3 minute read
Artiq Asks: Martin Brudnizki
by artiqannual
He is the interior designer behind some of the hospitality industry's most recognisable spaces. Find out about Martin Brudnizki's most cherished projects, advice and sources of inspiration.
A piece of art you dream about having at home...There is a painting titled ‘Marriage Portrait of Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen’ by Frans Hals, which I often reference as one of my favourite artworks of all time. The first time I saw it was at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and was completely enamoured by it. It was painted in the early 17th Century, but it appears so ahead of its time by how at ease and in love the couple are captured in the piece. It would be a dream artwork to own.
The best career advice you've received... There is a quote that my father once said that has stuck with me. He always emphasised to “take care of the here and now, and the future will be ok”, which is something that grounds me in the moment and helps me not to worry too much about what is to come.
The importance of collaboration… Working with such a diverse array of interior design clientsm, there is always emphasis and importance placed on a collaborative way of working - from conception to completion of a project. We closely work with them at every stage, ensuring what we design works for them on a business level (if we’re working on a commercial project) whilst remaining beautiful and unique to their needs and wants.
Your proudest achievement... There have been many projects throughout my career that have been incredible achievements, but Annabel’s in London is my proudest and most definitely a stand-out. It was an honour firstly, to be asked to work on such an iconic members’ club and London landmark, one that has been around since 1963 and welcomed every prolific name, from celebrity to royalty. But most rewardingly, we were really allowed to push the boundaries with our creativity and ideas and for the project, which resulted in inimitable spaces. It was a once in a lifetime project
A book you return to for inspiration… A book I always return to is Swedish Grace by Gunnela Ivanov, it is a wonderful book that documents beautiful examples of the movement through architecture, antiques, furniture, furnishings, and exhibitions in the early 20th century. Very little has actually been documented about this era, so it is an incredibly special book to own. It also heeds to a lot of my early design influences growing up in Sweden, and the objects my mother collected and displayed in my childhood home.
Guilty [design] pleasures... I do not really classify anything as a ‘guilty’ pleasure when it comes to design. But I would say a pleasure of mine is my collection of ceramics that I have built over the years. I used to spend a lot of time travelling in Italy, and I would find the most charming ceramic trinkets and dishes, as well as little ceramic fruits and vegetables that would always make me smile.
