of the Coast. I came home a decade ago and honestly haven’t looked back.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast has grown up – but it hasn’t lost its soul. I love that I can have a meeting over coffee in the morning, be in the ocean by lunch, and still feel creatively charged. There’s this bold, unapologetic energy here – people are building things, backing themselves, and doing it their own way.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (both personally and professionally).
I’m a serial entrepreneur with a fashion background and a love for design, detail, and a bit of disruption. I’ve built brands, raised four kids, and finally accepted that balance doesn’t really exist for someone like me – so I stopped chasing it. My rule is simple: parent the best I can, work as hard as I can, care for my team, friends, and family and trust that good things follow.
Professionally, I spent years in fashion – founding Milk & Honey and showcasing at Australian Fashion Week with Toi et Moi – before wanting to build something that felt more personal, lasting, and meaningful. Covetear is that: beauty, rebellion, and precision in perfect balance.
What inspired you to start Covetear?
I’d been collecting ear piercings during my travels and had some amazing experiences overseas. Back in Australia I realised that while the jewellery world had evolved, piercing hadn’t. You either had pharmacies, sterile piercing and tattoo studios or luxury brands selling piercing jewellery without the experience to match. During COVID, when I wasn’t travelling, I decided to take a body-piercing course – just to see if I really loved it. I did. So I merged my fashion business background with piercing and launched Covetear. I wanted it to feel like the love child of a luxury fashion house and a piercing studio – meticulous, rebellious, and completely intentional.
How does Covetear’s approach to ear piercing differ from traditional piercing studios?
Most piercing studios think about the single piercing. We think about the whole ear. We respect the journey – everything we do is about anatomy, design, and emotion. The jewellery is engineered for comfort and healing, but it’s also designed to look intentional and elevated. The studios feel more like luxury boutiques – calm, beautiful, and deeply personal. It’s piercing, reimagined.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind designing a Covetear piece?
We design pieces you’ll still love ten years from now. They’re not trend-driven – they’re sculptural, balanced, and wearable. Each design starts with the ear, the real star of the show. We think about angles, balance, and how it’s actually going to feel day to day. Because great piercing jewellery shouldn’t just look incredible – it should heal well, sleep well, and live with you.
Sustainability is clearly a core value for Covetear. How did you ensure that ethos is embedded into every part of the business?
Sustainability, for me, isn’t a buzzword — it’s just how good business should be done. We use recycled gold, ethically sourced gemstones, and partner with small, family-run workshops that genuinely care about their craft. Our packaging is fully recyclable, and we design for longevity — from our interchangeable jewellery system to our Circular Piercing program, which lets clients re-use their pieces in new piercings. For us, that’s non-negotiable. Waste simply isn’t an option.
Covetear focuses on the in-studio experience as much as the jewellery itself. What can a customer expect when they visit?
At Covetear, piercing isn’t just about what happens in the chair — it’s about everything that follows. From the moment you walk in, the space feels intentional, calm, and beautifully considered. Our piercers are experts in both placement and healing — they’ll guide you through every stage so your piercing looks and feels perfect long after you leave. Most people arrive nervous and leave glowing. It’s more transformative than they expect.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: Elk Espresso – yum
Favourite restaurant: The North Room – this husband and wife team deserve many Michelin hats!
Favourite bar: Rosella’s – proudly 100% Aussie and always has a great vibe.
Favourite beach: Burleigh – it’s iconic for a reason
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Days off are a luxury right now – we’re expanding nationally, so I’m usually juggling about 10 things at once. But when I do get a day off, it’s simple: a long walk with my dog along the Broadwater, maybe a HOTA market visit, movie with my kids and dinner somewhere new with my partner – Ideally near water with wine and a sunset.
