FATIMA KHAN MENOPAUSE SPECIALIST
Interior Design
Client: Dr Fatima Khan
Interior Design: Nickolas Gurtler
Photography: Timothy Kaye
Stylist: Karin Bochnik
Build: Silverstream Construction
Featured: Vogue Living Jan/Feb '25, Vogue Living
Awards: Finalist - Dulux Colour Awards 2025, Shortlisted - Australian Interior Design Awards 2025, Shortlisted - IDEA Awards 2025
In a bold departure from conventional medical environments, Dr. Fatima Kahn—renowned for her revolutionary approach to menopause treatment and media advocacy—sought to create a clinic that reflected her philosophy of empowerment and self care. She envisioned a space where the ambiance is integral to the healing process, leading her to partner with interior designer Nickolas Gurtler of Nickolas Gurtler Office.
After exploring various female led design firms, Dr. Kahn found that Gurtler’s expertise in transforming clinical spaces into inviting sanctuaries resonated deeply with her vision. “I wanted to collaborate with someone who understood the importance of how a space makes a patient feel in medical environments,” she explains. “With the recent Senate inquiry into menopause, the timing felt right to make a statement. The environment where my patients receive care is pivotal to their experience. I wanted a space that feels less like a hospital and more like an extension of my living room—one where women feel comfortable and empowered”
Under Dr. Kahn’s passionate guidance, the Nickolas Gurtler Office team reimagined the clinic as a luxurious retreat, a far cry from the typical associations with medical facilities. Nestled on the north-facing third floor of the newly completed Cremorne House—designed by
SJB Architects—this clinic is a testament to the idea of self-care and empowerment.
At the heart of the design is the concept of the “powerful woman.” Gurtler notes, “Red is a compelling colour, often associated with self- empowerment and strength.” He draws inspiration from iconic figures like Monica Bellucci, whose striking red dresses in the media were a
statement of sophisticated strength and visibility. Memories of the women in his life—mothers, aunts, and grandmothers—wearing Chanel rouge lipstick further fuelled his vision. “Growing up, I was always struck by how a touch of colour to their lips could transform their
presence, imbuing them with confidence and power.”
This ethos is woven throughout the clinic, manifested in a rich tapestry of earthy red tones and luxurious textures, including sumptuous carpets, Rosso Levanto marble, and velvet. The design encapsulates the essence of a well-lived life, artfully blending layers of symbolism with a nod to the elegance of the old world.