Taeler always wanted to build things.

“I really wanted to be a builder, a carpenter, and work with my hands,” she says. “But my dad said, ‘How about you do that after? Pursue your passion for design first, then you can fall back on that later.’”

It’s the kind of advice many young women hear when considering entering trade – to pursue something else. But like many young women, Taeler didn’t just take a path - she built her own, sidestepping carpentry and throwing herself into architecture, where she built a name for herself designing high-end residential spaces.

Taeler Jordan is an architect, interior designer, and founder of For The Love Of Design, proving that she never needed a fallback plan. Her work speaks for itself. Though she may not have picked up the tools the way she first imagined, she never lost sight of what drew her to building in the first place - the creativity, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing a space come to life.

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Taeler in our Beacon Design Studio for a chat with lighting designer Steph, where she shared her insights on building a career in the industry - one she’s shaped entirely on her own terms. 

Designing, Building, and Leading by Example 

Working on her first family home, Adeliene House, ignited Taeler’s love for the construction process. More than just design, she thrived on the problem-solving, the structure, and the hands-on nature of the work. That experience laid the foundation for FTLO Design, where she now helps homeowners and builders navigate renovations and new builds through expert guidance, design, and project management.

Her work extends far beyond private clients. She’s collaborated with Plungie, integrating pre-cast concrete plunge pools into her projects in a way that is both functional and visually seamless. She’s also a member of the BuildHer Collective, where she shares her experience and insight with women looking to break into building and renovating.

More than just a designer, she is committed to architectural heritage. Her restoration of The Fler, a 1956 Robin Boyd-designed home in North Warrandyte, reflects a deep respect for original craftsmanship while adapting spaces for modern living. Whether she’s preserving a piece of history or creating something entirely new, her philosophy remains the same - good design should be accessible, practical, and inspiring. 

A Changing Industry 

For a long time, the conversation around women in trade was about breaking barriers. But Taeler’s approach - and that of many other women in the industry - is different. It’s not about asking for space; it’s about doing the work, leading by example, and letting results speak for themselves. Across the industry, more women are stepping forward, and their contributions are being recognised as a vital part of the workforce. 

"They’re not looking at the industry as male-dominated; they’re just getting on with their work, which I find inspirational.”

Building the Future for Women in Trade 

The trade industry has never been static. It evolves with the people who push it forward, who challenge norms, and who bring new ideas to the table. That’s exactly what women in trade are doing today. 
And when we sat down with Taeler, she made it clear - change happens when you just get on with the work.

She’s spent years watching women in leadership, women running businesses, women who don’t stop to question whether they belong in the industry - they just build, design, and lead.

“There’s always been someone throughout my career,” she said when asked about the women who have inspired her career. “A lead interior designer, a lead architect - always business owners. They’re not looking at the industry as male-dominated; they’re just getting on with their work, which I find inspirational.”

For more on Taeler’s work, visit fortheloveofdesign.com.au. 
 Learn more about her projects with Plungie at plungie.com. 
 Discover her work restoring architectural heritage at thedesignfiles.net