Prepare for the month of November with the latest industry news and upcoming design events!
Discover how the lucky SBID members among you can get your hands on free entrance to EquipHotel 2018 next month...
11th - 15th November
EquipHotel Paris 2018 - Paris, France
EquipHotel, the fair dedicated to hospitality services and equipment, is back from 11 - 15th November in Paris with even more new products, solutions and inspiration.As a designer the 5-day exhibition will enable you to source new suppliers amongst the 1,600 companies exhibiting, hunt down and test new products and innovations in the Innovation area by L’INNOVORE, network and take part in one of the masterclasses and special events.
SBID members are entitled to free entrance to the show! For your free pass simply register using our exclusive code.
Click here to register or email us for your code
11th - 12th November
Boutique Design New York - New York, USA
Now in its 8th year, Boutique Design New York (BDNY) is the leading trade fair and conference for the hospitality design industry, serving the eastern United States, Canada and Europe. Presented annually by Boutique Design at NYC’s Javits Center, BDNY brings interior designers, architects, purchasing agents and hospitality owners/developers together with manufacturers and marketers of high-calibre design elements for hospitality interiors.
The SBID Award Winners 2018 were announced at The Dorchester on 26th October
The highly anticipated winners of the SBID International Design Awards 2018 were revealed on Friday 26th October 2018 at a dazzling ceremony in The Dorchester hotel in London’s Mayfair. With more entries than ever before and an astounding 225,000 unique public votes; this year’s awards have been one of the most globally represented editions to date, with industry talent from over 42 countries across the globe. The competition this year was as inspiring as ever, with winning projects from the UK, South Africa, China, New Zealand, Canada, China, Dubai and more.
Winning a SBID International Design Award is truly a high achievement; all 14 categories are assessed by a technical panel, a public vote and a panel of leading industry experts, who look for outstanding examples of technical content and aesthetic creativity which ensures that all projects are assessed strictly on quality. Now in its eighth year, the SBID Awards is regarded as one of the highest accolades of interior design excellence. As a proudly independent contest, the SBID awards are driven purely by a desire to recognise talent and creativity, with every entry fairly and equally considered. The annual event continues to reward and celebrate outstanding projects and products from the industry at large.
Click here to see the full list of winners.
13th - 16th November
Downtown Design - Dubai, UAE
Downtown Design is the only platform in the Middle East for the region’s trade professionals to discover original, high quality design from all over the world. In its sixth edition, the Fair will take place at the Dubai Design District and present a carefully edited roster of established and emerging brands across a range of product categories; including furniture, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, textiles and accessories. Fostering greater interaction, connectivity and commercial opportunity, Downtown Design is dedicated to providing a dynamic environment for buyers and brands to do business easily and efficiently. Downtown Design will run from 13 – 16th November 2018 as a key element of Dubai Design Week.
19th October - 22nd December
Karl Lagerfeld, Architectures - Paris, France
Carpenters Workshop Gallery Paris is pleased to introduce Karl Lagerfeld’s first ever sculptural works exhibition, Architectures, from 19th October through 22nd December 2018. Architectures is an art collection of functional sculptures designed by Karl Lagerfeld and inspired by Antiquity, referred to as the origin of beauty, culture and modernity by the designer. Evoking a contemporary architectural landscape with Greek origins, the unique pieces combine the precision of canonical proportions born from the use of the golden ratio and the most noble material, marble. The ensemble of gueridons, tables, lamps, consoles, fountains and mirrors materialise the perfect balance of classical foundations with a present-day vibe, like a modern mythology.
20th - 21st November
Sleep + Eat - London, UK
Sleep + Eat brings together the visionaries that represent and define the evolution of hotel, restaurant and bar design. Over two days, the show brings together hospitality leaders with Europe's foremost designers, consultants, architects and emerging talent creating across hotels, restaurants and bars. The expertly curated exhibition sees leading brands showcase their products and concepts; a seminar programme tackles zeitgeisty topics on the future of design; and there's plenty of chance to celebrate the industry's collective, creative spirit.
21st November
SBID Business Breakfast Meeting - London, UK
The upcoming Breakfast Meeting will be hosted by creators of innovative, beautiful and functional kitchens with a contemporary aesthetic and timeless elegance; Roundhouse Design at their Showroom in London on the Wednesday 21st November. SBID Business Breakfast meetings aim to bring together relevant industry professionals to facilitate business networking and partnerships.
To attend or register your interest in attending, please email [email protected]
GROHE extends its research laboratory in Germany
The world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings, celebrated the official opening of the extension to its research laboratory at the Hemer site in Germany. Investing EUR 1.1 million, GROHE is consolidating all the previously decentralised activities of its research laboratory in Hemer, facilitating an even closer connection between the central areas of research and development. In the past few months, GROHE has increased the laboratory space by 590 square metres for a total of 1,510 square metres to create the necessary infrastructure for more efficient development processes and new testing procedures.
Another month, another round-up of the latest products, design concepts and collection launches from this October! With new, collaborative meeting solutions for office spaces, a kitchen design scheme which acts as more than just a kitchen and the return of vintage-inspired trends in bathrooms and surfaces...
The MX POD was created to meet different types of meetings and to integrate the new collaborative technologies. This solution is totally suitable for open plan offices. Thanks to its seating capacity up to 4 people, you can easily arrange meetings, whatever its use : face-to-face meetings, interactive presentations or videoconferencing. Designed in order to integrate the AV and collaborative technologies : this solution includes a table with a connection panel and it can accommodate a screen from 32’’ to 40’’. It creates an intimate meeting space while suiting to the new collaborative tools : presentation on screen, videoconferencing system, network connection… Its acoustic correction absorbs noise and contributes to the comfort and the concentration of attendees.
Click to shop
Launched with 35 taps which form the Atrio Collection and sharing one unified look of elegance and precision, Atrio is symbolic of a new era of design that challenges conventions in order to create something truly iconic. The fundamental, consistent design is inspired by GROHE’s original best-selling ATRIO collection incepted more than 10 years ago. Atrio’s sleek, cylindrical design gives a timeless elegance, enhanced by a form that measures the same diameter from the base to the top. This design feat is replicated across all taps within the collection. This is a first for tap design which required technical experts to achieve new levels of engineering perfection, to ensure both form and function worked in harmony. The spout itself curves in the perfect arc of a semi-circle.
From the bold cross handles with subtle ‘H’ and ‘C’ markings, to the slim cylindrical shape made possible by GROHE’s super-slim cartridge technology, the considered details add up to an object with a reassuring air of design permanence. The Atrio collection delivers versatility in its design, with a number of different sizes and configurations for bathroom basins, baths and showers. The Atrio range is available in three beautiful finishes; Chrome, Supersteel and Brushed Hard Graphite.
Heralding new heights for Brighton’s coastline, the new British Airways i360 observation tower is designed by Marks Barfield Architects, who also designed the iconic London Eye. Working with the architects, Inside Out provided a full furnishing solution for the attraction’s dedicated food and beverage offering, the West Beach Bar & Kitchen. Inspiration for the venue has been derived from the vibrant local culture of Brighton and Hove, channelling an eclectic beach hut vibe which includes art from local artists.
From Inside Out’s UK workshop, existing full circle booths have been reupholstered in ocean-hued blue fluting and refitted with weathered-style limed oak wooden panels, which are reminiscent of the seaside. Bespoke marshmallow stools also handmade in the UK feature in an array of red, purple and yellow, dotted around the bar with Cocktail lounges and sofas in matching fabrics to the local art on the walls. From the main dining room, Thea and Karavan chairs mingle with Italian made Jeeves armchairs in a mixture of natural oak and white-washed wood stains. Complementing the dining chairs, the solid wood table tops continue the weathered look with limed oak finished table tops upon black metal bases.
Poggenpohl’s innovative +Venovo kitchen is designed for how we live our lives today because the kitchen of today is more than just a kitchen. It is a room in which everything can - and should - take place. Demanding flexibility and freedom, +Venovo is a living sculpture that enriches its environment and moves with you as you move, grow and adapt through life. The contemporary design is freestanding on elegant metal legs, eliminating the boundary between kitchen and living space and the +Venovo island incorporates everything necessary to cook and prepare food.
+Venovo can be located anywhere in the home and even taken with you when you move. The units are available in the full range of Poggenpohl finishes, with the metal frame in the option of matt black, polar white, gloss chrome or gloss grey.
The Carmen bathroom collection is synonymous with a vintage style that can be appreciated by generations to come. Its soft, classic lines give the entire ensemble character and poise – from vitreous china to bathroom furniture, from taps and brassware to accessories, every detail tells a captivating story. Carefully designed and refined rectangular shapes are used to give distinction and definition. This can be admired in the basins (choose from wall-hung, pedestal, in countertop or vanity options in a variety of sizes) as well as the style of the lower part of the WC toilet.
Committing to a vintage style bathroom doesn’t have to mean compromising on functionality! The new Carmen collection comes with a multitude of storage possibilities. Should you need additional space, add the elegant Carmen column unit, where glass doors add grace and definition. The height-adjustable shelves also make a statement, along with the unit’s LED interior lighting. All the pieces in the Carmen vintage style bathroom collection are made from Roca’s exclusive high quality vitreous china. Its robust enamel provides great durability and resistance and a brilliant shine and white colour that will remain flawless through the passage of time.
Hand-silvered antique mirror glass, made in-house by Saligo Design will enhance your interiors with an authentic, vintage-esque aesthetic. The vintage style of antique mirror is a distinctive product and, being hand-finished in their workshop, is even more versatile. Hand finishing the mirror allows them to control the level of antiquing, creating lighter or heavier levels of distressing overall, and more specifically, when required, around the edges. Vintage comes in a number of different glass types. For the authentic looking drama of antique mirror, they use hand-silvered clear float glass. With bronze and grey glass, they create reflections which are subdued behind a warm or neutral tint; this finish has less contrast and is elegant and understated.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a heritage conversion property rich in original detailing and upscale interest. Situated opposite the Dutch Royal Palace and once a bank, Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde wears its prestigious heritage proudly. Complete with underground speakeasy which was once the banks vault, the hotel is a true icon of the city, and exemplifies The Hague's prestigious royal and political connections. Portraits inspired by royalty adorn the walls, and original mouldings and light fittings have been carefully restored by local craftspeople. Art Déco stained glass, aged brass lamps and original green marble columns evoke the luxury world of private banking. A carefully curated selection of bespoke furniture choices cater for both hotel guests and well-heeled locals, be they there for a fresh morning coffee in the all-day Stocks & Bonds brasserie or a late night cocktail in The Gold Bar.
Company: HUGO interior design
Project: Hotel Indigo, The Hague
Project Location: The Hague, Netherlands
What was the client's brief?
Hotel Indigo The Hague needs to communicate the unique cultural and historic offerings of this unique Dutch city of power, wealth and government. A sense of prestige and exclusivity should be celebrated within the hotels design.
What inspired the design of the project?
HUGO interior design was inspired by the most unique and important buildings in the neighbourhood, such as the Royal Palace, Dutch government and International Court of Justice. The hotel is situated on Noordeinde street, directly opposite the Royal Palace. As a result, hotel rooms on Noordeinde side have a unique view on the palace. The chic Noordeinde district is primarily known for its distinctive fashion boutiques, galleries and art and antiques dealers, located in beautiful art nouveau buildings. With this neighbourhood story the design of the hotel should be sophisticated and high-end, where guests experience a royal and wealthy feeling. Wealth and royalty were key words in the design of Hugo Broeders, since the Royal family and the Nederlandsche Bank are inextricably linked to the history of this building. One of the most important starting points in the design was the building itself, with its historical and architectural elements such as the various marble, glass, mosaics, ornaments and woodwork. Characteristic materials for that time for buildings with a purpose like this. Hugo Broeders: "We have had the beautiful panelling disassembled, because we wanted to make headboard of this. We reused cupboards and steel doors, especially in the public areas where guests can experience them. We have implemented the patterns of the old woodwork in the new interior components such as the doors and carpets. Artwork is mostly inspired by coins and banknotes. And because the vault plays such an impressive role in the building, we have designed a multifunctional safe that will have a place in every room. We wanted all guests to have their own safe, so we designed a multi-functional steel safe that is positioned in each room. The safe contains a safe (of course), a minibar, coffee and tea making facilities and storage space. It seems and works like a real vault, you have to turn the wheel to open it. It is a feature that embodies the history of the building.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Every space, every room is not only unique in size, but also in form. Working on a property like this, you have to detail everything because every part of the building is unique and different from another part. Although you have the most wonderful materials to work with, you’re limited in possibilities. What you see is what you get, so you have to be very creative to make sure you get the most out of what’s available. You need to create spaces and add materials that are complementary and meet up to the standards of modern day regarding comfort, look and feel. To celebrate this uniqueness and work with the challenges, the idea was that guest should have a unique experience, even if they visit the hotel multiple times. That means three room types were designed, all different in atmosphere and appearance: Royal Residence – street facing rooms with Palace view, experiencing the feeling of residing in a prestigious street in a room with stained glass windows, high ceilings, wood panelled walls and headboards and a dark red and blue grey colour palette with warm velvets and antique brass details. Court Capital – the feeling of wealth comes across in these (some split-level) rooms. Using leathers and a light and dark green colour palette with polished brass details, guests feel the power and history of the building and the city. Loft Living – more contemporary rooms on the top floor and in the attic, combining old beams and slanted ceilings with concrete flooring and rooms in the newly build part of the hotel with large glass curtain walls on the backside of the hotel. Adding variations in grey and an ocre colour palette, soft fabrics and satin brass details, this room feels like modern Dutch living in the city. The combination of this property and the concept of diversity in rooms was challenging. Procurement was difficult, chances of making errors are big and it took a lot of time to make sure the results are as intended.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
When the bank closed its doors in 1994, it was impossible to remove the massive doors from the vaults where the gold stock was previously kept. The round safe door is still one of the most impressive elements in the building. The vaults are in the basement, if there is no need to go down they are not seen by guests. Wanting to make sure that guests would experience these special spaces, a speakeasy was created here. The story goes that the bank was once connected to the Palace through a corridor. Everything indicates that this came out in the space that we transformed into this speakeasy. From the lobby you have easy access to the speakeasy, making it possible for everyone to have a drink at this very special “Gold Bar”.
Questions answered by the Founders of HUGO interior design, Hugo Broeders and Debby Wentink.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an innovative hotel design which strives to redefine the concept of luxury, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
HUGO interior design | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an innovative hotel design which strives to redefine the concept of luxury, five-star hotel experiences by connecting with the neighbourhood which surrounds it. In a world increasingly congested with fussy design, this project demonstrates a new type of luxury. A refreshing perspective, celebrating the Kaohsiung harbour and all of the creative energy of the commercial surroundings delivered with wit and charm. The Hotel Indigo, Kaohsiung Central Park is located in the heart of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The neighbourhood and its dynamic port served as the inspiration for the design. Located in a vibrant suburb within Kaohsiung near the bustling commercial harbour, the hotel experience was conceptualised as the journey of goods from the harbour to the shelves of Kaohsiung’s boutiques and emporiums.
Company: Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong
Project: Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park
Project Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
The client owned an old shopping mall in an area near the Kaoshiung port and wanted to convert it into a hotel, but wanted the hotel to somehow relate to the previous history of the building and to the neighbourhood that was deeply connected to the nearby harbour and undergoing a process of urban renovation. The brief was therefore to redefine the concept of a five-star hotel experience, shifting the notion of luxury, as it’s commonly envisioned. The objective was to connect with the local area, allowing the hotel to become an energetic part of the urban fabric and distinguishing itself from other large five star hotels.
As a consequence of the context in which this project came to life; the commercial aspect of the building and the evolution of the neighbourhood from an industrial harbour to a gateway to the world, became the main inspiration. The Kaohsiung neighbourhood and its dynamic port was the central inspiration for designing key areas of the hotel. Located in a vibrant suburb within Kaohsiung near the bustling commercial harbour, the hotel experience was conceptualised as the journey of goods from the harbour to the shelves of Kaohsiung’s boutiques and emporiums. Inspired by the humble local emporiums where products such as soft drinks, canned and picked food are part of everyday life for Taiwanese, beautifully designed feature walls depict the tops and bottoms of cola bottles with fun messages. Digitally printed wall coverings featuring opened jars and tins of food adds a splash of colour, character and provincial flavour.
Due to the trade barriers between Taiwan and Mainland China most of the finishes had to be locally sourced or engineered from scratch. The process was difficult but extremely gratifying. Thanks to this project, new products and finishes are now available in Taiwan!
The reaction of guests and visitors; some thought it was brilliant and told us they felt the connection to the neighbourhood, others found the project was at the limit of their comfort zone and didn’t like it entirely. That to us is a good sign, it means we succeeded at giving to the hotel a distinct personality and when it comes to personality, we simply just don’t all feel the same!
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
The project was very appreciated in Taiwan but to some it felt like it was pushing the boundaries of their comfort zone. So we were curious to see how it would have been received by an international audience and the SBID Awards was the perfect platform to do this!
Questions answered by Federico Masin, Partner at Hirsch Bedner Associates Hong Kong
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a hotel design which delicately balances timelessness and tradition with industrial modernity, click here to see more.
HBA Hong Kong | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an elegantly timeless, yet industrially modern and edgy hotel interior design based on the narrative of two Turkish sisters – one who lived in New York City and the other in Paris. Envisioned as a portal between two worlds, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s hotel lobby leaves a lasting impression to those who walk through it, beckoning passersby to explore and engage. White marble floors found at the entrance contrast against warm wood floors covering the reception area, crafting a carefully balanced procession. Guests check in at the bespoke reception desks showcasing wood, metal, and stone. Oversized, locally crafted lanterns accent the corner of the lobby and signify the entrance of the bridge connection to the business centre. Similarly, a dark and striking carved stone wall flanks the side of a “runway” that connects the lobby with the Great Room. The design team used the walkway to echo the overall project's interior design concept of merging two different narratives into one, by blending urban culture and industrial flair with traditional features and a strong sense of place.
Company: Wilson Associates
Project: Fairmont Quasar
Project Location: Istanbul, Turkey
This project is developed by joint venture company, Viatrans Inc. – Meydanbey. The multi-complex encompasses a hotel, serviced apartments, and offices set on the site of Turkey’s first liquor factory that was designed by the Parisian Art Deco Master, Robert Mallet Stevens in the 1930's. This is his sole masterpiece, the only one ever built outside of France. This is the first project by Viatrans Inc. – Meydanbey and they had a vision to create the most innovative and luxurious development in Istanbul. They also had a vision to turn the liquor factory into an epicentre for arts, fashion and culture — transcending the level of luxury in Istanbul to new heights. Rising above the slopes of The Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul serves as a hub for the well-travelled, fusing the sophistication of modern Istanbul with the unique lineage of its location and centuries of history. A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul – where eclectic neighbourhood bazaars and colourful side streets meet modern shopping centres and commercial properties. This will be the first hotel for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Turkey, and the fifth property of parent company AccorHotel’s luxury brand portfolio within Istanbul. Situated inside the Quasar Istanbul complex, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul occupies two 40-story towers that sit atop a four-story office podium comprised of fitness facilities and luxury retail. The towers include Fairmont Hotel and Residences, as well as the Quasar Residences and offices, also managed by Fairmont. Opened March 2017, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul provides 209 guestrooms including 25 suites.
Robert Mallet Stevens was our inspiration for the interior design concept. The hotel is set on the site of Turkey’s first liquor factory that was designed by the Parisian Art Deco Master Architect. Built in 1930, the factory was and remains both an important political statement of the modernity of Turkey and a unique piece of Istanbul’s architectural history. Robert Mallet Steven’s design of flowing concrete and glass, the industrial feel of the distillery equipment lent to the fervour of the Bauhaus design trends of the time. The factory itself emanated feelings of progress, positivity, hope, industry, and advancement encapsulating the birth of a new nation. Form following function, yet Robert Mallet Stevens never forgot the human touches through Art Deco details, intimate scaling, and compression versus expansion. This was the very same spirit that we wanted to transport into 2017 and into Fairmont Istanbul— To bring this sophistication into the millennium. The hotel is purposely designed to echo this bygone industrial age but interpreted in a new luxurious and relevant manner. Spaces are both intimate and expansive, filled with light; the materials used tactile and even nostalgic; all composed to recapture that 'magic'. This design strategy is further enhanced with a more human story: We created a unique tale of two Turkish sisters, one living in New York and the other in Paris, both returning to Istanbul and bringing home with them the design sensibilities of the two cities to Istanbul. This tale is a story of souls bound together through time; timeless yet modern. These sisters, having lived in such rich and vibrant cities wanted to return to Istanbul with their adopted communities of Paris and New York, adding yet another rich layer to the fabric of the city. Istanbul is the perfect synthesis between East and West as Paris-New York are the shining beacons of the old and new worlds. This sets the perfect stage for the sisters to converge and star in a performance of life, love, and expression. This was our inspiration for the Fairmont Istanbul. This is our tale of old and new souls, bound together through the ages.
The main design challenge for us was to create a sense of place without being overly colloquial; the owners wanted the hotel to be modern yet timeless with a true sense of nostalgic elegance. The imposing glass and steel architecture of the towers also presented unique challenges to crafting this look. Furthermore, the structural grid left for the interior spaces that were somewhat compartmentalised into rooms of varying sizes also posed a design challenge for us. By echoing Robert Mallet Steven’s spirit of both compressive and expansive spaces, intimate yet grand, and merging influences of Parisian chic with New York industrial flair, we created harmonious design concept that helped mitigate these challenges. The result was a very interesting design with a variety of “feelings” and moments within the hotel. The creation was a multi-layered fabric of experiences much like the fabric of the city of Istanbul.
Some of the team highlights for the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul project include the hotel lobby and the luxurious Presidential Suite. Inspired by local Turkish culture, the 1930’s liquor factory and The Borphorus Strait, and the tale of two sisters, the lobby includes a fireplace, angled ceiling panels, eclectic groups of seating and a custom Turkish-inspired carpet by Golden Hali. The area is imbued with timeless, modern and local design such as large windows that look out onto the lobby garden - commonly found in Turkish architecture. These windows effortlessly create a sense of light and openness, and are bordered by floor-to-ceiling black metal geometric screens. All of the interior design details merge together to create a great public space for guests to sit, relax, and even enjoy a drink if they so choose. Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s most luxurious room is the Presidential Suite. This space is a multifaceted and dynamic design with details ranging from the custom carpets and leather-upholstered casegoods to Turkish accessories and artwork that create an elegant and modern décor. Inspired by the industrial elements of the Robert Mallet liquor factory, rooms at the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul are a mix of Turkish design with bespoke, custom-made pieces such as the desk which has been created as a multi-functional space for work, dining or relaxing. The space includes blue leather-tufted headboards, mini-bars in the style of vintage travel trunks and custom carpets by Ottoman Hali and Stepevi. The bathrooms feature showers that resemble a traditional Turkish hammam, offering a local experience. The dining room makes the suite a truly luxury place for guests to stay. The interior design elements include dark walnut millwork, patterned wooden floors and crackled accent wall covering as well as the sparkling orb chandelier and angular mirrored wall sculpture.
SBID is a trusted industry voice and highly regarded by the interior design community. Wilson Associates is very proud to be recognised by SBID and be able to showcase our latest projects on a global and influential platform. The projects submitted to the awards program gets better, and better every year, which encourages us to push the creativity envelope further and deliver even better work. To see the talent we’re up against and to be able to walk away as category finalists or winners is an incredible honour. And, it’s always a lovely feeling at the awards ceremony when the design community is united, there’s a real buzz!
Questions answered by the Wilson Associates, New York team; Joanne Yong, Principal Designer; Dan Kwan, SVP and Managing Director; Seiichi Mori, Design Director; David Dorfman, Project Manager; Keiko Matsumoto, Senior Project Designer; Kevin Caulfield, Senior Design Manager.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a new casual dining concept and London's first dedicated Avocado bar, click here to see more.
Wilson Associates | SBID International Design Awards 2018
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features London's first dedicated Avocado bar. Hospitality design specialists DesignLSM share their latest interior project with a restaurant design which evokes a relaxed, bohemian ambience with a beautifully crafted design for the new casual dining concept – Avobar. Following the success of Avobar’s themed pop-up site, a new permanent restaurant has launched which presents the first all-avocado dining concept to arrive in London, creating a ‘must-visit’ destination for health-focused millennials. The 740 sqft restaurant accommodates 70 covers across two floors combining an open and social dining environment with an in-house retail space offering avocado-based skincare and lifestyle products to customers.
Company: DesignLSM
Project: Avobar
Project Location: London, UK
Our brief was to create a relaxed and inspired interior for the launch of London’s first all-avocado dining concept – Avobar. We worked closely with the client to curate an eclectic environment that provides ‘insta-worthy’ appeal, whilst capturing the ethos behind the Avobar brand. Located in the busy shopping hub of Covent Garden’s Henrietta Street, the 740sqft restaurant provides the perfect social setting for London’s avo-lovers offering a beautifully crafted menu and design dedicated to the popular super fruit.
Our restaurant design narrative draws inspiration from the laid-back modern aesthetic of California, featuring a relaxed and neutral interior palette – including distressed white timber, abundant hanging foliage combined with a range of printed and woven textiles. Guests can order via the central service counter which is entirely clad in avocado hued handmade tiles and framed by a rustic, draped gantry formed from peeled timber branches. We designed pockets of communal and intimate seating throughout the space, highlighted by soft brass and oversized rattan pendant lighting to induce a warm and social ambience into the space.
Particular design highlights include a striking living plant wall, pastel-coloured tiles and stunning botanical backdrops which have been designed to induce natural warmth as well as communicate the distinctive persona of the brand.
The toughest challenge was overcoming the initial planning constraints of the site, which impacted the timings of the design programme. However we managed to work productively and efficiently to ensure that everything was delivered and completed to a high standard for the client.
A real highlight of the project was seeing the finished avocado toned feature tile wall, which took a great attention to detail to ensure that each tile was perfectly positioned and blended into one another. The striking wall is a prominent feature in the space for this restaurant design to create a true visual feast for Avobar’s customers.
Questions answered by Chloe Mager, Senior Designer at DesignLSM
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the ultimate, employee-centric and ergonomic office space, click here to see more.
DesignLSM | SBID International Design Awards 2018
On SBID's journey to discover more about the personal experiences and careers of interior and design professionals throughout the industry, we interviewed the CEO at Panaz Holdings, Tony Attard. Tony shares his approach to that all-important work-life integration, the latest on his design agenda, as well as his thoughts on the predominant issues faced by the industry as a whole.
Can you describe your current job?
I am CEO of Panaz Holdings, Chairman of Alusid, Chairman of Marketing Lancashire, Director of BCFA and currently High Sheriff of Lancashire. My jobs are primarily strategic although I get involved with many of my company initiatives to ensure they are delivered OTIF (On Time In Full).
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
I was always interested in the integration of Art, Design, Marketing and Business. I therefore applied to study Fashion Design at St Martins, and Design Management at the University of Manchester (formally UMIST). I eventually opted for Manchester as it was a little more technical (BSc) and I was offered a University scholarship by Courtaulds which ensured a fast track career in Industry. Design is to me about the delivery of a brief, and should be manged like any other management decision. Of course there is inspiration, but that should not be at the expense of delivering on time. The more stress, the more creative the solution!
Describe an average day in your job role..
My life is not about balance, it's about life work integration. I wake at 6.30 am and either go straight to my computer to check emails and prepare for the day, or go to the gym. Either way I then shower and have a cup of tea. I have given up on Breakfast as the healthier option and do not eat until lunch time. I get to my first meeting either at 8.30 or 9.00 am, dependent upon who else needs to get there. As I have no children at home any more, child care is not an issue for me as it may be is for others. I am usually in meetings most of the day, however as I am now High Sheriff, I could have a number of other priorities. I represent the Queen for the Judiciary, therefore I could accompany a High Court judge on the bench for a trial, I could also be out with the police force or fire brigade, or even an ambulance. Meeting people in the voluntary sector has a been a great part of being High Sheriff; the work that they do in the community is invaluable to so many vulnerable people and must be encouraged and rewarded. If I am in London I usually eat out with friends or customers and then get to bed about 12ish. If I am at home in Lancashire, I have dinner with my wife Patricia, usually on our laps and watching an episode of a program we are following (Killing Eve is our latest one!). Then, I retire to my study to write an article (like this one) or catch up on the news, prepare a report or read a board meeting agenda. I usually go to bed at 11.30 pm and read for a bit before turning off the light as my eyes start to drop.. Kindles are great because I do not need the big light on!
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect for any creative is to see one’s work in the marketplace. I love creating collections with my Head of Design, Sarah Lloyd and her team, but unless anyone buys it, we have not been successful in interpreting what our customers require. It's always very gratifying to see our fabrics in an interior either great or small, and to see that our vision can become reality.
Is there anything new you are working on?
There are so many different things. We are constantly working on new collections at Panaz, releasing 10 – 12 per year. But the new Alusid Silicastone brief is particularly interesting. Alusid is a very new company that is making a new material called Silicastone that was developed for solid surface and tiles out of a sustainability project at the University of central Lancashire. It uses two waste streams from broken pre-consumer ceramics (baths, toilets, shower trays, tiles) and post-consumer glass that would usually go into landfill. We crush it and then make great solid surfaces for table tops, work surfaces, and wall tiles. The effects we can achieve have been quite amazing. There are a number of furniture companies now using the product as a standard working surface for tables and we have installed it in a number of Architectural projects. The tiles can be used inside or outside – are frost resistant and have high colour fastness to light. We have just been granted a Design Guild mark for it!
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
Keeping creatives working on time!! No seriously, I juggle a lot of balls and try not to drop them. It makes for an interesting life!
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I got great technical training from the University so I was able to contribute quickly to Industry. I would have liked to have known more about how to start a business, however maybe naivety in that area helps you become fearless. You cannot be frightened about what you don’t know!!
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
Don’t say no to an opportunity because it may never come around again.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
I am very fortunate to have had a great creative life, I have great customers who work on some amazing projects with us, including Palaces, Cruise ships, Restaurants, Night clubs, Hotels, healthcare facilities, Hospitals and work spaces. Each project is different with many interesting solutions so to pick one out is very difficult.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
I think that Interior design is very undervalued. There is the MD’s wife syndrome where somebody that does up a home thinks that they can create a commercial interior. Dreadful mistakes can occur when this happens. The Industry must ensure that professional integrity is maintained and standards upheld. I also think that people should value intellectual copyright.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
Anybody that works that extra hour or goes that extra mile to ensure a customer is happy and satisfied.
If you were inspired by Tony’s story and want to learn more about interior design, click here.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the ultimate office design created by the workplace design and build specialists, Interaction for financial comparison company money.co.uk, transforming their unique and characterful office in The Castle, Cirencester, UK. A space where you can sneak through a secret door in a bookcase, put your feet up in a ski chalet, traipse through an ice cave, battle against suits of armour and experience a cinema in a galaxy far far away...
The work on the 10,000 sq ft project began in March 2016. There were 38 rooms to design in The Castle and for 6 of these, Interaction collaborated with designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who provided initial concept sketches and a choice of finishes. An important part of creating the ultimate office meant focusing on the functionality of the workplace, designing a space that would allow the team to work effectively. Interaction explored the needs of the individuals and created a multitude of flexible work settings to enable people to work the way they want. This included creating spaces such as the ice cave, ski lodge, and ‘hightech’ room which can all be used to have informal meetings, socialise, or simply relax. This project is a perfect example of how by placing employee wellbeing at the centre of the brief and design you can use your workplace as a tool to incite a positive culture and enhance productivity, creativity and collaboration. The Castle is finally fit for the kings and queens of the tech world.
Company: Interaction
Project: money.co.uk - The Castle
Project Location:Cirencester, United Kingdom
Ranked as the UK’s 2nd fastest growing business in 2015 by The Sunday Times, financial comparison website money.co.uk needed their workplace to support this recent exponential growth. The Grade II listed Victorian ‘castle’ that money.co.uk occupied, having had no major alterations in years, did not illustrate their current standing and vision for the future.
The team therefore needed a workplace that reflected their success, but also one that continued to attract and retain talent in their competitive industry. Representing their success through their workplace was important, but at the heart of the decision for the refurbishment was rewarding staff with the best place to work.
Money.co.uk’s people, in combination with Grade II listed building itself, lay at the heart of the project’s design. Not only did we want to create an environment where the team could flourish, fulfil their potential and feel happy, but we wanted to juxtapose the traditional architecture of The Castle with a contemporary finish. The unique building provides a characterful and quirky setting for an office, and the interior needed to reflect the eccentricity of the exterior.
We had to be conscious and considerate to nurture the listed building. We were excited to work with (and accentuate) several original features of the building. This included the windows, archways and some original doors – all of which have become real statement features that hark back to the rich history of The Castle.
The building continuously revealed new and hidden secrets that kept us on our feet and provided us with unique design challenges. The damp was severe - by the time we were finished we had practically re-built The Castle.
Other than successfully bringing past and present together by breathing new life into the space, the moment we held up the “snag free” board was incredible for everyone involved. As a company, we always aim to deliver our fit-out works with absolutely no snags (or defects). To achieve this on such a complex refurbishment project was a great feeling!
We knew that the SBID is highly regarded internationally and that the awards promote design excellence. We entered because we thought The Castle raised the bar in terms of office design – it has been featured in numerous news articles worldwide and has become known as one of the “world’s coolest offices”.
As well as wanting to give the project team the recognition for all of the hard work that went into the 9-month project, we were also keen to prove that workplaces can be tools for change. Rather than hindering a business, they can inspire people, promote collaboration, and increase overall productivity and output – just as The Castle has done for money.co.uk.
Questions answered by Egle Kairele, Creative Lead at Interaction
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a spectacular residence set across two buildings and garden apartment in London, click here to see more.
Interaction | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The key to success in the contemporary design industry is to always stay one step ahead. Check out the latest products, collection launches, technology innovations, new releases from this September!
Yves Delorme is the French brand of luxury home linens with international scope. The brand federates poetry, audaciousness, excellence & savoir-faire. Since its creation in 1845 by the Fremaux family, it has been a symbol of continued innovation in technique and quality. Now with over 450 stores worldwide, they have an unrivalled reputation for producing the finest bed and bath linens. With classics, seasonals and limited editions, the Yves Delorme’s creative research studio ensures there is a collection to complement every interior style. With time dedicated to the conception and perfection of designs, attention to details and precision of gestures, they are now offering a bespoke programme for Designers; as well as monogramming and personalisation services. The creativity and freedom to design is endless with the new Yves Delorme Couture collection.
One of the UK’s leading contract furniture providers to the care and hotel sectors has launched a new range of products to meet the growing demand for high-end luxury in restaurants, bars, hotels and care homes around the UK. Featuring sofas & chairs, dining furniture, storage & sideboards and bespoke furniture solutions, The Collection has been crafted to offer the very best in design, detail and durability. From the sumptuous comfort of the Valeria three-seater to the striking modernity of the Prism sideboard, this is furniture that elevates its surroundings. James Parr, Head of Marketing at YTM comments:
“The Collection feels particularly special because each piece has the power to transform rooms and interior spaces. As specialists in our field we understand how people interact with furniture and how a well-considered piece can impact on wellbeing. In this collection we have pieces that can bring joy and comfort to people by making their surroundings more inviting."
Every item of furniture in the new range has been designed to meet YTM’s lean manufacturing and environmentally conscious credentials. YTM carries membership with the British Contract Furniture Association (BCFA) and panel membership at the Society of British and International Design (SBID). The business also holds the ISO 14001 accreditation for Environmental Management Standards and the ISO 9001 accreditation for Quality Management Standards.
Roundhouse was founded over 20 years ago by architects with a passion for beautiful, functional design. Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning, design-driven, luxury kitchen company made up of independent British designers, architects and craftsmen. Roundhouse creates bespoke kitchens and furniture with a discreet aesthetic, using a huge range of innovative materials, textures and colour. Because Roundhouse brings design vision and architectural perspective to bear on every detail, there’s a much greater scope to what can be achieved. Their team work on a wide range of residential projects, from small but perfectly formed London apartments to grand designs in large spaces.
Roundhouse bespoke projects are eclectic, elegant and architectural, built to suit the most exacting requirements and to serve the maximum potential of each space. Every design is not merely made to measure; it is totally flexible. The company offer an almost limitless choice of materials, colours, fittings and styles, carefully built to any size and virtually any finish, colour or veneer by skilled cabinet makers in the Roundhouse state-of-the-art factory in Malvern, Worcestershire.
Viveroo’s stunning range of wall and furniture mounts for the iPad enhance and complement this icon of design. The distinctive sculptured range is hand-crafted from premium materials and has been created to blend perfectly with the iPad’s form. Each mount in the range offers different features designed to provide improved visibility and functionality of the iPad in both domestic and commercial environments.
Intended as an iconic element within the office, this armchair designed by ITEM Designworks aims to be the differentiating factor in work spaces. Thanks to its dynamic and open conception, it enables conversation, reading and the use of electronic devices without falling into a relaxed state which impedes your concentration. To maintain the active attitude, we have removed its arms and set at 180 degrees which favours privacy for the user due to its high degree of sound proofing. Badminton invites you to sit, change space and position, leave the independent work desks. “It is a kind of throne that impresses you with its size and shape. The aim is to feel well and comfortable, but always with an active attitude”, explains Javier Cuñado, director of ITEM Designworks. A piece that responds to the changing needs of work spaces, more friendly, illuminated, ventilated and one that promotes communication and work together.
With two types of different bases (in saltire and the other peana with a 70 cm diameter) which enable a 360 degree turn and two different height models (armchair and seat), Badminton was a new challenge for Actiu. In its manufacture it employed new injection techniques and materials never before used in its factories. In short, it is a safe product which will not leave anybody indifferent and where the creation, inspiration and design feel with you.
Luxury furniture retailer and interior designer Juliettes Interiors has just launched its new, long-awaited Trade Account aimed at professionals in the interior design, architecture and luxury property arenas worldwide. Trade customers will have access to generous discounts with no minimum order value. A comprehensive customisation service allows clients to specify unique items and products. Alternatively, the Juliette's design team can create a single item of luxury furniture or a complete bespoke collection - an invaluable resource for anyone wanting something very special for their clients. Old, discontinued or antique pieces can be re-created or matching pieces designed. With their wealth of knowledge and sourcing ability, the Juliettes team also pride themselves on finding the items their customers can’t.
Juliettes Interiors can work seamlessly as part of your team if required. Architects and developers can take advantage of a full or partial interior design service. Drop shipping and installation are available to all Trade clients, as well as project management from initial drawings through to final snagging. Trade customers are also able to use the beautiful Juliettes Interiors Chelsea showroom for client consultations.
To unlock your Juliettes Interiors Trade Account, click here
The month of design is coming to an end and we're sure you're now brimming with new, fresh inspirations for the coming year. But the industry is not done yet as October has plenty more in store from trade shows and seminars to networking events, Design Awards and much more. We're back with our overview of the must-attend design events and exciting industry news for the month ahead!
Want a taste of the VIP treatment with complimentary breakfast before the big day ahead? Or do you just want to skip all those long, laborious queues and bag yourself front row seats? Find out more about this exclusive offer for VIP passes to the Surface & Materials Show below.
2nd October
Vectorworks Annual Design Day - London, UK
Taking place at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London from 9:30am – 5:00pm, this event is designed to showcase how Vectorworks software helps to streamline workflow. Discover how Vectorworks can offer design practices a real alternative for 2D/3D/BIM workflows, with key personnel from Vectorworks on hand to demonstrate the latest tools. In addition, there will be breakout sessions aimed at individual industries such as Interiors, Architecture and Landscape, which ensures that content is totally relevant and rewarding for all attendees.
Click here to register for the event!
3rd October
Places and Spaces for Project Based and Enquiry Learning - Newcastle, UK
There are many challenges for schools and teachers in implementing pedagogical change and curriculum innovation through enquiry, pbl and community curriculum initiatives. This event taking place from 4.30 – 6.30pm at the Herschel Learning Lab, Newcastle University, will consider the implications for the physical learning environment, from possibilities for school design through to classroom arrangement and organisation. We will investigate how educators can use their space to facilitate and support these approaches to learning. Drawing on the expertise of teachers, school leaders, architects, designers and researchers the following questions will be addressed:
Click here to reserve your place
2nd - 3rd October
Design Central - Cheshire, UK
The Largest Interiors trade event in the North of England is back for it's third year on the 2nd - 3rd October. The event, which started with just 20 companies, has been growing year on year and now houses over 60 companies with over 110 brands. With exhibitors such as Zoffany, Romo, Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Arte Walls, Cole & Sons, Heathfield Lighting, Jacaranda Carpets and many more, this two day trade only event is held in beautiful surroundings at Colshaw Hall, Nr Knutsford. Visit this inspirational event to view new collection launches, the latest developments in interior design, a new food court to treat yourself to scrumptious “street” food, and the fantastic Havwoods Flooring bus.
Click here to register to attend
9th - 11th October
Surface and Materials - Birmingham, UK
Part of the Award-winning UK Construction Week, The Surface & Materials Show creates a unique platform for innovations within the surfaces and materials sector; attracting Architects, Designers, Contractors, Developers and many more. Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 9th – 11th October 2018, Surface & Materials unites over 100 exhibitors with an audience of over 35,000 industry professionals as part of UK Construction Week.
SBID Members can obtain exclusive VIP passes for the show which includes complimentary breakfast, fast track entrance to the show, reserved front rows for 100+ hours of seminars, as well as complimentary refreshments in the VIP lounges!
To claim your free VIP pass, email [email protected] with the title 'Surface & Materials VIP'
16th - 18th October
Independent Hotel Show - London, UK
The Independent Hotel Show is the premium business event for luxury and boutique hotels. Inspiring and informative, it is the UK’s only forum bringing together the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector. A must-attend event for independent hoteliers and industry professionals, the show presents a diverse collection of the UK’s most innovative suppliers together with expert insight from their Talks Programme.
24th October
SBID 20:20 Meet the Buyer Networking Event - London, UK
The SBID 20:20 will bring together world class Interior Designers, Architects and Specifiers with the most creative, advanced and design-led products in the industry. The one day annual networking event provides a dynamic and lucrative business environment carefully tailored to create, encourage and facilitate synergies that build key relationships with face to face meetings. It provides a chance for suppliers and manufacturers to meet the industry’s most celebrated experts and international designers who have travelled from around the world for the announcement of the SBID International Design Awards winners.
If you're interested in attending, email [email protected]
26th October
SBID International Design Awards 2018 - London, UK
The SBID International Design Awards has been firmly established as one of the most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the interior design industry. The awards serve to recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence from a broad range of categories. The ceremony held at The Dorchester hotel in London will host a glamorous luncheon for esteemed guests who join to hear the announcement of the winners for the SBID Awards 2018. Winning an SBID International Design Award is a distinguished achievement as each category undergoes an exclusive and rigorous two-tier judging process by panels of leading industry experts for both technical content and aesthetic creativity.
Book a table for this year's SBID Awards ceremony to celebrate design excellence amongst the industry's best interior designers from around the world.
January Furniture Show announces Illuminate 2019
The UK’s premier and largest furniture event with 500+ exhibitors and 20,000+ visitors gives buyers a golden opportunity to select from the best, see the latest trends and meet manufacturers and suppliers face to face. The 2019 January Furniture Show (JFS) which taking place at the NEC in Birmingham from 20th - 23rd January announces a new sector dedicated to lighting of every kind; LIGHT will boast prestigious UK lighting companies including Oaks Lighting, Impex Russell, Elstead, Illuminati and Searchlight, who will all exhibit at JFS for the first time. They will be joined by the ever-creative Där Lighting, who has successfully exhibited at the show for the last three years.
Perfectly complementing LIGHT, will be well-known and emerging brands showing an extensive array of furniture, beds and accessories of every kind. Halls 1 and 2 will focus on high-end design led furniture with over 100 brands in the two halls showing sumptuous sofas and chairs, smooth and streamlined living and dining furniture, and dramatic and imposing beds. Pedigree brands including A.L.F, Battistella, Ego Italiano, Gwinner, Tetrad and SITS will introduce their latest designs.
To register your attendance and for more information visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com
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