This week’s instalment of Project of the Week interior design series features an open plan residential space design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Nicola Burt Interior Design.
The company was tasked with transforming a tired separate kitchen, living and dining room into a warm, slightly opulent open plan space, that reflected the 1930s built of the house.
They achieved this by removing the structural wall separating the kitchen from the living area, and installing a new emerald green kitchen and island to integrate the spaces together whilst still retaining the separate zones. The warm, opulent feel was enhanced by the orange, green and blue velvet tones of the upholstered furniture together with the wood parquet floor.
Wherever possible Nicola Burt Interior Design team reused existing furniture and accessories, to minimise waste and the impact on the environment.
SBID Awards Category: KBB Design sponsored by Kohler
Practice: Nicola Burt Interior Design
Project: Green Lane
Location: London, United Kingdom
The brief from the client was to transform a tired and awkward separate kitchen, living and dining room into an open plan kitchen/dining/living space.
The client wanted a room where she could entertain as well as cook and relax. She also wanted to be able to look out onto her garden, so our team installed a wall of glazed Crittall Bifold doors, which retained that 1930s feel.
The client wanted to be bold and use colour – she has some artworks by Louis Turpin in the space which are incredibly vibrant and colourful, so I drew inspiration from those for the scheme. The artwork inspired the choice of emerald green for the kitchen cabinetry.
We then paired the green kitchen with an orange velvet scalloped sofa and armchair, and a blue-green swivel chair and bar stool to enhance the vibrancy and opulent feel. I was keen to re-use existing furniture where possible – we retained the client’s colourful Christian Lacroix rug which worked perfectly with the scheme, and the client’s existing dining chairs. Our team also upholstered her piano stool in a beautiful vibrant offcut of woven Ghanaian fabric.
The Crittall Bifold doors to the garden, touches of gold in the handles and tap, scalloped furniture, Tristan and Isolde table lamps, all referenced the warm Art Deco feel the client wanted in her 1930s home.
A major challenge was working with COVID restrictions, something that I had never encountered in my 16 years working as an interior designer. We began planning the project in March 2020, but then almost immediately the first complete lockdown came into force. I had to pivot really quickly to ensure we could keep working, so I advised the client that we could continue to plan the new space remotely until we were allowed to meet face-to-face on site. This would mean we would be ready to go as soon as restrictions were lifted.
As soon as we were permitted, our team appointed an architect in to survey and draw up plans, a structural engineer to survey and do drawings for the steels, contractors to price for the work, and Building Control to inspect. After the client signed off the kitchen design we could then place the order for the furniture, with fingers crossed there would be no delays due to COVID disrupting supply chains.
The building work was booked to start in September 2020 and when it began the contractor discovered that the original frame of the property had been constructed from poured concrete, which was incredibly solid and heavy to remove. This delayed the work slightly, but we completed the project at the end of October.
It was stressful but we were incredibly lucky to get the major building work done and completed in between the various lockdown restrictions.
The first highlight was seeing the client’s joy when the scheme came together and how thrilled she was with her new space.
The second was being nominated as a finalist in the SBID Awards. There was such a great reaction to this project in the press and social media so I thought I would enter it into the awards. I never thought for a minute it would be nominated and I am so thrilled. It just confirms to me that you should be brave and trust your instincts with your design ideas!
I entered the SBID Awards as they are so prestigious in the industry, and the judges are of the highest calibre. To be nominated as a finalist has been such a boost to my confidence, reputation and business, and to (hopefully!) win would be even more amazing, not only for me but as an inspiration to all the interior design students I teach.
Questions answered by Nicola Burt, Interior Designer, Nicola Burt Interior Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring light and welcoming resort suite and guestroom design by LW Design, click here to see more.
The creative industries will benefit from Government support thanks to a new package of measures announced at an event hosted by the Department for International Trade (DIT) on Monday 20th September.
The event brings together business leaders from the UK’s creative industries to celebrate their export success and encourage more businesses in these fields to take advantage of the opportunities to sell their world class goods and services globally. It is part of DIT’s new ‘Made in Britain, Sold to the World’ campaign, that provides practical export help and encourages the nation to take pride in our exporters.
From fashion to film, the UK is home to some of the world’s leading creative talent, exporting £37.9 billion in 2019. With global demand increasing, our creative industries are one of the UK’s export success stories.
Minister for Exports Mike Freer said: ‘The UK’s creative industries are a force to be reckoned with. We create, write, produce and code amazing products, and sell them to the world. The nation can be proud of our creative industries exporters, and the jobs they create in our economy.’
‘Along with the trade deals we’re striking, we are committed to helping our creative businesses fulfil their potential on the world stage, fuelling sustainable growth for British businesses and creating new jobs in every region and nation of the UK.’
Demand internationally is growing for the UK products, particularly in Asia with the region set to be home to the 66% of the global middle classes be 2030, hungry for high-quality British goods and services.
DIT has an array of existing support for budding exporters, who supported 6.5 million jobs across the UK in 2016. DIT is developing an ambitious cross-government Export Strategy to drive an economic recovery and level up the entire country, which will be published later this year.
About Department for International Trade DIT secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade.
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EPISODE TWO: The Future of Workplace
Following on from the last episode on the hospitality industry, this online panel in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects explored the future of the workplace. Hosted by SBID’s founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady, the series intends to examine the new definitions of interior space and the consequential impact on the people who commission, design and use them.
With the two areas most affected by the pandemic being ‘work’ and ‘home’, and as their traditionally segregated contexts were challenged while the demand for a hybrid work/live space evolved, the guest speakers addressed how their boundaries have blurred and what the future might hold for these fast-changing environments.
Arjun Kaicker | Co-Head of Zaha Hadid Architects Analytics & Insights
Arjun has worked with ZHA since 2015. He co-leads ZHA’s Analytics & Insights (A&I) in-house research and development team, which applies algorithmic modelling and ‘big data’ analytics to optimise workplace architectural designs, including for wellbeing and operational efficiency. Arjun previously founded and led the Foster+Partners Workplace and Strategic Consultancy division (for 14 years), where he developed strategy and design for 200+ design projects in 50+ countries. Arjun also previously worked as a workplace consultant and designer at Morgan Lovell and at the London International Financial Futures & Options Exchange.
Juergen Junker | Head of A&D Development for Vitra
Juergen has been with Vitra for almost 15 years in various roles. Over time he specialised in collaboration with the architectural and design partners, the associated design of work spaces, their dynamics and continuous development. Over the last 20 months, as the world switched to remote, Juergen started focusing on lectures, digital format conversations and discussions, while working on the outreach to bring people back together in the analog realm.
Bidisha Sinha | Senior Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects
Bidisha finished her first degree in New Delhi before moving to London for her Masters at the Architectural Association. She has had an architectural career spanning over 18 years, delivering projects in India, UK and Hong Kong. In her role within Zaha Hadid Architects, over the last 15 years she has personally delivered projects which have made a positive difference to the revitalization agenda of the programs that were associated with them.
Cover image credits: Project by Zaha Hadid Architects
Michael Caines’ much-anticipated new casual hospitality concept – Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant – has officially opened on Exmouth beach. With stunning panoramic views across the Devon coastline and up through the Exe Estuary, the venue sits in harmony with its surroundings, having been brought to life by interior designers, Design Command.
A landmark opening for Michael – Chef Owner of Michelin starred Lympstone Manor – this casual bar and restaurant offers a relaxed space for drinking and dining and is a welcome addition to the Michael Caines Collection. Across the backdrop of the Exmouth shoreline, Mickeys boasts spacious seating outdoors and a retractable glass terrace, as well as a bright indoor restaurant and bar with booths and cosy corners for cocktails and casual fare.
Inspired by the lively beach bars in Ibiza and Greece, Design Command have designed the interiors of both Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant as places to relax and unwind by the coast, evoking an overall sense of escapism.
Due to the proximity to Exmouth beach and its recognition as a place of outstanding natural beauty, it was imperative that Mickeys celebrated this notion through sustainable design choices. As such, environmentally low-impact products are used throughout. The tiles are made from 98% recycled material and reclaimed timber cladding has been used for the restaurant’s showcase ceiling and sunbeam feature wall.
It was of equal importance to utilise local businesses in the sourcing of design elements, with many of the lighting features, planting areas, table caddies and interior artworks all produced in the area. Continuing the sustainable ethos throughout the property, Mickeys has committed to reducing single-use plastics, sourcing products and packaging that are biodegradable and utilising the most local produce available to reduce carbon emissions.
On the ground floor, Mickeys Bar has found home, offering a more casual dining and drinking affair. Here, the layout has been designed to give the impression of being in the open air. Outdoor chairs combined with soft seating that has been upholstered in comfortable outdoor fabrics feature throughout. A tonal blue and white colour palette has been used to compliment the surroundings and create a feeling of calm, whilst pops of orange add vibrancy. Bamboo ceilings matched with the combination of both polished and textured natural stone make up the statement beach bar statement.
Connecting the two floors is a sand-coloured metal staircase, adorned with a statement rope chandelier. The metal finish featured here and throughout both the bar and restaurant have various patina effects applied to echo the non-polished finishes found along the coast.
Upstairs in the restaurant, the scene is bold and bright as the design looks to intertwine with the sweeping views across the bay. As such, the seating layout has been designed to maximise the views of the beach and lighting features throughout reflect the nautical through the use of linen, rope and weathered metal. With the adjacent terrace, Design Command opted for outdoor paving on the floor and the walls are clad in decorative framed mirrors to reflect the stunning views. A combination of interior and exterior furniture was chosen in this space to add extra comfort whilst dining beachside. In addition, the retractable roof opens up to provide a sumptuous al-fresco experience for all guests to enjoy, whatever the weather.
Together, Design Command and Michael Caines hope that guests are truly delighted by the design of Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant, whether they are visiting for the first time, tenth time or simply passing by.
About Design Command Design Command is an award winning London & Hertfordshire based Interior Architecture Studio founded in 2013 by Clare McDonald. Over 13 years Clare’s projects included designing for 5 star hotels and more recently over 50 restaurants as well as Student Hotels, high-end residential schemes and Boutique offices. Since its inception, Design Command has quickly grown to several designers working on restaurants and hotels across the United Kingdom and Europe.
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Building Information Modelling – or BIM – enables you to make your clients’ visions a reality. The model-first process lets you create a virtual prototype of the proposed project, so everyone has complete visibility of a space down to the smallest details. Using BIM collaborative software across the project teams allows information to be shared much more frequently during the design process. This gives all contributors a holistic opportunity to coordinate works packages through an accurate 3D model world and importantly, allows designs teams to catch unforeseen issues before site.
Other industries have been using BIM for years. Architects, engineers and construction firms use the process to better understand every element in a design. Yet, it’s relatively new for the fit-out sector. Portview, however, are working to change this. By taking a model already developed at construction or earlier design stage, and collaboratively developing this through to finishing stages, we are better able to foresee challenges and help the entire fit-out process run smoothly from start to finish. This journey allows clients a more immersive experience to understand different ways they can use their space.
Portview has brought most of their BIM in-house. It allows them to keep everyone involved throughout the design and fit-out process. Meaning, they can answer queries and solve issues quickly and effectively. Using BIM in-house also has the following benefits for them and their clients.
BIM makes it easier to share designs, collaborate and manage version control compared to paper and/or PDF drawing sets. Using Cloud Technology, different teams can work together, from those in the office to those in the workshop and on-site. Everyone can immediately see changes others have made and work together to coordinate planning.
You can also receive live feedback from our clients, allowing you to accommodate amendments quickly. With BIM, the data is transparent. It removes jargon and uses 3D visualisation, which is much easier for everyone to digest, making it much easier to communicate ideas, concerns and develop solutions.
With early clash detection at the model stage, it avoids time and money in sorting it out on site.
Greater collaboration means you can improve accuracy and solve challenges early on, well before you reach the site. This accuracy minimises the chance of overall variations, enabling you to reduce tender risk premiums and lower insurance costs.
BIM acts as a virtual world. It lets clients visualise the space to make their decisions confidently. For the teams, it provides a complete overview of the project so that they can plan everything down to the millimetre. Armed with this data, they can relay accurate estimates, so the prefabrication stage runs smoothly and on budget. BIM also helps the clients plan how they use the space. A complete set of maintenance instructions can be created for their teams to use throughout the building’s lifecycle.
With greater emphasis on the collaborative upfront modelling stage, BIM allows you to have more foresight and can schedule tasks while plans evolve. Not only that, but BIM solves the communication stumbling blocks that often cause delays. Everyone has access to the plans and is involved throughout the process, meaning they can deal with issues before reaching the site.
Having a real-time model allows for a level of predictability that just hasn’t been possible before in the dynamic fit-out sector. BIM creates robust, accurate, transparent and digestible information, and it helps you access data from previous design stages to bring their ideas along with yours. When everyone can see the reality of a design, it’s easier to spot elements that can be refined and detect potential issues before they become a problem. It’s also easier to predict costs and timeframes to meet all stakeholders’ targets.
As a relatively new addition to the world of fit-outs, BIM carries a high perceived cost. But many clients wisely see it as an investment. By frontloading the design process and the costs associated with it, clients can reduce their spend in the long run. This is because you can build robust workflows that work with supply chains to avoid duplication, reworks and the need for more materials. You can also adapt designs much earlier in the fit-out when it is easiest and more cost-effective to do so.
Engage early: one of the main benefits of using BIM is solving problems early in the fit-out process. Portview encourages their clients to have a number of discussions with them in the beginning, so they can extract as much information as possible and take ideas from their minds to make them a reality.
Get the right people in the room: BIM enlightens issues to all, so it’s vital that decision-makers are involved. Portview aims to take clients along the design journey to make sure there are no surprises during delivery.
Have open and honest conversations: With BIM, you can see the substance and the style of a fit-out. Often, it’s not until you see the reality that you know what you really want. Portview’s model-first process creates an early opportunity to play around with ideas and reject those that aren’t working to find the solution that suits everyone.
Stay in communication: BIM aids collaboration, but it’s important that you keep everyone talking, too. It’s best not to presume that someone has seen a change and is working on it, and instead use the oversight that BIM provides to form the foundations of your discussions.
BIM modelling is becoming more commonplace, even for smaller fit-out projects. As Portview continues to use BIM and develop their workflows, they realise more of its value creating potential, allowing their teams to make more informed decisions.
This is just the beginning for them with BIM. They’ll continue to embed it in their processes to create a single source of project truth, helping them complete projects more collaboratively, sustainably and effectively.
About
Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. They are renowned for delivering exquisite interiors for the world’s top brands in the business, retail, stadia and hospitality sectors. Clients include Samsung, Harvey Nichols, Chanel, Tottenham Hotspur, Issey Miyake, Rosewood London, and Wimbledon.
With teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, Portview manages projects of all shapes and sizes, including major refurbishment and roll-out contracts. Services include design development, planning approval, technical surveys, project management, contracting and fit-out. A lasting legacy needs a vision. And Portview’s mission is to bring it to life.
Cover Image Credits: Portview ©
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Oktra worked closely with adidas to develop their new London headquarters in Clerkenwell’s iconic Herbal House. The new space equips the adidas teams with the environment they need to perform and the visual identity they need to thrive. The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The original architecture of the landmark building is constantly visible, rooting the commercial powerhouse in the rich creative history of their new home. Designed to unite and inspire their creatives – this headquarters is a physical manifestation of what it means to be a London creative for one of the most recognisable brands in the world.
SBID Awards Category: Office Design sponsored by Schneider Electric
Practice: Oktra
Project: Adidas
The concept of ‘one adidas’, a unified team with a strong sense of personal and brand identity, was the driving force of the design for their new London headquarters. London is a key city for adidas in terms of their growth, so it was imperative that the office make an impact and create a strong sense of identity for the London team.
The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The design activates this newfound identity by establishing sightlines into and out of the centre of the space, creating three distinct channels of movement and connecting the hub’s creative heart with its supporting architecture and legacy. The fully agile floorplate gives employees the flexible space they need to maximise their potential, allowing them to redefine what’s possible in terms of productivity, efficiency and collaboration.
Working with a brand as iconic as adidas naturally comes with a lot of pressure as the client already has a very strong brand identity that needs to be honoured in their new space. We wanted to make sure that we got to know their brand inside and out, as well as understanding the unique working requirements of their teams, in order to develop a design that supports and represents their identity. We held a series of workshops with the adidas design influencers which allowed us to study their brand identity in a comprehensive way. Then we used the insight from these sessions to directly influence the design development of the project.
Seeing the space take shape and the impact it made on the client team was a highlight for us. The adidas story is embedded in the new space, with their hallmark products standing as physical reminders of their journey. World Cup footballs line meeting room walls, iconic running shoes adorn lounge areas and versatile storage spaces are built-in for day-to-day use or product display. We recognised the opportunity to weave stories of adidas’ sustainable products throughout their workspace, starting with their Parley range which is made from repurposed ocean plastic. The Mater Ocean Chair and Mater Nova Chair in the adidas HQ are made of 100% recycled fishing nets and recycled pieces of veneer – even the teapoint is made of recycled yoghurt pots.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious design awards in the industry. We hold ourselves to standards of excellence with every project we do and we aim to enter the SBID Awards each year. As soon as we saw the brief for the adidas project we knew it was going to lead to an incredible creative partnership, and the client team’s open-minded approach to the design development of their new space ensured we were able to push the boundaries of their existing corporate environments, ultimately delivering a space that’s unique to the brand’s presence in London. We entered the project because of the outstanding final result, but also because its conception and completion are a perfect representation of what we do. The new space is built to support the unification of the adidas teams, bringing them together in a creative environment that sets them up to perform.
Questions answered by Jemma Harrison, Design Director, Oktra.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious apartment design by Cheng Chung Design Hong Kong, click here to see more.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavish apartment design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Cheng Chung Design. The skyscraper One Sanlitun is already a valuable addition to Beijing’s skyline, and the luxurious apartments furnished by CCD are a feast for the eyes.
Cheng Chung Design (CCD) used inspiration from international brands of the highest level, such as Armani, Aston Martin, Chanel, Hermès, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, for a series of luxury apartments in this skyscraper. CCD is known for introducing Western artistic forms into Oriental concepts. The apartment we see here takes characteristic elements from the Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi bringing the classic style of Rome to Beijing.
For the apartment One Sanlitun – Fendi, CCD was inspired by the philosophy where a balance is sought between the classical and the modern, the sophisticated and the playful. It integrates Italian history and humanity with Fendi‘s brand story as the design inspiration, and presents Fendi’s art, fashion and lifestyle in an elegant way.
SBID Awards Category: Residential House Under £1 Million Sponsored by Sans Souci
Practise: Cheng Chung Design
Project: One Sanlitun – Fendi
Location: Beijing, China
What was the client’s brief?
Beijing Topwin investment group was founded in 1996. The company adheres to the concept of quality to rejuvenate areas such as real estate, hotel, golf court, energy investment and management, among other diverse sectors. Topwin Group is the owner who pursues aesthetics and hopes to lead in the high-quality domestic real estate, using art and design works.
What inspired the design of the project?
It is the unique charm of the Fendi brand. Fendi stems from the history, art and aesthetics of Rome. CCD combines Fendi’s brand concept with the interior design of luxury apartments in the bustling business district of Beijing to create a brand-new experience, where guests can interact with Fendi’s furniture and accessories more intuitively and deeply, along with the artistic appeal brought by artworks.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The most difficult part of the design is the integration of the huge cultural differences. Fendi is based in Rome, the eternal city of Italy, while Beijing is famous in the oriental cultures and history. Therefore, it is hard to balance the collision between the two cities. The design needs to maintain harmony between classic and modern, elegant and stable, without losing the focus on space.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
The focal point of the design is the combination of practicality of space and the classic Fendi’s brand style. Returning to the examination of this exquisite living space, we focus on the juxtaposition of decorative materials, Fendi’s ultimate luxurious aesthetic, and the display effect.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
SBID Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the design industry. Winning the SBID International Design Award symbolizes high achievement and honour. We think that the unique design and ambience of the space, which reflects functional and aesthetic consideration, thoughtful material selection, technology, light and shadow make One Sanlitun – Fendi a brilliant piece of interior design, that is worthy of this award.
Questions answered by Joe Cheng, Founder & Chairman, CCD.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an Oscar Crescent design by ET Design & Build Ltd., click here to see more.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a luxury residential design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, ET Design & Build.
Situated next to the Macau Jockey Club and nearby International Hotel Resorts, this residence has an outstanding view. The owners, a 50-year-old married couple, requested a classy clubhouse style home to accommodate their friends and family. Thus, the luxury of leisure space, the superiority of materials and the quality of finish were important elements of this project.
SBID Awards Category: Residential Apartment Over £1M Finalists Sponsored by Vectorworks
Practise: ET Design & Build
Project: Oscar Crescent
Location: Macau, Macau S.A.R.
The client requested to restructure the floor plan to maximize the leisure space area (include the living/dining area) along with the balcony and full-length windows to take full advantage of the natural light and the day & night scenery.
As part of the owner’s hobby, we incorporated a custom-made pool table and a birdcage to house the owner’s pet parrot as part of the design. As for the owner’s private area, they needed a master bedroom fully equipped with a walk-in closet, make-up table, dressing area and bathroom to endorse a comfortable leisure lifestyle. Also, a multi-purpose room to serve a study or guest room, as needed. The entire house needed to be equipped with a smart house system and electronic curtain system for the owner’s convenience.
To achieve the design goal, besides matching the colour palate with suitable materials to portrait a luxurious look and feel, the designer put in much effort to source a great number of decorations, including the paintings, different art pieces, floral arrangements, etc to enhance the overall design effect. All furniture and lighting requirements were thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by the client to integrate with the design.
The construction team did a great job in executing a quality finishing of the project. The selection of materials was also the key to a perfect finished project. There are more than 3 types of marbles used in this apartment; the material that represents luxury and glamour and pairing marble with Golden/black mirror/brush steel made the pieces cutting edge and classic at the same time. The choice of wallcoverings and the soft shade of grey stone materials boards were also unique.
Aside from the luxurious clubhouse concept, the use of the birdcage element is the highlight of this design. The idea was inspired by the owner’s request for a birdcage to house his pet parrot. The designer extended this thought to not only transform the cage into a golden art piece but also placing 6 golden birdcage lightings, with different sizes and heights above the owner’s custom-made pool table as a functional and decorative item. The combination of these items with the sunset painting background has become the selected corner of the overall design and focal attention point upon entering the apartment.
This Award for design standards attracts entries from across the world, making it truly an honour and a sign of industry recognition that is second to none for the deserving winners.
Questions answered by Tam Pui Wing, Design Director, ET Design & Build.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a unique restaurant design, click here to see more.
The post-pandemic environment has forced us to reconsider our understanding of the traditional definitions of living, working and leisure. Particularly for the Interior design industry, these questions necessitate an investigation into the pre-established typologies in both the private and public realms. Hosted by SBID’s founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady, the webinar series intends to examine specific typologies, the conflation of their boundaries, the emergence of new definitions of interior space and the consequential impact on the people who commission, design and use them.
EPISODE ONE: The Future of Hospitality Design
For episode one, the focus is on the hospitality and travel industries which have faced considerable challenges during the pandemic. The limited mobility and opportunities for interaction between people during this period have meant that demand has waned. On the other hand, continual restrictions has created a pent-up need to escape and to bolster one’s well-being. Guest speakers, Kar-Hwa Ho, Head of Interior Architecture at Zaha Hadid Architects; Douglas Grieco, Senior Director of Architecture and Design at Hilton Hotels; and Mari Balestrazzi, Director of Operations for Environments at Airbnb address how hospitality as an industry foresees a fundamental change in the services that it is expected to provide, and how design can evolve to navigate these restrictions, while satisfying the needs of current lifestyles.
Kar-Hwa Ho | Head of Interior Architecture at Zaha Hadid Architects
Kar first worked with Zaha Hadid in the 1980s on a number of competitions and architectural projects. For eleven years he worked with Kohn Pedersen Fox as the Senior Associate Principal responsible for the design and implementation of mixed use, commercial and retail projects across the USA, Asia and UK. He ten spent eight years with Louis Vuitton Malletier in Paris, as the Design Director in charge of the establishment and development of LV stores across the Asia-Pacific Region. Kar re-joined ZHA in 2014 to set up and lead the new ZHA Interior Architecture cluster that strengthened ZHA’s architectural offer to include bespoke interiors, furniture and product design for both private and public projects.
Douglas Grieco | Senior Director of Architecture and Design at Hilton Hotels
Douglas is a brand and innovation leader with a strong entrepreneurial background. He has worked for 2 Pritzker prize winning architects, holds 2 Masters Degrees and led Design for W Hotels. With Hilton Hotels, as Senior Director of Architecture and Design for Latin America, he is on the team responsible for growing the LATAM region through hotel projects and brand extensions. Specifically, Douglas is leading Design for Collection, Full serve and Lifestyle brands in Central America and South America. He also teaches Hotel Design and Brand Development at Yale, Columbia, and Parsons New School for Design.
Mari Balestrazzi | Director of Operations for Environments at Airbnb
As Director of Operations for Environments, Mari oversees the team that designs Airbnb’s offices worldwide, and collaborates with real estate developers to create new models of housing that support Airbnb’s goal for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way. Before assuming her role at Airbnb, Mari held numerous positions within the hospitality design industry; most recently she was Vice President of Design Services for Hyatt Hotels in Chicago, where she oversaw design for Hyatt’s portfolio of full-service hotel brands throughout the Americas region.
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a unique restaurant design by 2020 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design. Becoming a magnet for residents seeking a refreshing and dynamic experience, BOHO Social is something that has been hugely awaited across the country. Qatari’s have been ready for an exciting F&B hotspot to hit the scene, with BOHO becoming that integral pedestal in achieving the united vision of this dynamic culture.
Whilst the venue isn’t driven by alcohol, people frequent for genuinely good food and amazing ambience – a true testament to the collaborative mindset of hospitality and design mavericks. The venue, therefore, fits perfectly within its locale, satisfying the desires of Qatar’s people.
SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design Sponsored by Garrett Leather
Practise: Bishop Design By Paul Bishop
Project: BOHO Social
Location: Doha, Qatar
When one of the biggest names in the hospitality industry reached out to us with a unique F&B destination in the bustling heart of Qatar in mind, there was no way we could turn the opportunity down. FLIP International have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the industry as they boast a multitude of successful hospitality concepts in their portfolio. This most recent venture was to reside on Katara Beach – the latest “it” destination in Qatar.
Desiring a complete contrast to existing offerings in Qatar and the Middle East, we were given the brief to create a dynamic social destination. This hub was to be eclectic, yet modern and would echo hues of the Bohemian era. When stripped back this ideology of bohemian lifestyle represents a free spirit; a traveller and a creative. Alas, Boho Social was born. These characteristics have been beautifully embraced throughout the entire interior styling, building a venue that concretizes itself as a new era to Doha and Qatar in its entirety.
The approach became focused on how we could truly animate the space through design whilst respecting the brief. Colour became a key aspect of the interior styling as it perfectly encapsulated bohemian sentiments whilst simultaneously providing character, depth and soul to the space. Fluid poured terrazzo gives a striking effect as the ground pours into the centre of the space. Pattern-happy accessories, traditional ottoman chairs and fabric colour waves all converge to create this unique overlay of infectious energy and palpable excitement. Eclectic modernism encapsulates this interior realm which is mirrored across the exterior as the terrace elevates an intoxicating mélange of furniture, whilst vibrant rugs gracefully transport guests through the external experience.
It’s evident that each design aspect optimizes the overriding sentiments of the Bohemian lifestyle whilst respecting the demographic of which it sits. In particular, the sculptural oryx heads featured in the VIP rooms are an iconic symbol of Qatar. Touches such as this remain fun, quirky but always respectful of the narrative and surrounding culture. Hand-painted tiles curated by a renowned Middle Eastern artisan adorn surfaces within, contributing to this boho-chic personality. Each tile was bespoke, customized and hand-painted on site. This attention to detail and showcase of creative mastery sit perfectly with the overriding story and character of BOHO Social.
We were faced with architectural challenges when inheriting the space, specifically in terms of the double-height area as a mezzanine level had to be considered to fulfil aspirations of a functional F&B environment. Internally speaking, the space was uninspired and as such called for intelligent solutions to create a successful venue.
When we speak of Qatar as a destination it isn’t necessarily a part of the world that is on everyone’s radar when it comes to hospitality and entertainment just yet, so to have the opportunity to reinvent that perception has been a refreshingly exciting responsibility and we feel it is just the beginning of a very exciting chapter for the country.
As creatives, we rely heavily on recognition from esteemed committees to sustain our credibility, and there’s no other platform that offers it quite like SBID. They are, quite simply, an undisputed achievement within the design world and we take immense pride in having the opportunity to put forward our best work year upon year.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder, and Selini Bishop, PR Executive, Bishop Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a hotel suite design by Portview, click here to see more.
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