Leah Justine Dawson

Memories are fragile, yet the stories we hold closest often remain long after others begin to fade. The Memory Keeper explores how spatial design can preserve these everyday moments, creating a place where stories are shared, valued and remembered. Located at 5 Balm Street, Newmarket, the café is inspired by my grandparents, who both live with dementia. Their repeated stories revealed the importance of holding onto memories and the connections they create. A shared table encourages conversation over coffee and kai, while handwritten notes and conversations with a café journalist capture personal stories. Above, a suspended brass installation gradually fills with memories, leaving visible traces of those who have visited. Brass surfaces develop marks through touch, while timber creates warmth and familiarity. Each year, collected memories are bound into a book for future generations. Rooted in manaakitanga, The Memory Keeper celebrates hospitality, care and human connection.