TRANSCENDING LUXURY VOLUME 3
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12 Brian Worthington Design Director Brian Worthington & Associates 12 Mark Zeff President / MARKZEFFOwner 16 Eva Khoury Designer Riva Del Sole Resort & Spa 20 Snorre Stinessen Owner & Architect Snorre Stinessen Architecture 24 Thomas Chatfield CEO Camber Aviation Management Ltd. 28 Kenneth Ussenko Owner & Lead Designer Kenneth Ussenko Design 32 Brian Worthington Design Director Brian Worthington & Associates 36 Alexander van Veen and Charlotte de Vink Owners Caspaiou Design & Interiors Dubai 40 Rani Ahluwalia Creative and Design Director / Founder Key Interior and Designs 44 Sarah Mespelt Larranaga Vice President Design and engineering Freestream Aircraft 48 Helen Brasinika Design & Research Director | Co founder BllendDesign & Research Office 52 Andrea Sheehan Founder Principal / Art Director Dawson Design Associates 56 Letitia FitzGibbon Head of Interior Design Harrods 60 Aloysius Ganiel Creative Director Parallelogram Design Pte Ltd 64 Rebecca Clark RebeccaOwnerClark Design 68 Jana Novakova Interior Design Director Aalto Exclusive 72 Mark de Reus President de Reus Architects 76 Filipe Nunes Founder + Creative Director Filipao Nunes 80 Alua Kulibayeva Founder, Creative Director Lumi Interiors 84 Lynne Blumberg Owner Lynne Blumberg Interior Design 88 Ramón Alonso PresidentRadyca 92 Schalk Burger CinemaCEOArchitects CONTENTS
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We are delighted to bring you this year’s Transcending Luxury - our annual Hard Back Book where designers from all backgrounds talk to us candidly about their work, their design philosophies and ultimately their hopes for the Afuture.turbulent few years around the world have forced us all to adapt in many ways - but a consistent theme we are hearing is how designers have been able to make positive changes: whether it’s embracing new technology, reconsidering travellers’ needs or changing the way they think about the areas they are designing - as always, the design world evolves, and ultimately comes back Untilstronger.next month, Joanne
VOLUME 3 TRANSCENDINGLUXURY
HOW THE WORLD’S LEADING DESIGNERS CHANGED THE PLANET
MARK ZEFF PRESIDENT / MARKZEFFOWNER
Mark Zeff has over thirty years’ experience in architecture, interior design and furniture design, Mark Zeff is a recognized industry leader. A native of South Africa, he studied in London then moved to Sydney, Australia where he completed several successful restaurants and private residential projects. In 1982, he moved to New York City and began his career in design. Three years later, he opened his own furniture showroom and started his own architectural design firm. In his solo career, Mark transformed his company from a residential design firm into one of the nation’s leading multidisciplinary boutique design agencies. From luxury yachts to the development of global brands and revolutionary hospitality ventures, Mark has honed his holistic design philosophy. With innovation as its bedrock, Mark Zeff delivers cutting edge design with an eye for elegance and style. Zeff
12 Mark
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Tell us a about some of the projects you are currently working on. The projects that I’m working on in Mexico are really very highend projects which are amazing to be working on as we are working with some very talented artisans and builders. The mixed-use projects that we’re doing around the country range from not very large projects to very upscale projects and the work is mostly about developing new amenity concepts as well as the interiors of all the apartments. The restaurant that we’re doing in Scottsdale is an old client of mine that has resurfaced in Scottsdale and has developed a new brand which we are helping with, this flagship restaurant will become the incubator for many more to come. The restoration of the mansion in Charleston has been going on for three years and is finally finishing up very soon and this has been an amazing project because we have restored the original house as well as adding on another 400m to the existing structure.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
How did achieving this make you feel?
I would say that the largest source of inspiration for me is what I gather up while traveling. Travelling for me is a hobby and really has helped me grow my eye and my appreciation for what happens elsewhere in the world and has helped inspire a lot of my projects. Another source of inspiration is watching old movies and gaining inspiration from the style and the attitude of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Now that we live in a world of the great Internet universe there are many ways to be inspired and this has definitely changed my ability to access many different aspects of the world very quickly every day of my life.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
The Covid era has really changed everything in terms of how I work. Had one said to me that I could run my company from home in the country away from the office and my team, I would’ve said that it was impossible, but it’s not. This new way of working has given me more time to be highly productive and because of travel restrictions a lot of time and energy on my part was saved. All in all I think that the Covid experience has allowed everyone to slow down just a bit and take hold of their lives in a way that has helped with how we all communicate and do our work. Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. In the next 12 months and beyond I see that the work that we’re doing is going to be very different from the past. I see us working more responsibly and taking note of the way we collaborate and develop projects with others. I think collaboration for me is an exciting new era in my design life and I hope to collaborate a lot going into the future.
I think that the most important project for my firm and for my career has been the Kimpton hotel in Austin, Texas. We are pretty much given carte blanche in terms of design attitude and innovation on all areas of the design process. As a result it was a huge success in terms of press awards and most importantly people who stayed there loved it and still keep going back.
My work is rather interesting for me in that I’m always trying to innovate and move my design aesthetic with the times and hopefully design and build projects that are long lasting. My style is really all about collecting different inspirations and putting them together so that there is harmony and a sense of style that also hopefully lasts for a very long time. Classic with a twist is a mantra that we are constantly using when we work on our projects and my input is always about developing a sense of style that is not only current but will enable the project to look fresh and feel new 10 years later. I’m constantly looking back into history for inspiration as well as looking forward into the future for innovative inspiration and trying to marry these two aspects together so as to create a design that has gravitas.
14 Mark Zeff
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? We have three main sectors that we work in; hotel, residential and mixed use – in some cases we’re doing the branding for these projects too. The mixed used sector of our business has overtaken the hospitality sector as a result of Covid.
Once we started designing hotels and projects of this type and scale it definitely caused the company to increase in size which is rather intoxicating as well as humbling. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to Cape Town when I was 5. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. I studied industrial design in South Africa then moved to London and studied architecture and interior design. I completed my Masters in London and then moved to Australia working for a company called Marsh Friedman. I went on to be the in-house designer for Kohler in Australia. I moved to New York in 1982 and worked for Ken Walker associates and in 1985 opened my own design company and I’ve been working for myself ever since. Please describe the highlight of your career to date. I would have to say that the highlight of my career was when I transformed my business from specialising in the residential arena and moving into the hotel design space.
MARKZEFF Creating memorable brands and spaces for over 35 years www.markzeff.com Hotel Van Zandt
Riva del Sole Resort & Spa has recently undergone an important restructuring as well as a full restyling that has further enhanced the identity of the place, its philosophy and its history. The designer Eva Khoury, included in the list of the 100 most influential women in Italy by Forbes Magazine, has put her talent and experience at the service of Riva del Sol Resort & Spa, redesigning the Conference Center, the Supermarket, the 155 hotel rooms, the Riva’z Pizzeria & Grill, the wonderful La Palma Restaurant, and above all the two suites of excellence, Coral Suite and Exotik Suite. These design gems are created for luxury lovers, with an essential, modern style, and light colors in the Coral Suite, and the elegant exaltation of brass juxtaposed to deep and layered colors in the Exotik Suite. The Resort has maintained its eco-sustainable footprint, and maintains an Italian style with a Swedish twist, with selected materials exclusively Made in Italy. Khoury
EVA KHOURY DESIGNER RIVA DEL SOLE RESORT & SPA
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I am noticing a lot of functional and minimal design, but I think that besides being careful on the consumption of energy, water, etc, the design itself should always be a way of expression, a way of feeling, so my thoughts are, just create and make it worth it.
I hope to be painting at some point, I always dreamed of selling my paintings, big paintings standing tall in big hotels, restaurants, shops, houses (very big paintings)!
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective?
I am relaxed when I am working, these are my high moments , I tend to be stressed out if I have nothing to follow up on, it’s a way of living for me, I can say that I am among the ones that feel happy working, I love my job and its very satisfying to see the things I do make others existence better (in a certain way) - yet if I really need to rally I listen to music, all kinds of music, for each stressful situation there is a kind of music, I am very versatile when it comes to that!
Has this changed in recent years?
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. My relevant training started at the age of 5 when I was constantly changing the furniture setting in my parents’ house, I was constantly making my mother buy new things to reflect my new ideas and clearly accentuate my taste. Even the rooms had their share, the furniture moved from one room to another depending on the seasons of the year. Then growing up things got more serious, people started asking me to help them out designing shops, restaurants, houses, so I started taking design seriously in order to make a living out of my passion. This is when I started working and perfecting my knowledge in hotels.
Final thoughts
“All artwork is great after sunset; perhaps art is really a nocturnal thing, just like fireworks...just like me.”
18 Eva Khoury
I am not the type of person that takes much pride in doing things, I always feel there is something missing or there are things I could have done better, but this is me, I am like that in everything I do. So to be fair, my biggest achievement is when I see that the client is happy and that I have delivered what was expected to be. I am proud of making people happy. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
From everywhere, I listen to the sound of colours, material things have a voice to me, this is my kind of craziness, but it’s my way of creating a symphony when I create a project, I love challenges, and the more challenging the more satisfying it is to me.
I am always on the move, so depending on the client I move, I am the sailing boat, the client is the wind... I will go on his direction. How is your work evolving?
By getting to know faster what people want... it’s still a work in progress.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. I am very proud and grateful of having appeared in FORBES Magazine for being one of the most influential woman of 2019 in Italy, it was very unexpected, yet very appreciated.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up? Born in Beirut, Lebanon. Lived in Paris, France and currently living in Como, Italy.
How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
Versatile, I am like a chameleon, depending on where I am and what is asked from me, I change colour and fit to the environment and to the client’s need. For me art is like music, if you stick to one note you cannot have a melody, so my design is melodic and has different faces.
Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
No it has not, my stress does not come from my job, it comes from delays, payments, mistakes done on site, misunderstanding between manpower, etc. We all have these kind of problems when we are on a site in construction, but it’s part of the job description, there are days like that... as I said above, to relax, music is the answer, it relaxes me and puts me back on track. What project(s) are you currently working on?
A beach and pool bar, a massive hotel lobby and an apartment.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
“I see architecture and design as vehicles for improving people’s lives. No matter the scale of the project, I work hard to ensure that each solution keeps the individual at the center.” rivadelsole.it
firmly
EVA KHOURY Featured image:
OWNER
Snorre Stinessen graduated in 1999 and established his own studio in 2013 based in Norway. He is committed to developing projects that are conscious of the surroundings and the people inhabiting the spaces created. 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 its inherent challenges and qualities.
20 Snorre Stinessen
SNORRE STINESSEN & SNORRE STINESSEN ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECT
Transcending Luxury 21
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.
22 Snorre Stinessen
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. How did achieving this make you feel? That always make me feel happy and feel that we have accomplished something meaningful. What inspires you? Many things obviously: Nature and the interaction with clients are amongst the foremost. What motivates you?
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 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. How long have you worked in this sector? Graduated in 1999, established my own studio in 2013. What led you to this career path?
Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work?
The Lyngen Retreat is a project I have worked on for a long time and started by the finding of this unique site close by the sea and developing a project in tune with the landscape and based on our marked knowledge that 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.
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 or 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.
In my clients, colleagues, family and friends. Where do you find comfort?
At home, at the office, out in the nature, in Piazza Rotunda in Rome and many, many more places.
Tell us a little about this project/s?
What are you currently working on?
The desire to do our best every time, to create something unique and meaningful and make our clients happy with the end result. Where in the world do you like to retreat to? We have an Airstream caravan that we love take for a drive and serve both as a lovely retreat and a movable office. Where and how do you find support?
Thomas is a leader in aircraft completions and refurbishment management, and a corporate jet visionary with 35 years’ experience in the aviation industry. He founded Camber Aviation in 2014, reflecting his business philosophy in four pillars of company values – knowledge, experience, innovation, and trust. Thomas surrounds himself with the best professionals and people in the industry. His team has successfully managed corporate aircraft completion projects ranging from Bombardier and Dassault business jets to Airbus and Boeing narrow and widebody aircraft.
THOMAS CHATFIELD CEO CAMBER AVIATION MANAGEMENT LTD.
24 Thomas Chatfield
Transcending Luxury 25
Raised in Ottawa, Canada and spent 24 years of my professional life working around the globe. After all that travelling, I came home to settle with my family in the beautiful Squamish, BC, Canada. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
Fortunately, I enjoy my work, so a good work - life balance is easy. But I know what you might want to hear, and I think I do what every person does: I surround myself with the best people possible to trade ideas, develop the right strategy and, importantly, to allow me to also sit back and relax when I need and want to. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son but I also have the best garage you can imagine and love working on some “Oldtimers”. The highlight of my year is usually a 10-day canoe trip in Northern Canada – far, far away from any technology. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? I work with the client to ensure their expectations are exceeded. This can only be achieved with teamwork throughout the conception and design processes: the client’s vision, the engineering and certification requirements and the right designer, all bringing the vision to life, together. It is always an incredible pleasure when a client sees their completed aircraft for the first time and, more often than not, seeing the impossible made possible. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
As stated by Arie De Gues “The ability to learn faster than competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage”, Camber Aviation Management did exactly that: we stopped, thought about what happened and made decisions accordingly. The outcome has been incredible: the enterprise has been able to achieve impressive results thanks to the dynamism and perseverance that distinguishes our company. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? It already has: there is more focus on health, safety and breaking design barriers. Which direction are you moving in, from a design perspective? Innovative design features and extra comfort onboard are becoming more important. Nothing demonstrates luxury quite like careful interior design and modern furniture. Traditional bulkheads, walls and ceilings simply do not meet the expectations of the modern-day passenger. In addition, the latest cabin trends often include innovative seating and other fresh furniture designs, for example, you can even specify anti-gravitational recliner chairs (which recline and rotate in a way that makes you feel almost weightless). Many cabin designs also include sleek sofas, king-size beds, and custom furniture with unique features. In terms of luxury design, private jets offer almost unlimited possibilities. For many passengers, a luxurious flight is one where they feel at home throughout their journey - and this is our mission. A full-sized bath, a separate bedroom and dedicated private office can provide a truly at-home atmosphere. In these well-appointed private aircraft, passengers can take a shower in flight – or perhaps even a steam bath - and be refreshed when they arrive at any destination. How is your work evolving? Our work is very versatile and differs with every client. Recent material and labour shortages have made it a little harder than usual but it keeps us on our toes and encourages even greater out-of-the-box thinking.
I am not a designer, but the link between the client’s vision, the designer and the engineering possibilities is essential. Together with our team, we make sure that if there is ever a disconnect, we think outside the box and make it work. We create solutions and then oversee engineering and fabrication to ensure a truly exceptional cabin. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
Final thoughts In our work, listening is essential. We take the time to listen and truly understand our client’s vision. Then we get to work. Chatfield
I founded Camber Aviation Management in 2014. I have held Part 145 and CAMO Postholder positions: managed operations, maintenance and engineering departments; performed aircraft acceptances and lease returns; and recovered aircraft from challenging situations. I’m also a trained avionics technician holding Transport Canada and EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licences, with an MSc in Airline Transport Management from Cranfield University.
Where do you find inspiration for your work? My inspiration comes from the outdoors. I do my best thinking when I am out in nature enjoying hiking, skiing or paddling. My best ideas often come when walking with my wife in the rainforest near our home. I also follow trends and always try to think one or sometimes two steps further ahead. I am drawn to challenges people find impossible to solve and I don’t give up easily! It is very fulfilling to see a way to make the impossible become a possibility.
26 Thomas
Please describe the highlight of your career to date.
How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with some wonderful people creating absolutely unique private aircraft for wealthy individuals and heads of state. Two highlights have been: working with an incredible team to oversee and deliver the world’s first Boeing BBJ878 fitted with a VVIP cabin, and, of course, developing the Airbus A220 Cabin Concept which won last year’s design et al award for Private Jet Cabin Design. The latter project allowed the Camber team to work with the visionaries at Pierrejean Vision, Kestrel Aviation Management, F/List and Flying Colours to create a truly unique view of the perfect private jet cabin.
28 Kenneth
KENNETH
Kenneth Ussenko started his design exploration in the film business over 20 years ago and transitioned into interiors and conceptual design for environments. In the early 2000’s, Kenneth Ussenko Design was founded. Kenneth Ussenko Design is an international interior design and restaurant design company specialising in hospitality, commercial and residential projects. Originally formed as a production design company focused on the film industry, Ussenko quickly expanded into industrial design, branding and packaging, before focusing on conceptual design for architectural environments. A background in the film industry and a passion for storytelling stands as a constant principle in all of his designs: every decision – every wall, every chair, every doorway – has a story. Ussenko
KENNETH USSENKO OWNER & LEAD DESIGNER USSENKO DESIGN
Transcending Luxury 29
How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? Projects will be orchestrated differently with regards to schedules and supply chains that will be chosen to implement them. What are your thoughts on the future of design?
30 Kenneth Ussenko
Final thoughts I am grateful for all the opportunities throughout this pandemic which allowed my firm to continue to grow and move forward. I appreciate design et al for bringing so many fantastic creative people together and showcasing works that are transforming and inspiring myself and all that are lucky to experience such beautiful and innovative work.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
We evolve by working and adapting every day to the everchanging environment of our industry. Change is a part of our DNA today and we will move with it and adapt.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. I aim to focus on quality projects and clients that I feel can influence more in my vision and design based on the scope of the environment and world today. Also I plan to open another bar which I have designed and will be a partner in. How is your work evolving?
Born in Saigon, Vietnam. I grew up in dozens of different countries stretching from Borneo, Indonesia to Algeria, Africa.
The outlook and work has mainly changed the direction of work with the understanding that every project could take 30 to 40% longer and more costly because of the pandemic.
I feel the future of design will be planned more with suppliers closer to the project location. The global export and import industry is so broken today that the client or developer will do whatever they can to keep services from supply chains as local as possible.
My style of work always encompasses accents of classical architectural with modern lines and textures.
25 years ago, I started my training in the film industry regarding production design and 3D visualisation. From there I continued my work by building a small design firm specialising in restaurant and retail design. Within the last 15 years we have expanded our scope into luxury homes, hospitality and Casino design. Please describe the highlight of your career to date. A couple of the hospitality projects we are currently working on now are very rewarding because we are able to work very closely with clients and a very innovative team to deliver unique designs, elevating function and style. This process has moved more smoothly for us because of our past hotel and casino projects. I am very happy of where we are as a design firm today and how much we have evolved as designers because of the consistent production throughout the past 6 years. We have had many challenges but they are what has helped build the foundation we have today which is the highlight of my career.
How did achieving this make you feel? Lots of hard work, fear, pain and perseverance always builds into a stronger and more powerful and positive end for me. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? I truly relax during my visits to my home in Italy. There I feel calm and inspired walking and resting amongst the history and architectural wonders of a bygone era. What project(s) are you currently working on? I am currently working on the expansion of two casinos and hotels. This will include restaurants, casino gaming spaces, retail environments, spas and other hospitality areas within the master plan of these projects. I am also working on an American Indian cultural center design. Other projects include 3 restaurants, 2 residences, a new type of sports complex and a new bar that is also owned by our company inside the high fashion retail store of Bloomingdale. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Restaurant and Interior Architecture.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. Rum Social. It is the first restaurant that I designed and also physically worked on some of the building of it because I am a partner in this concept. It is my concept which also has a lot of my life journey throughout the interiors of the spaces. I am proud of bringing a dream to life. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
BRIAN WORTHINGTON DESIGN DIRECTOR BRIAN WORTHINGTON & ASSOCIATES
Brian Worthington is an acclaimed interior designer with an impressive work of residential and commercial projects in the world’s most prestigious markets. With more than 30 years of experience, Brian’s long career started at Blake College, London, with further study at The French Design School, Surrey UK, which includes work for some of the most prominent design firms in the world. As the principal and visionary of his firm, Brian Worthington & Associates, his poetic style evokes quintessential English elegance in perfect harmony with contemporary needs and the location’s environment. Brian Worthington thrives on bringing joint vision of the clients and of the BWA team to reality and his mission is to create interiors that are timeless, original, authentic and refined.
Brian Worthington
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Transcending Luxury 33
Starting my own business and winning an Award in 2020 at The International Design & Architecture Awards hosted by design et al in London. How did achieving this make you feel? With my study and all my experience, I finally fulfilled my global view of my career. Winning the design et al Award was a huge accomplishment for me. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
34 Brian Worthington
I was born in Hong Kong and raised between Australia and England. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
I’m always looking at architectural details, period artwork, nature and the surroundings of the project in hand. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? I enjoy being with friends and my sister. I love art, antique fairs, exhibits and museums. Has this changed in recent years? Yes indeed, I really like to entertain at home and enjoy the local nature as I have been working more from home. What project(s) are you currently working on? We are currently working on a project in the Hamptons, an NYC apartment and a project in outer West London. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... The project in West Hampton is a 1980s home in a super charming area. The NYC apartment is more traditional in style and the outer West London project is contemporary design with transitional twist. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Super high end residences and what we call light commercial.
I attended Blake College, London and The French Design School, Surrey, UK. I have held positions for some of the most prestigious design firms in the world, such as Colefax and Fowler Mayfair London, JBL Design, Sanderson & Sons Ltd, Innovation, and lastly Chelsea Textiles Design as the Artistic Director. My portfolio is comprised of projects in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Final thoughts
Depends on what style we’re working on. Scale, proportion and understated refinement are of paramount importance. If we’re doing a period interior we take a “Quiet Evolution” approach. The location of the project is also important in determining the interior design style. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life? We’ve been able to work remotely and this gives us much more focus within our team. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? It will be reimagined again similar to the financial crash of 2008 and I think we will see a roaring 20s again. What are your thoughts on the future of design? My thoughts on the future of design are that there will be a larger difference between the upper market and high street stores with the middle market evaporating. Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. My aim for the next twelve months and beyond is to focus on the new bespoke turnkey program we have developed for the multiple residence client. Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? We are offering turnkey bespoke design packages. How is your work evolving? We are incredibly fortunate to have clients that trust us 100%. They allow us to make important design decisions that result in an overall seamless hand over to the client with no unexpected surprises and thrilled clients with the end results.
I am most proud of the Sunnyside project in Palm Beach. This is an English Georgian style home in Florida but we looked at it in a classic contemporary light and designed it with a nod to Palm Beach. We felt there was an incredible fusion of these elements that made this project a success. This home was also featured on a US television show. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
We are looking forward to The International Design & Architecture Awards 2022. We are honoured to have been nominated along with other seriously talented and sophisticated design firms.
INTERIOR www.bworthington.comwww.bworthington.comDESIGNINTERIORDESIGN
Caspaiou Design & Interiors Dubai is a family-owned and operated Dubai-based company, founded in 2006, providing inspirational design services and carefully curated pieces for their clients. Their Dutch experts, Hans, Marijke, Alexander, Charlotte and Osca come with a substantial amount of years of combined experience spanning two generations. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for attention to detail, they ensure the highest level of service with a personal touch. & DUBAI
36 Alexander van Veen and Charlotte de Vink
ALEXANDER VAN VEEN CHARLOTTEAND DE VINK OWNERS CASPAIOU DESIGN
INTERIORS
Transcending Luxury 37
38 Alexander van Veen and Charlotte de Vink
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. We have been in the company for nearly 10 years and that comes with many highlights. Our company has grown in many ways. Of course operations have grown companywide (more employees, more office space and showroom space, larger warehouse with stock items) but what is much more exciting is that the projects have evolved over the past 17 years. Where we started with relatively small high end residential projects in the UAEwhich we still do - projects have in more recent years grown to large mansions not only inside the UAE but also in many places outside. The scope of the projects range from one side of the spectrum, “only” decorating the spaces, to the other, building up from shell and core. This fact has completely changed the way we work. It has wildly expanded our knowledge and experience in all facets related to interior design. How did achieving this make you feel?
All of the projects are high end residential. Some exciting projects are; three separate apartments - one of which is shell and core - to be converted into an interconnected 2.350 sq/m triplex fully furnished penthouse, a nearly shell and core 3.500 sq/m mansion whose owner is very much involved in the design, a shell and core 2.600 sq/m mansion and interiors of two large villas in Muscat, Oman.
A 12 bedroom mansion in Rabat, Morocco. This project was a beautiful mix of usage of materials and influences. The design brief was to create a contemporary villa with Moroccan touches which we included in the hand woven rug designs. Literally everybody on our team was involved in a certain way to bring this exciting project to a beautiful end - it was an example of true team effort and we would like to take this opportunity to cheer on our amazing team!
daughters. We love to spend time together as a family in nature - in Dubai that’s mostly the desert, which is stunning in winter time. Apart from that we love to spend time with our family and friends that come to visit Dubai and we love traveling. What project(s) are you currently working on?
It feels exciting to be able to work on such wonderful projects with wonderful clients with our amazing team. We are thankful that we receive so much trust and it feels exhilarating when we have the freedom to put our creativity into these projects. Where do you find inspiration for your work? We find inspiration in the stories of the people we meet and work with, whether it be clients, suppliers or our team. True connection and building a relationship is very important for us. To understand the specific requirements of our clients for their homes: how do they live? What does their day look like? How do they relax? How do they connect with other people? At the dinner table? With music and dance? Getting into these details with our clients is fascinating and gives us the inspiration to design their distinctive home in which they can truly be themselves. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? Our work/life balance is very important as we have two lovely
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? High end residential mansions, villas, penthouses, apartments.
True value of furniture pieces, including art, lasting a lifetime and therefore being sustainable. And interior design in general to evolve more towards places for people to really connect - after a period of less connection which started with a tendency to connect virtually due to technical developments, which were a blessing during the pandemic, but we predict an increase in true connection again - getting together with family and friends and creating memories together which last a lifetime.
Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. This question makes me smile, the next twelve months are exciting! We will be scaling the business, as we have always done, slowly but surely. We cannot reveal too much of this now, but this will certainly result in attracting new team members who really fit our team and will become part of our extended “Caspaiou family”.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? We will stick to our design philosophy to create distinctive, elegant and timeless designs by actively listening to the needs of our clients and creating spaces in which they truly feel at home and can be themselves and connect with others.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up? We are both from The Netherlands. We both studied Law, Alexander at Maastricht University, Charlotte studied law at Leiden University. We met when we were both lawyers practicing in Rotterdam. In 2013 we decided to change our life’s course and move to Dubai to start taking over the family business that Alexander’s parents started more than 17 years ago. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. We are both trained by Alexander’s parents who started the business in Dubai in 2006. Alexander’s mother had an extensive career in the fashion industry, so for Alexander the design blood runs through his veins. For me personally the love for interiors started at a very young age since my mother has always been interested in interiors and as long as I can remember she has been taking me on day trips to visit the beautiful interior design showrooms throughout The Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium.
With meticulously curated European furniture and lighting, we design distinctive interiors that are refined, elegant and timeless. DESIGNING DISTINCTION Caspaiou, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, contact@ www.caspaiou.comcaspaiou.com
RANI AHLUWALIA
CREATIVE AND DESIGN DIRECTOR / FOUNDER KEY INTERIOR AND DESIGNS
Over the last 20 years, Rani has established herself as one of London’s leading luxury interior designers. She specialises in bringing bespoke residential and hospitality spaces to life, using her unique hands-on approach to transform any location, from intimate private homes to world-class hotels. Rani founded Key Interior and Designs in 2011 which works alongside private clients and developers to curate inspiring and stylish spaces. She is involved in every part of the process, from concept and design to procurement and implementation, ensuring that each of her clients’ needs are met. An active philanthropist, Rani is also the Chair of Dominvs In Action, the charitable arm of Dominvs Group. Dominvs In Action partners with community-based organisations that work across education, enterprise, and homelessness.
40 Rani Ahluwalia
Transcending Luxury 41
How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
Every night I love to get in my car, turn on the music and drive through London. I am continuously inspired by my surroundings, the architecture and the people here. I love to stop and speak to the homeless, to listen to their stories. All my ideas come to me at this time. I also enjoy spending time with my family, and I now have a grandchild who I love to spend time with.
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Tell us a little more about these project(s)...
The Lost Property in St Paul’s has been an incredible project. Opening in 2022, it encompasses the theme of ‘lost’. We took that word, played with it, turned it upside down and considered it from every abstract and literal angle. As a result, the hotel offers guests an immersive and artistic experience of London’s historic quirks, eccentricities and curiosities throughout. But it also brings awareness to the treasures we stand to lose if we don’t take more responsibility for our planet. The stand-out piece is a sweeping eagle installation made up of small, colourful, Venetian glass birds, each lost in time through extinction. One Fox Lane is a stylish and contemporary four-storey apartment building in Palmers Green, London. Our brief was to create a feeling of joy in each of the rooms of the 54 apartments – and to give first-time buyers a level of luxury they wouldn’t necessarily expect from their initial property purchase. It was important to maximise on space and design, but to also give the residents a sense of sophisticated glamour in their home. I’m also designing lighting for some interesting projects in Chelsea, Kensington and Mumbai. Lighting is my passion and I‘m working with incredible craftsmen and artists from around the world to create new chandeliers and sculptural ceiling installations with a depth of colour that will make a powerful statement in each space. Other smaller residential projects are focused on adding value to existing properties through high-end design treatments. Watch this space!
Born in Agra in India, home of the majestic Taj Mahal and grew up in Delhi, the capital city of India and a place where bold, bright and happy colours form a beautiful backdrop. You see colour everywhere here, in nature, in interiors, architecture, food, spices, festivals, clothes – it’s easy to be inspired every day. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience?
The Dixon Hotel in Tower Bridge, London, is my most precious project to date and the one closest to my heart. This incredible building was the Tower Bridge’s Magistrate’s Court many years ago, which housed many prisoners over the years. This Grade II listed Edwardian Baroque building has now been transformed from its original, judicial beginnings to a spectacular high-end hotel. I loved turning it into the cultural hub it is now – and I did that by retaining as much as I could from the original building. The original interior housed prison cells, courtrooms and a police station – and there was evidence of each littered amongst the debris on our early scoping visits. I saw incredible artefacts where others saw waste, and this sparked ideas for the overall design. My imagination was given total freedom on this project, and it took a lot of courage to convince others of my ideas. I saw beauty in the old, graffitied benches that featured scribbles from the prisoners in 1911. The rusty box of keys, the prisoner etchings, the handcuffs – these all became embellishments and features in the finished look. People weren’t sure at all about my glass handcuff chandelier hanging in the entrance hall, but it has become the talk of the hotel. The old keys now adorn the lift doors and the graffitied benches became lobby tables, brought to life and restored with ornate ironwork and an oiled wood finish. We preserved that old story and repurposed as much as we could – this ethos of preservation underpins how I love to work. How did achieving this make you f eel? We retold the story of that building and reused as many of the materials as possible. People can learn so much from old stories. In the case of the Dixon, there is a reminder of how life was for those who lost their way in the past. Where do you find inspiration for your work? I find inspiration every day in nature and the colours around us. When I design something, I try to convey a message one way or another, to create visual awareness of preservation and protecting the world.
One Fox Lane • Lighting Project in Chelsea Chesham Street Nash House Kensington Lighting Project Lighting Projects in Mumbai Sloane Street
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
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Has this changed in recent y ears? Yes, it did. During the pandemic, everything changed – although I still found time to help the homeless. As for our industry, clients were reluctant to spend on luxury, which has been particularly hard on the hospitality sector.
I spent three years studying interior design in Delhi before moving to London to continue that learning at the famous KLC School of Design at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour. Please describe the highlight of your career to date.
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What project(s) are you currently working on?
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42 Rani Ahluwalia
The Lost Property at St Pauls
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Rani Ahluwalia is the Founder and Creative Director of Key Interior and Designs, a London-based luxury interior design studio Over the last 20 years, Rani has established herself as one of London’s leading luxury interior designers. She specialises in bringing bespoke residential and hospitality spaces to life, using her unique hands-on approach to transform any location, from intimate private homes to world-class hotels. keyinterioranddesigns.com
44 Sarah Mespelt Larranaga
A graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, Sarah keeps abreast of innovative aircraft design concepts, the newest systems, materials and products to provide Freestream clients with a truly customized interior and exterior for their aircraft. Having studied interior design and structural engineering, Sarah leads Freestream’s design team through each detail of customisation with a discerning eye that she’s perfected over 15 years and over 65 aircraft. Prior to joining the Freestream team, Sarah has designed and managed completions for Gulfstream Aerospace and Jet Aviation.
SARAH MESPELT LARRANAGA VICE PRESIDENT DESIGN AND ENGINEERING FREESTREAM AIRCRAFT
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Although Savannah, Georgia feels like home I now enjoy living in Los Angeles, California Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
I’m currently working on a stunning Global 7500 green completion as well as several refurbishments as it’s a busy time for aircraft turnover. A passion project I’m working on deals with electric engines for small aircraft and the light weight furniture design scenario that is inclusive of that.
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life? The pandemic changed that face to face service we provide to each client and that relationship we have with the production facilities and artisans that work on the aircraft. I started my aviation career working in design and delivery oversight on the floor at the manufacturing level which taught me the hands on importance of inspecting each piece and communicating with the specialists and installers as we all work toward the same goal of delivering a perfect aircraft to each client. As designer and completion manager you know the client and the completion centres know the product they build, therefore working together throughout the project always ends in success for both parties.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Tell us a little more about these project(s)... Freestream brokerage has several large aircraft for sale at the moment so it’s a perfect opportunity to prepare custom furniture designs for that size aircraft that are light weight and bring a new edge to that aircraft for new clients look for unmatched interiors that are unique to them.
Although work can tend to take up most travel and time, I love basketball, comedy clubs and splatter painting really has a way to clear my head.
46 Sarah Mespelt Larranaga
I work exclusively in aviation. I feel strongly about the knowledge it takes to not only drive your education in this field, but to continue that with the knowledge of avionics, furniture engineering, weight to range considerations that gets overlooked in design on a regular basis.
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part?
What project(s) are you currently working on?
As I look forward to using more and more composites and advancing in electric capabilities I hope we don’t lose that personal touch where we capture the details in design that provides the end user with a personalized experience off all the enhancements they enjoy in a private aviation experience.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
I am a designer and engineer by trade and have worked in private aviation design for over 15 years. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
The driving force behind my interior and exterior design are quality and uniqueness. I always look for a balance between my left and right brain and use that to the client’s advantage to achieve a cutting edge design, but with function as well as build structure both to the forefront of the assignment. My mission for each project is to ensure my design and completion management has exclusivity and attention to detail.
Final thoughts
I’m proud to be a woman in aviation. I feel privileged to work with the amazing clients I have had and also to work with the absolute brilliant engineers and artisans we work with at Bombardier, Gulfstream, Boeing, Airbus, Dassault Falcon, Standard aero, Lufthansa and many more. I have felt very lucky to be able to manage completions from ideation to delivery, but to be able to combine design creativity with quality and functionality is the high point of my day to day.
Freestream Aircraft Limited is the premier destination for discerning aviation clients who value best in class service and want to secure the best value for their aircraft. We believe that luxury service is defined by our legacy - agility across markets, efficiency and discretion. With over 25 years of aircraft sales and acquisitions Freestream is proud to have a team of highly experienced and uniquely qualified aviation consultants. Our team is able to cover all aspects of aircraft brokerage, acquisition, marketing, sales, custom design services, import/export and maintenance review of your aircraft. We specialize in state of the art, medium through ultra-long range corporate jet aircraft and fully understand the importance of attending to all details as required by our clients. With over 60 transactions per year it is important that we provide clients with that next piece of the process which is design and delivery.
www.freestream.com
THE ART OF AlRCRAFT
RESEARCH DIRECTOR |
HELEN BRASINIKA & CO & RESEARCH
FOUNDER BLLENDDESIGN
OFFICE
48 Helen Brasinika
Bllend is a multidisciplinary design and research office developing unique identities in the fields of Architecture, Landscape, Interiors, Furniture and Lighting Design. BllendDesignOffice has acquired a reputation working in residential projects or commercial branded environments that in their majority have received international distinctions, among which the inclusion in the World’s Best 2014-2015 International Property Awards for the Best Leisure & Office Interiors. Developing unique architectural identities involves working in unison with the clients within a contextual research-based framework, to develop a design concept that translates into a variety of design applications- architecture, industrial design, engineering and branding, or the interweaving of various disciplines in one project. The strong contextual impact every project involves empowers the bonding among scapes, materials, form, light & human condition in an organic substance that results in purposeful design for wellness and longevity.
DESIGN
Transcending Luxury 49
I was born in Greece, but having lived abroad for many years the multi-cultural and educational background of different continents has infused my approach to design and lifestyle in general.
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Constantly you have to try to find balances, realign, negotiate and keep a healthy distance in order to give the best at work and focus on family as well. Travel and cultural immersion is my way of re-charging my inspiration ‘powerpack’.
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. We gradually developed our focus from small scale residential and office projects mainly in Attiki and Athens, to getting commissioned for upper scale and demanding projects that require expertise and know how in the Healthcare, hospitality and Commercial Sector all over Greece. During the past 8 years we have expanded our business abroad getting involved in the design, research, execution and project management for very demanding commercial and residential projects in UK, Bulgaria, Bucharest and Emirates. It is a transforming and sometimes painful evolution that demands diligence, focus, daily education to remain knowledgeable, efficient and effective in a rapidly evolving and competitive sector. How did achieving this make you feel? Working among a great competition of unique projects and design offices, we feel blessed and very proud that our work has received wide and international recognition bearing the credentials of very prestigious and established International Design Competitions. The projects and recognition are also very
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience?
What project(s) are you currently working on?
My professional training and work experience balance equally among architectural and spatial design, engineering on one side and Urban Sociology and Research on the other, while moving from small scale of interior or Urban furniture design to that of Urban Design for Social Responsibility and Master Planning. Everything despite its scale is approached with the aim to achieve a general state of wellbeing for the end -user. This means that our approach is informed by research and guided by user experience in order to provide relevant, focused and useful design. For this reason sustainability and innovation are embraced wholeheartedly in order to design resilient and functional furniture or fit outs, spaces or neighbourhoods. My research background in culture and ethnography, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods enables our studio to approach every context from a wide perspective, making every location and project an educational, transformative and collective experience that has a strong impact on every stakeholder. Moreover, being a Color and Design Expert trained by Leatrice Eisemann from Pantone Colour Institute, has altered the way I view materiality, experiences, culture and colour. Every experience is unique, affects our state of mind and psychology, providing rich resources and inspiration for every future or current personal or professional encounter.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
Generally every time a new project begins, sparks an inspiration and a determination to work hard in order for the deliverables to be greater and more important compared to the previous ones. We work in order to give our best design concept and essence, and I love every project I have designed so far, no matter big or small in scale.
Helen Brasinika
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
For us the pandemic determined the need to stay committed and dedicated to our initial focus on human centred design for resilient spaces. Now more than ever, we value the need to create spaces that live and evolve together with their inhabitants and we will continue our strong effort towards this direction. All the current and future projects will follow the path of designing spaces that take responsibility to contribute to creating and forging the right circumstances for occupants to achieve balance and well being at their homes, working and recreation environment. All of this cannot be achieved without studying nature and incorporating the lessons learned for better design.
At the moment we are involved in Urban Regeneration and Residential Design in Greece and Bucharest, as well as in Hospitality Design and Wellness. They all focus on sustainability, adaptive re-use and energy efficiency, innovation and resilience.
rewarding, making amends for the hard work and continuous training to reach a destination. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
A great project that made us really proud is Agora Floreasca Urban Theory, a leisure mall in Bucharest that focused on creating a laid back and relaxed atmosphere for people to enjoy F&B, physical and mind rejuvenation all day round. It officially opened its gates to the public just before the Covid outbreak. We really think the meticulous attention to details, innovative and certified products, the successful lighting design and the focus on people and how they experience their surrounding environment in order to maximise their benefit were really successful. They managed to establish the place as a meeting spot that emits a sense of security, safety and a relaxed ambient environment that enables people to relax and connect.
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
Andrea Dawson Sheehan is passionate about the hospitality industry. For the past thirty-five years she has been working on a diverse range of projects both nationally and internationally, hand-in-hand with all firm clients as a strategic partner developing the best position for their hotels. Established in 1987 in Dallas, Texas, Dawson Design Associates, started with an initial focus in restaurant design. She has evolved DDA into a specialty firm, utilizing the principles accumulated over years of designing successful, high-profile boutique hotels. Raising the bar of design excellence meant creating an experience, not just a stylish room. Her unique approach to design and original methods of managing a dynamic team of hightalent creative individuals is widely recognised.
ANDREA SHEEHAN
52 Andrea Sheehan
FOUNDER PRINCIPAL / ART DIRECTOR DAWSON DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Transcending Luxury 53
I was trained as a fine artist, but for the past 42 years specialised in hospitality design. My first ten years I worked as a nightclub designer, then I moved into ‘boutique’ hotels in the early 90’s working with the original Kimpton Group as a client, gradually evolving into Lifestyle, which I am still doing today.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
Margaritaville Hotels are not something I would have ever dreamed would have been a good fit for us, but we have had a terrific time learning about their huge global following and Jimmy Buffets’ loyal fans. Their attitude of “Drink Margarita’s when the going gets tough,” was exactly what we needed to get through the worst of Covid. Hard to take ourselves too seriously. It has been a lot of fun.
Chaos in creativity. No lid, no rules. Process and organised in production to deliver the promises born out of that chaos. It must be balanced. If we don’t deliver what we promise, we will have no patron to fund our vision. I am very much right brain/left brain in approach.
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. When my client approved my creative pitch to design the first feminist hotel, Hotel Zena in Washington DC in 2018, and gave me full artistic license and freedom. They also gave me a one-million-dollar budget to find and commission ‘Feminist Art’ globally in order to shine a light on the struggle for gender equality experienced by women globally. It transformed how I think about the hospitality industry and it’s potential for impact and good. How did achieving this make you feel? Proud and empowered. I was able to provide a global forum for women’s voices and issues in a space designed specifically for them. It allowed me to build a forum to start meaningful conversations hopefully leading to positive change. A meaningful contribution.
What are your thoughts on the future of design? Design reflects society. In the USA, design has become very conservative. Neutrals, organic, tasteful. Safe. No one wants to offend anyone, and everyone is so judgmental and risk adverse. Designers seem to be frightened. I hear it everywhere I go. In Europe you seem to have much more appreciation for the couture and the original. I think that the young voices that are rising in the new generation will force change, which will foster more creativity. These things always go in cycles. I look forward to starting a new one. Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. I really want to do more projects that fuse activism in space. To open venues and forums to celebrate artists and creatives, help them rise above the noise and be heard and seen. Hotel Ziggy in LA, named after Ziggy Stardust and David Bowies passion for experimentation is helping young musicians gain momentum and be noticed. This was my vision for this project. I want to do more. How is your work evolving? I take a lot more risks. Fortunately, I have a long-term client who is constantly prodding me to push harder and take more chances. I am very fortunate he has been such a strong advocate. He has long known that originality is far more profitable.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. I have to say that creating the entire ‘Unofficial Z Collection’ has been super rewarding. It’s given me the opportunity to fuse conceptual art, fine art and social issues into experiences that really touch people and shine a light on diversity. As an idealist, I like to think if we can get people to have good conversations, we can change the world. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
54 Andrea Sheehan
I was born in the Pacific Northwest. Tacoma, Washington USA.
I find creativity in everything I touch and see, but I especially love to hear stories from ordinary people and listen to them describe the issues they are struggling to overcome. Weaving their stories into my work expressed through the voice of artists in intentionally commissioned work, is what makes the experience that much more powerful and personally satisfying. What project(s) are you currently working on? We are just completing the One Hotel San Francisco guestrooms and suites, while also helping to evolve the Margaritaville brand and move them into more of a luxury lifestyle market in San Diego. One is a Margaritaville Resort, and one is an urban Margaritaville Hotel. We are also expanding a Northwest Lodge that is situated on 165 acres adjoining a national forest and adapting it to more of a luxury level resort. Later this summer, we are looking at a new Z Collection Hotel and another Resort. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... The One Hotel is a champion of sustainability. It is located on the San Francisco waterfront. This is our first time working with Starwood Capital and learning their ethos on sustainability has been very rewarding. We had to pass on the public spaces due to our limited availability, which was disappointing. The
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
ALCHEMY IN DESIGN 35 YEARS OF INNOVATION & AWARD WINNING HOSPITALITY USADAWSONDESIGNASSOCIATES.COM|UK
With over 17 years’ experience in the luxury interiors industry Letitia Fitzgibbon heads-up Harrods Interior Design, a multi-disciplinary bespoke design service by Harrods. In her previous role as a key player within the Harrods Home buying team, Letitia worked closely with the Director of Home in redeveloping the home and furniture offering from Harrods, creating new concepts and sourcing brands from across the world to provide a carefully curated range of products that hero provenance, craftsmanship and heritage in helping to shape Harrods Home into the exciting design hub it is today. As well as having the support and resource of the 600 brands stocked within the store, Letitia and her team of design experts travel the world in search of beautiful designs, the latest trends and the highest quality fabrics and products.
56 Letitia Fitzgibbon
Letitia’s design ethos centres around two key factors: relevance to the client and their lifestyle, and harmony of the design with its surrounding environment.
HEAD OF INTERIOR DESIGN HARRODS
LETITIA FITZGIBBON
I’ve always had a passion for interiors but I never set out to work in Interior Design. My career path initially led me down the product route, buying homewares, furniture and fabrics before I joined The Studio at Harrods where I cut my Interior Design teeth. That was 11 years ago and I’ve been Head of Interior Design for the past 6 years. Please describe the highlight of your career to date. We were approached to design a Harrods Suite for the Cala di Volpe Hotel on the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. It’s a very special hotel with a unique pedigree and it was an honour and a challenge to design. This was no ordinary project, there has never been a Harrods branded suite, this is the first and therefore a significant milestone for Harrods Interior Design and the Harrods brand. The suite perfectly embodies the heritage of the Cala di Volpe and the essence of Harrods. How did achieving this make you feel?
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I was born in Auckland, New Zealand but we emigrated to the UK when I was young. London in the 90s was a lot of fun, plus we lived next to Richmond Park which remains one of my favourite places to spend time. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
58 Letitia Fitzgibbon
The future of design must have sustainability and consciousness at the heart of it. We as designers must influence and educate our clients of design and products that not only look beautiful, but are equally beneficial to a healthier planet.
Designing a space should be approached with 3 things in mind, purpose, balance and storytelling. Achieving the first is essential, how well you achieve the second will determine comfort and the third is what makes a space compelling. Within this convergence is where we push boundaries and create original design.
How would you describe your work/design style/ethos?
The Harrods brand is not something given lightly, many have asked and are often refused. I really believed we could create something special with Cala di Volpe and I fought hard to make the project happen. To be entrusted by the client and Harrods to deliver this project was a huge privilege.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Over the past few years our design style has evolved in line with our clients to become more contemporary with bespoke elements remaining an integral aspect of our designs. The challenge for us now is to seamlessly integrate sustainable practices at each stage of the design, manufacture and delivery, whilst recognising designing for longevity, energy efficiency and waste reduction will all guide us on a path to a more sustainable future.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. It has to be the Harrods Suite at hotel Cala Di Volpe in Sardinia. Designed by French architect Jacques Couëlle, and built in 1963, Hotel Cala di Volpe is the epitome of laid-back luxury. It curves around the coastline in a series of irregular-shaped tiled houses of varying shapes, sizes and pastel hues. Inside, the spaces are cave-like, with roughly hewn whitewashed walls, terracotta accents and furnishing that is sourced from local artisans. Right at the top, The Harrods Suite captures the hotel’s rustic luxury – but also stands apart as uniquely Harrods. Gently layered raw and refined elements come together to entice the senses: arched solid-wood doors are carved to resemble sunbeams; bronze patinated alcoves cast ambient light over the beds; and a fluted limestone feature wall mirrors the landscape’s natural curves. We actually won the prestigious design et al Hotel Suite Global Award last year for the project, which I’m immensely proud of.
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective?
All over the place! Wherever I am, if I see something interesting or eye-catching I photograph it. I have albums of doors, entrances, gates, windows, masonry, rooflines, plants, gardens, furniture, art, ornaments, landscapes and all sorts of random details that I see on my travels. Because the photos are also memories, when I look at them I get more than colour, texture, finish or style inspiration, I get a sense of ambience as well. How do you relax and find your work/life balance? I’ve only recently come to understand what work/life balance looks like for me and I still struggle to achieve it. We got Bubbles our Cockapoo during the first lockdown and I love our doggy walks, plus I play netball and try to make time for reading and yoga throughout the week. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in f or the most part? For the most part we work on residential projects – Harrods have a fiercely loyal client base, it’s a home away from home, therefore it’s only natural for them to come to us to design their interiors. Since working for Harrods for over 20 years now, I’m
Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. Our aims for the next twelve months are to become more circular as a team in our approach to sustainability, engraining it into everything we do at Harrods Interior Design.
well versed in dealing with and pre-empting our clients every need to create a harmonious experience. Although mainly residential, we also work on some fabulous commercial projects, which are an amazing creative outlet.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
Harrods Interior Design offers a fully integrated interior design service. Working closely with you, the team creates bespoke designs, incorporating fittings and fixtures, furniture and homeware to suit your lifestyle, tastes and requirements. Contact the team on +44 (0)20 7225 5926 or HARRODS.COM/INTERIOR-DESIGNinteriordesign@harrods.com
60 Aloysius Ganiel
Parallelogram Design Pte Ltd was founded in 2019 to create bespoke spaces informed by their use, context and opportunity. Parallelogram is a design atelier that cuts through today’s world of visual and sensory overload. Embracing evocative qualities, their ambient creations span the retail, hospitality, commercial and residential sectors.
ALOYSIUS GANIEL CREATIVE PARALLELOGRAMDIRECTORDESIGNPTE LTD
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Where were you born/ where did you grow up? In the heart of Singapore. Please explain y our relevant training/ work experience. I have been in the interior design industry for about 7 years to date. Before my work experience, I was majoring in Interior Design and Architecture during my days in Lasalle College of the Arts which is located in Singapore. Experience was built through various firms that I was with such as Architects and both small and big scale Interior Design firms. There were so many different practices that were being absorbed through various mentorships. To better express myself and push myself beyond boundaries, I decided to start my own firm.
A lot of things — people, other designers, music, past experiences, nature, friends, places. I think you can get inspiration from basically anything if you look at it in the right way. Also, myself. I’ve never had much confidence in myself growing up, but I’m slowly realising I’m capable of much more than I give myself credit for, learning that in itself has been inspiring. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? Music and working out in the gym are probably some of my best therapies. Has this changed in recent years? No it has always been like this, I think music could really relate into ones mindset and working out taught me how to persevere.
“Tough times never last but tough men do”.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. I would say one of the projects that I had titled “A Composition Space” is one of my most proud achievements. Not just being awarded and recognised but working closely with a Fengshui Master in order to achieve strictly with the design intention that me and my client thought of. It was also an obstacle where rules and restrictions were made and given by the Fengshui Master. In the end, the overall design and look have made a really huge impression to many.
62 Aloysius Ganiel
Every project is very personal to us and it evolves through the personal inter-relationship built together with our clients. Each of my teammates have different styles in mind however we share and relate each one and another to marry the design intention and making it a unique design to all.
What project(s) are you currently working on? My team and I are working on several residential projects locally and we are grateful to have supportive clients whom are enthusiastic like us to build a beautiful dream home! We hope to accomplish more awards and recognition this year! What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Both Residential and Commercial projects.
How would you describe your work/design style/ethos? Sophisticated touches in a Contemporary way. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/life? I think it has changed a lot, both professionally and personally. It has certainly stopped and restricted a lot of jobs, economies, businesses and travels. Thankfully it seems the pandemic has slowly been subsiding and things are getting better. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? It has already changed. Many nowadays have been starting to appreciate home and making the importance of how ones space could really change people’s mood of living. Lifestyle and activities need a lot of consideration and helping clients to focus a lot on building an aesthetically pleasing yet functional and comfortable living interior space. What are your thoughts on the future of design? It will be a never-ending learning process. History and cultures are one thing that keeps it moving, Please tell us y our aims for the next twelve months and beyond. To be recognised not just locally but internationally! Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective?
Both residential and commercial, on the other hand, diversifying the business core into building a brand identity for our clients. How is your work evolving?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. Being able to manage and build up my own design firm. How did achieving this make you feel? It is never easy starting up your own design firm especially with correct team players and working partners. The industry has been mainly competitive and also fast paced, there was a lot of fine-tuning and improvements on both designer to clienteles relationship and so as working partners. I think the word “Trust and Responsibility” are one important factor and achieving that between my affiliates is something that makes me motivated to push forward! Where do you find inspiration for your work?
80SingaporeChangiRoad, #04-11, Centropod (S)419715 Tel: +65 8768 6840 Email: Sales@parallelogram.sg www.parallelogram.sg
64 Rebecca Clark
REBECCA CLARK REBECCAOWNERCLARK DESIGN
Rebecca Clark Design is a Melbourne based Interior Designer and works primarily across the high-end residential and boutique commercial sector. The studio attracts an astute clientele of individuals who are leaders within their respective fields. With a global perspective and intuitive, client focused approach to design, she balances form and function with distinctive flair to conceive responsive and enduring spaces that enhance the everyday. Purity of materiality, unexpected elements, custom design details and a global perspective are the hallmarks of Rebecca’s style.
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66 Rebecca Clark
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. I have had many exciting projects but my highlight would be winning the Living Space - Asia Pacific Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
I have a wealth of experience and completed a Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. I then worked for Architects, mainly in the commercial area of design before deciding the high-end residential area was my passion. I have worked with many different architects on houses, apartments and small boutique commercial projects.
Has this changed in recent years? No, luckily during various lockdowns last year in Australia I was able to live in the mountains and work remotely from there. I spent time snow shoeing, skiing when the lifts were able to be open and tried skinning when the mountain shut down. It was very peaceful and serene being up there and I felt lucky to be there. What project(s) are you currently working on?
Spending time with family and friends. I love going away for weekends and spending time by the sea in summer and in winter time I love being up in the mountains - skiing and walking.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
I grew up in Melbourne and spent time at family properties by the sea and in the country.
How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
I am currently finishing off a project in Sydney, an Alpine apartment, some large residences in Melbourne and starting on a cafe on a Goat Dairy. I have upcoming projects which are in the pipeline - a farmhouse in Victoria and high rise apartments in Melbourne. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... The Sydney project came to me in our first long lockdown of 2020 - it was a fun distraction and was quite exciting. A fabulous home for a young couple who wanted something fun with a cool Mexican vibe. The initial furniture component was completed quickly but we have since had many delays with the bar area but this should be completed very soon. There are various rooms to complete in the high end Melbourne residences and these houses are very refined, timeless sophisticated and luxurious. I am currently starting schemes on a Goat Dairy which is fun. The Dairy had closed down during our lockdowns and was sold to clients which I am currently doing projects for. It is now operational and the cafe will open at the end of the year. We have an existing structure and a few restraints within this but are creating an exciting space along the theme of ancient grazing. .
The last few years have been beneficial for Interior Designers and I feel there are many exciting things ahead. Before the pandemic a home might just be a stopping point for many people as they travelled, worked and dined out but people are now looking to make their homes a sanctuary. We pride ourselves in our expertise and expert knowledge. Our vast experience in the realms of design, materiality and sourcing, builds trust and credibility with our clients and collaborators to create projects which genuinely delight, excite and surprise.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. I am proud of the project, River Residence - a large high end residential house on the banks of the Swan River in Perth which won the Living Space - Asia Pacific Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. It was completed over a few years and it was mainly done via technology and a few site visits. The client’s brief was to exude a glamorous, sophisticated elegance with an aim to create a warm and engaging space, rich in texture and interstates while maintaining a tonal palette and slight oriental feel. The client also had a meticulous eye for detail and many intricate elements were considered throughout the design process. They gave me freedom to carefully curate some wonderful and interesting pieces from around the globe, bringing exceptional quality and luxury. They were thrilled with the end result.
With a global perspective and intuitive, client focused approach to design, we balance form and function with distinctive flair to conceive responsive and enduring spaces that enhance the everyday. We don’t follow trends, we eschew them and instead favour outcomes that are classic yet modern, timeless yet unconservative and luxurious yet liveable. What are your thoughts on the future of design? Sustainability will continue to grow as people look to the future and the past. There will be more interest in recycling of furniture and this has seen the rise of vintage furniture in the last few years. I see this continuing and clients becoming more conscious of materials and the functions of their home. How is your work evolving? I have more creative freedom and am designing jobs more individually and site specific. I am more driven to articulate unique stories for our clients with a high level of craftsmanship and searching the globe, cohesively selecting and curating objects, furniture and furnishings from different eras, cultures and lands. I am passionate about delivering uncompromised design outcomes that enrich and enhance our client’s lives.
Final thoughts
www.rebeccaclarkdesign.com.audesign@rebeccaclark.com.au
Rebecca Clark Design is a Melbourne based Interior Designer and works primarily across the high-end residential and boutique commercial sector. The studio attracts an astute clientele of individuals who are leaders within their respective fields. With a global perspective and intuitive, client focused approach to design, we balance form and function with distinctive flair to conceive responsive and enduring spaces that enhance the everyday. We don’t follow trends, we eschew them and instead favour outcomes that are classic yet modern, timeless yet unconservative and luxurious yet liveable.
INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR AALTO EXCLUSIVE
For over two years they have been offering personalised interior design services, for both residential properties and commercial projects, to professional and private clients. In an 800 square metre multi-brand showroom on the Golden Mile in Marbella, they showcase their own luxury furniture collection along with the various international brands they work with. Capitalising on their interior design studio, with the know-how of their team of architects, interior designers and graphic designers, as well as the expertise of carpenters in their manufacturing plant in Málaga, they offer bespoke projects, tailor-made to their clients’ needs and budgets, both locally and internationally.
Aalto Exclusive is run by Managing Partner, Ness Yammine, and Interior Design Director, Jana Novakova.
68 Jana Novakova
JANA NOVAKOVA
Transcending Luxury 69
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective?
The award is very rewarding as I dedicate practically my all to my projects as my work is my passion and it feels very good to be recognised. It means the effort is worth it.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. I studied a business management degree and after a couple of years later I obtained a degree in interior design in the UK. I started to work on small residential projects for friends and acquaintances as a hobby and slowly the projects grew larger and in more countries.
My work didn’t stop during the pandemic, I was perfectly capable working from home, but such situations makes you question priorities and people you meet. I realised I was happy where I am, who I am and with whom I am. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? I believe people notice the importance of wellbeing of their indoors and outdoors, they will be more aware and careful on how they furnish their homes. Also more aware of sustainability and reuse of their furnishings, “slow design” and quality will be more important. What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Minimalism and sustainability How is your work evolving?
I like to create from scratch and have no problem whatsoever seeing a blanc canvas / empty plan or a house and start sketching. Each house is different and I honestly don’t even know where my inspiration comes from when I start creating, I just see various options for how it could look and try to pick the best. I like to look at all design styles, époques and cities / regions, always find something interesting to use and put it at the back of my mind. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? It is not easy, I have to find things that work with my busy schedule and limits. I have private training classes to exercise when it suits me and I like to empty my head listening to beach waves or walking in the forest. Luckily I live in place, where I can do both easily. What project(s) are you currently working on? I have about 25 residential projects and one restaurant at various stages, mostly locally in Marbella and surroundings, but also in Luxembourg, Slovakia and Germany. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... I am working mostly on high end residential projects, it is very important for me they are all different and the best I can do with the budget. It’s becoming more challenging to find a good sourcing while not sacrificing on quality, deadline or budget.
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
70 Jana Novakova
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. I was assigned to help out in an interior design studio Aalto Exclusive Design through a friend in Marbella and the cooperation was going well. I decided to stay and after couple of years was practically running the design department and won the International Architecture and Design Award 2020 in category Beach house. This year I was nominated again with a bigger project.
How did achieving this make you feel?
I am most proud of a house for a Norwegian client created completely bespoke up to smallest detail. It took 4 years, with a lot of sourcing and changing the architecture in the middle of the project, to get the best result. When the clients feel at home in their new or renovated house, that is what I consider a success.
The future has to be more green, comfortable, affordable and creative/exciting. Not everything is invented yet. Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond.
I would like to continue creating furniture collection pieces, which is now a neglected part of my work. I would like to attend more expositions as a design studio and hopefully to get a product design commissions as well.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up? I was born in Bratislava, the capital of a small country Slovakia, where I grew up. In my mid-twenties I moved abroad and lived in various countries - Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain etc.
I like to mix design styles a little and break a bit the colour schemes, depending on how I interpret the potential of the house. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
I am working on more important projects and can afford to dedicate more time to each one. I see the evolution in bringing more new technical solutions and materials to create original looks that the clients can identify with.
range
private and
own line
AALTO Exclusive Design also designs and manufactures its of
interior design services
clients.
luxury furniture, the AALTO Exclusive Furniture Collection, with more than 70 uniquely hand-crafted pieces. www.aaltoexclusivedesign.com
AALTO Exclusive Design is an internationally renowned design studio that offers a complete of to professional
72 Mark
Mark de Reus is the founding design partner of de Reus Architects with bases in Sun Valley, Idaho and Waimea and Hawaii. Mark started his career as the design principal of Hart Howerton’ Hawaii office, managing partner of PAI and senior vice president of San Francisco. Renowned for his award-winning resorts and residences, Architectural Digest recognized Mark as one of the world’s top architects and designers in their AD 100 list Over his 35-year career, Mark has received numerous design awards and has been featured in international design publications and on the TV show Amazing Waterfront Homes. At de Reus Architects, the team design around the needs and dreams of their clients. Their common aims for their work include attaining a quality of permanence through natural materials and elegant craftsmanship, infusing structures and environments with comfort, liveability, and appropriate scale and designing environments that are timeless but not traditional, innovative but not trendy. de Reus
MARK DE REUS PRESIDENT DE REUS ARCHITECTS
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Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. Easily the highlight of my practice is working today with the talented group of architects and designers that comprise our three studios in Sun Valley, Idaho, and Hawaii. We are all passionate about our practice and the profession of architecture – I greatly enjoy the enthusiastic dedication to excellence in our work and managing projects on behalf of our clients.
Please tell us your aims f or the next twelve months and beyond. We have a new book titled ‘Sanctuary’ being published by ORO Editions later this year. We are underway with the London-based One Planet to become certified with their sustainability platform and are excited to apply this well designed and holistic program to build more resiliently.
Please explain y our relevant training/ work experience.
What project(s) are you currently working on? Currently designing a home here in Sun Valley, and nine or ten homes in Hawaii. Additionally, we have a large multi-faceted multiyear project in Maui for the Makena Golf and Beach Club, which has 456,000 SF of club amenities, and various residential projects in the core part of the resort development. We are also working pro bono for the Rotorun Ski Area, in Hailey, Idaho with some improvements to their facilities.
I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, USA.
It seems like the pandemic has brought empathy to the forefront for a number of things such as biodiversity, resilience, regeneration, human resources, and hopefully an increased awareness (and I admit to being optimistic here) that we have to be more resilient politically too and less polarised.
I have seen an increased interest in modern and contemporary architecture and maybe with matters of design in general. I’d like to think that design has more meaning today, that the value of design is more prominent. I do have a concern that with the increase costs to building that arose during the pandemic to sanctuary areas such as the mountain and tropical destinations, I’m seeing signs of the loss of timelessness and craftsmanship.
Our approach is one of collaboration rather than a “style” per se. Our work is pluralistic evident in our portfolio with modern, transitional, contemporary and traditional work. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector?
I have adopted Clint Eastwood’s mantra of, “not letting the old man in”, by working out with a trainer. I walk and hike with my dogs and whoever will join, I love to fly fish and downhill ski. I enjoy time with my wife, daughters and friends, and I read a lot.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
74 Mark de Reus
Many influences have shaped my journey in architecture over my 44-year practice so far. My formative years began in construction after high school, which led to academic interest and obtaining an architectural degree from the University of Idaho. I started my own design/build firm after college in the mountain village of McCall, Idaho for a few years but moved on to join a large healthcare firm in Omaha, NE, and joined their new office in San Francisco, CA. My interests moved toward residential work and I joined Backen, Arrigoni and Ross in SF where I stayed for ten years. I was involved in a wide array of projects in this firm: resorts, single family residential, multifamily residential, Wineries, Senior Living, Restaurants, Retail and Commercial. I worked directly with the principals and clients - it was fast paced and I was involved in a lot of master planning as well which brought a more holistic knowledge to my practice. In 1994 I left to join an international firm in Jakarta, Indonesia that was run by an American architect and I stayed there designing resorts until I moved back to San Francisco in 1999. I consulted in design with BAR again for a year until Hart Howerton offered me the lead architect role for the Kuklio Beach Club on the isle of Hawaii. I started a branch office for HH and in 2005 I started de reus architects. My knowledge and practice today is a product of a strong interest in resort and residential work. I am also indebted to many mentors, collaborators and colleagues over the years that I have been honoured to work with.
Where do you find inspiration for your work? There are many sources for inspiration: the client’s dreams for a start, the land itself – the context. The profession of architecture: past and current; inspiration comes from collaboration, and from nature, the art of craftsmanship; I’ve found inspiration from travel to places rich with cultural history such as Europe, Kyoto, Bali, Mexico, art itself, and even poetry. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? We are contextualists so our work is grounded to the land and collaboration with the client -- however our work is becoming more contemporary and minimal which we find exciting.
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Single-family residential and resort projects which include amenity spaces such as restaurants, clubs, spa, golf club, and operational spaces. Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. It would have to be a tropical home for a nice couple who become some of our best friends. We also designed a second home for them on a mountain lake. Both homes were a success because the clients love modern art and architecture and encourage creativity and are fun to collaborate with.
Sun Valley, Idaho | Waimea, Hawaii ARCHITECTURE + INSPIRED LIVING + ENDURING DESIGN dereusarchitects.com Photo: Matthew Millman
76 Filipe Nunes
FILIPE NUNES FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR FILIPAO NUNES
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. Filipe found himself in this career due to his deep interest for the spaces and the sensations that this may give. This made him feel deeply in love with interior design, and as an interior architect his intention is that spaces always have proportionally scale, colour and texture.
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How did achieving this make you feel? It filled me with joy, longing, and thankfulness. Joy; because it was a dream. Longing; there’s a lot of people that I wish could see how I have been evolving as a professional and as a man.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Nowadays, we have mixed uses, residential, restaurants and some hotels. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... It has been quite challenging to manage all of them because they are so different in so many aspects but having multiple and different clients is an opportunity to experiment different these aspects.
I’m very positive about design in the future. I think it will be more about the function and the human being. 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 area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Most of the time interior design in the commercial area. Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. I must say 2, because for us Porfirios Guadalajara is really special, it’s the one that started it all, and the Ilios Cancun, which was a challenge in 2020, but brought us good new clients. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
Thankfulness; first of all, for my family and all the unconditional support, my team for the commitment, talent, dedication, and most of all their belief in me, and at last but not least, those first clients, the ones that take off on a rollercoaster of emotions, whom honour us with their preference.
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. June 2019, at The International Hotel & Property Awards held by design et al in Capri. Winning my first global prize with Porfirio’s Guadalajara, and last year’s surprise with more than 11 awards won with Ilios Cancun.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up? Guimaraes, Portugal. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. As a team we have a full experience in commercial projects, mostly at premium restaurants with a unique design concept.
78 Filipe Nunes
My work reflects my experiences through time, the experiences through design and the space being my canvas.
Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? We are having a very open perspective, by including new types of projects. How is your work evolving? We have been doing a lot of new mixes, searching for new materials, doing some new stuff, including new ideas and creating new shapes.
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/life? This global pandemic leaves us with huge learning, to adapt ourselves really fast and bring the best of us and the best of the resources we have near to us. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector? Right now we realise that our health matters not just for us, but for everyone, because with a healthy life, we save more lives.
Where do you find inspiration for your work? My inspiration comes from all the things that surround me, travel, music, fashion, art, architecture, the cinema, all of these feed my creative soul, waking up my aesthetic sense. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? Finding some time with my family, by having a good schedule. Has this changed in recent years? Yes, I have been changing my routine, adjusting it to the needs of the office and my family. What project(s) are you currently working on?
Lumi Interiors is a high-end interior design studio based in Dubai that specialises in luxury residential interiors in UAE and worldwide for both private clients and developers. Following the vision of its founder Alua Kulibayeva, who lived and studied her BA (Hons) Degree in United Kingdom, travelled around the globe, and taken its best, LUMI is designing the most elegant and liveable interiors.
80 Alua Kulibayeva
ALUA KULIBAYEVA CREATIVE DIRECTOR LUMI INTERIORS
FOUNDER,
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Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
The dream came true. Like any person starting up their own business I was terrified and anxious, but had an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment when the business started to come together. I knew this was the right decision for me because I can feel myself going from strength to strength and through design I feel empowered. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My design journey started at the beginning of pandemic; as the world started to close down my life as a wife, working mum, with a lot of duties and responsibilities felt very restricted, but then my life reopened with a growing interest in design and I decided that I needed to take advantages of this. Pursuing this interest, I enrolled at KLC school of Design for my third degree, Interior Design. With the support of my husband and family a new chapter of my life started, I took a leap into the multifaceted world of design and have never looked back. Day after day I had so much satisfaction from the new information and images coming into my head. I was so proud that I found myself, I found my calling in life. I jumped into this new energy; a new way of life. Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? At the moment I’m really excited by the development of new materials coming to the market and experimenting with textures. How is your work evolving?
Final thoughts
London luxury design. Contemporary classic. Contemporary modern. Our philosophy is to make home space liveable, luxury, durable and timeless. We are doing couture pieces: bespoke joinery and furniture, using lots of variety of materials and fabrics. Most importantly according to the client’s perspective making sure to meet their individual needs. How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
I find my inspiration from nature including water, sea, sky, beach all aspects of the natural world. I also take inspiration from traveling where I’m exposed to different cultures and fashions. The work of other designers also impacts my design process, developing trends on Instagram for example. The development of new materials is particularly fascinating. What project(s) are you currently working on?
Where were you born/ where did you grow up? Born in Kazakhstan, grow up and studied in the UK. Please explain your relevant training/ work experience?
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Residential modern interiors.
82 Alua Kulibayeva
KLC Interior Design, Royal Holloway University of London, Bellerbys Brighton College,TZ service Holding Founder, CEO Founder of Lumi Interiors How did achieving this make you feel?
I am constantly finding inspiration. My hope is to create living spaces people want to spend their lives in, a man’s home is his castle; it should be a comfortable one.
The environment that people live in it is a reflection of their mood, style and personalities. Living in a beautiful environment can help to create a beautiful soul and a beautiful life. Interior design is all about creating higher living standards which can affect your outlook and mental health. Living in the beautifully and well-designed interiors can make your life happier.
I am currently working on a couple of projects: International project ALMA, a full house refurbishment, interior and fit out. Middle East, Dubai: new Penthouse in Palm Jumeirah. I am also currently developing a homeware range, but this one I will share with you in the next interview…
Tell us a little more about these project(s)...
The ALMA project is located in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Almaty, the city of apples. The villa is 10,500 square feet, facing the mountings similar to a Swiss chalet. The main idea of the project is to create a home with the amenities, comfort and luxury of modern living within natural surroundings. We also aim to encompass a range of materials both modern and traditional in keeping with its surroundings by combining our bespoke designs in metal, wood and natural fabrics. We will use colours sympathetic to nature with an array of different textures. The goal is to preserve the traditional ambience of family home with the richness of modern design. Palm Jumeirah Penthouse is a new shell and core space, facing a panoramic view of the Burj Al Arab and Arabian sea. I love taking shell and core spaces, it gives you more freedom for your creative ideas and client’s desires. We are planning to use a monochrome pallet inspired by London luxury style, using lots of textures and beautiful finishes.
The completion of a 6,343 square foot Penthouse in W residence, Palm Jumeirah, facing the ocean and with a long boardwalk along the seafront. A modern interpretation of nature, bringing the outside in, working with in the remit of a family home. I was incredibly proud of how we were able to encompass London luxury design into family living space. A big achievement was that we offset the monochrome pallet with a range of textures, patterns and exciting materials to make the project pop. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
TURNKEY RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FURNITURE DESIGN lumi.interiors www.lumi-interiors.com Alua Kulibayeva, Founder, Creative Director: +971 58 5860291 studio@lumi-interiors.com
84 Lynne Blumberg
Lynne Blumberg Interior Design has a prestigious reputation in residential, corporate, hospitality and retail design. Lynne is a founder member of the Institute of Interior Design and is a recipient of a fellowship from The South African Guild of Interior Design. Lynne has a specially trained team of designers working with her, offering a full turnkey service as well as the designing of specific areas. The company offers a full consultation option. LBI works with architectural firms, garden design companies and all areas relating to interior design. Efficient and professional service is offered with particular emphasis on well researched and innovative design with commitment to hands on personal service.
LYNNE BLUMBERG OWNER LYNNE BLUMBERG INTERIOR DESIGN
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What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
I believe that design will always evolve. It is not static. New ideas will always emerge. Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective? Great design flows. Every client wants something different. From a design perspective we are using far more eco and planet friendly sustainable materials. How is your work evolving?
Looking back over the years I see a dramatic difference in the detail of my work, a freer flow and lots of interesting mixes and styles, creating a one of a kind interior design. Final thoughts I think that a collaboration of minds is essential to the success of a project and allows the design to grow and evolve.
I like to think that I reach deeply into the souls of my clients, bringing out their desires and creating a very special place they can live in and enjoy. Design is very personal and I love bringing their personalities into the design. We work very closely with the clients to “stretch” them with new concepts and ideas they would not normally consider. Once they understand these “new concepts” they are very open and excited and absolutely love the end result.
86 Lynne Blumberg
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life? The pandemic has made me realise that life and home are sacred and one needs to have a place to call home, to cocoon. The pandemic has brought this sharply into perspective.
In a beautiful treed suburb in Johannesburg, South Africa Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
I have 30 years of unbelievable experience and our company is considered one of the top design companies in South Africa. I have a team of highly qualified designers working with me.
I am inspired by so many things. International shows, different fabrics, incredible sunsets and the colours in nature and also books, magazines and social media. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance?
I relax with my wonderful family and friends. Balance can be challenging when many projects are on the go and the pressure is high. Has this changed in recent years? Not really. I absolutely love what I do. What project(s) are you currently working on? We are currently working on a few large homes that are under construction, a couple of interesting projects in Africa and an apartment and two homes in Australia. Tell us a little more about these project(s)... The homes are mainly new builds as well as total renovations including construction. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? We work on hard finishes, so ceiling and floor layouts, choose all hard finishes, do lighting layouts and of course total soft finishes - design, manufacture and implementation of the total project.
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. Winning the design et al, International Hotel and Property Award in 2019 in the Luxury Residence Under £5 Million category and being shortlisted for the award again in 2022. How did achieving this make you feel? It was an incredible achievement to be recognised by 500 interior designers internationally. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success I am proud of all our projects but the one project that has been awesome is the house I’ve put forward for the 2022 design awards. It is a huge house that we’ve worked on for a couple of years. How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
Africa, 2196 admin@lynneblumberg.co.za9236) LYNNEBLUMBERG INTERIOR DESIGN LYNNEBLUMBERG INTERIOR DESIGN RESIDENTIAL I CORPORATE I HOSPITALITY I RETAIL DESIGN Dijon, 55 Hyde Close, Hyde Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2196 Office (+27 11 447 6016) or Lynne Blumberg (+27 83 440 9236) enquiries@lynneblumberg.co.za or www.lynneblumberg.co.zaadmin@lynneblumberg.co.zaLYNNEBLUMBERG Transforming ordinary spaces into the extraordinary with passion is a life changing experience
An architecture graduate from Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City, Ramón Alonso is the first Mexican designer to win a World Superyacht Award. Since founding Miamibased Radyca, Alonso has pushed the limits of design in architecture and interiors, working on cinemas and highend residential and commercial projects, as well as yachts and private aircraft interiors, not to mention collaborations with several international museums and pavilions.
RAMÓN ALONSO PRESIDENTRADYCA
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Having been able to rapidly position RADYCA as one of the key players in the Superyacht design industry; achieving being the first Mexican Designer to be a three-time finalist in the World Superyacht Awards. How did achieving this make you feel? It gives me extraordinary pleasure as Superyachts have been my passion since I was a child and I always dreamed to be a Superyacht Designer. Where do you find inspiration for your work? The ocean, art and travel in general are my main sources of inspiration. Has this changed in recent years?
Please describe the highlight of your career to date.
I was born in Mexico City and grew up there until I decided to relocate to Miami at the age of 28.
What are your thoughts on the future of design?
Final thoughts The work we do every day is a mix of art and technique to create aesthetic and functional spaces that satisfy the needs of its users while evoking delightful emotions.
Tell us a little more about these project(s)... Well, the two superyachts are extremely confidential at this point, but one thing I can share with you is that both are heavily inspired by the work of artists such as Yves Klein and Mark Rothko. The Chicago Penthouse is quite interesting as it features the largest private terrace in a high-rise building with unparalleled 360 views of the City. The residential building in Wynwood concept is based on Art, Music, and Film based on the beginning of punk culture. What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? Superyacht design, Architecture and Interiors in general.
RADYCA’s team design ethos is to integrate culture into its designs, incorporating traditional values with innovative technologies, achieving refined yet sophisticated concepts.
How has the pandemic changed your outlook on work/ life?
I believe it forced a global change that was rapidly approaching which is the ability to fully and effectively collaborate remotely, not only internally but also with our clients and vendors. We partially did this before the pandemic but this crisis made us step up with no other choice and I believe has made us stronger and more efficient. It has also allowed all of our team to spend more quality time with our families and personal projects, while reducing unnecessary commute or travel. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector?
By learning from our past successes and failures in order to always keep improving the quality of the projects we deliver and the experience for the client or end user.
I studied Architecture in Mexico City and graduated with honors in 1999. I worked in three Mexican award-winning Architecture/ Museography Firms from 1996 to 2005 and then co-founded and directed a Design Studio in Miami, focused mainly on highend residential and yacht interiors from 2005 to 2016. In 2016 I founded RADYCA, a global Design Team inspired by creativity and innovation, building a portfolio of projects of diverse typology that capture a refined and sophisticated definition of luxury with 25 years of professional practice.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
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Sustainability will continue growing in relevance to all designs so it will not only be a trend but the actual future of design in general. Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. To be able to resume my usual trips to Europe to visit boat shows, shipyards, vendors and friends so we don’t lose the extremely important human contact. I also plan to start and finish our first own residential development to be built in Coconut Grove and to continue finding new challenges within the superyacht industry. How is your work evolving?
Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success. The complete redesign of a brand new, fully finished, 55m Superyacht in only 5 months. This was a success because it was an absolutely mad challenge which we accepted and with the help of the shipyard were able to deliver in time and with astonishing results.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience.
People, in general, are more conscious about their living spaces and the trend will continue to aim for better, ampler spaces to live, work and relax. Technology will keep improving the tools for remote working and collaborating and overall space requirements will have to adapt.
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos?
Certainly; the older I get the more I value my personal time. What project(s) are you currently working on? We are currently working on the interior of one 50m and one 74m spec superyachts for two of the top Dutch shipyards. We are also working on several land-based projects including two large penthouses, one in Miami and one in Chicago, as well as some other high-end residential projects in Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove and Fisher Island, Florida. The firm is also working on a residential building in Wynwood, Miami’s arts district.
www.radyca.com USA BASED AWARD WINNING DESIGN TEAM YACHT - RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - AVIATION @radycadesign
Schalk Burger has been the driving force behind Cinema Architects for four decades. A name today synonymous with cutting edge cinema design and trail blazing ideas. Red cinema recliners for example, although a popular feature today, it wasn’t until Schalk introduced it a few years ago. It’s forward thinking ideas like these that have propelled his company, Cinema Architects, far ahead of the competition. Having completed his formal studies Schalk went on to begin his formal career as an industrial engineer. Wanting to a pursue his passion for Audio, Schalk eventually opened his own specialist AV business, quickly asserting himself in the industry as an innovative thinker always pushing the boundaries of conventional design.
CEO CINEMA ARCHITECTS
SCHALK BURGER
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Years of traveling internationally have allowed me to see first-hand and experience the latest technology trends. It also allowed me to experience new avenues of design and its concepts. I also look to the word of social media and wellbalanced friends and associates for inspiration. How do you relax and find your work/ life balance? As much as my work challenges me, I do enjoy a challenge outside of work in the form of an adventure and being outdoors. Adventure motorcycling is another way I like to relax and enjoy the South African sun. It’s important to me to completely break away and relax. During these times, I develop new ventures and strategies for the business. Spending time with my family is extremely important to me and something I enjoy. I think a highlight, though, is going on a Safari to my lodge away from the city. I made a worthy investment years ago to facilitate my work/ play balance, which is very important. What project(s) are you currently working on? A 10,000 sq/m villa in Mozambique, an automated intelligent home with a full Genelec cinema. Another current exciting project is a very high-end, top-of-the-range IMAX 15- seater home cinema in Zimbabwe.
The pandemic has seen a massive shift towards a “work from home” mentality. This has grown the smart home sector, focusing on high-speed internet and video conferencing facilities at home. This also applies to the commercial office space; the design will have to incorporate multi-room conference audio and video facilities. In terms of design, rooms will be more comfortable and accommodating to AV facilities. Which direction are you moving in from a design perspective?
I was born in a small town called Theunissen, located in the Orange Free State Province of South Africa. I grew up on a smallholding embracing the farm life as a child. I would later move to a small industrial city on the banks of the Vaal River in Gauteng, best known for its steel-producing mills. Now it has 95,000 inhabitants, much less back then. It’s here, in Vereeniging, that I would later also start my first business.
Please describe the highlight of your career to date. Winning our first international award in 2012 was a huge milestone. Apart from being from South Africa but located in a small town, we competed at the highest level internationally and walked away with a “Best Home Cinema” in the world award. We replicated that achievement again in 2021 and were finalists numerous times. The only thing that can match this is my latest project of building a world class experience centre. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
How would you describe your work/design style /ethos? I would describe our design ethos as Urban modern. There’s also a strong focus on client requirements and vision. Every home cinema project carries a unique design without compromising quality and performance. Every project must meet the client’s expectations in terms of design and performance. At the same time have an undertone of our design ethos. How do you predict the pandemic will change the global design sector?
Multi-channel immersive audio is evolving at a rapid pace. A home cinema can now be more detailed and immersive than a commercial cinema. The inclusion of more speakers and more powerful processors is becoming the norm. This also applies to the gaming industry, which now requires multi-purpose integration. Dedicated gaming rooms with multi-channel audio will also become the norm.
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Lighting has always played a crucial role in home cinema design. With the development of new LED technologies, we feel there will be more flexibility to include concealed lighting so that the room may adapt to any colour scheme. Therefore, our designs will probably have more lighting accents and options. How is your work evolving?
Final thoughts
The project I am most proud of at this stage is “Cinema Brunnock.” This cinema won two international awards in 2021. This Cinema allowed me to explore my design knowledge and creativity. I feel this cinema carries my personal “stamp” of approval, as it were.
Where were you born/ where did you grow up?
What area(s) of the design sector do you work in for the most part? The area that I work in primarily is that of Electronic Architecture with Home Cinema Design for high-end residential clients throughout Africa. Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success.
An intelligent home without data security will open the door to catastrophic security breaches. Therefore, data security of the modern home has become crucial. Human interaction with an intelligent home remains just as important; the end-user should still feel like he is in control of his own home. The home cinema is much more than the sum of its parts; it’s a space where the family can still connect and interact in our fast-paced world of mobile devices.
Please explain your relevant training/ work experience. I studied Business Economics at North West University (NWU), honing the skills required to run a business efficiently. I would later work as an Industrial Engineer before attempting to start my own business. International accreditations include being a Certified CEDIA Electronic Systems Professional (UK), Certified Level 2 HAA Home Cinema Sound & Acoustic Engineer (USA), and a Certified CEDIA Outreach Instructor (CEDIA - Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association).
International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 25.00GBP International Design & Architecture Awards 2021 25.00GBP Transcending Luxury Volume 3 © design et al 2022 | 25 GBP | 25 EUR
