Crystal at 231 Napier Street, Fitzroy

As favour to an architect friend living overseas, Crystal was documenting the progress of construction at 231 Napier Street and providing photographic updates. Then the opportunity to purchase one of the unique subterranean apartments in the building presented itself and Crystal signed the paperwork within a matter of days.

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Please tell us about yourself, your background and how you first found out about Milieu?

Crystal: I'm a first-generation, mixed-race Australian with a Chinese Malaysian dad and an English-Scandinavian mum. I was born in Australia and spent my formative years living in the Malaysian jungle. I'm curious and motivated by connection, ideas, human nature and our wild and built environments. Professionally, I ran a copywriting agency between Melbourne and LA for ten years (apostrophe.xyz). I still identify as a creative director and copywriter, but these days, I funnel most of my professional energy into studying psychology, in particular, psychedelic-assisted therapy. It's one of the few industries where science and spirituality come together.

Milieu was an early client, but I learned about 231 Napier from a good friend. He was visiting from LA and wanted to see the work in progress, but it was a work site when we showed up. I took progress shots for him for a good year, not knowing I'd own a piece of the building one day.

What were your main considerations when finding your new home?

Crystal: Light. A unique layout. Safety. A lot of homes in the area had an abundance of light but also backed onto an alleyway so didn't feel super safe.

What do you like most about your apartment's design?

Crystal: The 6.5m ceiling, the light, the thoughtful curves throughout. It's basically a bunker and it's unlike anything I've seen before, at least in Australia.

What do you think defines good development and successful apartment living in Melbourne?

Crystal: A thoughtful, beautiful layout. Good light, lots of greenery and a good flow of air and energy.

"Napier Street is such a great blend of locals, visitors and cultural wisdom.

Was moving into 231 Napier Street a lifestyle change, what have you enjoyed, what has surprised you?

Crystal: I moved from an apartment 400m away so it hasn't been a huge lifestyle change. I adore Fitzroy and Napier Street is such a great blend of locals, visitors and cultural wisdom.

What does a night at home with friends around look like?

Crystal: A spicy meal, thoughtful conversation, eclectic tunes and a feeling of warmth.

How did you go about making your space your home, do you have any pieces that are particularly meaningful to you?

Crystal: Almost everything I own carries a memory and a story. I have a beautiful piece of artwork in the kitchen, imagined by my very talented friend Andrzej Nowicki.