Transcending Luxury

TRANSCENDING LUXURY VOLUME 1

TRANSCENDING LUXURY VOLUME 1

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ISSN 1750-8851

CONTENTS

‘HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS’ Cochrane Design is delighted to redesign an NHS Nurses’ Home - WE SUPPORT THE NHS

INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT COORDINATION DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT www.cochranedesign.com info@cochranedesign.com @cochranedesignltd

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Editorial

16

Martin Kemp Managing Director, Martin Kemp Design

20

Brian Worthington Design Director Brian Worthington & Associates

24

Lonni Paul Company Founder and Principal Lonni Paul Design

28

Ramon Alonso President and Lead Designer / Founding Partner & Principal RADYCA

32

Tray Crow Director, Interior Design Gulfstream

36

Lydia Hegbourne Founder and Head Designer Carte Blanche Design

40

Snorre Stinessen Owner & Architect Snorre Stinessen Architecture

44

Lora Bergiy Founder & Creative Decorator Dubai Design Group

48

Peter Staunton Creative Director Peter Staunton Design Studio

52

Ryoko Ogoshi Founder - Director (Interior architect) Ron Design

56

Niloufar Bakhtiar Bakhtiari Founder NBB Design

60

Albert Sedlmayer Founder; Naval Architect Sedlmayer Associates

64

Chrissy Cottrell Principal Designer & Owner Curated Home By Chrissy & Co

68

Brian Fink, AIA Principal Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors

uk .yvesdelor me.com

Yves Delorme Couture

A Couture collection of seven luxurious bedlinen designs, developed by the Yves Delorme Design Studio; offering bespoke designs and services.

Yves Delorme - 158 Walton Street, London SW3 +44(0)20 7589 4033 Harrods - Knightsbridge, London SW1X +44(0)20 7730 1234 ext. 3955

CONTENTS 72

Claire Nelso Managing Director/Owner Nelson Design

76

Aisling Wilson Creative Director Ash Wilson Design

80

Cristina Wakamatsu Design Director for Architecture LW Design

84

Filipe Jacinto Nunes Creative Director – Principal Filipao Nunes Arquitectos

88

MARIA BRIME & Garrett Robbins Co-Owner Brime Robbins

92

Shiva Aghababaei Vice CEO and Design Director Tarh Va Afarinesh

96

Kenneth Adler Principal and Lead Designer KA Design Works

100

Michael Ong & Jeremy Tay Directors Prestige Global Design

104

Paul O’Leary Founder and director deVOL Kitchens

108

Victoria McKenney Principal Interior Designer Enviable Design

112

Sean Cochrane CEO Cochrane Design

112

Sean Cochrane CEO Cochrane Design

116

Simon Fulstow Design & Technical Director SONA

120

Federica Squillante Montoro Founding Partner & Principal Interior Designer Maii Interiors

124

Yvonne Colacion Owner & Principal Designer Colacion Studio

JULIAN CHICHESTER

JU LIANCHICHESTER.COM london

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Bespoke Real Bronze Windows, Doors, Screens and Secondary Glazing 0147 6 2 4 9 4 9 4 www. br o nzecasem ent s. co m

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Chelsea Upholstery & Interiors

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In life and in design there is the luxury market, that top tier of ultimate indulgence and then there is the step beyond, the stride ahead, the level that quite simply transcends all else. As the luxury sector takes leaps forward rather than mere strides and breaks boundaries previously not considered possible, we wanted to take the time to mark the occasion and bring you the words and wisdom of those you are quite literally changing the face of the planet right now.

From both a design and technological perspective these people are moving forward at pace and in doing so they are inspiring, motivating and leaving a legacy for us all to witness. We have brought together some of those global influencers from all sectors of the design world and asked them to talk to us candidly about their work, their design philosophies and ultimately their hopes for the future.

Until next month, Joanne

TRANSCENDING LUXURY VOLUME 1

HOW THE WORLD’S LEADING DESIGNERS CHANGED THE PLANET

MARTIN KEMP MANAGING DIRECTOR MARTIN KEMP DESIGN

London based interior design firm, Martin Kemp Design was established by Martin Kemp in his 20+ year career within the sector. Martin Kemp Design is a highly creative design studio, producing some of world’s finest solutions for interiors, developments, architecture, yachts, private jets, cars, furniture and product. Their focus is largely within the super-prime residential market but also embraces fields such a high-end retail, office and restaurant design.

16 Martin Kemp

Transcending Luxury 17

Tell us a little about your current projects.

We have a diverse range of projects currently, from several private houses in London, a vast estate in France, apartment in New York, penthouse in China, yacht in Italy and a development in Monaco

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Only in our place of work, otherwise we continue uninterrupted thankfully. My studio is open for anyone to visit but we choose to continue working from home largely.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Our work can be classical to futuristic, calming to dynamic – ultimately we respond to our Clients objectives with humility and respect for any architecture or vision they may have.

Has it changed your outlook?

A little, I have always valued simplicity despite my career which is undoubtedly filled with complexity at times, though if anything my interest to travel long distance is diminishing.

What led you to this career path?

My life in Los Angeles where I encountered some extraordinary people, homes and outlook.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

Clarges Mayfair remains one our favourites, grand in scale but elegant and calming in execution and detail, a quintessentially modern English addition to Mayfair.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date. There are so many to recall, however undoubtedly dinner at Windsor Castle is pretty high up there. I have been so fortunate.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Humble. Such an invitation, for a simple Welsh boy like me it was quite something to be amongst such history and people.

What inspires you?

People and ‘form’, character or architecture, car interior to mother nature, all stimulate me.

What motivates you?

My team and the honour to my parents.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Los Angeles is my spiritual home but I would probably retreat to my birth-place of Wales or back to France where I studied, that’s to satisfy the Gaul or ‘Galois’ in me.

Where and how do you find support?

My father and late mother primarily are/were my biggest mentors, however I also find solace and support in my own quiet reflection, almost meditative.

18 Martin Kemp

How do you feel it has changed the world?

I suspect a good deal of the western world will quickly forget and revert to the old ways of materialism, though I hope we all learn now to restrain ourselves from eating too much, travelling too much or reproducing too much.

How will it change the global design sector?

If anything, our need to physically travel is now minimised as clients see how the benefit of incredible technology maximises our ability to share concepts and designs digitally. We have been able to speed up our output due to zero commuting time, so deliverables and hence manufacturing is becoming more efficient globally.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

As it has always done, design will continue to evolve more efficient ways of living, bring improvements to many people’s lives no matter how small or large. Design is pivotal in all we do and will always be there.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

We plan to launch a product range which has been in development, having had several items delayed due to the recent COVID lockdown. Beyond 12 months I wish for nothing more than continued good health and contentment.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Go for it. Be creative, think laterally, challenge existing ways and ideas, never accept anything as the ‘only’ way but always listen to others with humility when feeling compromised.

Martin Kemp Design is a highly creative studio renowned for producing some of the world’s finest design solutions for interiors, architecture, yachts, private jets, cars, furniture and products. info@martinkempdesign.com

+44 (0)20 7183 3885

W W W. M A R T I N K E M P D E S I G N . C O M

BRIAN WORTHINGTON DESIGN DIRECTOR BRIAN WORTHINGTON & ASSOCIATES

Brian Worthington has more than 27 years’ of experience in transforming high-end residential and commercial interiors.

Having started his career at Blake College London and further study at The French Design School, Surrey, Brian’s mission now is to create interiors that are timeless, original, authentic and refined.

20 Brian Worthington

Transcending Luxury 21

What are you currently working on?

A residence in Palm Beach, Florida, which is of 12,000sq. ft and is on the Palm BeachArchitectural Registry. Another residence in the Hamptons. We are just finishing a project in Locust Valley, NY in the same property where HRH the Duke and Duchess of Windsor walked the hallways.

Tell us a little about these projects?

The residence in Palm Beach is a total reconfiguration of the interior and is a turnkey project. We are supplying vintage finds and of course are designing bespoke pieces for the entire project.

What led you to this career path?

I started in the very early 80s in the soft furnishings industry as a visual merchandiser at D.H.Evans and the Army and Navy Stores in London. Those where the days we would build an entire dressing room around a pair of ladies slippers, which we were selling, down to the smallest details.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

I’m an organic perfectionist; I’m classically trained and feel comfortable working in the 18th century Georgian to Contemporary styled spaces, always based in the classical foundation. I work very much on scale and proportion with comfort being of paramount importance with understated refinement, which is universal no matter what style we are asked to create.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

It’s a house in Old Brookville on Long Island named Longwood.

I wanted to respect and create a harmonious interior to the exterior of the property with beautifully scaled and proportioned furniture. 95% of the furniture is antique/vintage from the UK and France. Quiet luxury was key with cashmere walling.

I wanted to blend British modern art with the 18th Century / early 19th Century. Understated elegance was paramount to our philosophy and the clients understanding as we got into the project. The monochromatic backdrop was key not to compete with the natural beautiful surroundings of the property. I am very

22 Brian Worthington

proud of this property especially because it won the design Et Al - International Interior Design Awards for Luxury Residence in the Americas which was a highlight of my career. This was truly a highlight as so much went into this beautiful project.

How did achieving this make you feel?

I was truly humbled and thrilled for myself and my small team.

We were nominated with great design firms from around the world and won. We truly deliver bespoke interiors that we NEVER reproduce, even though, I’ve been asked to in the past.

Where and how do you find support?

At home and with my sister “Bicky” and a few close friends.

Where do you find comfort?

Within myself, nature and at home with dear friends.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Indeed, I have to rely on other talented people, we need to trust them more and clients have been reassuringly understanding during this time, which I am truly thankful for.

Has it changed your outlook?

Gosh, yes I do hope so for the better. Life is complicated enough and we need to appreciate the small things.

How will it change the global design sector?

I think it will be more digital and hopefully people will be more understanding and appreciative of what we create. There are so many moving parts to our business, it truly takes a village.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Impeccable quality and craftsmanship is even more important with bespoke custom pieces. It will change of course without a doubt; some will be pros and cons to our industry, yet to be realized. People have discovered what is important to them and want change, this is yet to be materialized and finalized. I think home will be paramount for all members of the family.

INTERIOR DESIGN www.bworthington.com

INTERIOR DESIGN www.bworthington.com

LONNI PAUL COMPANY FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL LONNI PAUL DESIGN

Los Angeles based celebrity interior designer, Lonni Paul, is a high end residential and commercial designer. Working in the industry for 15 years, Lonni has worked with celebrities such as Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Robert Downey Jr. and William Macy. Lonni bases her work on the study of all things simple, modern and clean. From her years working as a fashion model in Milan, Paris, New York, Munich and Tokyo, Lonni developed a keen eye for understated elegance, and a taste for luxurious comfort.

24 Lonni Pauls

Transcending Luxury 25

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on an eco-friendly line of furniture for a new project featuring sustainable homes across the US and Canada. I’m also working on my new lighting line and ground up builds across the US and abroad.

Tell us a little about this project/s?

I’m very excited about the eco-friendly line of furnishings. There will be several lines for clients to choose from for the sustainable homes we are building. The project will be in the US and Canada in areas that are protected and require extreme care for the environment during the building phase.

What led you to this career path?

When I was living in Europe and working as a fashion model, the architecture really inspired me. The clothes made by high end Italian and French fashion designers have influenced the way I view and select fabrics and finishing details. It was a natural transition for me from fashion to interiors. Fashion is still a very big influence on my design style.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

A new modern build in Saudi Arabia. The clients were very involved but at the same time gave me a lot of latitude. They were great to work with. Traveling to and working in Saudi Arabia was also very exciting.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Being awarded International Designer of the Year by the International Design Society was a great honour and definitely the highlight of my career to date!

loyal team that has been with me for many years. We have an established working relationship that has made this challenging time easier.

Has it changed your outlook?

Yes I realise that many things can be done successfully without the restraints of an office and that one can virtually work from anywhere. Obviously the office atmosphere and camaraderie is missed and it takes a bit longer to do things that were once done quickly, but overall we have still been able to work efficiently and effectively.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

I believe people have realized the importance of home, family and being in a secure and safe environment. We all live such fast paced lifestyles so the upside of the pandemic, in my opinion, has been to slow us all down a bit and to give perspective on what’s really important in life.

How will it change the global design sector?

Since more and more people are working from home, our homes have shifted in their purpose. Our homes are no longer just living spaces, they are now multi-functional. They have become our workspaces, our play spaces, our classrooms and our Friday night date venues. Many will never return to a traditional working environment. Now most rooms in our homes will need to have dual purpose. Your dining room may server as your office. Your kitchen may serve as a classroom. Your guest room may be your gym. Each room will take on different or many functions and design will need to adapt to the new norm.

What motivates you?

My children keep me motivated everyday. Being a positive example of a strong confident woman in a position of leadership while also teaching them to take care of the world they live in is a responsibility I take seriously.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

During the coming year my goals are to have my eco friendly line of furnishings available to the public, to launch my lighting line which is currently in development and to have the sustainable home communities I’m working on expand to several locations across the US and Canada. Oh, and to travel again!

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

It’s been a challenging time with so many of my staff working remotely. I’m fortunate and thankful to have a motivated and

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Listen to your clients, understand how they live and anticipate what they will need to live a happy life.

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www.lonnipauldesign.com

RAMON ALONSO PRESIDENT AND LEAD DESIGNER / FOUNDING PARTNER & PRINCIPAL RADYCA

Mexico born Ramon Alonso graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Anåhuac University, Mexico in the 90’s and moved on to collaborate with multiple international museums and pavilions and has directed the design and execution on several large scale commercial projects, custom residences, private aircrafts and superyachts. RADYCA was formed by Alonso in 2016 and is based in Miami but has a strong presence in Mexico. With Alonso following his passion for oceans, RADYCA has a global design team inspired by creativity and innovation. With over 20 years of experience in the design industry,

28 Ramon Alonso

Transcending Luxury 29

What are you currently working on?

Several Superyacht Projects & a land based residential.

Where and how do you find support?

Always with my amazing team, & my couple.

Tell us a little about this projects?

Aquamarine 50m, 50m secret refit, 70m Secret project in Germany, several residential projects in Fisher island FL, and penthouses in Miami and Chicago.

Where do you find comfort?

At home

How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?

RADYCA’s core values are to recognize and integrate culture into their designs while striving to transcend incorporating tradition and innovation, always inspired by sophistication.

How long have you worked in this sector?

Over 25+ years of collective experience in the field Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

55m superyacht Laurentia, because of the design challenge and time efficiency.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Yes, design will be more efficient and more technology oriented.

Has it changed your outlook?

It has amplified it. Distance is no longer a limit to design.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

It has made us more aware of the importance of the human and personal connections and shown us how to find a better balance between work and personal life.

How will it change the global design sector?

Work flows have become remote.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

First Mexican designer to be finalist at World Super Yacht Awards on several occasions.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

More and better spaces to live and work and a heavier cloud base.

How did achieving this make you feel?

It provided great future opportunities.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

A lot of people have their eye on South Florida, we aim to help with their transition there and capture this market niche trying to solve their post pandemic needs. It is also our aim to find a balance to make more efficient projects in time and budget.

What inspires you?

The ocean What motivates you?

My loved ones Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Cap d’Antibes

30 Ramon Alonso

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Set the trend, don’t follow it.

USA BASED AWARD WINNING DESIGN TEAM YACHT - RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - AVIATION @radycadesign

www.radyca.com

TRAY CROW DIRECTOR, INTERIOR DESIGN GULFSTREAM

Tray Crow has previously worked in residential, corporate and health care interiors but was appointed director of interior design at Gulfstream in 2007 when he discovered a passion for aviation interiors. Prior to this he served as a professor and department chair for his graduate school alma mater, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Tray has a master of fine arts degree from SCAD and a bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

32 Tray Crow

Transcending Luxury 33

What are you currently working on?

Our team of more than 40 interior and visualization designers are currently designing our clients’ interiors for all Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft, the G500, G600, G650, G650ER and the allnew G700, along with the super-midsize G280.

Tell us a little about this project/s?

One of our major projects right now is designing the flight-test aircraft for the new industry flagship G700. Designing flight-test interiors is so exciting, because we can experiment with design innovation and see the outcomes in real time. After the flighttest program concludes, we know that the bespoke materials we offer our customers can stand up to high-speed, high-altitude flight and retain their unique features and beauty. The G700 also provides a wonderful opportunity for us with the most spacious cabin in the industry. The aircraft flies farther faster than any other business jet, which for many of our customers means that they’ll want their aircraft interiors to be an extension of their homes, and, thus, their personal and professional aesthetics.

Along with the largest galley in the industry, up to five living areas and the option for a master suite, our canvas on the G700 is larger than ever and allows us to offer more personalization and hidden delights for Gulfstream customers.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

My team of Gulfstream designers is what I am most proud of.

They inspire me every day. To be an interior designer in aviation requires more problem-solving skills than any other design sector – all elements require certification for flying, and every ounce of weight on the aircraft is intensely scrutinized. Our designers navigate these challenges with aplomb and always deliver a compelling, personalized, bespoke design.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

The wonderful thing about designing Gulfstream aircraft interiors is that every customer delivery is a new highlight.

What inspires you?

My team.

What motivates you?

Exceeding Gulfstream customers’ expectations.

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Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

These days, home has been my retreat. I just finished restoring our 1925 Colonial Revival home in Savannah. It has been a complete respite in which to ride out this pandemic.

Where and how do you find support?

The more than 40 designers we have support me and each other in so many ways, from their personal inspirations to their depth of experience and knowledge. As a group, we have nearly 575 years of design experience and 335 years of aviation design experience.

Where do you find comfort?

In the cabin of a Gulfstream, of course. It’s the most comfortable in business aviation.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Without the ability to travel to see our clients, we have shifted to virtual meetings and have capitalized on our virtual tools.

Our cabin configurator, seat configurator and exterior paint configurator tools have worked seamlessly to help us engage with our clients in meaningful ways. These tools allow clients to swap-out materials, layouts and furniture in real time and are also used in-person (when safety procedures allow) at our sales and design centres in the U.S. and U.K. Has it changed your outlook?

This pandemic has emphasised a core theme that has always been part of my team’s culture. That is, we must be adaptable and learn from every experience. I could not be prouder of my team’s ability to shift and completely change the way we work.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

At its core, design is about problem solving, and the whole world now faces a wealth of new challenges. These challenges become opportunities as they are solved by design.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

We will focus on continuing to exceed customer expectations and delivering bespoke cabin designs around the world.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Be nimble, adaptable, know your worth and share your talents with others.

Your cabin. Your canvas.

The possibilities are infinite with spacious configurations and bespoke interiors.

the art of excellence TM

LYDIA HEGBOURNE FOUNDER AND HEAD DESIGNER CARTE BLANCHE DESIGN

Based in Europe’s luxury capital, Monaco, Lydia Hegbourne has worked in the design industry for 13 years with her firm Carte Blanche Design. Lydia’s firm is a high-end design studio, offering services for luxury villas, apartments, yachts, restaurants, hotels, exceptional offices and more. From the first meeting to delivery, Carte Blanche Design imagines, creates and delivers a turnkey project, leaving the client worryfree and guaranteed top quality from beginning to end.

36 Lydia Hegbourne

Transcending Luxury 37

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

It’s about understanding how the clients live and creating a space that suits them aesthetically but also for their lifestyle.

Design cannot be all about beauty but also about functionality and comfort.

What led you to this career path?

After purchasing my first apartment off plan and watching the process I was inspired to create my own spaces.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

There are a few but I am particularly proud of a luxury 5-star hotel that we recently finished in Paris. Helped by the incredible existing period detailing such as the monumental staircase and oval atrium open over 4 floors, we made a truly exquisite place to stay. We raised to roof and created an entire floor at the top that can be privatised for some very exclusive clients. In the basement we kept the oval theme of the atrium, creating changing rooms in the centre. A luxury spa with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and massage room that can be used for couples’ massages or separated to two single rooms. Outside is a small courtyard with open fireplace to relax after spa treatments, covered from view with a pergola so guests can relax in private.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Every time we finish a project and we have a walk through with the clients who have a wonderful smile on their face as they discover their new home, hotel, etc.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Like all the time and effort and thought put into each and every project is worth it in the end.

What inspires you?

Everything around us can inspire me, an architectural detail, a detail from nature like the undulation of the water or form of the mountains. Colours from fashion. It’s about having your eyes open to see all the beauty that we have around us and bringing parts of this into each project that we make.

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What motivates you?

To improve with each project that we do. Be in improve a detail, a new finish, something technological. We must learn and improve every day.

Where and how do you find support?

In my team. Design is about teamwork; we are only as good as the people we have around us. Inside the office and my subcontractors all working together to create the very best that we can.

Where do you find comfort?

With my little rescue dog. Who waits patiently for me to finish every day.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

It has definitely opened our eyes to working more remotely, to communicating faster and more often with quick video call catch ups. I have more online meetings with clients also. Otherwise our work remains a lot onsite.

How will it change the global design sector?

I think people feel safer with their money in property rather than in the banks and I think that it could be a boost for the property industry as a whole.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

I think we are leaning towards a more comfortable way of living.

Less for show and more for real comfort of living. I think this is very visible in the way people are designing these days.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

I would like to take on another large villa and hotel project. And having worked on yachts, villas, offices, hotels & Formula 1 motor homes. I’d love to take on a private jet project.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Don’t be afraid to differentiate yourself, be creative and do not limit yourself to create what has already been done.

“We feel the project should not only reflect you, it should also surpass all your expectations�

Carte Blanche Founder, Lydia Hegbourne

The award winning design studio Carte Blanche, strives to deliver on each occasion, a unique project, tailor made to the individual needs and desires of the client. Offering services for luxury villas, apartments, yachts, restaurants, hotels, exceptional offices and more.

Le Michelangelo, 7 Avenue des Papalins, 98000 MONACO Phone: + 377.93.25.86.84

www.carteblanchedesignmc.com

SNORRE STINESSEN OWNER & ARCHITECT SNORRE STINESSEN ARCHITECTURE

Snorre Stinessen graduated in 1999 ad established his own studio in 2013 based in Norway. He is committed to developing projects that are conscious of our surroundings and the people inhabiting the spaces we create. The studio provides a full range of services from architecture to interior and furniture design. Snorre has distinguished his studio with award winning projects that are focused on unique designs to meet the requirements of the client as well as answering to the surrounding landscape/cityscape and it’s inherent challenges and qualities.

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Transcending Luxury 41

What are you currently working on?

We are fortunate to work on several interesting projects, both in Norway and elsewhere. At this moment we are in the middle of construction of an exclusive lodge in the magnificent Lyngen Alps in Northern-Norway, but also working on different types of projects from private cabins and villas to an arena and football stadium.

How did achieving this make you feel?

It always makes me feel happy and that we have accomplished something meaningful.

Tell us a little about this project/s?

The Lyngen Retreat is a project I have worked on for a long time.

It started by the finding of this unique site close to the sea and developing a project in tune with the landscape which based on our marked knowledge, fortunately attracted the interest of our current clients. The project will be a highly unique and exclusive lodge available for rent for select guests starting January 2021.

What motivates you?

The desire to do our best every time, to create something unique and meaningful and make our clients happy with the end result.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

We are very focused on creating projects that respond to and respect their surroundings, whether natural or urban, and also in close dialogue with our clients and their functional requirements.

Where and how do you find support?

In my clients, colleagues, family and friends.

How long have you worked in this sector?

Graduated in 1999, established my own studio in 2013.

What led you to this career path?

A long and twisting path, with a little of coincidence and a lot of love for designing and the creative processes.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

That might be the Manshausen Island Resort as it was a project we have had the pleasure of developing not only in close connection with the client, but also in every detail and aspect.

The project conveys a story of relationship with nature that also reflect our client´s expeditions and explorations and also showcases the surrounding landscape in a unique way.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

We have been fortunate to receive a number of prestigious awards and acclaim for several projects, but nothing can compare to the joy of seeing how people just sit down to enjoy a space we have designed, perhaps even unconsciously.

42 Snorre Stinessen

What inspires you?

Many things obviously: Nature and the interaction with clients are amongst the foremost.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

We have an Airstream caravan that we love to take for a drive and serves both as a lovely retreat and a movable office.

Where do you find comfort?

At home, at the office, out in the nature, in Piazza Rotunda in Rome and many, many more places.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Of course to a certain degree, but the joy of working on the projects has not changed at all. We are a small studio, used to working from both at home and at different locations, so workwise we are doing fine.

Has it changed your outlook?

It certainly points out the fragility of our lives and brought a sudden uncertainty to many projects and future planning, but being a small studio we have a fair amount of flexibility.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

Well, that is a difficult question that I am not sure we know the answer to yet. The world has seen many difficulties and crises, but hopefully it brings about a focus and an increased awareness that we need to live in balance with our world.

LORA BERGIY FOUNDER & CREATIVE DECORATOR DUBAI DESIGN GROUP

Dubai Design Group by Lora Bergiy was launched in July 1990 as a leading-edge Design Company, with branches in Moscow and Dubai. Since 1994, the company has been working on projects all over the World. In 2006, they opened the main headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The biggest projects were completed in United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Russia and Europe. Nowadays Dubai Design Group have a strong reputation in the Middle East Market as Leading Designers & Architects of Royal Palaces, Private Villas, Penthouses, Government and Commercial Projects.

As part of her 30 years of experience Lora is a proud holder of six International Diplomas in Design and Equivalence of my Talent: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) by International Interior Design Association in USA.

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Transcending Luxury 45

What led you to this career path?

At Dubai Design Group by Lora Bergiy, we pride ourselves in surpassing the focus of design by delivering luxurious and innovative homes that directly correlate to our client’s needs. Each project starts with an inspiration and each concept is created from a very personal connection with our clients.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

The difficult times which the world has faced has no negative impact on our work. The reputation we have earned for decades of perfect work help us now remain the leading design & fit-out company in the market with more orders and new projects.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

Dubai Design Group by Lora Bergiy is at the forefront of UAE excellence. Our history is one of a long and prestigious creators of Interiors, no limit placed on clients imagination, and open to the most audacious experiments and sophisticated requests by a client looking for the best and exclusive.

Has it changed your outlook?

Yes, new conditions placed by ourselves or by force are always an opportunity to reconsider the way to see life and work. I have become more aware of how valuable for my life and my job are because when a lot of people were out of work, our company didn’t close down for a day. Even in lockdown my employees and I have continued to work, in order to realise the dreams of our clients.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

I am proud to be holder of 6 International Diplomas: -

- - - - - -

International Interior Design Association in the USA (IIDA) is one of the most influential organizations which control over the processes of Designer potential formation all around the world with international standards.

International Design School: Moscow, Russia.

International Designer: Center of Arts in New York, USA. International Decorator: School Boulle in Paris, France.

Florist Park International in Germany and Switzerland.

Fashion Designer: South – Russian University of Fashion Industry.

Equivalence of my Talent: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in Fashion and Interior Design.

What motivates you?

My family, my beautiful life and my professional team motivated me to set up the attainable goals and easy overcome them.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

French Riviera, Tuscany and Switzerland are my favourite places for retreat.

Where and how do you find support?

Motivation and supports comes from same fields: my family and my company.

Where do you find comfort?

Wherever I feel a harmony of the soul and mind, there is a comfort place.

46 Lora Bergiy

How do you feel it has changed the world?

Now is a time when professional and well established companies will prosper.

How will it change the global design sector?

I think now is the best time to show all power in construction and talents in creation of designs. Then you are not equal to other. My motto: Keep working harder and success will always accompany you.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Quintessence between practically and harmony is a proper way to reach perfect design.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

To create and execute the most unique projects in collaboration with well-known artists and trustful developers. I dream of my designs and I design my dreams!

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

For emerging designers, I would advise them to develop their talent daily, follow the trends of design, do not be afraid to make decisions and work hard. Now the design’s market is lacking brave, creative designers and we are waiting for a young generation of obsessed and talented people. Join us!

OUR SERVICES: Worldwide Design & Execution Creation of Interior, Exterior & Landscape Design Projects “Turn-Key” Projects delivery and Renovation Works Design, Decoration, Supervision, Project management Construction, Extension, Landscape, MEP Works Furniture, Lighting, Carpets & Accessories

DUBAI DESIGN GROUP by Lora Bergiy Are you the owner of a villa, apartment or commercial unit in Dubai or any other country, but do not have enough time, language skills or experience to solve all designing issues?

Dubai Design Group will do it for you!

Our company provides a full range of services related to 3D Creation or Turn-Key execution.

WWW.DUBAI-DESIGN.COM

Dubai - United Arab Emirates Sidra Tower - Office 1807 INFO@DUBAI-DESIGN.COM

+971509464300 +97143741845

PETER STAUNTON CREATIVE DIRECTOR PETER STAUNTON DESIGN STUDIO

Peter Staunton has 13 years’ experience in this sector and the eponymous studio has been running for 6 years. Peter believes good design can elevate the human spirit by enhancing your everyday experience and wellbeing within the spaces you inhabit. To do this, Peter Staunton Design Studio ensures each project goes through a detailed process of editing to maximise the core elements within it, in order to avoid waste and appreciate the space and design at its best.

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Transcending Luxury 49

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

‘Raw Luxury, Refined Design’. We create modern living for our discerning clients, bringing them confidently beyond their comfort zone, utilising a mix of colour and the finest raw materials, for both contemporary and classic settings.

What led you to this career path?

The family soft furnishings business. I worked with my mother learning my initial craft within fabrics and soft furnishings. That alongside the guidance from my father’s architecture career, these led to my love and self-taught path to interior design.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Getting to travel with my family for work is always a highlight, in particular when a client asked us to work on their house in the Majorca hills, allowing us to stay there whilst working through our designs.

How did achieving this make you feel?

A project in Majorca was very early in my career, and it opened my eyes to how much potential there is with design and where it can take you. And that good design is truly global.

What inspires you?

Travel, different cultures and seeing great design from other designers What motivates you?

Providing for my family, reputation, and pushing my own design boundaries to create the best design possible for each project Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Firstly home, as this is essential for daily relaxation, peace of mind and balance. My home is definitely my sanctuary. Away from home, the quiet side of Ibiza. It has some beautiful quiet spots that are a mix of great food, culture and a more relaxed way of life.

Where and how do you find support?

My main support is my wife, who creates a beautiful relaxing home for our family. Work is very busy, so coming home to our sanctuary is what keeps me sane and balanced on those really busy days. Claire also runs the accounting side of the business, which of course is crucial to a successful business.

50 Peter Staunton

Where do you find comfort?

Relaxing at home with family, and chilling on the sofa with my dog Teddy.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Definitely! Having carried on being extremely busy throughout the lockdown, presenting designs to clients on Zoom and Skype, it has highlighted that we can be truly mobile within the design industry.

Has it changed your outlook?

Yes. I am looking to move my studio off the high street to integrate it next to my home, and to utilise the home as a complete display for our work and how we can live.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

After going through lockdown, I think it has highlighted to a lot more people how important the home is as a sanctuary.

How will it change the global design sector?

Hopefully the realisation we can work effectively without the need for unnecessary travel, but still to be aware that personal connection is very important.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

The need for it to be at the forefront of sustainability, through intelligent design, as well as for designers to inform our clients of the importance of it for better living Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

To continue to push my own and my clients design boundaries, move my studio, and be more sustainable. I am also involved in some important movements to help give back within our industry. ‘Design Haven for Heroes’ is helping to give back to nurses through free design help from interior designers in their local area. ‘United in Design’ is a new charity set up by designers to help push diversity within our sector due to the current Black Lives Matter movement What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

To have the confidence in believing in your designs, and pushing your client’s boundaries, without being too pushy

PETER STAUNTON DESIGN STUDIO INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

RAW LUXURY – REFINED DESIGN Peter Staunton Design is an Interior Architecture, Design & Decoration studio creating modern living for its discerning clients.

Through a mix of intelligent & intuitive spatial design, added with a fearless mix of colour & the finest raw materials, we aim to bring our clients confidently beyond their comfort zone to create spaces that will inspire them for years to come.

“To create truly iconic interiors that transcend time, inspire its owners, and create a legacy for future generations”

Peter Staunton Interior Design Bedford Street Studio 36-38 Bedford Street Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5DY +44 (0)1926 888480 info@peterstaunton.com

www.peterstaunton.co.uk

RYOKO OGOSHI FOUNDER - DIRECTOR (INTERIOR ARCHITECT) RON DESIGN

Ryoko Ogoshi has around 25 years’ experience in this sector and established RON DESIGN in 2014 to specialize in interior architecture where her “Ron” style combines the old with the new, traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, East and West. Ryoko helped to enrich the life of her commercial and residential clients with her dramatic, personal and comfortable designs. Ryoko’s architectural experience in space planning, detail and facility design, project management means that the practical and functional aspects of her designs fully support the “Ron” style.

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Transcending Luxury 53

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

I think it is important for architecture to make beautiful structures. I also think about the concept and story very carefully. And in interior design, I think carefully what kind of focal point to make. In other words, we are thinking about whether the space is attractive.

What led you to this career path?

From my days in elementary school, I loved drawing. My ballet experience gave me an appreciation for space and art. I combined the two things I love in my choice for a career path. A lot of architecture is about theory, however, I like to act from the heart.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

The weekend House in Taura has won numerous global awards such as The International Design & Architecture Awards 2018 Luxury Residence – Asia Pacific category (design et al), IAA Awards 2018 Honourable Mention, Andrew Martin Interior Design of the Year Award 2019 and Sky Design Award 2020 Among them, the Design at al Design Award and the Andrew Martin award were the first steps of my dream. I can’t believe I’m writing this manuscript.

How did achieving this make you feel?

When I won the design at al award, I wasn’t really expecting to receive it so I was surprised myself. When I became a member of BIID 5 years ago I wanted someday to enter these Awards, it was my dream.

What inspires you?

I grew up in a place rich in nature, so it is important to value the five senses. Inspired by rain, wind, sun, various nature and old Japanese temples and culture things.

I am also inspired by traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures.

What motivates you?

My motivation comes from seeing the happy faces of my clients.

I am also motivated to always have dreams and think about what should I do to realize them.

Where and how do you find support?

In London’s interior business, we will collaborate with Minako Bryson from Studio Kaimi. In my personal life, my partner always

54 Ryoko Ogoshi

help me. We (Minako, my partner and I) also founded Gallery Artisious. I am full of gratitude to my mother and children who always support me. I always feel that my father, who died of cancer, is watching me in heaven.

Where do you find comfort?

I believe that convenience and comfort do not always match. I think that a comfortable space is a beautifully organized room where you can spend time with your loved ones surrounded by your favourite things.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Remote meetings have become mainstream. I realized that I can design with Wi-Fi and a computer anywhere in the world.

Has it changed your outlook?

It won’t change soon, but I think it will change in the next few years!

How do you feel it has changed the world?

We aren’t free to go out and travel because of the coronavirus.

However, I was able to notice the goodness of the local area, the traditional crafts and the culture. I also feel that the virus is a warning from the earth. If this situation continues, there is a sense of crisis that two more planets will run out, and each and every one must think deeply about sustainable.

How will it change the global design sector?

Be sustainable. In other words, by conserving energy, saving resources, recycling, and controlling the emission of harmful substances throughout the life cycle of buildings, while maintaining harmony with the climate, traditions, culture, and surrounding environment of other regions, we will appropriately maintain or improve the quality of human life for the future. It is important to let them do it.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Always have a dream. Be proud of your work. Think of the drawings you draw as a thank-you and love letter to the construction team, and a line that makes a client happy and smiling.

Architectural Design

Interior Design

Interior Coordination

“Ron� style combines the old with the new, traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, East and West.

I help to enrich the life of my commercial and residential clients with my dramatic, personal and comfortable designs.

My architectural experience in space planning, detail and facility design, project management

https://ron-design.jp/

Art Direction

NILOUFAR BAKHTIAR BAKHTIARI FOUNDER NBB DESIGN

Born to an Iranian father and a Swiss mother, Niloufar embodies a fusion of different cultures. She has worked on projects in The United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Greece, USA and UAE. Brought up by her grandparents, whose galleried library represented the soul of the house, Niloufar was strongly influenced by her grandfather, a great lover of art and a talented watchmaker. During many travels together, he taught her to appreciate the very best and how to choose each object, both for its own intrinsic merits and for its relationship with other pieces, which is the quintessence of artistic direction

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Transcending Luxury 57

What are you currently working on?

NBB is working on an architecture and interior design project in Lausanne Switzerland which should complete by Christmas 2020 . NBB is also working on an interior design project in central London. We are celebrating our 20 year anniversary so we are undergoing a full rebranding and a new website will be launched in the next few weeks. We are also very excited to be doing the Artistic Direction for a Private Swiss Bank.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Our personal style is very eclectic yet always has spirituality and intellect as a starting point. A home is one of the highest forces of integration for thoughts, souvenirs and dreams of Man. At NBB we like mixing classic references but bring in some quirkiness. My leitmotiv is “ multum in parvo” (much in little).

How long have you worked in this sector?

21 years What led you to this career path?

From a very early age I was submersed in the architecture and design world and always knew that this would be the sector in which I would need to work in to fulfil my ambitions. I went on to design furnishings and fabrics and established my interior design studio, NBB Design in 1999.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

The project we are the most proud to date is a penthouse in Belgravia. It was divided into way too many little rooms and thus was dark. We completely redesigned the layout and secured a huge roof terrace . It was a young couple and the challenge was to integrate both their styles. The idea was also that this penthouse could evolve from a young couple who socialize a lot to a family home. The end result was stunning and very bright.

We witnessed this young couple grow into a family and the space adapt very well.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date and how achieving this made you feel..

Having started my career over 20 years ago a highlight is when clients keep coming back. Either when they move or for a holiday home or a chalet in the mountains. This really makes me feel like I’ve done a good job and it is great as we get closer with the client, having gained their trust we can go further and they become more daring in their design choices.

58 Niloufar Bakhtiar Bakhtiari

What inspires you?

Literature, art , travels, colours and textures.

What motivates you?

What motivates me the most is the kick I get when I see a vision come to life.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

A small Island in Greece.

Where and how do you find support?

The best support is our team at NBB as well as the wonderful craftsmen and women we work with.

Where do you find comfort?

Physical comfort I find in my own home and moral comfort mainly comes from literature and music for me.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Of course we got used to zoom meetings and I had to train my eye and my mind to make decisions without touching some items but luckily as I have been doing this for a long time, it is not a huge hurdle.

How will it change the global design sector?

I feel that clients will more and more realise the importance of comfort and quality in their home. Being confined in our homes showed us what a safe haven they should be. Therefore I think people will spend more to have more luxury at home.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Design is like Fashion or History it usually negates the last trend but reveres the ones before.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

To develop our Artistic Direction and Curating branch.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

I would say stick to your ethos but adapt to the clients world. A good designer should let their style show but through the lens of the clients style.

www. nbbdesign.com

ALBERT SEDLMAYER FOUNDER; NAVAL ARCHITECT SEDLMAYER ASSOCIATES

Albert Sedlmayer got hooked on sailing in Australia in his childhood and early teens. On moving back to Germany as a fair-dinkum Aussie, he could not read, write, or speak the language, so further schooling was deemed pointless.

Albert qualified as cabinetmaker through an apprenticeship after 2.5 years. Which lead him to train and qualify as architectural draughtsman and really enjoyed the challenges of design. This has led to a successful 45 year career in yacht and naval architecture.

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Transcending Luxury 61

What are you currently working on?

Apart from my bread-and-butter contract design work on catamaran ferries and self-discharging bulk carriers, I am designing a 322-foot sailing catamaran mega yacht, SPECTRUM 98.

Tell us a little about this project/s?

I was approached by a person who saw my designs and wanted a ship like my SPECTRUM 61 but much bigger. Even though this project did not eventuate and may have been a hoax, my mind was nevertheless stimulated and ideas for such a ship began to flow, so I initiated this as a spec-project.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

My ‘break-through’ project was a 60’ (18m) aluminium sailing excursion catamaran for tourists on Auckland harbour. ‘Pride of Auckland’ was launched in 1983 and was hugely successful, performing well above expectations. I have been on board in a near gale, sailing at 21 knots, with the tourist passengers squealing with delight. Now, even after 37 years, this robust, fast ship has endured wonderfully, and is now working tirelessly as ‘Pride of Airlie’ in Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

On a whim in 2017 I submitted my 210’ SPECTRUM 61 sailing catamaran superyacht design to the ‘International Yacht and Aviation Awards’ just to see what would happen and was immediately shortlisted.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Even though SPECTRUM 61 did not get enough votes to win the final award, the recognition was thrilling.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

There is no need for ‘retreat’. My mind is continuously active, and I aim to keep it that way. We chose the Gold Coast as our place to live decades ago, meticulously driving around day by day at the time, finding our ideal spot. Having then found it – a quiet cul-de-sac beside a park and lake full of wildlife, in the middle of our canal-laced city, 3km from world-famous ‘Surfer’s Paradise,

62 Albert Sedlmayer

this is where we live and don’t really intend or need to ‘retreat’ anywhere else.

Where and how do you find support?

In my mid-thirties I understood the serendipity of giving, and the joy and increased life-fulfilment it brings. I trained as a counsellor and served with a voluntary counselling service for several years. Helping others without any expectation of recompense has brought personal fulfilment far beyond anything I ever expected. A loving, close family and deep personal friendships provide all the support I could wish for.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Travel and meetings have been radically curtailed, but being adaptable, I just use other avenues of contact and continue unabated.

How will it change the global design sector?

Travel restrictions have decimated airlines so much that many cannot recover. This will potentially re-focus design to be less cosmopolitan and more local in scope.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Very generally, we need to design for more wheelchair and stretcher accessibility, with areas that can be discretely segmented into smaller group spaces, or with easily deployable isolation and sanitation features, so businesses can keep running under constrained conditions. We also need to design fittings, features and spaces that can fully incorporate more people with limited mobility.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

As I approach middle age (74), my mind is full of ideas and I can barely wait to start my next project, whimsical ideas of which are already forming. But for the time being I will repress these and complete the preliminary design work for SPECTRUM 98, fully establishing all the functionality, aesthetics, and identity before I formally publish her. She is really a big sister to SPECTRUM 61, and my new ideas are radically different.

www.sednav.com www.sednav.com www.sednav.com www.sednav.com www.sednav.com

PO 1097 Box 1097 Southport Qld 4215 Australia PO Box Southport Qld 4215 Australia +61(0) 7 5597 3419 PO Box 1097 Southport Qld 4215 Australia +61(0) 7 5597 3419 PO Box 1097PO Southport Box+61(0) 1097 7 Qld Southport 4215 Australia Qld 4215 Australia 5597 3419 +61(0) 7 5597 +61(0) 34197 5597 3419

CHRISSY COTTRELL PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & OWNER CURATED HOME BY CHRISSY & CO

Nestled in Vancouver’s Armoury design district, Chrissy Cottrell is of Vancouver’s top interior designers.

Established 11 years ago, Curated Home By Chrissy & Co believe beautiful interior design is about creating a visual autobiography of their clients. It’s about creating spaces that reflect the individuality of each person we work while still capturing the collective personality of the family unit.

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Transcending Luxury 65

What led you to this career path?

Having grown up in the industry (my father was a contractor and my Grandparents had a design/build firm), I rebelled against the family business and decide to pursue a career as art therapist instead. I naively thought it would be a more purposeful line of work. My inner philanthropist and humanitarian spirit wanted to help people heal but after nearly four years towards a PHD in art psychology, I was exhausted with the endless hours on Freudian theories. I craved a more creative outlet so, I decided to get an internship at a design firm instead. It wasn’t until I was selfemployed and working as a freelance designer with my first divorced client that I truly realized how incredibly healing design could be. There is a mending of the soul that happens when you create spaces that nurture and inspire a weary heart. Likewise, there is an incredible confidence and joy that people embody when living in a space that echoes who they are and who they wish to become. The truth is, I don’t see myself a designer, I see myself as a lifestyle architect and visual audio biographer who helps people embody their full potential by creating spaces that enable them to live and dream in a bigger way.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

It would have to be seeing my clients cry tears of joy to later dance the night away with them on the evening of the grand reveal I did for my Canadian wine country dream home. It was a challenging project both technically and circumstantially. Open beam steel construction with a plethora of trade challenges to overcome. My clients terminated the contractor they hired before engaging my services and were close to selling the project half built. In order to keep the vision alive, I came alongside them as a project manager. This project was my baby from blueprint creation through to the build completion and although it’s definitely one of my masterpieces, it’s the

66 Chrissy Cottrell

relationship I build with my clients and the joy I got to share with them on their big reveal day that is one of my all-time favourite highlights.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Elated. Overcoming challenges on my clients behalf so they can live their best life and walking with them across the finish line is such a feeling of accomplishment. My team and I slaved the last few nights away to ensure we made the deadline for when they returned from their vacation to see their dream home complete.

Where and how do you find support?

Over the years I’ve curated a small but incredible team. They keep me inspired to keep striving and dreaming outside of my comfort zone. I want to see them flourish which means I have to continue to flourish and grow. I also have an incredible partner who reminds me to take a minute every now and again to appreciate how far I’ve come. He keeps me grounded.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

To continue to follow my bliss, doing what I love which is unveiling the hidden potential in my clients homes so they can unlock their untapped potential. I want to continue to build towards being a an internationally recognized name for the woman who transcended her career from designer, to lifestyle architect. I want to nurture my team and see them blossom and grow. I want to continue to expand my furniture line while growing my artisan list of talent. Most of all, I want to enjoy the journey by allowing it to unfold with grace. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life never turns out quite how you imagined; I truly believe that if you keep an open heart, no matter the circumstances, it’s often more beautiful than you dreamed.

BEYOND BASIC D E S I G N

.

F U R N I T U R E

WWW. CHRISSYCO.COM

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D E C O R

@CURATEDBYCHRISSY

BRIAN FINK, AIA PRINCIPAL KLAI JUBA WALD ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

Brian Fink has spent over 20 years at Klai Juba Wald, the leading Casino and Entertainment Architecture & Design firm based in Las Vegas. Being a graduate of The University of Nebraska and a licenced architect in the state of Nevada and Arizone, he has taken on leadership roles in the firm and on projects with a focus on hotels and casinos to a great success.

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Transcending Luxury 69

What led you to this career path?

From the very beginning I have been interested in design and simply intrigued on how things went together. Interestingly enough, I started out by studying mechanical engineering in school, but after several years, my passion for drawing and design soon led me to architecture and the rest is history.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

The Guitar Hotel because it involved the things I believe are essential to great architecture: Creativity—the vision to create a guitar-shaped hotel—a 450-ft-tall, 596,044-sq-ft guitar tower—was a daunting challenge that our entire team embraced wholeheartedly. Transforming that creative vision into a viable structure involved tremendous resourcefulness in design thinking, structural systems, architectural detailing and construction methods. The project was part of a $1.5 billion, 3.2 million square foot master plan, with multiple construction projects happening simultaneously. We’ve been successful on a number of extremely complex projects, but this one was an exciting achievement for our management and in-the-field construction administration skills.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Highlight definitely has to be seeing the successfulness of Klai Juba Wald and that I have been fortunate to be a part of it growing and evolving to what it is today.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Wherever my family is…

Has the recent global pandemic changed your outlook on your work?

If you’re in this industry long enough, you weather a few storms from economic and natural disasters to this pandemic. I tend to stay calm and stay the course, but I’m naturally a cautious guy.

I like to do things well and thoroughly, but architecture is an infinitely creative and adaptable endeavour. If we need to develop a new set of strategies to get something done, that’s what we’ll do. We’re all just much more careful and conscious. We want our people and our clients to stay safe and well.

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How do you feel it has changed the world?

The hospitality industry has suffered considerably this year.

It may take a while to regain our footing. The pandemic has changed the world, but my hope is that we will come out smarter and better prepared for the next big challenge, no matter what it is. If the virus is under control by the end of this year, early next, I think the change will be modest. If it goes on longer, none of us can truly know what will and won’t change and to what degree things will change.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

We want to be able to be here for our clients and help them find ways to navigate through this ever changing environment and provide them the ability to find new and creative ways of looking at themselves and their own built environment.

How will it change the global design sector?

The design sector is infinitely creative and adaptable. Architectural practice is continually changing, with new systems for designing, documenting and analysing design work emerging all the time. I’m hoping we see new innovation in materials and building systems and even more evolution in the technology we use to design buildings. We’re already strategizing on what we can do differently to accommodate the challenges that have arisen with the pandemic both in our office and for our clients and their projects.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Stick with it. Use this time to study or take exams. Find a mentor who is in practice—you can do this through your local chapter of the AIA or the IDA, or the architectural or design association in your country. If you have to take a job in another sector, come back to architecture and design. We welcome insight from all disciplines, so whatever you do, it will just add to your work as a designer. This isn’t the first time graduates have faced a tough job market. Hang in there. We’ll need you in the future.

www.klaijubawald.com 4444 West Russell Road Suite J Las Vegas, Nevada 89118 U.S.A. | p. +1 702.221.2254

CLAIRE NELSON MANAGING DIRECTOR/OWNER NELSON DESIGN

Claire Nelson grew up with her mother having her own interior design business and Claire therefore started Nelson Design in 1991. Nelson Design Limited is a multifaceted architectural interior design studio based in London specialising in high-end residential, corporate and hospitality projects throughout the UK and Europe. The firm offer a high level of creativity to create distinctive and stunning spaces tailored to our clients’ needs. The architectural interiors approach ensures visual interest and appropriate space planning preserves function.

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What are you currently working on?

A variety of residential and commercial projects as examples two maisonettes being turned back into a family house and adding a basement and rear extension near Albert Bridge. A spa/gym for a Gated Residence in Sunninghill Ascot designing a new build in the gardens for the gym and refurbishing the basement spa. A residential house in Costa Brava Spain – sourcing and specifying all wall and floor finishes, bathrooms, kitchens and all the soft furnishings. Refurbishment of a Michelin Star Restaurant with the full refurbishment planned now being a soft refurbishment due to Covid-19.

What led you to this career path?

Having worked for my mother during school holidays I knew I had a passion for design but I tried studying Industrial Biology to see if there was another direction I wanted to go in but quickly learnt where my heart lay so went on to study design at Instituto per L’Arte e Restauro in Firenze.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

There is no one project I am proud of, I am proud of them all and of my team helping bring them to life. Each project has some element that may bring a smile to my face or of particular note.

The most important aspect of each project is seeing the clients reaction to the finished project.

What inspires you?

Colour, texture, architecture, art – my surroundings Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Begure in the Costa Brava.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Absolutely and in many ways for the better.

Has it changed your outlook?

Yes – on what truly matters in life and to take time to reflect.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

It has changed our lives completely in this moment in time.

Something as fundamental as our experience of space, our

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mobility has been severely reduced and our contact with people and has also affected our experience of time.

How will it change the global design sector?

It will change so many aspects of our lives from the future workplace embracing a hybrid reality, fusing architecture and technology to accomplish a hybrid workplace, designing workplaces that help people feel emotionally safe, reimagining the future of dining out and how hotels and gyms should consider welcoming back their guests. To develop open spaces as the public’s living room. The high street will need out of the box strategies to reinvent what was already in decline.

To consider mental health in all sectors of design and how individuals can interact.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

While the hospitality sector is trying to cope with the effects of Covid19 on their businesses and I don’t believe that many will be investing yet in schemes for a while until the full impact of what our daily habits will be and there is more confidence in the market and whilst we all consider what the future holds and how we will all need to diversify through our habits and design we will be focusing on challenging this new world we live in and coming up with design solutions for the new world of hospitality as well as focusing on residential projects which seem to be remaining strong with the housing market see a lift in the last few weeks with the easing of lockdown. I am hoping to launch my own furniture collective which has come from my furniture design background and the love of designing individual pieces for both residential and commercial projects.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Be tenacious and don’t give up. Make sure that CVs and portfolios are precise and well laid out as it tells a future employer everything they need to know about a designer and their skills. In interview come across as hungry, driven, motivated and humble, well read in your subject and show that you are wanting to learn and that you are malleable, you and I are never the finished product there is always more to learn.

TRANSFORMING SPACE

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TRANSFORMING SPACE

Creative design Extraordinary detailing Nelson Design Limited 42 Wigmore Street London, W1U 2RY

Nelson Design Limited 42 Wigmore Street London, W1U 2RY

+44(0)20 7935 8600 info@nelsondesign.co.uk www.nelsondesign.co.uk

+44(0)20 7935 8600 info@nelsondesign.co.uk www.nelsondesign.co.uk

TRANSFORMING SPAC

Creative design Extraordinary detai

Nelson Design Limited +44(0)7775 602119 info@nelsondesign.co.uk www.nelsondesign.co.uk

AISLING WILSON CREATIVE DIRECTOR ASH WILSON DESIGN

Over the past decade, Aisling has worked with innovative, design-led companies and design industry leaders where she broadened her design vocabulary. Having studied at the Dublin Institute of Interior Design, and obtaining an honours degree in Business and Marketing, setting up her own practice was a natural progression. Aisling’s aim is to bring a unique identity to each project, which results in original work that is true to her client and their needs while respecting its surroundings. She believes that each project’s goal goes beyond a “beautiful home” brief.

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How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

I would describe my style as whimsical, eclectic and tailored.

My ethos is to bring a unique identity to each project. The quintessence of my company is creating original work. A beautiful home is always the coveted goal, but a functioning home is what makes a home a home. Functionality is the core of any project I undertake, it is the foundation that the beautiful home brief rests upon.

How long have you worked in this sector?

I have been working in Design for 12 years now.

What led you to this career path?

Interior design for me is a true passion, the fact that I have made it my career and run a successful business is something that I feel very fortunate about. I grew up in a creative household, my mum is an artist and my sister is a fashion designer, so creativity and expression through an artistic channel was very much my normal. I studied Interior design in college and my career path grew organically from there.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Being nominated for not one but two design et al awards!

How did achieving this make you feel?

Genuinely, it is such a great feeling to be nominated. The standard of the awards across the board is so high, it is an amazing competition to be part of for 2020.

What inspires you?

Art has such an inspirational effect on my work, and is often the starting point for many of my designs. It also effortlessly sets a style or creates a mood. Artists also have a huge impact on my inspiration too. Learning about their design processes and how they have created their work.

What motivates you?

My husband Adam (no joke!). He is the most talented and driven person I have ever met. Also working within the design and build

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sector, he has a pragmatic approach to design. His motto is “A problem is never a problem, it is another opportunity for design!”

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Southern France. So many beautiful cities, beaches and restaurants.

Where and how do you find support?

My design community is very strong. I have a few really good friends who also work in the design industry. We stay in contact on a weekly basis, we ask each other for advice or to discuss a new idea or just to have a good old vent!!

Where do you find comfort?

Spending time with my family. My daughter, who is nearly 3, brings me so much happiness. When I am with her, I switch off, no phones and we are both generally found working in our lovely ever-expanding garden.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Yes, In particular, I have really learned the power and strength of technology, affording increased studio time and decreased travel time. Were possible, I now video call my clients for brief follow up meetings. I pre-order almost everything and I get the majority of sampling delivered to the studio, but of course still have to visit my sites and suppliers as it is an essential part of the job. In essence, I really have become more adept with time management.

Has it changed your outlook?

It has made me appreciate that I have the ability to create the time and space to relax with my family. I do not always have to be “so busy”, while that is always seen as a good complaint, I now think differently. We all are our own worst enemy, and we create the madness around us, so it is up to us to create the calm too. It is hard adjusting back to a somewhat normal working week, and I am still trying to find my feet with the family/ work balance.

Ash Wilson Design, creating designs with true authentic character.

www.ashwilsondesign.com studio@ashwilsondesign.com @ashwilsondesign

CRISTINA WAKAMATSU DESIGN DIRECTOR FOR ARCHITECTURE LW DESIGN

Having graduated in Brazil, Cristina Wakamatsu’s career began in Japan where she developed her skills on the efficient use of resources and attention to detail. With a 20 year long career, Cristina has since worked in Milan, London and Dubai along with renowned European architecture practices. Cristina now works with LW Design who have established a worldwide presence in recent years, with a large number of impressive, award-winning projects coming out of our offices in Dubai, Hong Kong and São Paulo.

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What are you currently working on?

Projects are varied in terms of typology and geographical location. Hence, I would highlight a high-end residential tower in Brazil, a luxury private villa in Dubai, a 5-star resort in Montenegro, as well as a residential and hospitality complex in the MENA Region.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Contemporary style, which I trust is a given by my education in Brazil and – no doubt - the experience working with my partners, all North-European designers. In addition, comes the attention to detail from the learnings working in Japan at the beginning of my career, and to the same extend, design bespoke to Client needs and culture.

What inspires you?

I would start with daily city-life, either in the city I leave – São Paulo, or cities that I visit for business or as a tourist. At home, or during those trips, not just I get inspiration from work by architects of many styles and ideas, but I have the chance to know better my own country or make contact with different cultures, enhancing on me sympathy and compassion, qualities I believe the world is lacking nowadays.

What motivates you?

To see how design can improve someone’s life.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

To the Minas Gerais State hills in Brazil.

What led you to this career path?

Working with sophisticate organizations’ design aspirations requires not only a constant search for balance between art and technology, but also a design approach in line with a sustainable vision for the future. In summary, the challenge of creating with purpose.

Where and how do you find support?

Professionally, I find support in my day-to-day collaboration with my partners at LW Design.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

City Walk High Street, in Dubai, is the project that I am most proud of to date due to its impact on the market, redefining people’s perspective regarding the urban environment in the Region. To begin with, the development compromises a mixeduse district publicly recognized for its elegant, contemporary design. Therefore, all disciplines, including architecture, urban design, landscape, interior design, lighting and signage, were involved at the same time seeking for a unique language throughout the project.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

We have to be more assertive, efficient so we don’t waste resources. In this way, I am delegating even more to the team, on a much more collaborative way based on comprehensive tasks by each member, and forthright meetings and workshops.

Strangely enough, that applies to clients as well.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Winning the design competition for City Walk High Street was as rewarding as accomplishing full design and documentation for thirteen buildings, as well as the entire public realm, in only seven months. In doing so, being able to see its Boulevard occupied by residents and visitors is very satisfying.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Really proud, specially knowing that few architects have the chance to lead the design of such prominent project, and see it built, exactly as drawn, in such a short time and so early on their career.

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Where do you find comfort?

At home in Brazil.

How will it change the global design sector?

I believe Clients are more-and-more looking after sustainable approach to their business. Meanwhile, designers are learning how to provide solutions that perform without stressing our society or our natural environment.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

I think design will need to turn its focus to human needs on a broader sense, including its significance to the entire community, from the home, the street level, to the scale of a country or region. I summary, design shall be more meaningful to people, on every detail.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Be passionate about what you do. Travel, visit places, see the world. It will open up your various way of seeing things.

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FILIPE JACINTO NUNES CREATIVE DIRECTOR – PRINCIPAL FILIPAO NUNES ARQUITECTOS

Filipe Nunes, based in San Pedro de la Garza, Mexico is a Portuguese architect who studied in Oporto, Portugal before moving to Mexico. He has worked in the design industry since 2016. Filipao Nunes Arquitectos was formed with his own DNA, crazy ideas and fearlessness to try, with a disruptive thought in the creative way.

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What are you currently working on?

Don Leo, Rey del Cabrito and Harrys.

Tell us a little about this project?

Don Leo is a mix of different little projects leading us to a master plan; it completes the design of the vineyard, which is very popular in the north of Mexico; Rey del Cabrito, we are giving our style to a classical restaurant in the city, it is an honour for us to do that; and Harrys which is a remodel of tone of the first fine dining restaurants in México.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

My work reflects my experiences through time, the experiences through design and the space being my canvas. My style is eclectic; I mix different art disciplines with different artistic trends.

What led you to this career path?

My deep interest for space and the sensations that this may give, where this made me feel deeply in love for interior design.

As an interior architect my intention is that my spaces always have proportional scale, colour and texture.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

I always say that my best project is the last one, because it let us evolve, correct, and get better in process. The feeling once accomplished with the client satisfaction, leaves us with the sensation of learning something new. These things are the ones that feed our creative process, in the next projects.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

June 2019, at Capri. Winning my first global prize with Porfirio’s Guadalajara.

How did achieving this make you feel?

It filled me with joy, longing, and thankfulness. Joy; because it was a dream. Longing; because there are a lot of people that I wish could see how I have been evolving as a professional and as a man. Thankfulness; first of all for my family for all the unconditional support, my team for the commitment, talent, dedication, and who believe in me, and last but not least, those first clients, the ones that take off on a rollercoaster of emotions, whom honour us with their preference.

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What motivates you?

My wife, my son, and the ones and I can call a second family; my dream team.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

This global pandemic leaves us with a huge learning, to adapt ourselves really fast, and bring the best of us and the best of the resources we have near to us. My office divides itself in 20 different points around the city, we haven’t seen ourselves physically since March and we have the chance to keep working and give the best in our projects, by zoom, digital meetings. We have been making it possible even to supervise some of our projects that were in construction.

Has it changed your outlook?

Definitely. We prioritize what is really important for our lives.

How will it change the global design sector?

My thought about this new normal is that the entertainment and dining industry will have some radical changes in all the process, that will be using for now and forever. Talking about design; the most important thing is about the number of people that can be in a space and how you can protect everyone by a good design Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

I hope that this shut down in the world wakes up in us the value of our actions day by day, and appraise our work spaces, the relationships between our co-workers and our clients.

I hope we continue doing a great architecture work, surpassing ourselves each day.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Be patient, be creative, be authentic. Be insatiable of good architecture.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

I’m very positive about the design in the future, it will be more about the function and the human being.

NADIM. GDL, MX NADIM. GDL, MX

After many experiences lived in Portugal, Spain and México, we created a multidisciplinary After many experiences lived in Portugal, Spain studio of architecture and interior design, and México, we created a multidisciplinary specialized in projecting spaces that create studio of architecture and interior design, sensory experiences. specialized in projecting spaces that create sensory experiences.

In our studio, we strongly believe that we have to live, feel, touch and breathe the In our studio, we strongly believe that we architecture, while having a deep respect for have to live, feel, touch and breathe the the human scale and the eviroment around; architecture, while having a deep respect for always tajing care of the relatonship between the human scale and the eviroment around; both parties and meeting the needs of the always tajing care of the relatonship between user at the same time, following the rules of both parties and meeting the needs of the modulation, scale, lighting and geometry. user at the same time, following the rules of modulation, scale, lighting and geometry.

FILIPAONUNES.COM INSTAGRAM@FILIPAONUNES FILIPAONUNES.COM INSTAGRAM@FILIPAONUNES MONTERREY / MEXICO CITY / CANCUN MONTERREY / MEXICO CITY / CANCUN

MARIA BRIME & GARRETT ROBBINS CO-OWNER BRIME ROBBINS

Garrett Robbins is the co-owner of International Design Partnerships Brime Robbins along with Maria Brime. This partnership, based in Madrid, brings together exceptional creative, technical production and project management credentials all in one team. With over 50 years of combine experience across hotels, restaurant, product and residential design every project considers global trends, local materials and culture to deliver the right design aesthetic.

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What led you to this career path?

When I was little, I drove my mother crazy by constantly rearranging and stylizing my bedroom. Later, when I was a Spanish teacher at a Montessori school, I built a small city inside the classroom each year for students to enact everyday life in the Spanish language. Really, being an “interior designer” was the formal schooling and official career path for what I had been doing with my life all along.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Maria Brime and I share all the design decisions together, and we make a good team – she is extremely talented and we can volley ideas off one another easily. For me personally, I would say that our hotel design tends to be lifestyle-oriented with a heavy focus on concept. If we can get a client to believe in the concept for their hotel, then the rest is really just fine-tuning. And since the heart of our concept is always some type of story-telling, our work is to tell a story that you can fall in love with.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

I would like to think that the highlight of my career has not yet arrived! I had wonderful and life-changing moments since attending my first Interior Design course, and I think there are still many more to come.

What motivates you?

The romantic answer is the next great project, which is very true.

The pragmatic answer is paying the bills. At the end of the day, this applied art that we name interior design is a business that needs to grow and prosper.

Where do you find comfort?

Keeping a positive attitude tends to be my best comfort.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

100% yes. While our projects have continued during the quarantine, the interaction with the client, other consultants

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and our own team has changed drastically. There are fewer site visits or meetings and more videocalls. Our entire studio has been telecommuting for the past several months, which is a real challenge in this industry, especially when we are used to being able to sketch side-by-side and come up with solutions quickly.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

With COVID-19 affecting so much of the hospitality industry, I would say that the future holds a lot of shifts in the way we work, and how the guest experience is shifting to more sanitary and safe ideologies. That means a re-defining of what travel means to people and what luxury really looks like for the typical hotel guest for the next year or two.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

Re-opening the studio and understanding how that will work for everyone; activating any of the former projects in our pipeline, and securing new projects, to take us into 2021/2022 with our studio intact; taking good care of the projects we have right now.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

The moment when you get to call the shots and fight for what is yours and own the designs that you create is not a moment you have at the beginning of any job. It comes much later. Be patient.

Give it all you’ve got and prove yourself at the start. Let go of the need to be right. Design messy and clean up afterwards. Get to know yourself as a designer, and if you think you already know him or her, then let go of yourself enough to learn from others around you. Remember: your ideas are the greatest contribution that you can give to any project, client or employer – keep bringing them and bringing them no matter how many are cast aside – and one day, there will be an idea that sticks, and it will be the real beginning for you.

Whether re-imagining a century of heritage or designing for the next century — every project is tailor-made for your specific needs.

Find out more about our collaborative approach.

brimerobbins.com +34 911 590 700

SHIVA AGHABABAEI VICE CEO AND DESIGN DIRECTOR TARH VA AFARINESH

Shiva Aghababaei is an architect involved in design and construction of large-scale projects, especially in the field of tourism and hospitality. With an M.A. of architecture from Art University of Iran, Shiva established Tarh Va Afarinesh Architectural and Engineering Consultants Company, in 1998. Her approach to architecture is a combination of love, perfection, and creation; and these three principles are reflected in the selected name back in 1998, “Tarh Va Afarinesh” means “Design and Creation”.

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How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

I rather not thinking of a specific style in my works. I would like my works to be independent of time and place. Generally I follow my feelings in design; yet, depending on the clients’ requirements and the main theme of the projects – that is sourced in surrounding conditions – I have done works in modern, contemporary, or even traditional styles.

What led you to this career path?

I chose to study Architecture more than 25 years ago, when most of students in my country tended to continue their higher education in medical courses, and other engineering courses were also more popular than architecture. I was good in mathematics, but I was not much interested in engineering fields. I was not an artist, but engineering seemed too though to me. I liked to help the people and influence the society, but I was not inherently a doctor. I referred to my ideals, the most important of which was influencing my society. I wanted to make a poem of a tangible essence, and give a new look to the ancient myths that I knew. I wanted to present the life to the people, I wanted to be influential, and finally I wanted to be creative; and Architecture shone like a gem amongst all other choices and fields of study; a hidden gem. To me, architecture seemed like creation, and this was what I sought for.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

Kandovan Cave Hotel is one of the projects I am the most proud of; because in a visit I had to this project after many years, I noticed its positive effect on economic, cultural, and social growth of the region.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

I do believe that design and construction of Ibis-Novotel (IKIA), which is a 500 room cluster hotel operated by Accor Group of France, and challenges associated with this project has been a highlight of career for me as architect and interior design of the project as well as my team; especially because this project has been recognized by the international architecture and design circles by titles such as winner of SBID Design Excellence Awards 2015, winner of A’Design Awards 2015, winner of

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International Hotel and Property Awards 2015, honourable mention of IDA Design Awards 2016, and representative of Iran’s contemporary architecture in Venice Biennale of Art 2015. The moments I was called to receive these awards have been the most precious moments of my life.

What inspires you?

It is preliminarily the site and surrounding that inspires me. As soon as I step into the place I can close my eyes and imagine all corners of the place being designed. Seeing, touching, and knowing different materials can be remarkably inspiring as well.

Above all, I am inspired by love; love to my job, to the people, and to the place I create.

Where and how do you find support?

From the beginning of my career, the person who has supported me the most, has been my main partner in the company, Mr. Mohammad Nemati. He is a civil engineer and his constant and unconditional supports have always lead to realization of my designs and made it easier to me to carry on my way in spite of all difficulties.

Has the recent global pandemic changed your outlook?

To a great extent! I realized how insignificant are the things that once sounded too important to me; and how limited our capabilities are despite of our apparent power. I was reminded how I could enjoy the small things, and my expectation of future was limited to having a small pack of tranquillity instead of enjoying countless facilities.

How will it change the global design sector?

It will certainly change the design sector. The current restrictions are influential enough to affect the people’s approach and their definition of the places.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

If you really love design and creation, this profession shall pave the way for you to reach your dreams; so step forwards firmly.

KENNETH ADLER PRINCIPAL AND LEAD DESIGNER KA DESIGN WORKS

With 25 years’ experience in this industry, Kenneth Adler is a licenced Colorado architect who believes our lives are shaped by the spaces we inhabit. From his Aspen based firm, Kenneth uses this philosophy to provide clients with thoughtful design solutions through a collaborative process.

Kenneth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech and founded KA Design Works in 2006.

In addition to being an avid landscape and architectural photographer he strives to make the most of living the dream in Colorado with his family.

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How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

I am very much a “less is more” type of architect. I find the beauty in the simplicity of design and detail, and strive to implement this principal in all of our work. With a modernist’s sensibility, I balance aesthetics and client’s needs to create superior design.

What led you to this career path?

I’ve known I wanted to the an architect since I was 9, and my parents had a local builder construct us a spec home. As any good engineer would, my father insisted on playing architect and did some customization of the plans. I had this idea for a moat around my room to keep out my 3 younger sisters, and drew up the plan for the contractor. While sadly my work didn’t make the final cut, in the long run my love for sorting out a good plan was born.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

A £6 million remodel/ addition to an iconic Aspen residence with panoramic Rocky Mountain views that is just finishing construction. Four years ago I identified the potential in the home, which most considered a “tear down”. With this vision, I convinced a developer to purchase the property and let us guide the conversion into a state of the art residential retreat of 1100 sq. meters. This seven-bedroom residence includes an “oasislike” master suite, multiple living areas, extensive courtyards, decks, outdoor living spaces, a 2 level spa/wellness retreat, game room, and exterior pool along with multiple hot-tubs. With a stunning design, and the fact that we were able to reuse an existing structure, the project was a resounding success, with an under contract sales price well above our original best case pro-forma numbers.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Walking through the aforementioned home with the buyer a few months prior to scheduled completion. They were very appreciative of our efforts, and loved everything we had done, even though I was meeting and communicating with them for the first time.

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Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

Anywhere with a little fresh air.

Where and how do you find support?

My wife and kids have always been supportive of my career and design aspirations.

Where do you find comfort?

On a relaxing paddle-board ride on a beautiful mountain lake.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

In some ways dramatically, in other ways not so much. As a firm operating on the cutting edge of architectural technology, we were well suited to and experienced with working remotely with clients, so no major hiccups here. That being said, we have the luxury of being in a unique location where people who have the means want to be, and the demand for Aspen real estate is unprecedented. We haven’t been this busy in years.

How will it change the global design sector?

It is already affecting how people perceive their space. With so more time in greater isolation, so much more importance is going to be put on idea of “home”. Entertaining may not be as important a program element as it was just last year, while flexibility and openness are as important as ever.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Technology will be key. Both from a facilitating design as well as communicating design aspect.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

Continue to foster meaningful relationships with our clients, which result in the creation of wonderful spaces.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Be patient. Listen to your clients.

MICHAEL ONG & JEREMY TAY DIRECTORS PRESTIGE GLOBAL DESIGN

With a combined years of experience of over 40 years, Michael Ong and Jeremy Tay have ample experience to create and build luxurious interiors worthy of the finest boutique hotels for residences, show suites, hospitality and offices. Michael Ong is a London-trained, award-winning interior designer known for his mastery of multiple design tangents including modern, classical, and resort-based styles that he seamlessly blends with his signature touch of opulence and luxury. Jeremy Tay was awarded Bachelor of Biotechnology with First Class Honours, was offered two research scholarships with the Dean of the Faculty of Science during his study years in Australia. He has since chosen to follow his heart & passion in pursuing his dreams in interior design and is the other mastermind behind the resounding success.

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What are you currently working on?

We are currently working on a landed residential project, three condominium units and a commercial space. At the same time, we are also working on our new showroom.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

We wouldn’t feel that we have a specific style as we always like to challenge ourselves to any style that our clients prefer.

However, we would like to add a touch of luxury in all the styles we do. Our clients and people we know told us that although we have done many projects with different styles but there is a ‘Prestige Global’ signature to the projects.

How long have you worked in this sector?

Michael Ong – 26 years of experience in this industry Jeremy Tay – almost 15 years of experience in this industry What led you to this career path?

We would have to say it has never been easy. The countless sleepless nights to rush out proposals for example. But seeing our clients’ satisfaction and joy after the projects are completed.

It makes us want to do this more and more. It is very satisfying indeed. I guess this is what you call Passion. Till date, we still feel the same excitement and positive energy when we work on new projects. Every day is a learning experience and that makes us continue.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Winning our first international design award – we were thrilled that our project which is a show home for a high-end development in Singapore bagged us three international awards, including a Asia Pacific Best Design award.

How did achieving this make you feel?

The moment we received this news, we teared in delight.

Couldn’t believe it at that moment. However, we are really honoured that our works are appreciated at the International level. Interior design industry is a challenging one but as long as we believe and persevere, we will see light to what we are doing.

Never give up in whatever we do.

What inspires you?

Always on the lookout to learn new things and listen to our clients’ needs and requirements. It is always our clients’

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preference and liking that inspire us to have creative design solutions. Anything can inspire us be it nature, fashion, art and even reading a book.

What motivates you?

Both clients and ourselves. Clients’ positive feedbacks make us wanting to always excel and challenge our thinking process. At the same time, we believe in self-motivation. Life has ups and downs. We always need to learn to motivate ourselves to push through difficult times. This is an important attribute that we recognise as a must-have.

Where and how do you find support?

We have a very supportive team that always encourages us through their hardwork and great attitude. Our clients are wonderful too, their encouragement has always come in at the right time.

Where do you find comfort?

Actually we find comfort both in work and rest. During work, we are happy that we can do what we like and passionate about.

Of course, rest is equally important to be recharged and walk a longer journey.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Besides having to adhere to our government regulations to fight the pandemic such as contact tracing and safe distancing, everything is still kind of the same. Design is somewhat personal so face to face meetings with clients are still important to understand the needs and feedbacks.

How will it change the global design sector?

People are looking more towards design for answers and solutions as more people may want to spend their time at home.

In terms of the residential aspect, we feel that clients should and will focus more on their lifestyle and requirements.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

It is never about ourselves. Listen to clients’ requirements. Never give up.

Prestige Global Designs specialises in designing and building boutique-hotel style interiors for commercial and residential properties. The firm combines luxury and opulence with details that are unique to individuals and their projects, creating beautiful interiors that speak volumes about their inhabitants.

Prestige Global Designs 83 Kim Yam Road Unit 01-01, Singapore 239378 enquiry@prestige-global.com Tel: +65 6836 6678 Fax: +65 6836 7787 www.prestige-global.com

PAUL O’LEARY FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR DEVOL KITCHENS

Paul graduated from Loughborough University in 1987 and co-founded Insight Design Consultancy, which had a strong ergonomic bias and won commissions from The M.O.D, The Royal National Hospital Bath and Cranfield Business College. In 1989 Paul followed his yearning for design and production with one of the design partners, Philip deVries and co-founded deVOL. With design offices and showrooms at the beautiful Cotes Mill, an historic water mill dating back 1000 years, deVOL has been a renowned design led furniture manufacturer for almost 30 years. deVOL began specialising in freestanding kitchen furniture in 1993.

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How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Our products are of a time and we hope they will always be timeless. Our followers and customers love the nostalgic feeling that our furniture and accessories stir within them. Our furniture is classic and simple, it has a sense of place and time and it sits comfortably in houses that were built in the last 200 years. It’s reminiscent of our childhoods and our memories of our parents and grandparents’ homes. Except we don’t do an avocado bathroom suite!

What inspires you?

The fortitude of people who are disadvantage by disability and those who live with a terminal disease. In the face of injustice and adversity, the human spirit can’t help but push against it.

People who are humble and driven at the same time.

How long have you worked in this sector?

I set up in business before I even graduated 32 years ago. In fact, I missed my graduation ceremony, £40 for a hat and robe and 4 hours in a sweltering marquis, seemed like a good party to miss.

Where and how do you find support?

Graduates, lots of them; they are talented and raring to go. I have an army of them being amazing every day. I feed off their enthusiasm to impress.

What led you to this career path?

I tried a few other things and struggled; A Design Consultancy (didn’t know how to find customers); Restoring Classic Cars (my welding is ropey and I thought if you cleaned everything in an engine and put it back together, it would work); Stripping Doors (messy old game), Restoring Antique Furniture (loved it and learnt about traditional cabinet making and developed a sense of detail and proportion). And then one day a customer walked in and asked me to make a sink cabinet; I visited their house and sketched something up and they took “a leap of faith” (their words).

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

To calm down and try and calm everyone else down too. We’re all traumatised and uptight, with good reason. The economy is going to be harsh, there will be a shift in the labour market. The labour market has to reset every ten years; it’s like the Matrix.

Everyone gets full of themselves and expects the world to deliver on their expectations, and they need a reality check.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

I always think we could do better as soon as it’s complete. It’s the lot of a designer; you are super critical and never satisfied, so you never think something is perfect and, because your goal is to achieve just that, you will always feel like you’ve failed. So, for me, it’ll have to be something that very few people could achieve.

I’m proud of our Haberdasher’s range, it was a bold move, tough to make, nobody else has even attempted it. No-one can call us fakers. I also invented flatulence filtering underwear; I’ll dine out on that for the rest of my life!

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What motivates you?

My dear old Dad gave me a simple piece of advice: “Be good at what you do”. It’s that simple.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Sketch, for heaven’s sake sketch, and make stuff yourself. And put your sketch books under the table at your degree show.

Everyone’s renders and digitally printed prototypes are all perfect, so you can’t go on that any more. Two pages of a sketch book tells me if you have the gift.

VICTORIA MCKENNEY PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER ENVIABLE DESIGN

Based in Canada, Enviable Designs is the natural evolution of Victoria’s interior design training in Vancouver BC combined with her love of art; she also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from the University of British Columbia.

Extensive travels throughout Western Europe continue to inspire and direct her love for and predominant use of classic lines and materials in her designed environments. Having worked in the industry for 15 years, Victoria is known for incorporating form and function to create warm and inviting residential interiors that her clients can easily recognize themselves in.

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What led you to this career path?

I have always had a love of design. My degree from university is a Bachelor of Art History. It seemed a natural progression to take my studies and love of art into the home design field.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Being recognized by the industry and peers is the most rewarding. We have won several awards by local design communities including Best Bathroom & Kitchen Designer of the Year.

How did achieving this make you feel?

It is very humbling to be recognized and creates a sense of motivation to continue creating beautiful designs.

What inspires and motivates you?

Travel and seeing new places was always my inspiration. Living in Canada, we have limited cultural history so visiting Europe is always refreshing to see the craftsmanship, history and architecture. Making our clients happy is what motivates me. By producing beautiful designs and homes that reflect our clients and seeing them in the space successfully is very rewarding.

What are you currently working on?

We are focusing on several luxury furnishing projects in the Vancouver area and high end custom homes that we design from the beginning to the end.

Tell us a little about this project?

This client had been dreaming of their custom home for years.

Finally with the construction complete, we were able to help make their dream a reality with beautiful furnishings.

The clients wanted a classic and timeless design with some European Flare. We took our inspiration from the architecture which was a beautiful mixture of traditional elements like the wall panelling and more contemporary materials like the white oak floors. Black windows and white walls were the perfect backdrop to our concept. Although the home is impeccably designed, the homeowners enjoy the comfort and usability of the entire house. A design is never successful if the clients cannot relax and truly “be” in the space.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

Our aim will be to continue working on luxury residential projects and focussing more on our client’s direct needs. Because

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travelling is limited, we hope to be inspired by our current surroundings and connect with new clients and craftsman.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

The gulf islands just off of the West Coast. It is a very serene and natural place to regroup and reflect.

Where and how do you find support?

My family is my main support - we are very close and their love is my main support. Spending time with family and friends is absolutely my comfort.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

We have focused on local manufacturers instead of overseas which is actually wonderful that we can keep our local trades in business.

Has it changed your outlook?

Certainly. I think we are all trying to navigate this new world but what has become clear, is how important a comfortable home now needs to be as people spend more time at home.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

I think there will be a great focus on our surroundings and how we treat and behave around other people.

How will it change the global design sector?

I believe it will change dramatically, there will be a strong focus on residential interiors and how we use this space. Home offices will become a new important addition.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Always keep searching for inspiration. It is very easy to continue down the path of the “ordinary”. Don’t be afraid to try new things and always challenge your own status quo.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

I am excited to see how we are able to focus this negativity of the pandemic into something that is beneficial for everyone.

WHAT

IS

THE

BEST

WAY

TO

SHOWCASE

YOUR

STYLE?

Enviable Designs Inc. is an award winning interior design ďŹ rm located in Vancouver and catering to clientele all over the West Coast. Our interior projects range from one room renovations to new build custom homes.

We are known for successfully working within all constraints to create the most beautiful, comfortably sophisticated spaces.

101-2031 WEST 41ST Ave, VANCOUVER, B.C., V6M 1Y7 1.604.440.8996

www.enviabledesigns.com

SEAN COCHRANE CEO COCHRANE DESIGN

Founded in 2004 by Sean Cochrane, Cochrane Design provides a comprehensive design, architecture and development service for private clients, developers, hoteliers and investors throughout the UK and abroad. Sean and the dedicated team of talented designers handle all aspects of design, co-ordination, installation and dressing. Cochrane Design have started working with a close friend of Sean’s who has had Covid 19 and was in a comma for 22 days, Sean has renovated his flat for him and is now doing post Covid recovery workouts with him 3 times a week. We are also giving an NHS nurse a free re-design of her entire house to say Thank You to the NHS.

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What are you currently working on?

6 high-end residentials, 1 student accommodation consisting of 103 self -contained studio apartments, 1 hotel in Menorca, 1 hotel in the UK and 1 NHS nurses private Home Tell us a little about this project/s?

The high-end residentials stretch from Chelsea to Knightsbridge to Belgravia to Mayfair and Hampstead Heath. All are complete refurbishments where extra space has been added along with keeping to the company tradition of adding a timeless elegance to the properties keeping in line with the original architecture of the house but bringing it into the 21st century making if practical and comfortable to live in. Our most exciting project is giving back to the NHS where Sean Cochrane has gone in and completely redesigned and NHS Nurse’s private home and it has been an honour and pleasure for the whole company.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?

Sean Cochrane is at the heart of every design – he understands his clients, their needs and their visions. He is passionate about all aspects of design including his beautiful bespoke furniture.

He is involved in every detail of his elegant, timeless creations.

Sean has a clear understanding of structure, engineering and general constructing. He believes in maintaining and restoring existing historical specialist work he finds in builds, bringing it into the 21st century and blending it with his innate and unique understanding of space, colour and light.

What led you to this career path?

I started off in development - I did all the designing myself on every build we developed, which led me into being invited into private residences which then spread into commercial spaces.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

The Hotel es Vive in Ibiza. It went on to win two best European hotel awards, and was Cochrane Designs first hotel. We managed to blend in the listed art deco building with contemporary design and all the twists and turns of the Ibizan party hotel. The property went on to be sold to football super star Messi last year.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

I would say gaining two best European awards in the international design awards, but I believe it is still yet to come.

How did achieving this make you feel?

It is just a pleasure to be appreciated at this level.

114 Sean Cochrane

What motivates you?

The desire to get better, the desire to be better.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

I am very fond of the English coastline as I am hugely patriotic.

Mykonos to play, and city breaks to inspire and rejuvenate.

Where and how do you find support?

I’m not terribly good at relying on people but have manage to build up a comfortable team at Cochrane Design over many years, where we have very much a family atmosphere that always includes a lot of laughter.

Where do you find comfort?

In silence.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

It has certainly influenced my choices, and our attitudes, but in adversity there is always opportunity, and one just has to change accordingly.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

The world was in line for a shock. We are still yet to see the ashes settle. From there will be a better place to answer that question.

How will it change the global design sector?

Everything is already being pushed online, this will just speed up the process. This doesn’t take into account enough the need for stimulus to all senses such as smell and texture, so there will have to be a degree of physical contact in some realms to achieve a holistic design concept.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Design is a dynamic process, always evolving. Cochrane design’s ethos is always to work with classics adding and integrating state of the art materials and technology. I feel the pandemic will take things in a different direction yet we will still embody these basic principles.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

We are developing heavily in certain areas of Britain, taking on board all the effects from recent situation. We will carry on in this path, and try and create and design to accommodate this new way of living.

SIMON FULSTOW DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR SONA

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Simon Fulstow is leading in luxury technology specialist in the luxury residential and super-yacht industry. Whilst studying for a Biomedical Science Degree at Manchester University, Simon felt that a career in a lab just wasn’t for him. Simon worked part-time in a hi-fi shop in the city centre where manager there offered him a full-time job. This ignited Simon’s passion for the industry where he now works leveraging and utilising technology to make people’s lives, and the places they live more luxurious, more enjoyable, more entertaining and more intuitive.

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What are you currently working on?

At any one time, we always have a range of projects ongoing. At the moment we have a number of stand-alone home cinemas, a 50m yacht in France, and a number of large fully integrated home technology systems that include everything from audio, video, lighting, motorised blinds, infrastructure, network, security (physical and cyber).

are truly lucky to have them. They care deeply about their work, the brand, and that is something money can’t buy. I always know anything and everything is in safe hands with them.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

A recent project local to us here in Cheshire. It was an opportunity to be creative in every area where we worked closely with the client who wanted to take everything to the next level in terms of performance and perfection! We worked hand in hand with an award-winning Interior Designer and the collaboration with them has resulted in perfect harmony when it comes to design, beauty, practicality, luxury and effortless living. The house is amazing!

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Design is about meeting human demand - wants and needs. That will never change. Technological developments will continue to follow any element of life where the designer believes it will make life easier, quicker, safer or provide a richer experience.

What motivates you?

Enhancing moments in time that stay in people’s memory because our technology-enabled them to stop and live in the moment. That’s often a rare thing these days in such a fastpaced world - a moment to breathe. At SONA our aim is to enhance those moments by engaging more senses, so you can really be present, and then hold on to the memory because more senses have been activated. It’s like the song you danced to at your wedding, or the light at a certain time of day - it makes you feel more alive and you never forget those moments.

Where and how do you find support?

My wife, Nicola has been a huge support in the business (and in my personal ambitions!). Nicola is and has been massively involved in driving the business forward, growing and managing the team and developing our brand. She is as dedicated to SONA as I am. Not only that, but she’s an amazing mum to our 2 daughters. She pretty much keeps us all organised and straight, and that gives me space to do what I’m good at.

Our team, some of whom have been with us for years, some who joined us last year, are the most amazing bunch of people. We

118 Simon Fulstow

Where do you find comfort?

Going home to my family, having a meal together, and tucking our kids into bed. That and a nice bottle of red!

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.

We will be continuing to serve our clients in more and better ways and grow our client base. We completed our first SONA marine job this year, despite the pandemic, and we’ll be securing more projects in this sector moving forward. Personally, we’re working hard behind the scenes on more charitable initiatives for young children with Autism. Nicola takes the lead on this, but we are both immensely passionate about therapies to help children under 6 with Autism to grow and love life; and support parents struggling with the overwhelm of raising a child with this misunderstood condition, where there is very little support or practical, positive advice. And honestly, to take time off regularly with the people that matter, travel as much as possible, whilst continuing to build a brand that the SONA team are proud of – that’s really always the dream that gets me out of bed each morning.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

Simplify life where possible, and make your audience feel safe and secure. Now more than ever, people have enough complications and uncertainty happening.

HOME CINEMA / LIGHTING / WELLNESS / AUDIO VIDEO / SECURITY

01625 54 14 42 / INFO@SONA.TECHNOLOGY / SONA.TECHNOLOGY @THINKSONA

FEDERICA SQUILLANTE MONTORO FOUNDING PARTNER & PRINCIPAL INTERIOR DESIGNER MAII INTERIORS

Born in Rome 1964, married with four children, Federica Squillante Montoro pursued her ideas and passion for interior design, sharing with others that which had for years been incubating her head and has been doing so for over 30 years. Her choice in the use of natural materials that have not undergone treatment; cooper, iron, leather, wood, wool, linen, etc. Interiors treated with luminosity, airiness, comfort and simplicity - basic concepts of well-being which, over time have been solidified in her work and become a part of her style. Her aim is to create and deliver a product that represents an ideal reflection of the characteristics intrinsic to each individual client.

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What are you currently working on?

Maii Interiors has several projects in progress; a villa in Geneva, Switzerland, villa + deluxe and penthouse apartments in Rome and Milan. Two exclusive resort properties in the Caribbean Islands.

How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?

The spaces designed at Maii Interiors are a creative expression of my interpretation of a classic-contemporary style. I’d like to think of my work / projects as “artistic compositions” possessing commanding emphasis on balance; light, colour, materials, details and the authenticity of craftsmanship – the ethos embodied in the “made in Italy” brand.

What led you to this career path?

My career path was predictable. As a young child, I was fascinated watching new construction go up in Mato Grosso Brazil, where my family relocated to from Italy. I would look on from the sideline watching workers carry on their skills to erect a building from ground up. I was taken by the transformative possibility of space and how it can be manipulated.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success?

This would be akin to choosing one’s favourite child (of which I have four). For me, all are successful. This is my belief, based on the passion and commitment I put into realising an idea and delivering for my clients a space that reflects the personality of who will occupy it.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Parenting. Raising our four children while building my career as an interior designer –growing my design firm. But I would also say, the acquisition of “soft skills” proved useful in helping me master the tools of the trade.

How did achieving this make you feel?

Sheer fulfilment. I realise that mastering these skills which come through mothering, were a plus and important to the success of my firm – the application of which I have seen played out in my relationship with clients, vendors, employees and the lot.

Where in the world do you like to retreat to?

I like retreating to the countryside and seaside. There is inspiration to draw from both. The landscape with its seasonal

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change of colour and the sea, with its disappearing horizons and ever-changing light.

Where do you find comfort?

Time spent with my family and creating. My work, over the course of my career brings me great satisfaction.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Yes, particularly during the Lockdown phase. More attention was placed on conference calling /Zoom, than ever before. And, given that interior design is discretionary spending, I would say this crisis has become a learning opportunity. However, with no crystal ball on hand, the takeaway could be to remain alert and insightful for signs that offer a cue to the direction of the future.

The still ongoing pandemic has changed how design will to be approached.

How do you feel it has changed the world?

Remaining in lockdown for months has caused a seismic shift in how we feel globally about our security and safety. This crisis has nudged us to re-evaluate the way we live and to examine the deeper importance of “space” and how our spaces can be improved – how to render more quality oriented safer environments and become multi-functional. Statistics show that the pandemic has brought markets, the supply chain to a slowdown. How to interpret the future impact of this is not something I can predict.

What are your thoughts on the future of design?

Design must create based on what is useful – form, again meeting function. The design community is galvanized and united around how to reconfigure, rethink, how to render personal and public spaces and the workplace multi-purposeful going forth.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now?

To be effective. An emerging designer might want to: observe, revisit design and related disciplines and create.

A personal experience in modern luxury living.

A personal experience in modern luxury living.

Maii’s principal designer, Federica Squillante of craftsmanship. Maii sources to a team of master Montoroprincipal brings thirty yearsFederica of experience to of artisanal Italians the of elaborating, Maii’s designer, Squillante craftsmanship.

Maii task sources to a team ofrefining, master designing brings interior spaces that embody the intrinsic and transforming rawtask material into custom-made Montoro thirty years of experience to artisanal Italians the of elaborating, refining, characteristics of each client. product. designing interior spaces that embody the intrinsic and transforming raw material into custom-made characteristics of each client. product.

Maii’s interiors represent a union between luxury- Each new project, like the prisms of a kaleidoscope, comfort and represent creativity aachieved through the Each path the way for new expression, the creation Maii’s interiors union between luxurynew project, likeartistic the prisms of a kaleidoscope, uniqueness of acreativity style thatachieved marries the classicthe to path of a personal scrigno (treasure) for whothe will live or comfort and through the way for new artistic expression, creation contemporary, deference to detail, work there. Maii designs interiorsfor that withstand uniqueness of gives a style that marries the empowers classic to of a personal scrigno (treasure) who will livethe or colour and remains the authenticity test ofthere. time.Maii designs interiors that withstand the contemporary, gives committed deference totodetail, empowers work colour and remains committed to the authenticity test of time.

Via Gregoriana 5, Roma 5, Via00187 Gregoriana 00187 Roma 390633972916 390633972916

www.maii-interiors.com www.maii-interiors.com

YVONNE COLACION OWNER & PRINCIPAL DESIGNER COLACION STUDIO

With a career of almost three decades, Yvonne Colacion has used her bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Architecture to the fullest. Her own firm based in Southern California has allowed for Yvonne to design a wide variety of project types which has given her the opportunity to be evolutionary in her approach to projects, such as private jets, residentials and high profile corporate design projects.

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What are you currently working on?

A product line in development and a new branded hotel experience.

program and then, the opportunity to be included in Interior Design’s Decade of Design publication.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?

Having worked for many years remotely, both domestically and internationally, the fundamentals of virtual communication has not significantly changed. However, I believe the current global pandemic has actually strengthened our professional How would you describe your work/design style /ethos? relationships, due to the fact, that any type of human interaction I have always enjoyed creating bespoke environments for unique is much more appreciated today, than it was just a few months people and places. This calls for an idea to be evolutionary in ago. On the project side, it is critically important that we all live nature, allowing a space or object to evolve into its’ natural and play in healthy environments that promotes well-being. state without being forced. I believe this approach provides the I believe that in the short term, people are looking for interim client and their guests, the opportunity to connect with a spatial solutions for rapid implementation just to stay in business. experience on an emotional level. I am not partial to a particular Looking at the long term, it is imperative for all of us to better style but rather have a deep reverence of history, places and understand how the nature of space impacts our emotional and the experience of locale. What is constant in my approach is physical well-being and implement the lessons learned from this the study of balance and its importance to capturing the awe latest global crisis. of a space while still capturing the warmth of a welcoming experience. I believe that space feels most comfortable when Has it changed your outlook? they have evolved in overtime, this is why I truly enjoy curating Yes, the design process should not feel forced and common each moment along one’s journey. minds should always be allowed to come together naturally. This approach, when applied in creating well-loved environments How long have you worked in this sector? we tend to stay longer if a space embraces our emotions. Good Over my almost three decade career, I have had the opportunity design will always leave an imprint on our memories and, over to design a wide variety of project types, which in itself, has time, those memories become more cherished. allowed me to be evolutionary similar to my project approach.

My first few projects included a private jet, a residential enclave How will it change the global design sector? in Cabo San Lucas, followed by series of high profile corporate As the world moves beyond this pandemic, this study of design design projects. Then my worldwide journey began, working with sightlines and the rhythm of spaces embracing nature on exclusive retail projects in Asia and the Middle East and will and remain an important condition of the design process. ultimately landing in the yachting world, estate and hospitality Hospitality design will continue to focus on the guest experience design. This diverse journey has allowed me to realise and refine on several tiers; the more established luxury brands must deliver the emotional experience of time, place and intimate moments a safe guest experience with a rethink of the special service of my clients and guest. touchpoints. Luxury design has always been about anticipating their guests every need before the guest realizes it. Interior What led you to this career path? design must continue to support this elevated experience while Curiosity, I always loved art, history and cultural diversity. anticipating the travel and lodging needs of this new normal.

Humans have always found a way to express themselves in art and design over the centuries. It is a natural state to contribute What are your thoughts on the future of design? to this expression of beauty.

Extremely optimistic. Everyone is rediscovering their homes and now having intimate relationships with them; more care Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with and self-expression will be an outcome of this time-out at home reasons why this was a success? relief, wellbeing and escape will be on everyone’s minds once we A multi-generation residential enclave on the Persian Gulf and are beyond this pandemic both at home and away from home. the reason for its success was the ultimate dream client and his extraordinary family.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. Refining a new luxury housing project in West Please describe a highlight of your career to date.

Hollywood, California & exploring a new resort hotel in this The honour of having two projects selected in the same year uncharted new world of ours. to compete in the Interior Design - Best of Residential awards Tell us a little about this project/s?

The product line utilizes local artisans to create furniture pieces that evoke a modern organic sensibility and the branded hotel experience is confidential.

126 Yvonne Colacion

we believe in the evolutions of an idea and the crafting of beau

we believe in the evolutions of an idea and th www.colacionstudio.com we believe in the evolutions of an idea and+1the 310 crafting 488 0102 of beauty

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www.colacionstudio.com +1 310 488 0102 www.colacionstudio.com +1 310 488 0102

For further information on any of the designers featured in Transcending Luxury, or how to get involved in this or any other publication, please contact: +44 (0)1244 346 347 or email: special.publications@design-et-al.com

TRANSCENDING LUXURY VOLUME 1

Some of the world’s most respected design names talk about their design philosophies, vision and hopes for the future.

Transcending Luxury Volume 1 © design et al 2020 | £25