KAREN McCARTNEYEditor/Author/Curator/Content-Creator (Slashes Galore), Sydney

"I was fairly senior in a publishing career when I realised I had stopped doing anything creative and wanted to align my working life better with who I felt I was."

Karen McCartney is known internationally as an editor, curator and avid supporter of exceptional architecture, interiors, craft and design. She edited marie claire lifestyle and was founding editor of Inside Out, before becoming Editorial Director (Lifestyle) at News Corp. Most recently, she was the Editorial Director of online retailer Temple and Webster. She is also the author of several best-selling architecture books: Iconic Australian Houses and Superhouse, which have been translated into successful exhibitions at the Museum of Sydney. Her new book, Perfect Imperfect, created with stylist Glen Proebstel and photographer Sharyn Cairns, will be released by Murdoch Books in April.

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What was your pivot point?

I was fairly senior in a publishing career when I realised I had stopped doing anything creative and wanted to align my working life better with who I felt I was.

Are you being guided by a mentor or trailblazer?

It's less about mentors for me and more about peers. Working with the right mix of people is the stimulus to good work. This is my new book, Perfect Imperfect, produced with Sharyn Cairns and Glen Proebstel.

What's your advice for someone going through their own transformation?

Balance out projects so that some earn money and some position you creatively.

Where is your soul place?

My home in Sydney. Home is very important to me, but when I travel I also come away feeling I could live there too!

If you could do anything, what would you do next?

I do like a plan (sometimes too many plans) and to fashion a life that down the track allows for more time in Europe would be ideal. This photo is from Le Duc, Lot et Garonne, France...a place I love.

Anything else you want to share?

One more soul place: Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River is always beautiful whatever the weather.

All images used with permission of Karen McCartney.