Launching this Winter, URSA from Skopos truly flies the flag for texture in hospitality interiors. A deep-pile velvet upholstery fabric, URSA brings a decadent feeling of comfort into hospitality spaces. Latin for ‘Bear’, Ursa wraps itself around furniture shapes to bring a stunning tactile fabric to the forefront of hospitality interiors. With a sumptuous deep pile and an incredible softness rating, this upholstery velvet shouts luxury, whilst still meeting all of the requirements for safety and durability in commercial spaces.
Available in 12 gorgeous tones, Ursa comes with flame retardant Crib5 backing (no additional FR treatment required), achieves 100,000+ Martindale rubs, for severe contract, and provides luxurious, eye-catching drama for relaxing spaces. 75% Polyester, 25% Cotton, URSA also works for furniture scatter cushions to provide pops of colour to break up interior spaces.
With over 50 years’ experience in textile innovation, Skopos have built up a wealth of design experience, providing flame retardant fabrics and key attributes that meet the needs of designers and end users alike.
URSA is available to order with no minimums. Request loose samples via the website: skoposfabrics.com or speak to your account manager about a shade-card for your binder.
About Skopos Fabrics Ltd
Skopos has over 50 year's experience of supplying innovative statement fabrics and soft furnishings into flagship hotels, marine interiors and other commercial spaces. Working globally with designers and specifiers, the Skopos brand thrives on innovation. Skopos fabrics deliver on style but also meet the needs of customers looking for technical assurance and key attributes, such as acoustic options, impervious upholstery fabrics, antimicrobial and blackout; providing a fabric-only, or made-to-measure and installation service. Accredited as a Carbon Neutral organisation in 2023, sustainable operations go hand in hand with the development of new recycled products and the use of local suppliers.
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Lucy Jones, Owner and Design Director at Studio Sempura, has given her insights into the industry.
I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Interior Architecture and Design in 2015. Soon after this, I started my professional career working for a shipping container conversion company based in Cornwall, where designs were focused around sustainability. I then progressed to a London firm specialising in Hospitality, Spa and Wellness design and these projects were heavily influenced by Biophilic design. After moving to Dorset to be nearer the sea, I joined a local firm working on a range of projects from Residential Developments to Restaurants, Offices and Student Accommodation.
I have a deep rooted connection to nature and the environment that stems from being brought up on the North Coast of Cornwall. So, I set up Studio Sempura in 2022 in order to create an environmentally conscious design studio that reflects my passion for the outdoors. In the last three years I have been very fortunate to work on some wonderful projects.
My passion for interior design runs in my family. I have always loved being creative, up-cycling and from a young age, making a space look it’s best. I feel that the inspiration to follow this pathway was inspired by observing my Mum and Granny design and renovate houses. When I was six years old my parents lost me in B&Q. They found me looking around the kitchen and bathroom sections, where I was enjoying being curious and opening every cupboard!
I wanted to work in the interior design profession to use my love of design to positively impact and improve the health and well-being of people. During my degree I developed a strong passion for Biophilic Design and this gave me the tools to achieve the desire to improve how people feel in a designed space.
I really enjoy working alongside my clients and helping them create a home or a space that makes them feel happy. A really fun part of a project is the conceptual phase. Having received a brief, I then create a design that meets the client’s requirements. I put together ideas and consider what would make the space unique and special for them. Once a project is complete, it is the best feeling seeing my designs come to fruition and to see how happy my clients are with their new space.
One of my most memorable highlights would be the completion of a development project consisting of four houses in Southbourne. I was heavily involved in this project from the planning stages to organising the final photo shoot. The individually designed interiors gave me the opportunity to source materials that reflected my ethos towards sustainability and Biophilic design.
It was a large responsibility to produce a technical design package for construction, ensuring the project would run as smoothly as possible. I am delighted that the project has been very successful and I have received some really positive feedback from my clients and prospective buyers.
I worked for a wonderful design practice in London that specialised in Hotel, Spa, Fitness and Wellness Design. These design projects have been my favourite so far because they enabled me to create spaces that directly affected the wellness of their clients using Biophilic ideologies as the key influence.
Interior design is naturally subjective, and when combining this with time and budget constraints, managing client expectations is something that can be challenging.
I always aim to specify materials and fixtures that are the best quality and have the least environmental impact. These tend to come with a higher price tag, so it can be a challenge to convince clients to spend that little extra for better quality.
This has always been what I wanted to do, so I have openly accepted any challenges that have come my way. However, in order to produce accurate drawings and information packs required for construction on site, I spend a lot of time at a computer. This is a very important part of the job, but I really do enjoy being out and about spending more time on site and interacting with people.
This industry is constantly evolving so it is important to stay relevant by keeping an open mind, learning and exploring new trends, solutions, materials and technologies. Take your time to learn from others and get as much experience as you can. Work in different sectors and network. Be open to all the opportunities that come your way and always say yes. Don’t run before you can walk. Cliché, but it is worth the wait.
The industry will hopefully continue moving forwards in relation to sustainability and the development of environmentally friendly design solutions. It is great that the topic is being taken seriously, from suppliers and designers to clients. The design choices that we make are having an environmental impact and it is important that we get in touch with our innate connection to nature through Biophilic design. This is why I believe the colour of the year 2025 is ‘Mocha Mousse’, a warm, chocolate brown that reflects our natural environment and the ethos of Biophilic design. I believe we will be seeing more rich, darker colour pallets, with an increase in the use of darker furniture and antique pieces. I believe this will create a more eclectic mix of old and new which lends itself to the ideology of re-using and making more environmentally conscious choices.
It has been a huge achievement to be recognised by the SBID. This has given me the confidence in my journey as a designer and enabled me to signify to my clients that I am part of one of the UK’s leading interior design bodies. I look forward to attending the design events and keeping on top of CPD’s that the SBID offer. I am also really excited to have an opportunity to apply for the Awards in this coming year.
About Studio Sempura
Studio Sempura is a leading environmentally conscious Interior Architecture and Design practice based on the Dorset Coast, owned and directed by Lucy Jones. Lucy trained as an Interior Architectural Designer and therefore offers knowledge and expertise of all elements of a project from planning and spacial plans to interior styling. Studio Sempura can offer a full turn-key service. Whether your project is residential or commercial, new build or renovation, we can help you create a space that has purpose, meaning, longevity and style. We also put a huge emphasis on sustainability and carefully consider everything we design and specify.
The Nursery Inn, on Green Lane in Stockport, is a pub with history. Built by Hydes Brewery in 1939, it is one of the few remaining inter-wars, (built between World War 1 and World War 2), pubs and retains its original layout and many original features. To recognise its historic significance CAMRA campaigned for the site to become a listed building and The Nursery was given a grade II listing in 2011 to protect this significant part of UK heritage.
Whilst a triumph for the protection of this historical site, the new Listed status created hurdles to ensuring that the pub could adapt to modern customer expectations and remain a viable business concern for its ongoing owners, Hydes Brewery. After previous failed attempts at achieving listed building consent for refurbishment works, MGI were appointed to develop detailed drawings and specifications to accompany a listed building application that would satisfy both the conservation officer and the client. After a hard-fought battle, listed building consent was granted, and the rejuvenation of the Nursery Inn could begin.
Throughout the design process, our designers took great care to ensure that the historic fabric, fixtures and fittings of the site were retained and protected wherever possible, such as the original wall tiling and terrazzo flooring throughout the WC facilities, lighting, bar serveries , fixed seating, wall panelling and the separate entrance to the “vault” bar.
New Finishes and fixtures were chosen to complement and enhance the original elements of the site with concerted effort to specify finishes that harked back to the décor of the late 1930’s but with more modern elements sensitively worked into the project to appeal to the modern customer base.
The biggest obstacle in achieving listed building approval was the proposal to move one of the existing serveries forward from its original position so as to be visible to customers entering the site, enabling staff to greet them as they enter. The Client`s appointed contractors WHB construction carefully removed the servery section in one piece and formed new end panel and over bar sections that faithfully reproduced the original materials and design. New back fittings were formed in the same manner.
Wall finishes specified were a mixture of heritage paint colours and Arts & Crafts design wall papers, with faux leather upholstery and floral prints utilised to tie the scheme together.
We at MGI are immensely proud of what has been achieved by the whole design and construction team on this project and are extremely confident in The Nursery Inn’s success as an ongoing business.
About MGI Partners
MGI Partners are an award-winning Interior design practice with decades of experience within the hospitality and commercial sectors. Our talented team have honed their skills and specialist industry knowledge to provide beautiful, commercially viable design solutions that meet our client`s specific brief and can be delivered no matter how challenging the project or budget spend is. We always put our clients first and love to work in close collaboration, to guide them through the design and construction processes to ensure we create spaces that their customers will love and want to return to again and again. With a range of services including surveying, site analysis, interior design, Visualisation, Statutory applications, branding and project management we tailor our offer to meet each client`s specific requirements.
Akabeko, the latest creation from award-winning design studio 4SPACE, introduces a fresh take on traditional Japanese yakiniku dining. Located in Dubai, Akabeko blends the elegance of Japanese heritage with modern design, offering an immersive and captivating dining experience that appeals to both design aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Akabeko is inspired by the iconic Akabeko cow, a symbol of strength and endurance in Aizu folklore. The restaurant’s name and central design element – the striking Akabeko statue – celebrate this cultural symbol while anchoring the restaurant’s identity. The Akabeko cow, with its deep red hue, infuses the space with cultural significance and establishes a connection between Japanese tradition and modern dining aesthetics.
The design of Akabeko is guided by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life. This philosophy is reflected in the choice of natural materials, subtle textures, and organic forms that permeate the restaurant’s interior. The design seamlessly fuses Japanese tradition with contemporary elements, making Akabeko a visually compelling space where diners can connect with both the past and present.
The interior of Akabeko showcases meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The contrast of textured black walls against warm wood tones creates a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere, while strategically placed, indirect lighting adds depth and warmth to the space. These carefully considered design elements contribute to a sense of tranquility, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.
Cultural storytelling is a key component of Akabeko’s design. The restaurant’s layout and décor are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, from the use of bonsai trees as living art pieces to the intricate light patterns that play on walls and surfaces. The Akabeko statue serves as a focal point, imbuing the space with a narrative that ties the restaurant’s design to its cultural roots. The integration of these symbolic elements goes beyond aesthetics, offering diners an enriched experience that resonates with Japanese heritage.
Akabeko reimagines the yakiniku dining experience by combining the finest Japanese wagyu with state-of-the-art culinary technology. At each table, smokeless grills are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to enjoy an interactive and intimate cooking experience. The presence of highly skilled chefs adds a personal touch, guiding diners in preparing their meal while showcasing the art of yakiniku.
Akabeko’s menu emphasises quality and authenticity, with a focus on premium cuts of wagyu, celebrated for its marbling and flavor. The combination of traditional Japanese culinary methods and cutting-edge technology ensures that each dish is prepared to perfection, offering diners a taste of Japanese gastronomy at its finest.
The spatial layout of Akabeko is designed with the diner in mind. Carefully arranged booths and tables provide a balance between privacy and connection, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate meal while remaining engaged with the restaurant’s overall ambiance. This thoughtful design creates a welcoming environment where diners can savor their meal while feeling connected to the cultural and social energy of the space.
In addition to its design and culinary achievements, Akabeko emphasizes sustainability through the use of natural materials and energy-efficient technologies. 4SPACE’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with contemporary global values, making Akabeko not only a celebration of Japanese tradition but also a model for responsible design and consumption in the hospitality industry.
Akabeko by 4SPACE is more than just a restaurant - it’s a journey into the heart of Japanese culture, redefined for modern times. With its thoughtful integration of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, Akabeko offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that resonates on both sensory and cultural levels. Whether through its design that celebrates wabi-sabi, its menu of world-class wagyu, or its commitment to sustainability, Akabeko invites guests to enjoy a truly immersive dining experience.
– Size: 240 sqm – Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Contractor: Laads Contracting LLC – Design: 4SPACE
Collaborators: – Furniture by Interior 360 and Al Huzaifa – Lighting by Huda Lighting and Folio Lighting – Marble Granule Flooring by Colortek – Facade covering solution by I-Mesh – Wood flooring by Lignum – 3D printed Akabeko cow by Proto 21
About 4SPACE
4SPACE is committed to high quality of work and superior care in all aspects of our business. One of the Top 20 interior design firms in the Middle East in reference to the Commercial Interior Design Magazine published last February 2019. Led by major partners Amjad Hourieh and Firas Alsahin, our company has become one of the region’s most respected firms, with more than 20 years of industry experience. We have helped create environments that inspire and impact users by providing the local industry with our extensive practical knowledge, be it for retail, hospitality and commercial spaces, or residential and living spaces. Our mission is to achieve success through delivering quality service steered by our passion for excellence, to define the region’s industry practices and to create market benchmarks of international standards.
The Victoria has been at the heart of the Withington community for over 100 years. MGI worked closely with their clients Hydes Brewery to ensure this pub will stand the test of time by bringing up to date the interior of this late 1800 building while still retaining several of its original features.
MGI brightened up the bar servery, specified new flooring, furniture, lighting and window dressings and the walls now adorn some brighter colours and stylish wallpaper. The back of the pub was opened up to enhance sport viewing with a new darts feature that can be enjoyed by all.
The atmosphere created suits both the locals who have been a constant feature of this pub for decades while attracting the students that come through the doors every year to enjoy Manchester's drinking scene.
The design has been a great success and the pub is packed nightly with all ages and professions and will stand to serve the community of Withington for many more decades to come!
A Brasserie-Style restaurant converted from the 19th-century Grade II-listed former Minster School, the design respects and enhances the old Music school building, doing justice to its historical importance. Simple colours, furniture, and pared-back materials allow the building to stand in its own integrity.
Rachel McLane Ltd wanted to retain the school's tradition of being a “coming together space.” We kept the integrity of the school lunch/music hall, once the main assembly area, as one big dining space.
Within the limitations of a Grade II listed building, adaptations were made to meet building control and fire regulations, such as installing a lift, new WCs, and air conditioning. Provisions for accessibility were also made by dropping the floor, removing the steps at the entrance, and installing sandstone ramps. All this required a balancing act involving all parties, including the Minster itself.
Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our approach to materials. Wherever possible, we reused existing materials, lifting and relaying stone flags. Stone lintels and mullions were restored, and timber trusses were sandblasted to remove layers of old paint. This preserves the building's original character and reduces our environmental footprint, a testament to our commitment to sustainability.
All materials used were sympathetic and in tune with the Minster, including wood that is medium to dark oak, antique brushed brass, and furniture that marries a style that is relaxed and eclectically functional.
The simple colour palette allows the building to have its own voice. Muted tones on walls are broken by panelling – some existing and some new. Some of the old scholarship boards are re-hung in situ as a nod to the building’s past.
We created bespoke chandelier lighting from printed manuscripts from the Mister Chorister archives. We printed these onto cotton parchment to make shades and as details on the fixed seating screens. We littered the walls with an eclectic mix of musical instruments. We created a gantry that hung over the central detain section with props from typical school subjects such as globes, rugby boots, chemistry apparatus and so on. We also designed a bespoke piece of back lit wall art made up of the iconic yellow and black HB pencils.
The WCs are individually designed and quirky with a school-related vibe - reflecting, perhaps, the habits of pupil’s past, escaping to the WC instead to avoid maths!
An old pulpit was repurposed as a meet-and-greet station/reception, setting a monastic, scholarly feel for arriving guests.
A dropped ceiling detail conceals mechanical/electrical services and air conditioning. The double-height front windows are single-glazed – counteracted with mechanical heating rather than double-glazing the windows.
As regulations require, fire doors are compartmentalised as sympathetically as possible throughout the interior and made to look like they had always been there.
We acquired old-school subject artefacts that are displayed in the gantry above the banquette seating, a nod to the building's school heritage. We also used copies from original manuscripts associated with the Minster and its choristers, which we printed onto canvas and parchment and incorporated into bespoke chandeliers and screens.
York Minster Refectory is the first listed building in York to have solar. The installation of solar slates on the roof is forecast to produce 11,000 kWh of power annually on average. The energy accumulated from the solar slates feeds into the invertors, which subsequently feed the hot water supplies to the washroom facilities.
An ASHP (Air source heat pump) on the plant deck serves power to the building and underfloor heating system to the entrance lobby.
The front entrance of the York Minster Refectory was designed with a simple, flexible, and easy-to-use takeaway kiosk. The Refectory offers takeaway drinks, cakes, and snacks during the day and is also used for finer evening dining.
The upper floor, which was the school's old science labs, IT suite & geography room, was reconfigured to accommodate accessible WCs with lift and a more open plan, lounge-type hub and meeting area, with mixed seating and tables and spaces for private dining and smaller functions, such as weddings.
York Minster Refectory was opened by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in April, which was kept secret until just before the restaurant opened.
We didn't know until late in the development cycle that there would be a Royal opening, and it meant we had to bring forward and adapt a lot of the project schedules across all aspects of the design work, including signing off concepts, procurement and sub-contracted items.
About Rachel McLane Limited
Rachel McLane Ltd offers a full design service that interprets a client’s brief and delivers their project on time, on budget, and as envisaged. Every client and every project is different, so how we get there is entirely up to the client. Not every project requires internal spaces reconfiguring; not every client has an architect or project manager. However, as a general rule, their project process offers: Feasibility Study – narrowing down your options; Concept Design – sketched visuals of how your space might look; Design Detailing – producing drawings & plans for trades; Purchasing – new, bespoke or repurposed; Fit-Out.
The Abel Heywood sits proudly in the Bustling Northern Quarter of Manchester City centre and has been a popular destination since it was first developed in 2015, from a derelict and fire damaged cotton warehouse, into a stylish pub and boutique hotel. After tirelessly serving its loyal customers for the past 9 years, the site’s owners, Hydes Brewery, appointed MGI to develop and project manage a refurbishment scheme that will ensure the site will maintain its status as a landmark of the Manchester hospitality industry into the future.
The brief given by Hydes’ Managing Director was to move the site from its previous industrial leaning design toward a modern-traditional public house whilst paying tribute to the history of Hydes Brewery and to Manchester's iconic music heritage.
MGI proposed the introduction of feature wallpapers, Victorian tiling and bright heritage colours in order to create a light and airy atmosphere away from its previously scumble glazed ceilings and worn plaster effect walls. All industrial light fittings were replaced with new antique brass period lighting and industrial shelving units and back fittings removed in favour of new timber back fittings and antique Victorian wall shelving.
Much of the existing furniture was given a new lease of life through refurbishment and reupholstery, with new feature furniture introduced to compliment the proposed layout changes. Feature cast resin tables with vinyl records from Manchester`s most famous bands, or Hydes' brewery beer clips were included to provide points of interest and conversation points for visiting customers. New music and local interest themed bric a brac adorns the walls and compliments the overall finish of the site.
Layout changes to the ground floor were kept to a minimum with only the removal of existing face to face booths and introduction of new horseshoe booths and mid-height fixed seating.
The underutilised first floor of the pub was redesigned to encourage dining whilst the ground floor area remains focused on drinking and light bar snacks. The introduction of bi-fold doors to close off an area of the first floor provides a contained function room space for parties and meetings.
Feedback from the client and customers has been unanimously positive and MGI are confident that The Abel Heywood will continue its reign as king in the north(ern quarter) for years to come.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious care home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Catalyst Interiors.
Catalyst Interiors were commissioned by their client Cinnamon Luxury Care to design and fit-out The Gables care home in The Midlands with luxury and hospitality in mind; the first impression of the bright and welcoming reception and piano bar is one of style and elegance. Every detail has been considered to include a coffee bar, piano lounge, hair and beauty salon, cinema and private dining room together with an array of other facilities where residents, their families and friends can enjoy time together.
SBID Awards Category: Healthcare & Wellness Design
Practice: Catalyst Interiors
Project: The Gables
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Our client, Cinnamon Luxury Care, strive to provide the highest level of care in a beautiful home, where every detail has been designed with luxury and hospitality in mind. First impressions count and the central communal area should be bold yet elegant, bright, and welcoming. The interior should then transition to a more homely feel within the residential areas. The right environment coupled with the right care and the right stimulation can transform people’s lives, helping them to feel happier and more fulfilled – this was our ultimate goal. The resident was always at the centre of the design from initial room layouts & colour schemes, right down to selecting the final finishing touches in artwork & accessories.
With The Gables, on a suburban site with panoramic views across the Clent Hills & further Midlands, a key element we looked to achieve with the interior design was to make the space feel warm and welcoming whilst also being bright to bring the landscape and greenery into the surrounding rooms by day and then to transform the outdoor terraces at night using lighting to create a dramatic visual backdrop to the lounge, bar and restaurant. Residents also have the luxury of an onsite beauty salon, private dining room and cinema – this offers residents a life of independence without leaving the safety and security of the care home. However, this is the place the residents of The Gables call home, and as you journey into the care home from the piano bar the design style transitions to a more homely and relaxed atmosphere. Having a new home should always be exciting and something to look forward to and this is what we looked to deliver with our design, without compromising on the practical elements required in a care setting.
The main communal hub at The Gables (Reception, Piano Bar, Salon & Private Dining Room) was a total of 130sqm – fitting in all the amenities whilst ensuring the space didn’t feel too cramped or busy and allowing appropriate space for walking aids/wheelchairs was challenging at times. We overcome this by working in collaboration with the architect before construction started to amend the main building layout by moving doors, internal walls and creating illusions of separate areas using varying types of flooring & ceiling coffers that are even wallpapered in some areas instead of physical walls. And of course, construction of The Gables started at the end of 2020 – this meant that Covid & the after-effects of Covid caused a few delays and stock issues along the way!
When designing The Gables I used ‘outcome based’ design techniques to create an environment that fully supports residents living with age related health and mobility conditions as well as dementia. These include ‘Invisible Design’ , ‘Homeliness’ & a ‘Wayfinding Strategy’. Invisible Design included installing electric scent diffusers in Dining Rooms and Bathrooms. Half an hour before mealtimes, the scent diffuser will start to diffuse smells of fresh baked goods for example to entice residents to the dining area – prompting hunger and thoughts of mealtimes. Scent diffusers are also used in the Assisted Bathrooms where the scent of essential oils is released into the air to create a calming atmosphere and to help relax residents.
Also in the Assisted Bathrooms homeliness is implemented, there is a very apparent stigma that care homes are clinical environments – especially bathrooms. One way we tried to break this stigma was with signage and the language used. Instead of ‘Assisted Bathrooms’ we have created ‘The Spa’ – with a very soft palette of beiges and natural woods, non-slip tiled flooring instead of safety vinyl and privacy screens that are designed using decorative fretwork screens with mirrored back and shelves. This helps residents in the bath to feel more relaxed and to shield them from the door and reduce the feeling of being watched by staff in the room for safety reasons. However, through the open shelving design staff can keep a watchful eye without affecting the relaxation of the resident.
The Wayfinding Strategy is used to help residents navigate their way around the dementia community. Each wing has a different feature colour, with landmark objects at decision making points along the corridors. Residents are actively encouraged to take part in activities in the 3 themed wings: Fashion, Music, Travel/Transport. Each bedroom at The Gables has a media unit. Each media unit has a chamfered display on the end that faces out into the doorway. Not only does this promote wayfinding in helping residents recognise their own room with their own photographs/ornaments on the shelves but it also makes their bedroom feel more homely.
Once The Gables was complete, I visited with several copies of a document highlighting the importance of these design techniques and held a half day session with staff including Home Manager, Care Staff & Housekeeping. The importance of educating the people who will be responsible for the day to day running of the care home is invaluable as it helps to ensure after cleaning for example that wayfinding landmarks are returned to their original location. When designing for care – I always think it is vital to ask yourself “would this be something you would have in your own home?” because after all – it is someone’s home! Of course, we all have personal style and colour preferences – but I feel design is not only about looking beautiful. It is about functionality first – then beauty. To create a successful interior (especially within a care environment!) is being able to drape the functionality with the beautiful elements to create a home for the residents where they will be safe, happy, and given a helping hand where needed.
A Wayfinding strategy tailored to each dementia community is just one of the ways we help to achieve this at Catalyst. Bold and contrasting colours yet still complimentary of each other, traditional patterns and textures with subtle locational cues and wayfinding items such as the artwork, retro kitchen accessories, montage of retro food signs and plaques. These are the sort of items that offer a helping hand to people living with dementia to emphasise the use of a space without compromising on the style and homeliness of a space.
The highlight of any project has to be going back to visit the home when residents have moved in. Seeing the space being used and enjoyed by residents, their families and even the local community – encouraging more visitors and creating more social opportunities for residents who otherwise may not get these opportunities living in their own home. Witnessing and hearing about how residents live a more fulfilled and enriched life at The Gables because of our design techniques is the most rewarding part of the project and the reason I love what I do!
The SBID Awards are one of the most prestigious Interior Design awards globally and to be recognised for this award is a huge achievement that we are very proud of. I also think it is important to highlight the Care Home design sector and the design constraints associated with care homes within such a reputable design community – I am grateful to SBID for including our sector in the International Design Awards alongside some of the best interiors in the world.
As Healthcare Interior Designers we have been nominated for and won many Healthcare Design Awards. However, as SBID is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in interior design by the best in the industry, the SBID International Design Awards are awarded purely on the quality of the design, innovation, and aesthetic. This means that being a finalist in the International Design Awards has really put us in the spotlight as a company for our Interior Design capabilities – it is an achievement were very proud of!
Questions answered by Jade Mannion, Lead Designer of Catalyst Interiors.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a Colombian inspired restaurant design by Bishop Design, click here to read it.
Hotel & Resort Design South, the premier event for hotel and resort design professionals working within the Southern States and LATAM, is excited to announce its Conference Program, supported by NEWH.
This year's program features a dynamic line-up of speakers and panel discussions covering topics ranging from travel horizons and design trends to shaping hospitality through regional influences. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to gain insights from, and network with some of the industry's most innovative leaders, while also earning continuing education credits.
The conference will kick off with a keynote featuring; Francisco Jove, Principal Owner – Modus Operandi, Kavitha Iyer, Head of Design, Americas – IHG Hotels & Resorts; Emilio Perez, Senior Continent Leader Global Design – CALA, Marriott International.
Following this, marine and land-based design collide in the joint session ‘A tale of design – creating an emotional connection’, panelists include Christopher Stubbs, AVP Sailor (Customer) and Crew (Employee) Experience – Virgin Voyages, Trisha Poole, President – Design Poole Inc. and Kristin Cullen, Interior Design Director – Dash Design.
Other highlights of the program include ‘Shaping hospitality design through regional influences’ and ‘What's new in fast design, guest loyalty and micro experiences?’.
"The Hotel & Resort Design South Conference is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the design and development of hotels and resorts in the Southern States and LATAM," said show organizer, Toby Walters. "The program reflects current topics and trends emerging from this vibrant region, and we are excited to bring together such a talented group of speakers and attendees for the very first time."
Visitors will also have access to the schedule of content at the co-located CSI Design Expo Americas providing even more opportunities to leave the show inspired.
Secure your complimentary conference and networking pass here to join the hotel & resort design community in Miami on 6 – 7 June.
About Hotel & Resort Design South
Hotel & Resort Design South is exclusively dedicated to connecting the suppliers of the global hospitality design community with the South and LATAM purchasers and decision-makers.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a unique bar design by 2022 SBID Awards Finalist, Adam Hunt Ideas and Gemma Lin.
At the start of the Covid Pandemic, the Australian Government sealed its borders shut - even to Australian Citizens - for more than 2 years. The Australian/Taiwanese Artists & Interior Designers Adam Hunt & Gemma Lin were visiting family in Taiwan when they became two of the tens of thousands of Australians unable to return home.
With their Sydney Bar/Restaurant locked down for nearly 8 months & no prospect of going back, they decided to keep themselves busy by creating a unique venue based on their Interior Design Philosophy: that the future is best served by reimagining the past. They call it “The Art of Extreme Sustainability”.
The Plan was to have no Plans. Once the location was secured - a 150 year old derelict building - a 3 month journey began to collect recycled building materials from the beaches, the rocky coast, abandoned dwellings & fishing villages around the ancient Port City of Keelung. They harvested wood from old fishing boats, rope & plastic floats from fishing nets, rusty old anchors, driftwood, buoys & abandoned broken furniture from the streets.
The Interior Design evolved from whatever they found - all furniture, light features, vanity units, decor & art was recycled, up-cycled, repaired or created from scratch. It sure beat doing nothing.
SBID Awards Category: Club & Bar Design
Practice: Adam Hunt Ideas and Gemma Lin
Project: Bad Mama Keelung
Location: Keelung, Taiwan
The Art of Extreme Sustainability.
The ancient Port City of Keelung on the wild North Coast of Taiwan has been inhabited by The Ketagalan Tribe of Aborigines (who share DNA with the Samoans) for over 6,000 years. And they’re still here - despite having been invaded, occupied & pillaged over the centuries - starting in 1544 by The Portuguese, followed by The Spanish, Dutch, French, The Qing Dynasty Chinese, and then the Japanese Colonial Era from 1895 until the end of WW2.
The Japanese began the historic Kànzǎidǐng Night Street Fish Market in Keelung over 120 years ago, and our location is right in the middle of its fully chaotic midnight to dawn hustle & bustle - sandwiched between the Red Light District and the 17th Century Temple to The Great Goddess Mazu - Patron Saint to Seafarers everywhere.
So we decided to build our Bar out of an old Fishing Boat - to honour the Great Goddess Mazu, who was particularly Badass. According to Legend the Demons Qianliyan ("Thousand-Mile Eye") and Shunfeng'er ("Wind-Following Ear") both fell in love with her - so she conceded that she would marry the one who defeated her in combat. Being a supreme Martial Artist, Mazu easily dispatched them both & thus remained single. That’s Girl Power right there. Our portrait “Wall Of Bad Mamas” celebrates strong, fierce, independent Women - from a local Female Pirate, to Frida Kahlo, from the first Woman in Space, to Amy Winehouse - because let’s face it… well behaved women seldom make history.
Anyone can have a crazy idea like: “Let’s build our Bar out of an old Fishing Boat” - but you have to be truly mad to believe you can actually pull it off.
The challenge was not only to find a Fishing Boat exactly the right size for the room, but also to somehow fit it up the incredibly narrow alleyway behind the enormous 17th Century Mazu Temple, that’s literally just 38 inches across from our front door.
I could literally write an action adventure novel about that 2 day journey to get the boat… or… you could just watch this.
We found God! Our ‘Rescue Deity’ was discovered sitting in an abandoned derelict Seaside Hotel. He seemed pretty happy to see us, so we built him a plinth out of old wood from a fishing boat, as well as his very own Bamboo forest & garden of ocean-tumbled rocks in a light well.
Now anyone who visits Bad Mama can also find God - whenever they need to find the bathroom.
We wanted to see if a Husband & Wife Team - with zero education or Training in Interior Design - could mix it up with the big guys on the Global Awards Stage.
We are Artists, Painters, Sculptors, Designers, Builders, Furniture Makers, Chefs & Cocktail Specialists. We have a passion for Sustainability & a fresh vision for the Future based on how we reimagine the Past. Cheers!
Questions answered by Adam Hunt, Founder, Adam Hunt Ideas.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious hotel suite design by Jeffrey Beers International, click here to read it.
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