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In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Show Flats & Developments category, David Collins Studio, Iain Watson reflects on the experience of working with a multitude of makers and artists, and discusses designing colourful yet refined spaces.

David Collins Studio was chosen to design and deliver the latest 3-bedroom show apartment at The Bryanston, Hyde Park for London-based developers Almacantar.

SBID Awards Category: Show Flats & Developments

Practice: David Collins Studio

Entry: The Bryanston, Hyde Park

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

Our Show Apartment at The Bryanston was designed to showcase a thoughtfully curated selection of artists, designers, makers and craftspeople who exemplify British luxury. The design was developed in collaboration with Nick Vinson of Wallpaper* Magazine. In addition to the artists whose work is featured within the apartment, the space also showcases a selection of iconic David Collins Studio furniture from our 38 years of hospitality projects, reimagined for a residential setting.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

Collaborating with Nick Vinson from Wallpaper* meant that The Studio was able to mine both its own, and Nick’s, ‘little black book’, as well as bringing a third party’s point of view when editing the selection of Studio furniture pieces that would feature in the apartment. Working with the multitude of makers and manufacturers to realise the furniture in new and custom decorative finishes brought another dimension to the design and process.

Working with Nick was very inspiring as he brought his editor’s eye and an editorial process to the process. The final apartment showcases pieces from a lot of different provenances which brings a sense of authenticity to the space.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

Winning an SBID award was incredibly important to David Collins Studio. It is amazing for our work to be honoured in this way and speaks volumes about the hard work of the design teams and The Studio. Given that we re-worked furniture pieces from a variety of projects, the award feels extra-special! Awards of this nature are so important to our BD process and customer journey.

The apartment has lots of different design elements, colour stories and, it seems, styles. What was the inspiration behind that and how did you accomplish creating a cohesive design featuring different elements?

Almacantar’s brief to us was to be bold. Part of the reason for our selection for this project was our bold yet refined use of colour. From the outset, we wanted the apartment to comprise a series of strong colour stories. This was essential to provide a point of difference not only between the rooms themselves, but from a lot of the other show apartments on the market. The colours all had to work within the context of the setting and inherited base build, as well as a whole, so that the journey from one room to another felt considered, connected and balanced.

How did you find the process of working with different artists for commissioned artworks? Was each piece created for a specific room based on its design, or did you collaborate throughout the entire design process?

All the makers we worked with were incredibly professional and went the extra mile for us. Everyone had to work to a fixed program and some makers had more experience working to a commercial brief than others, but the project team was able to use its combined experience to manage the delivery process and allow the artists the creative headspace that they needed. David Collins Studio collaborates with makers and artists on all of its projects and so the process felt very natural to us. 

The apartment’s design was created holistically, in that we wanted to feature as many of the makers from our shortlist as possible. We worked very hard to ensure that each room showcased makers and key stories that could be used within the client’s marketing. For example, the Lucy Smith pink jesmonite hallway relief featuring an iris motif that connects the apartment with Hyde Park and the dining table made from a plane tree felled in London by Sebastian Cox. The Simon Hasan study furniture inspired by Charlotte Perriand furniture seen through Simon’s own understanding of the decorative arts and industrial design, and the commissioned Bethan Laura Wood timber bedframe that was based upon an original piece designed with Phillipe Malouin that Nick had seen exhibited in Dresden in 2016, re-scaled for The Bryanston.

How do you transform nature and the surrounding environment into an interior design?

Creating a definitive sense of place was key to our design concept –  a connection with neighbouring Hyde Park and the immediate areas of Marble Arch, Marylebone and Mayfair. Lucy Smith and Sebastian Cox worked very literally in this way, meanwhile Geraldine Larkin created an abstract topographic map of Hyde Park, realised in three colourways of Loro Piana cashmere. Many of the accessories and art pieces were selected for their connection to the park, such as Shannon Clegg’s press floral vases. There are more subliminal design elements within the apartment that have been chosen to bring a connection to the locale, including a series of custom arch mirrors by Alguacil & Perkoff which echo Marble Arch itself, and commissions from local stores such as Perfumer H in Marylebone. We also carefully selected a series of books and auction catalogues that resonated with the location, as well as the design references within the apartment. Finally, we managed to source an original Henry Moore lithograph for the apartment, which connects to his park sculpture, The Arch, and cements the concept behind the space!

Questions answered by Iain Watson, CEO and Founder, David Collins Studio.

Founded by David Collins and Iain Watson in 1985, David Collins Studio attracts and fosters industry-leading interior designers. United by an obsession with detail, a team of 60 interior designers sit across commercial, residential, and FF&E teams. Since Collins’ death in 2013, co-founder Iain Watson leads the Studio as CEO. The Studio’s creative vision is led by Simon Rawlings, and closely supported by Design Director Lewis Taylor. Ros Keet and Louise Lythe lead the in-house FF&E and Procurement department. A dedicated residential design team is led by Associate Director Siobhan Kelly.

If you missed last week’s Interview with the Retail Design category winner L’Atelier Five, click here to read it.

In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Retail Design category, L’Atelier Five, Jasmine Bagaria talks about portraying the brand’s heritage in a modern way, using technology to aid storytelling, and the challenges of working in a pop-up space.

The team elevated the brand’s assets through digital and luxury art installations in an immersive digital tunnel, which portrayed the rich heritage and storytelling of the Panthère. 

SBID Awards Category: Retail Design

Practice: L’Atelier Five

Entry: Panthère de Cartier

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

The brief was to create an interactive and luxury experience in the Harrods Exhibition windows. Celebrating the story and heritage of Panthère de Cartier through a series of experiential rooms and playful takeaways. We used the internal Cartier guidelines to start the initial storytelling and then elevated the experience in true LA5 style. Pushing the boundaries and showing the client how we can create an impactful and modern pop-up.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The most challenging part of this project was having to design during a lockdown. Most of the design was done over zoom meetings and phone calls whilst we were all under government orders to stay at home. This was the first project where we had to consider social distancing, covid screens and general covid safety into the design. It was a completely new scope to introduce and of course we wanted to ensure the features moulded well with the concept and didn’t seem an afterthought.

Another challenge was to develop the strong heritage of the Panthere de Cartier and showcase the assets in a modern and immersive way. We had a lot of assets to work with and we wanted to create an area for engaging with them, that allowed the story to shine but in a contemporary way. We came up with the infinity tunnel and turned the assets into an impactful digital timeline that took over the space. Using a series of digital tiles and mirror, we managed to create the first ever digital room in the Harrods exhibition windows. As it was the first, there were also some challenges in terms of production. However we worked closely with all parties involved to ensure perfect execution.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

We are honoured to have won the award as it shows our hard work, dedication and passion for what we do. As a business it has inspired us to continue to go further and push to create unique experiences.

The design of the space uses a lot of digital elements and installations. How do you think technology can help tell the brand’s story and connect with the customers?

The use of digital allows you to showcase content in new and exciting ways. Compiling all the assets in a dynamic, moving visual, that pulls people in to explore. You only have a few moments to catch someone’s attention and playing with these elements creates more intrigue than plain text.

What are some considerations of working on a pop-up space design? What are the biggest challenges and how do you overcome them?

We always want to provide a 360 experience, so the visitor can take home a piece of the pop up with a memorable takeaway. Whether through branded giveaways or bespoke photo moments.

It can be challenging at times to translate the Brand guidelines into a space that has their own guidelines. We love to push the boundaries and ensure the pop-up is unique and stands out as a brand activation. Hence why we work closely with all parties to create the ultimate experience.

How do you hope Panthère de Cartier design will impact the customer? What impression are you hoping to leave?

With all our projects, we hope to leave a memorable impression on all visitors. We love creating modern and impactful experiences that engage the visitors and ensure commercial success and brand awareness.

Questions answered by Jasmine Bagaria, Lead Designer, L’Atelier Five.

At L’Atelier Five we are born to make a difference. We create, produce, and project manage bespoke retail experiences that engage people around the world. We are an award-winning design and production agency specialised in luxury bespoke retail experiences with a little difference. We are an ambitious team that thrives on creating unforgettable and unique moments for everyone. We have a dedicated team consisting of Designers, Project and production managers, account managers, finance, and of course our little office dog! We love what we do and have a passion for our ever-evolving industry.

If you missed last week’s Interview with the Contract Fit Out Project of the Year category winner Portview Fitout Specialists, click here to read it.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a dynamic restaurant design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, DesignLSM.

Situated in the heart of London’s Islington, Jiji Restaurant is a new concept that is inspired by a fusion of two international cuisines; Asian and Middle-Eastern.

Curating the aesthetic DNA of the brand, our design worked to reflect and harmonise the clash of cultures, to create a dynamic and welcoming space that plays with the guests’ senses, delivering a standout culinary experience. Careful design consideration was not only given to the restaurant space but also to the display of the branded merchandise that Jiji offers to seamlessly blend into its surroundings.

With a real personal connection to the owners, their refreshing and unique personality was translated not only in the interiors but in the innovative food on the menu too.

SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design

Practice: DesignLSM

Project: Jiji

Location: London, United Kingdom

What was the client’s brief? 

The restaurateurs behind the award-winning restaurant group, Sumosan, were looking to create a new concept based around the inspiration of the owner’s passion for Middle Eastern cuisine fused with Sumosan’s famed sushi.

DesignLSM were tasked to create a dynamic space that felt relaxed and sophisticated yet with a sense of home and place, creating a destination that guests felt loyalty towards. Energy, anticipation and interest was to be generated by the culinary theatre from the open kitchen pass coupled with vibrant interiors to encourage guest engagement and visual intrigue.

What inspired the design of the project?

The interior design aims to reflect and harmonise the glorious clash of cultures that Jiji’s celebrates. The Asian influence can be seen in the sophisticated joinery of the repeat vertical elements to the gantry beautifully curving around the open bar and the natural timbers selected, whilst the custom, 3-dimensional, stylized portraits introduce energy and personality into the space paying homage to Tel Aviv’s electric nightlife scene. The design intends to create an informal, highly sociable setting; incorporating theatrical elements to reflect the dynamism of the twinned cultures.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Set in an area that is rich in character and period properties, the building holds historic heritage having traditionally been used as a Royal Mail sorting office in the early 1900s. Whilst it is now redeveloped as a multipurpose building, playing home to residential complexes and other restaurants, within the building itself, there were some constraints that we had to adhere to and externally there were limitations with the signage due to the historic nature of the architecture and the sensitivity to the residents within the building.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Jiji has been very exciting to work on from a design perspective, even more so as it has been such a personal project to the owners. We worked closely with our client to create and develop their vision which was born from their passion of food and travel, resulting in the delivery of a stunning restaurant that represents their refreshing and unique personality, translated not only in the interiors but in the innovative food on the menu too.

Our creativity flowed extensively with this project – from carefully curated atmospheric neon lighting to several bespoke items featured, including the striking custom 3D artworks, blue hued geometric floor tiles and the intricately detailed wooden bar front with its patterned relief of circles interspersed with the iconic Jiji logo.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We put a great deal of strategic planning and creativity into our design for Jiji, and when we saw our vision come to life and the positive response it received from the public (as well as restaurant critics such as Giles Coren), both our client and the DesignLSM team felt incredibly proud of what we have achieved. The SBID Awards are renowned for celebrating the best of interior design and this restaurant has earned it rightful place in the running as one of London’s most vibrant new openings. To be in the company of the other finalists is an honour in itself.

Questions answered by Tom Munson, Senior Designer, DesignLSM.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious hotel suite design by Hirsch Bedner Associates, click here to read it.

In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Contract Fit Out Project of the Year category, Portview, Paul Scullion discusses the sustainable elements of the project and how to ensure a customer journey is considered within design, as well as challenges of designing a basement space.

Portview were appointed to deliver a mixed-use residential development venture between Canary Wharf Group & Qatari Diar, London’s South Bank – a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind, and reinvigorate.

SBID Awards Category: Contract Fit Out Project of the Year

Practice: Portview

Entry: Southbank Place Spa & Fitness Suite

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

Southbank Place Spa forms part of a unique mixed-use development in Waterloo, London. The ultra-sleek design of the lavish amenities was conceptualized by Goddard Littlefair, with an experiential focus to create a serene city oasis where residents can escape to relax, unwind and reinvigorate.

Portview’s material prowess sees the use of unique and innovative fittings throughout the spa. A light and calming palette of sensitively selected natural materials paired with ambient lighting to create a cocoon-like space within an uber-contemporary spa setting. Residents can enjoy a luxury hotel-standard spa experience within their dynamic city-living environment.

Sustainability was crucial on this 2,000 sqm spa and wherever possible, greener fabrics and finishes were implemented. Sustainable timber that is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council was used throughout the facility, including the reception and spa entry areas. The timber was used for the flooring, timber panels, doors and various other joinery. The saunas’ hemlock and spruce bear the ‘Blue Angel’ quality certificate label, for particularly low-emission products made of wood and wood materials. The knotless, robust wood of the Canadian hemlock fir and Aspen are not only beautiful, but are also durable and resin free.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The bespoke and exclusive nature of the details of the spa design is evident in many areas. Despite the challenges and rigours of working in a hot and humid environment, tactile luxury has not been ignored. Panels of marine-grade faux leather have been embroidered and stitched by artisans, with Portview ensuring the detailing of the high-specification design and custom joinery throughout the entire area was converted to reality.

Providing users with a sense of privacy and exclusivity through cleverly zoning spaces was critical in this design, and was rewarding to deliver. One example of this is the use of beautiful custom-made burnished rock crystal screens in the reception area.

The key focus of the design layout was the guest journey. Could you explain how the design process looked while following this concept?

The guest journey was hugely important in the design of this project, with the recognition that while some users will want to be energised through a hard-hitting workout, others want to relax. These two elements can therefore be accessed separately without overlap to heighten the experience.

The spacious reception area acts as a hub and a social area for residents to meet one another, therapists or trainers. Two fully equipped gyms are available along with separate studios, which can be heated for a hot yoga workout or cooled for a dynamic spin class. The alternative wet and relax route takes residents through plush changing rooms, the gentlemen having a dedicated sauna area, while ladies can enjoy their own vitality pool, sauna and steam room.

On the pool deck itself, the heat experiences continue with a stunning 25m heated swimming pool, accompanied by a further vitality pool, sauna and steam room along with social relaxation spaces for residents to enjoy. In addition, calm yet luxurious treatment rooms are available where selected therapies including beauty treatments are available.

This Spa & Fitness Suite looks rather different from the average fitness centre – it is light, serene, and minimalist. Did you stumble upon any challenges that were particular to your chosen design style?

A challenge of the project was its basement location, which meant there was no natural light. Portview introduced a system of sensory experiences throughout the spa to create warm and radiant ambient light. The design creates an immersive feeling of light and space through carefully concealed architectural lighting that casts warm glows across rich surfaces, while decorative lighting provided beautiful accents through the space. The glowing feature lighting in the pool area was created with each glass drop specifically crafted to allude to the flow of water, contributing to the serene atmosphere.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

To achieve the extraordinary, industry leaders need to work in collaboration, which is exactly what Goddard Littlefair and Portview did to deliver Southbank Spa. The award from SBID highlights to the industry that Portview should be the trusted partner of any client or designer who wants to turn their vision into a reality. The team at Portview are genuine, ambitious and hard-working, which I could have told you before winning this award, but it’s extra special to have this recognised by SBID too.

Questions answered by Paul Scullion, Contracts Director, Portview.

When it comes to delivering exceptional interior fit-outs, you need high quality that’s built to last. At Portview, our dedicated team listens to your vision and uses their extensive knowledge to find a way to bring it to life.
With over 40 years of experience, our hands-on, straight-talking approach ensures projects are delivered on time and on budget, which is why we are chosen by some of the world’s top brands, including Arsenal FC, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Tottenham Hotspur, Tiffany & Co and Fortnum & Mason.
We are creating the extraordinary.

If you missed last week’s Interview with the Healthcare & Wellness Design category winner Mane Design, click here to read it.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious hotel suite design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Qujiang Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom 鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the interiors celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

SBID Awards Category: Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design

Practice: Hirsch Bedner Associates

Project: Canopy by Hilton Xi’an Qujiang Hotel

Location: Xi’an, China

What was the client’s brief? 

The initial brief received by clients was to bring the rich historical, traditional and cultural background of the place into the project renovation, and to align it to the hotel brand style and feeling.

Canopy by Hilton conveys the brand lifestyle that offers the guests comfort, thoughtful details, an energizing atmosphere and a uniquely local experience, as extension of the local neighbourhood.

Storytelling has been used to design the hotel allowing guest to discover the delightful neighbourhood as an ‘explorer’, and reinterpreting the traditional design language for modern appreciation.

What inspired the design of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an is located in the Qujiang New District, a new cultural hub and economic center of the historic city.

The hotel is connected to the Grand Tang Mall, a fabulous pedestrian street with myriad cultural sights and recreational activities.

The central premise of the design stems from the Chinese idiom “鲜衣怒马 xiānyī nùmǎ”, which loosely translates to “wearing beautiful garments and riding powerful horses”. With this concept in mind, the design team set out to celebrate the vibrant fashion and design of the prosperous Tang Dynasty that for centuries has been integrated into the spiritual language of Xi’an’s neighborhoods, and now blends exquisitely with the opulent aesthetics of the Canopy brand.

The xiānyī nùmǎ motif is unraveled throughout the hotel style through the use of joyful colors and patterns inspired by Tang-era fabrics and artwork. By fusing the ancient with the modern to create a unique design story, the hotel creates a fresh perspective on historical elements, allowing people to enjoy traditional culture in a rejuvenated, vibrant, and fun way.

By adopting the easy-going lifestyle of Xi’an and the cultural elements of the city’s historic legacy, the hotel acts as an extension of the local neighborhood.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

As most of the projects, the team had to deal with a tight timeline on redesigning the whole hotel without compromising the construction programme.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Canopy by Hilton Xi’an conveys the splendid leisure and carnival entertainment of the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

The hotel creates a new perspective that allows people to reveal the traditional culture in a way that is vibrant, fun and young, it adopts the easy-going Xi’an characteristic that enhance the vibe of the area it resides in.

The hotel has 125 guestrooms in the guest tower, including exclusive suites and lofts, leveraging little-bit difference with standard of Hilton group, the design of the guestroom tends to create different experience for the guests.

Guests are initially greeted by a room identity sign that echoes the design concept idiom and takes inspiration from a journey via horse and camel along the silk road. Upon entering the guestrooms, the design calls to mind a Tang-era scene of women pounding and making palace silk. During this time, women used mineral pigments to dye silk, and wrapped stones with wet raw rice paper or cotton to slowly seep the color into the silk. A nod to this ingenious process can be seen in the stylish canopy painted on the wall and ceiling surrounding the bed in each guestroom. The canopy is framed by clean black lines and features a strip of color in the center that fades from turquoise on the ceiling to a bright orange – a color spectrum cherished in the Tang Dynasty.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence within the interior design industry across products, interiors and fit out.

Over a decade on, the Awards has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious interior design Awards in the global design calendar. It represents the outstanding industry achievements and top quality design services that continue to inspire the profession.

Questions answered by Flavio Patino, Associate, HBA Hong Kong.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a modern residential development design by ENJOYDESIGN, click here to read it.

In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Healthcare & Wellness Design category, Mane Design, Mane Mehrabyan explores the concept of the project and shares how they achieved set goals, including respecting personal space in a public setting.

The fitness club’s concept focuses on individual training and visitors’ personal comfort. The premium level is finely emphasized by the club-style design.

SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design

Practice: Mane Design

Entry: Sandler Smart Fitness

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

The main point of the realization of an exceptional health club’s design was the creation of a comfortable, elaborated, multifunctional sports territory for humans with personal space values. It is a fitness club that upgrades health via sport. The training hall is intended for individual pieces of training accompanied by a personal trainer and not more than five people at a time. Visitors’ personal space and comfort were the priority that is successfully brought to life by our design studio.

Modern style combined with sumptuous materials is an ideal match for the design of this close-type club.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

When I see the magnificent result of our work after the completion of each project brought into life from the scheme, I always feel great moral satisfaction and joy.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

We are so very happy and appreciative to the competition for such a high valuation of our work. It is very precious for our studio to have such a high-level international award.

What tools/techniques did you use to ensure the visitors’ personal space and comfort are respected in such an open and public environment?

The Club concept provides only five-person training at a time, and there are well-thought comfortable men’s and women’s locker zones.

Each shower box consists of the cabin itself and a prebox dressing personal area if the clients prefer not to be in the common area.

What is the key to designing a beautiful sports centre, where the equipment is prone to creating a feeling of cluttered space?

The key to a beautiful sports centre is comfortability and correct logistics. Each zone must be in its correct place for a cozy stay in the club. What concerns the design, it must provide the feeling of an atmosphere of non-cluttered space.

Can you tell us about the choice of lighting for the project?

All lightning was created and realized by our studio specially for this club. We are proud with coping with such a complicated task.

Questions answered by Mane Mehrabyan, Founder and Head, Mane Design.

Mane Mehrabyan, founder and head of “Mane Design” designing studio based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Has two University degrees – in International Business and Interior designing.

If you missed last week’s Interview with the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design category winner Brime Robbins, click here to read it.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern residential development design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, ENJOYDESIGN.

SBID Awards Category: Property Development Asia Pacific

Practice: ENJOYDESIGN

Project: Zhongfang Yinchuan Huayu Xuan

Location: Yinchuan, China

What was the client’s brief? 

The theme of client’s brief: The Garden on the Loess.

The city of Yinchuan, where the project is located, is situated in the Ningxia Plain, an arid region in western China. Unlike other arid regions, there are two major wetland parks that are ecological features of the area. In order to protect the precious wetland resources and this important transit point for migrating birds, the city of Yinchuan is also aiming to become a ‘city of lakes’. In addition, the survey shows that there are few commercial forms around the project site, the quality of life is not high and the convenience of living is improving.

Therefore, ENJOYDESIGN, as the interior design for this case, wanted to create a “multi-life experience hall” for the residents with the theme of “The Garden on the Loess”, integrating plants and greenery, floral art, cultural creation, trendy games, reading, beauty, tea and other diversified businesses, and creating a “multi-life experience hall” with both aesthetics and fireworks in the form of a community. A third space outside of work. At the same time, it also serves to promote the ecological characteristics of the area.

What inspired the design of the project?

What inspired the design of this project is the local efforts made over the years to protect the wetland resources. Using flowers and greenery as a medium, nature is allowed to surge like flowing water, irrigating not only the desert sands, but also the hearts of the people of Yinchuan.

We have tried to tell the other side of the city in a lifelike way, leading people to experience the unique face of Yinchuan, not only the yellow earth and barren smoke and ravines, but also the prosperity and vibrancy of The Garden on the Loess.

We hope that community residents will feel the romance of the sun surrounded by flowers and embark on a journey to nature to find the oasis their hearts desire.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

During the project, the toughest hurdles to overcome were the construction of the design facade and the local people’s acceptance of the novel style.

Large curved wood finish walls require a high degree of workmanship and stability in terms of grain and colour. Yinchuan is one of the more remote cities in western China, where finding workers who are skilled in construction and high quality building materials is more difficult than in the metropolis.

Secondly, the style of the scheme is relatively new to the occupants of the area and has undergone a process of trying to tell the concept from scheme to landing and then to pre-acceptance by the general public.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I think it is: we strive to turn dream gardens into real, functional spaces that are both beautiful and functional, making them a part of the lives of the community.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

First, of course, the professionalism. SBID Awards is a highly professional, fair and influential award in the design industry. Every year, we choose excellent works to compete. For example, last year, we won the only award for interior design in the Asia Pacific region, which was affirmed and recognized by the jury from distant overseas and design countries. The designers were greatly excited and encouraged after winning the award because it proved the design ability of the studio.

Questions answered by Jie Guo, Founder & Creative Director, ENJOYDESIGN.

We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious bar-restaurant design by Albion & East, click here to read it.

The SBID’s interior design awards is back for 2023!

The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) will celebrate another year of interior design excellence with the 14th annual edition of the SBID International Design Awards competition.

Set to champion the world’s most skilled and accomplished creative industry professionals, the UK’s leading destination for professional interior design will shine a spotlight on the best interior designers, product innovators and design solutions throughout the past year.

The entry categories span both the commercial and residential sectors across Interior Design, Product Design and Fit Out.

Entry Dates

The entries to the SBID Awards 2023 is open with Early Bird rates of £250*. SBID invites designers to take advantage of the reduced entry fees with exclusive 10% discount by submitting before 5pm on 31 March 2023.

Entries will officially close at 5pm (BST) on 30 June 2023. Click here to find out more about entering!

*excluding VAT and one-off admin fee.

Judging Panel

This year’s SBID Awards Judges represent some of the most exciting and innovative companies at the forefront of design, media and business; featuring a panel of esteemed professionals across the fields, among them Sam Bucolo, Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Design Council; Julia Danilova-Meretska, Editor-in-Chief at Elle Decoration Ukraine; Nuno Fernandes, Director Design Operations EMEA at TÉTRIS; and Cass Saldanha, Regional Creative Director at Apple, to name a few.

Entrants have a unique opportunity to showcase their work on the SBID Awards’ global stage and exhibit designs directly to an audience of distinguished professional peers, press and potential clients.

Are you an SBID member?

SBID members receive exclusive benefits into the SBID International Design Awards, including 1 x free entry and discounted entry fees. Find out more

Click here to discover the last year’s SBID Awards winners!

Visit sbidawards.com for more information.

In this week’s interview with 2022 SBID Awards winners of the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design category, Brime Robbins, Maria Brime & Garrett Robbins shine the spotlight on the intricate details of their project, discuss their design approach and talk about connecting the world and translating the stories and culture through design.

Brime Robbins were commissioned for the interior design at Andaz Prague, the first Hyatt hotel in the Czech Republic and the first luxury lifestyle hotel in Prague. In the historic building known ‘Sugar Palace’ Brime Robbins worked to not only preserve and elevate the historic features of the building but create an experience integral to the identity of Prague itself.

SBID Awards Category: Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design

Practice: Brime Robbins

Entry: Andaz Prague

Firstly, tell us a bit about the design of your project. What were the key ideas, concepts and processes behind it?

In transforming the historic Sugar Palace building into a luxury Andaz hotel, Brime Robbins harnessed the central design inspiration of Czech myths and legends; making “the global local”, and transporting guests to a legendary world beyond the restored casement windows and crown mouldings.

Awoken from their slumber within the dormant building, the characters from the legends emerge from the walls and floors to greet guests and guide them through an unforgettable journey through Andaz Prague. This design approach connects visiting guests with a strong, passionate sense of place, reconnecting native people of Prague with their childhoods and engaging with local artists and craftsmen with modern and refined materials. Guests are immersed into a world of never-ending stories, which inevitably they will pack into their suitcases and take home with them, telling friends and family far and wide…and hence creating a larger, more global story from the heart of Prague. It is this sharing of our hearts, which then makes the entire hotel experience intimate, unique and very personal.

What was your biggest takeaway or highlight from completing this project?

The biggest and most positive takeaway from this project was the exceptionally strong emotional, visceral connection between the people of Czech Republic and the stories anchoring the design. Often when designing spaces, there is a core concept and/or story which can be just as interesting and unique but have come nowhere close to the personal connection for each and every person in Prague, and Czech Republic.

For this project, we spent a lot of time at the concept stage – mesmerised by Czech Republic and Prague being so enchanting and rich in culture – that is how we came to that heritage and culture being such a focal point to be harnessed and encapsulated into the design.

It truly has been amazing how something so simple could have such a large, withstanding impact. During tours and events, some people have been on the verge of tears with such an emotional connection to the design that remind them of their grandparents reading them these stories and so on.

What has winning an SBID Award meant for you and your business?

To achieve such recognition and an overwhelming positive response to our concept and design has been unbelievable. Such recognition from the industry and wider design community has really propelled us to strive for nothing less than ‘award-winning’ concepts and designs going forward. It has really highlighted how crucial the symbiotic relationship is between concept and design and the integration between the two.

Winning an SBID award has meant greater exposure in the UK and Northern Europe from such a prestigious and well-respected body, truly catapulting our designs from the local, to global.

On top of this, winning the award adds great value to the property itself, whilst nurturing our current and future relationships with our clients. This should also hopefully support us when approaching future projects as such proven success and positive track record highlights how universally, the BR approach, is an approach like no other. This recognition puts the spotlight on how being so intrinsically personal and emotional can create a strong connection with the place itself, whilst simultaneously creating an unbreakable bond with guests through the design and narrative.

For this project you were asked to create an experience integral to the identity of Prague itself. What is your approach/design process for this kind of brief, especially being a design practice based abroad?

As we mentioned, we spent a lot of time and concentrated efforts during the concept phase to ensure the stories and narrative could truly shine through and connect to one and all. We spent a lot of time speaking to people in Prague, gathering research, and fundamentally immersing ourselves into local cultures to support such an enriching narrative.

We became in love with the idea of retelling these stories but in a more uplifting style that would translate into interior design. It’s been an unbelievably fun process to now see these stories emerge from the walls in front of you.

It is important to note, we were not trying to imitate Czech culture but to create an authentic representation by translating such rich culture to a relatable and mesmerising narrative widely understood across the globe. There truly is something wonderfully innate about engaging in a story or fairy-tale, something universal that supports an immersive experience – often providing a stronger understanding of ourselves during the process.

Hotel rooms too often create a feeling of coldness and unfamiliarity. How did you ensure the guests would feel at home staying in these suites?

For us, it is vital to capture interest and create moments to pause and engage. Very much like the narrative within a story, it’s important to create areas to be in awe of, encouraging a moment of pause, reflection and enjoyment. And this was key for Andaz Prague, especially for such an enriching lifestyle brand.

We explored touches of residential styling and sensibilities to create a ‘home from home’ experience along the way. From the smallest details that connect guests to something they may have in their home or are familiar to a home they know. It’s important to design in a way that makes you literally want to dive into and feel at home.

From damask, textured wallpapers to a distinctive chaise longue and umbrella stand. With high quality craftsmanship and materials that reflect a sense of home and warmth, guests can feel like they’re in a special place; their very own luxury, their own little world.

Can you tell us more about your company ethos? What role does interior design play in “making the global local”?

Our ethos to ‘make the global, local’ represents a wonderful synergy and the opportunity to make such a large, fast-paced world, feel smaller, connected and intimate.

There are so many things to fall in love with about each and individual culture, and this couldn’t be truer about Prague and Czech Republic. The designs for Andaz Prague create deep connections coupled with a sense of mystery and intrigue, a unique unforgettable experience for all. Guests will find reasons to return, relive and indulge through the experiences presented through the design.

This rich emotional connection is formed through multiple layers of detail within a 360 design approach. Throughout the immersive journey, you are faced with hidden treasure after hidden treasure, with guests longing to pack up these experiences in their suitcases to take home with them. Making the global, local.

It is important to recognise local cultures from a global perspective, creating an ambience that guests want to pocket and travel with so that these stories can be retold globally, day after day, whether verbally or visually in the ever-growing world of social media. As small as the world is, people can feel connected to Czech Republic without even having visited.

Questions answered by Maria Brime & Garrett Robbins, Co-founders, Brime Robbins.

Maria Brime & Garrett Robbins

Brime Robbins are a Madrid-based design studio re-inventing the fundamentals of interior design.
With competition rife in the hospitality industry, guest experience is as important as ever. Brime Robbins know that to deliver successful hospitality interiors, the location must be manifested in the design itself. Corporate hotel designs are a thing of the past, with designers breaking the mould to create a sense of place and deliver both a design and experience that embodies its surroundings.
A Brime Robbins approach to interior design is one with attitude. A unique, immersive experience that encourages visitors to pause, engage and indulge.

If you missed last week’s Interview with the Residential Budget Up To £50,000 category winner ID4U Studio, click here to read it.

On International Women’s Day, we wanted to recognise female entrepreneurs in the industry. This year, we would like to shine a spotlight on Honghui Liang, the Managing Director of Liang & Eimil. A husband-and-wife team of two, Honghui and Frank established their company to bring much-needed modernity to the interior design industry in a world dominated by ornate furniture and shabby chic homes.­­­­­

Liang & Eimil takes pride in creating expertly crafted designer furniture, lighting and accessories. They offer clients innovative solutions for interior design and hospitality sectors. “We pride ourselves on the fact that we constantly innovate and bring new designs to our customers, exploring new materials and styles.”

Honghui Liang, the Managing Director of Liang & Eimil

Commemorating the feminine spirit, Liang & Eimil sheds light on the affects that build the environment every day, not just on March 8th. The choice to highlight Honghui and her dedication to embrace equity was taken for this year. Join us as we investigate methods for fostering inclusion, inspire you to start your own business, and offer you curated content that includes an exclusive interview.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

According to Honghui, being a successful entrepreneur requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance with a strong will. It must serve a purpose. She is most proud of building Liang & Eimil from the ground up during a ten-year period.

Honghui explains how she has always been very independent ever since she was a child. She is a doer and achiever, always keen for an adventure. In 2009, she relocated to London to join her husband, Frank Eimil’s business and says, “I adore interior design and the pieces my husband creates. He is a wonderful designer, and I am good at running a business, so we are a perfect combination”. She adds that she is extremely proud of the brand they have both built together, claiming that their complementary skills are the key that has led them to where Liang & Eimil is today.

Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Kendal Sofa and Alga Occasional Chair. Image courtesy of Hexadot.

Prior to moving to the UK over ten years ago, Honghui worked in a variety of fields. She was a consultant for many Italian companies looking to expand into China, and she also ran her own business with a friend in the oil and gas industry. She says, “I am enjoying more of what I am doing now because I believe I am creating something meaningful.” Liang &Eimil’s mission is to bring luxury lifestyle into the lives of people and change the way they live and feel at home. Their objective is to make an ordinary day a memorable one, with the luxury of comfort, elegance and enhanced way of living.

When asked about the gender shift in leadership roles, Honghui believes she has seen a transition from male dominant to more female leaders since starting the business, as she noticed an increase in the number of companies led by women. “I believe the difference between male and female leaders is that women prefer a more collaborative approach of leadership by nature, whereas men tend to lean towards a command-and-control style.”

Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Utopia Bedside Table. Image courtesy of JMI Studio.
Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Archer Occasional Chair, Ponte Dining Table, Convergent Shelving and accessories.

Embrace Equity

On the topic of fair and equal working environment, Honghui encourages impartiality by ensuring that no hidden characteristics are used to discriminate against employees. She also proposes that equal access to benefits and working conditions for all employees, as well as fair and consistent hiring and promotion procedures be established. Lastly, fair processes and procedures are to be set for dealing with employee grievances and disciplinary issues.

Often, there is the double-bind dilemma for women in leadership. Gender stereotypes frequently undermine women’s ability to lead. Men are seen as being strong, decisive and assertive when they take charge, while women are seen as competent but unpopular when they do the same. Women leaders frequently exert twice as much effort as males for the same accolades. Honghui thinks this needs to change as she stated, “to give more women the chance to succeed at all levels, in all occupations, and in all spheres of life, it is time to rethink what it means to be a leader. We ought to evaluate each employee according to the same criteria.”

Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Polter Sofa, Tassimo Side Table, Polka Side Table, Drop Wall Lamp and accessories.

Challenges

The most difficult challenge they faced was when their warehouse caught fire. All their inventory was destroyed, but they remained calm and overcame the hurdle. They were lucky that everyone around them were very understanding and supportive, including their customers. “While faced with a challenge, it is important to discuss transparently to arrive at a solution.”

Work life balance is also another of Honghui’s constant battle. Being a family orientated individual, Honghui tries to spend as much time as she can with her family while balancing the two things that are most important to her: her family and her business. But how does she manage it? She says, “It’s nearly impossible to strike a balance with only 24 hours in a day, so I devote more time to my family by sacrificing on my sleep.” She expects to be able to devote more time to her family and children as more mid-level managers join the team and Liang & Eimil expand.

Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Iconic Occasional Chair. Image courtesy of Kerv Interiors.
Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Polter Sofa, Tassimo Coffee Table and accessories.

Her Interior Style

As SBID is the accreditation body for interior design, we had to talk interior. As Honghui enjoys reading, her most important pieces of furniture in a home are chairs and shelving. “Reading a book in a comfortable chair with shelving to display all of your favourite books and most treasured photo frames of your loved ones, where you can keep all of your beautiful memories, are most precious.”

Honghui’s favourite interior style is a cross of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modernism. Her home includes a variety of colour schemes as every room should tell a different story. From Liang & Eimil’s over 1,500 product line, Honghui’s favourite piece is the Brutalist sideboard as she likes the texture, use of the geometric patterns and the subtlety of its golden brass trims.

Liang & Eimil’s Brutalist Sideboard.

Advice for young female entrepreneurs

Honghui advises young female entrepreneurs who want to start their own business venture and succeed in business to “Identify a market. Take action to start out courageously. Take the chance and push yourself. Keep your vision clear. Be observant. Have faith in yourself and always stay positive.” She adds, “It’s important to create a great team by hiring good people. Take advice from your employees and consumers as well as from your mistakes.”

Honghui’s last message for aspiring female entrepreneurs is to have a purpose and be passionate. “Always maintain your confidence. Empower yourself to face challenges and risks without fear. Be creative as it allows you to concentrate on reforming and breaking through instead of solving problems. Be collaborative while also developing self-awareness. Self-awareness enables us to see things through the eyes of others. Determination. You will always go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to make it happen if you have a strong determination.”

Cover image: Featuring Liang & Eimil’s Lapis Sofa, Lapis Occasional Chair, Montier Mirror, Luca Floor Lamp, Icardi Pendant Lamp and accessories.

About Liang & Eimil

Liang & Eimil, a British brand that specialises in furnishing design for the residential and hospitality sectors, believes in making ordinary moments remarkable. Renowned for producing expertly crafted furniture, lighting and accessories, they take pride in offering innovative solutions that can be tailored to any interior design aesthetic.

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