Interview: Jasmine and Ash Dowthwaite,
Olsens Miami

After saying goodbye to their beloved contemporary black Miami House a few years back, Three Balls Red’s creative director Jasmine Dowthwaite and her husband Ash, studio director of international lighting consultancy, FPOV, were on the lookout for a new creative project - a smaller footprint family home for themselves, kids, Milla and Iggy and pooch, Gus.

An informal chat with colleagues Tui and Rob McKinnon, the directors of award-winning luxury building company Havendeen Projects, resulted in an exciting collaboration, Olsens Miami.

Designed by Jayson Pate, the two unique two-level contemporary beach homes - think nods to Mid Century design with a fun Australiana twist - are almost ready to be revealed.

We sat down with the passionate long-time Miami locals to chat about the inspiring collaboration and why attention to detail and quality were imperative.

TBR: How did Olsens Miami come about and why opt to build in Miami?

JD: We had always loved the properties that back onto Miami’s Ernie Tebb Park. The blocks are close to the beach but with a big leafy park at the back door. When an old house came up for sale, we quickly jumped onboard.

The block was a nice size and, wanting to downsize, we decided to look at doing duplexes. I am lucky to work with the best builders on the Gold Coast. At the time, I was working with Rob and Tui on their home PALA, which just won Gold Coast House of the year. We had a chat - and the rest is history.

We are very lucky they decided to jump onboard as it has been such a great experience. Rob and Tui surround themselves with such an amazing team. Ash and the kids and I have such a strong connection to Miami after living here for so long. It really just feels like home. It is nice to walk or ride around and know the people who live in your neighbourhood. Plus, Miami is a fun place to live with the beach, Pizzey Park, cafes, restaurants and live music at Marketta.

TBR: What inspired the project’s moniker?

JD: When thinking of a stylish set of twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen came straight to mind and so, the Olsens it was!

TBR: Was this a collaborative process between you and Ash and Tui and Rob?

JD: It was easy! The boys looked at things more from a practical, structural point of view. Ash, of course, concentrated on lighting and Tui and I more on the finishes. Everything was discussed amongst the group. I think the success was in the planning so the whole experience was seamless and fairly stress free. We did also seem to all have a very common design intent for the project which helped.

TBR: How would you describe the aesthetic of Olsens Miami and what were your inspirations?

JD: We wanted a duplex but for it not to look like one big building. I love the way the design looks like two small homes. We wanted it to be beachy due to its proximity to the ocean but also fairly contemporary. The homes are smaller so attention to detail was important. Skylights and the high ceilings really help open the spaces. I do love a lot of different design styles so we have little nods here and there - Mid-century modern with an Australiana twist. 

TBR: What are your favourite design elements?

I love the stainless steel on our back island bench in the kitchen. Of course, I love all of the tiles and the lighting but our crazy pave marble floor in our master shower is a bit fun! The powder room is a highlight for me. The nook in our master bedroom. Milla’s bay window overlooking the park. I could keep going….

TBR: The Olsens takes an environmentally conscious approach with smaller footprint living. Can you share a little about that?

JD: This is a topic people are becoming more and more aware of and not just as an environmental issue but also due to the housing shortage. I went to a great talk last year at HOTA for Gold Coast Open Home. It really got me thinking about all the reasons to live smaller.

TBR: How important was it for you to work with quality trades and suppliers.

JD: It is the most important thing. The quality of the products you use and how they are installed by the trades is what makes or breaks a build. Will, Bill and Connor from Havendeen need honorable mentions as do Mosh Joinery, Woodcut, Oliveri, Signorino and so many amazing trades.

TBR: Were there any non-negotiables on your side when it came to the design and materials used?

JD: I did have my heart set on cork and an ombre linen sheers. To be honest, I was pretty open and Tui has some great ideas when it comes to making selections.

It is fun to have someone you can bounce ideas off. The thread on our chats across various platforms is pretty wild!

TBR: Ash, you are a respected lighting designer. Can you share details of the lighting scheme and what is the overarching aesthetic in terms of lighting design?

AD: The lighting for homes should work as a calming tool. We rarely need large amounts of light during the days, and the nights are time to allow the eyes and body to relax, and this is largely influenced by artificial light.

We took the approach of soft warm accent spots and decorative items where we could. Using warm dim technology so the home warms as the light is reduced is a key technique being applied as well. Only key task areas and our art is lit, the rest just falls away to create theatre and interest in our different spaces.

We have an eclectic mix of wall lights just for some fun, creating little moments throughout the spaces.

TBR: Is this the forever home for the Dowthwaites?

JD: I feel like this is us for quite some time.