In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition, Designed for Business. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our fortunate finalists and lucky winners for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
Following our interview with the Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans Galutera, we spoke with Architect and Courser Leader, Russell Gagg to discover what he has learned from working in architectural practice since the 90's, before becoming a degree level educator.
Can you describe your current job?
I am currently Course Leader and Principal Lecturer of BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at the Arts University Bournemouth.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
Having graduated, I entered the Manchester architectural scene in the early ‘90s – an environment that was dynamic and highly competitive. The city was enjoying a re-birth and understood that the re-use of its industrial heritage was the best route to a sustainable future. At the time, a small number of practices shared this understanding and pushed themselves to create ever-more progressive architecture which would meet the demands of urban growth. Working for them was equally demanding but also rewarding, enabling young architects such as me to gain diverse and invaluable experience across a wide range of design. You were expected to learn quickly, be adaptable, resourceful and resilient and to meet deadlines; you were also expected to challenge the norm and take creative risks. It was tough – it still is tough – but it was worth it when you see people enjoying a city that you played a part in rebuilding.
Over a period of some fifteen years I worked in architectural practice in Manchester, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. After a year travelling around Central and South America we settled in New Zealand where I spent a short time in practice and then started teaching architecture at undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the Victoria University of Wellington.
This experience enabled me to apply for the leadership of the Interior Architecture and Design course at the Arts University, where I have been since 2006. It’s a great job in a dynamic institution and I share this with highly creative staff and students. Together we have grown and developed the course to become one of the largest and most progressive in the UK – a course which really challenges the accepted boundaries of what the “interior” can be.
Which people do you admire most in the industry and why?
There are many highly successful individuals and practices. What I most admire is the adaptability, dynamism and skills of the industry itself. Interior design practitioners are experts at understanding the potential of design opportunities and applying their creativity to grasp those opportunities – it really is the most exciting area of design.
How do you feel about being a judge for this new student design competition?
This is one of those opportunities. The SBID Design for Business student competition will have such an impact on the lives and careers of those who enter. For the winners, it could really be a game-changer.
How did you find your judging experience?
It was such a pleasure to see such a high standard of work from across all the categories and to listen to the comments from design experts and industry leaders in those fields. I hope the students enjoyed their projects because the judges certainly enjoyed looking at them.
What advice would you give a young designer starting out in the industry?
Patience. You have to work hard. Enjoy yourself when things go well and reflect critically when they do not. Accept that this all takes time and does not happen instantly. Working in the creative industries is immensely rewarding but that reward only comes to those who stick with it and keep working at it.
If you had won £30,000 just after graduating from University, what would you have done with it?
I would travel - there is no better inspiration.
Click here to find out more about this year's Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural, life-changing student competition!
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series comprises of a spectacular penthouse set across two buildings and a charming garden apartment. The Eaton Place residence offers an unparalleled level of luxury and sophistication; with a fusion of opulent style and functional design, this period property has been thoughtfully re-designed to epitomise luxurious modern living. An iconic address in the heart of Central London, Belgravia is one of London’s most vibrant and prestigious destinations, with grand Georgian architecture surrounded by the green open spaces of both Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens. Working in close partnership with developer and interior designer, Fenton Whelan Design, Nulty Bespoke assisted with the completion and installation of several stunningly custom-made lighting pieces throughout this luxury residential apartment. The overall interior design skilfully mixes contemporary finishes with the building’s classical proportions, giving a homely yet truly inspiring sensation to each space. The sympathetic treatment of the listed building’s key rooms ensures that the historic grandeur of the property is not only retained but enhanced. Céline Gehamy, Product Designer at Nulty Bespoke comments,
‘We immensely enjoyed working on this residential project with its high spec and elegant design. From designing a creative, beautiful and practical solution for a chandelier in the tall, thin stairwell, to overseeing the colour combinations of the glass pendants within the dining room, this was just the kind of project that the Nulty Bespoke team thrives upon. Throughout the design, manufacture and installation every detail was diligently considered - from the positioning of each individual element in the design stage to the threading and fastening of every tiny crystal’.
We interviewed Celine Gehamy and Ollie Yates, Product Creation at Nulty Bespoke about their collaboration with Desariot Ademaj, the Creative Director at Fenton Whelan Design to produce bespoke lighting solutions for a project of this luxurious magnitude!
Company: Fenton Whelan Design & Nulty Bespoke
Project: Eaton Place
Project Location: London, UK
What was the client's brief?
The client requested a selection of unique and individual luminaires designed for a luxury residential apartment in London. There were a number of spaces that we had to create bespoke pieces for ranging from the living room, dining room, entertainment space, stairwell and bedroom. The project was very high end and the design of the pendants had to reflect this, whilst supporting the individual style of each room.
What inspired the design of the project?
Each space required its own identity, and this is reflected in the design of the luminaires. Such as the finishes, the shape, light source and colour temperature.
A light sculpture in the main entertaining space of the apartment, incorporates 22 mouth-blown dish-like glass shades made in London. Each shade is a combination of different hues of purple and white. The sculpture consists of two separate polished champagne-gold-coloured metal frames, which seamlessly blend together as one. Each section has two ceiling plates incorporating the same metal. The LED light source is housed in an oval-shaped detail accommodating the natural, variations of glass thickness. The underside of the glass resembles an oyster shell with a pearl nestled within.
Three large tailor-made Art Deco inspired luminaires add a stylish touch to the top floor entertaining space. The refined light fittings, each measuring 1.6m x 0.25m have been handcrafted with sandblasted reeded glass, a material reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Each luminaire exudes a diffused light, and a warm temperature of 2400k providing a soft radiant effect within the ceiling cove. The trio of elegant handmade luminaires brings a sense of perspective to the room and demonstrates that simplicity can most definitely be striking. The quality of the luminaires complements the rich materials used in the interior design, adding a classic touch to the gentleman’s club-feel of the room.
A statement cluster of 19 hand-blown glass shades made in England hang above the dining table, complementing the sense of drama in this opulent space. Dimmable filament bulbs, produce a warm colour and the shades have a variety of finishes (diamonds, ribbed, smooth) and colours (amber, grey, purple and light brown).
A handcrafted seven-metre chandelier is suspended from a precision engineered, polished nickel structure positioned directly below the elliptical skylight within the stairwell. The frame is purposely simple and open in a design to make sure the flow of natural light is not restricted. The impressive lighting installation resembles a waterfall and comprises over 100 handmade Italian glass twists and 1500 faceted crystal spheres. The glass twists have a rippled texture, an opaque centre and a pointed tip for added definition, and they complement the crystal droplets beautifully. Cascading through the centre is a spiral of 22 frosted glass lanterns housing LED lamps, which provide a soft, warm glow of light to the space, while highlighting the sculpture's intricate glass work and sparkling crystals.
A glamorous chandelier hangs from the centre of the bedroom ceiling. Two bronze-plated rings form the base of the chandelier and over 100 triangular Italian glass prisms hang from the rings and refract the LED light within, producing a warm colour temperature. Dark brown fabric envelopes the cables leading to the bronze-plated ceiling plate. The entire piece has a drop of 400mm from the ceiling
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
Adapting to the construction constraints on site proved tricky at times but we managed to work closely with the client to provide quick and efficient solutions to deliver the project on time and to a high standard.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
A highlight of the project for us lies within the attention to detail of each piece. Each luminaire was a labour of love from the initial design sketches to the final installation on site. To see our creations come to life and fit within each room perfectly brings a great sense of satisfaction as designers.
Questions answered by Celine Gehamy and Ollie Yates, Product Creation at Nulty Bespoke
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an extravagant mansion in the gated 'Karma' compound overlooking the luxurious quarter in Cairo, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Nulty Bespoke | SBID International Design Awards 2018
In keeping with the aim of global design excellence for the next generation, we gathered the world’s best experts across five competitive creative sectors to be judges in the SBID & BEOPEN Student Design Competition. On Tuesday 18th September, we rounded up this panel of esteemed professionals to discuss, deliberate and decide on our 15 fortunate finalists for each of the creative categories across Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Product Design, Art and Fashion. The finalists are set to be announced on Monday 29th October 2018!
We interviewed our judge; leading global hospitality Designer and Founder of HG DesignWorks, Hans J. Galutera to get insight on his experience within the industry. He shares his valuable advice for students and young designers alike who are about to embark on their journey into the diverse field of design.
Having worked on multiple public spaces on the largest cruise-liners and some of the most technological ships of the world, I am now focusing work on hotels - primarily restaurants, bars and lounges which are currently in construction in my hometown Melbourne, Australia. I am also working on a number of luxury residential properties in New York City and Asbury Park New Jersey.W
My background is in interior architectural design. I graduated from Melbourne College of Decoration in Australia and then further studied in the Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Interior Design Magna Cum Laude in FIT SUNY in New York City in the United States. I then apprenticed for prestigious high-end architectural design firms such as Daniel Romualdez Architects, CITE Design and Birch Coffey Design Associates. Shortly after in New York City Feb 2002, I established my own multidisciplinary firm with an Italian business partner to form BG Studio International Inc. which encompassed all aspects of design – from commercial and residential interiors to furniture, products, exhibitions, and graphics. In 2004, the studio began specializing in maritime hospitality design onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas. This is the first ever lengthening project of a ship cut in half and rejoined to create revenue generating spaces for the second biggest owners of cruiseliners of the world. Since then, signature restaurants have been created for celebrity chefs on Celebrity Cruises Specialty Restaurants and largest ships of the world at the moment - Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas just to name a few. My most memorable and ultimate best design was the Penthouse Suite with the prize-winning Celebrity Cruises Reflection of the Seas for the Society of British International Design awarded at the House of Lords in London, UK.
It really depends but in terms of inspiration I am always drawn to iconic legendary designers. I am an avid admirer of French designers such as Jean Michel Frank who is often known as a minimalist, but his layering of rich textures and luxurious materials give a sense of maximalism that makes his work so interesting and complex; Andre Arbus furniture designer, sculptor and architect; Jean Prouve whose furniture is a wonderful blend of architecture and engineering; and America’s William Haines for his courageous story as an actor turned interior designer, and one of the progenitors of interior design’s Hollywood Regency period. There are so many!
I think this design competition is quite unique as it combines all facets of creatives from fashion, product and interior design, but most importantly - the big cash prize which will really make a difference in a student’s life. It would be interesting to see the student’s career follow up and the amazing things that could potentially be life changing for the economy and perhaps the world with their design cleverness and solutions.
The judging experience was very well organised as it is always a challenge to carefully vet and decide on multiple criteria, especially with the various design categories. Also I think having the judges reconvene and continue to debate the comparative merits of each design project is a wonderful way to reaffirm the final prize winner.
Travel, Educate, Absorb Culture! Be humble and watch out for your ego. It is the number one obstacle that stops you as pride will always get in the way and then you head for a great big stumble. After over 20 years of doing this, I am still learning that. And finally, as the old cliche says - “do what you love and you will never work another day in your life…”
If I had won that top prize, the first thing I would do is pay off my student loans and if there is any left then I'd book a holiday to my favourite vacation spot!
Click here to find out more about this year's Designed for Business judging panel or visit our website, here, for further announcements and information about this inaugural student design competition!
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an extravagant mansion situated at the top of a cliff and surrounded by an incredible landscape in the gated upscale 'Karma' compound overlooking the 'Sixth of October' luxurious quarter in Cairo, Egypt. Nihal Zaki had always been acclaimed for her talent in mixing period classic styles and making them blend lavishly, so when commissioned by a mature couple with this mansion to fulfil their retirement dreams, the design unsurprisingly embraced the client's love of travel, antiques and art collecting; merging traditional period style features combined with Chinese and Tibetan influences for an elegant and eclectic interior scheme.
Company: Nihal Zaki Interiors
Project: KARMA Mansion 'Chinese Bathroom'
Project Location: Cairo, Egypt
The ‘Chinese bathroom’ located in the KARMA Mansion comprised of a powder room and guest bathroom in the ground floor. The client didn’t give us a brief design-wise. They only specified that they wanted to achieve a classically inspired design style.
My client travelled a lot and was a big antiques collector! One day they sent to our office an ancient Tibet wooden piece with a magnificent dragon carved into it, and the moment I laid eyes on it I knew that this would be my pièce de résistance for the guest bathroom and hence the ‘Chinese bathroom’ came to life.. We suggested ‘Chinese’ as a concept because we wanted to create a diversity of styles and our client was fond of Chinese art as well as Tibetan heritage.
The concept revolved around warm yet vivid red and earthly colours while introducing indirect LED lights with subtle reflections and shades. Glass orange mosaics were used to enrich the overall experience and black granite sinks were carved and mounted in both the powder area and bathroom. This bathroom is mystical, boasting magnificent Eastern essences.
The walls! The shape of those two joint spaces (powder room and bathroom / toilet area) were diagonal and irregularly shaped! The powder room was more of a triangle whilst the toilet area was a narrow corridor.. We overcame that by panelling and framing coloured rattan inspired wallpaper with wooden Asian-style frames in keeping with the traditional, Chinese inspired design vision.
The clients were a mature couple who chose this heavenly spot as their retirement place and they were passionate about travelling and collecting all sorts of antiques and vintage items from all over the world. It was our job to design and build interiors that would complement their precious acquisitions which was a rewarding challenge! The Tibet prayer chair was another problem piece acquired by my client that was later added to the bathroom space, greeting the guests as they entered!
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
Because of its incredible reputation and the versatility of entries and designs, submitted from all over the world. The SBID Awards feels like the champions league!
Questions answered by Nihal Zaki, CEO of Nihal Zaki Interiors.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a country home which married together a traditional façade with a contemporary and sumptuous interior, click here to see more.
Nihal Zaki Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Property is built to last, but how it is used is constantly evolving. As properties now see many incarnations, adapting their usage from old banks, railway stations and working mills into homes, wedding venues and boutique hotels - the interior design approach we take has had to evolve.
From staying true to a building’s end purpose to embracing and emphasising glorious heritage features to give us interiors inspiration, every detail of the interior design scheme needs to be considered. From the common concept of choosing your colour palette, to the more abstract concept of incorporating balance and harmony into the design mix - gone are the days of basic and simple designs that blend in; we are now embracing a much bolder design era through every room. This is especially true in the bathroom which previously was just a place for functional use but now sees design inspiration from other areas as people look to use it for relaxing, unwinding and getting some elusive ‘me time’.
The idea of changing rooms has never been truer than when we look to the hotel industry. Not only is it the public spaces which get upgraded but the bedrooms and bathrooms are becoming a bigger focus and opportunity for the industry to ban the bland and opt for playful spaces which help them stand out and meet the demands of increasingly trend-aware guests. There’s more to marry up than ever before though.
In the age of the digital detox and the mindfulness movement, Biophilic interior design, connecting with nature, isn’t new but it’s definitely sought after and helps hotels get guests through the door. But it’s no mean feat bringing the outdoors in to calm the mind and cleanse the soul while making sure the minute you get in the room, cutting-edge technology can still keep you connected to the outside world.
Then of course you drill down to the basics, the practical products that make or break a hotel room. Keeping the space clutter free, building clever compositions with furnishings and finessing the focal points, while making sure your guests have a home for everything they may need during a stay. In the bathroom, this can mean a drenching shower, quiet soft close toilet seat and a towel in the perfect place when needed.
To discover how bathroom brands are adapting to the changing demands and priorities of hotel guests, and therefore specifiers in the digital age, we spoke to Sophie Taylor, the National Specification Manager of luxury bathroom brand, Heritage Bathrooms.
“A hotel could easily get caught up in a revolving design overhaul, ushering in new trends as they come and go, and when you work in the hospitality industry the high traffic wear and tear a space will see could probably justify it. But at Heritage, we believe that you could turn our products to any backdrop and their distinctively individual design will continue to shine through year after year.”
“One such way to ensure a bathroom can stand the test of time and be infinitely adaptable is to opt for products which are built with personalisation in mind. Heritage cast iron baths which are primed and ready to paint in any hue or retro fit brassware which can be updated as though it is jewellery on a designer outfit, are products which can evolve in line with changing trends and demands, and therefore a smart and stylish way to future-proof your design.”
“Of course, substance remains equally as important as style especially within the hospitality industry, so striking the perfect balance between fashion and functionality is paramount for specifiers. That’s where multi-purpose products come in.”
“The exposed metallic base of a washstand for example oozes boutique glamour, but options with accessories and amenities to add a little something extra to a hotel guest’s experience are also ideal for ticking the practicality box. Glass shelves to display toiletries and towel rails for convenient hand drying are little touches which go a long way and help to keep a hotel bathroom both clutter free and chic, while ensuring guests leave feeling like they’ve had the luxury treatment.”
“This all ties into the idea of well-being, self-care and ‘me time’ too which is a huge focus within the specification market at the moment - where the role of a bathroom is no longer really just a bathroom at all. Providing a relaxing place to not only bathe but also read a book, pamper or listen to music is key in order to appeal to modern guests who are already increasingly blurring the lines between bathroom spaces and living spaces within their own homes. This expectation means specifiers should take an integrated approach to designing technology, lighting, flooring and décor to ensure the final vision for the interior design is seamless and all elements work together in harmony.”
“Finally, in the age of Instagram where the seeds of interior design inspiration are sewn and shared, bathroom designs which delight and make an impact are providing hoteliers and specifiers with a new and exciting viral marketing opportunity too. Despite this being a relatively new phenomenon, Schofield’s insurance recently found that 40% of 21 – 37 year olds now choose their holiday destinations based on how good they will look on Instagram - so it’s more important than ever that hoteliers and specifiers work together to create unforgettable spaces in order to remain competitive and make the cut in this growing market. At Heritage, we support this by constantly reviewing trends and bringing the latest inspiration to our products. For example we have just launched a daring mock-croc effect bath called Alderley with these Instagram guests in mind, giving hoteliers a playful way to introduce showstopping and tactile textures with ‘feel appeal’ across all elements of a guest bathroom space. It is the ideal way to create a truly unforgettable aesthetic that guests are sure to love to share.”
Creating the new hybrid hotel to make it a timeless destination and an oasis of opulence, calmness and serenity, will take its own design journey, one that is perfect to start at the Independent Hotel Show on 16/17 October at Olympia, London – an event that plays host to a curated collection of innovative products and brands from across the hotel supply chain. Heritage Bathrooms are showcasing some of their stand out designs and sharing inspirational ideas for boutique hotels. Visit them on stand 187.
To find out how the Heritage Bathrooms product portfolio of beautiful brassware, suites, freestanding baths and accessories could help you when changing your rooms, or to find out more about its end to end specification service visit: www.heritagebathrooms.com/specify
For our series following wellness in interiors, SBID spoke with Interior Architect and Creative Director, Ann-marie Weekes, who's extensive 17-year career in Interior Design and Architecture saw her amongst William Russell's Architectural team designing Alexander McQueen's international boutiques; working on multi-million pound projects from M&S's environmentally sustainable flagship store in Cheshire Oaks, to Dunhill's grade 2 listed Bourdon House in Mayfair. She also works very closely with the Orassy in London, who have an Integrative Medical Doctor and health practitioners who seek to understand the complex nature of ill health, whether it be mental, physical, emotional or environmental. With experience in both the interiors and the wellness sectors, Ann-marie shared her thoughtful perspective on introducing concepts of wellness and interior wellbeing into the designs of our homes to in turn, help us improve and remove toxicity from our modern day lifestyles. . .
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This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features an imposing, new build ‘Manor House’ style country home which married together a traditional façade with a contemporary and sumptuous interior, comprising of over 9,239 square feet of living space. Oakeve Interiors were involved in every aspect of the interior design of Hurlingham in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. This magnificent residence of grand proportions effortlessly combined opulence with practicality and comfort, responding directly to the design brief. The integration of sensible, user-friendly technologies, combined with a luxurious interiors scheme, which included statement pieces of iconic artwork and sculptures, created a home that sold to clients that bought into the ‘aspirational lifestyle choice’ and purchased Hurlingham with the full show home interiors package. The purchasers described Hurlingham as “the luxurious home that they had always dreamed of owning.”
Company: Oakeve Interiors
Project: Hurlingham
Project Location: Beaconsfield, United Kingdom
The design brief was to translate ideas and specifications of the developer client into a stunning interiors scheme, engendering an ‘aspirational family lifestyle’ choice, whilst balancing this with the need to adhere to a strict budget.
The traditional ‘Manor House’ façade of Hurlingham distinguishes itself from neighbouring properties, creating a statement, luxury residence on one of the most exclusive residential roads in Buckinghamshire. The property’s statuesque façade provided inspiration to the interiors scheme, as an opulent scheme was needed to reflect the grandeur of the property’s exterior.
Within the Kitchen design, ensuring connectivity within the large, open plan space to allow for cooking, dining and relaxation areas was a key and challenging aspect of the project.
This was successfully realised by utilising a combination of luxury, state-of-the-art appliances, with generous circulation spaces and a large, but proportionate, kitchen island, resulting in the cooking area being perfectly sized for the room proportions.
Bespoke, individually commissioned furniture in a complementary high gloss, bird’s eye maple veneer to the Kitchen cabinetry was designed for the Breakfast Area and Family Room to ensure design continuity, creating a sumptuous, seamless flow within this capacious open-plan living space. In addition, to further enforce this association, a complementary amethyst and smoked grey colour palette was utilised throughout.
Hurlingham married the finest handcrafted materials with state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled attention-to-detail, creating a luxurious show home, meeting the brief and providing the client with a unique, very saleable asset. One of our highlights came upon successfully answering the design brief and handing over the project to the developer client as the property sold within two weeks of its official launch and within 5% of the £6 million guide price, along with the full interior design scheme.
The SBID International Design Awards are very prestigious and revered accolades that set the industry benchmark for acclaimed, skilful interior design and architecture across the globe. They acknowledge the passion, commitment and hard work by individuals and organisations alike, attaining recognition and respect from our peers and within the interior and architectural industry as a whole.
Questions answered by Iona Newton, Director of Interior Design at Oakeve Interiors.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a contemporary workplace which connects office spaces with architecture, click here to see more.
Oakeve Interiors | SBID International Design Awards 2018
Now in it's eighth year, designjunction, the curated exhibition of cutting-edge design held between 20 – 23 September, is set across three exciting venues located in the cultural hub of London's South Bank; you can expect to discover 200 international brands and boutique shops, hundreds of product launches, outdoor installations, major brand activations, as well as delicious pop-up eateries and bars. Like the sound of that? Well, luckily for SBID Members, we have secured a limited number of VIP Platinum Passes exclusively for our members to enjoy the VIP treatment!
With the Platinum Pass you can enjoy: • Entry to the VIP Party on Wednesday 19th September • Unlimited access to the show during open hours • Free guided tour of the show, available daily from the press office
The Doon Street site - the largest super-structure ever built by designjunction - will feature up to 200 design brands and pop-up shops across the furniture, lighting and retail sectors. The Riverside Walkway will showcase a series of outdoor installations, whilst Oxo Tower Wharf and Bargehouse will host brand activations, talks, exhibitions and experiential events.
On the first floor of the Doon Street site, STILL BY FORM is a unique restaurant installation designed with a palette of harmonious layers of colours and texture to provide a setting for quiet contemplation; allowing visitors to disconnect for a moment of observation and reflect away from the bustle of the show.
Curated by design consultancy and procurement specialists BY FORM, the pop-up restaurant serves as a backdrop for exciting interior pieces that are yet to be showcased in the UK. STILL is influenced by simple Danish design and organic Japanese aesthetics, showcasing a selection of hand-picked collaborations with brands and designers. The pop-up restaurant installation features a refined collection of design across lighting, textiles, surfaces and furniture, and new materials, including brands like Anour, &tradition, KABE Copenhagen, Zilenzio and Atkinson & Kirby. The menu will be provided by 26 Grains, from Neil’s Yard London.
STILL utilises Caesarstone's newly launched Topus Concrete surface design for the restaurant’s main bar. Developed as part of the Caesarstone design team’s wider exploration of industrial finishes and weathered patinas, Topus Concrete’s gentle linier pattern is reminiscent of Jupiter’s rotating cloud bands, while its warm blush pink colours sit harmoniously within the calming palette used across STILL.
International design brand Gufram will also be presenting its playful Disco Gufram installation on the ground floor of the Doon Street site. Visitors to the show will be able to experience the immersive nightclub-inspired interior, a space intertwined with pop culture from the mid 1960’s, re-thought and re-shaped by Gufram. The Italian manufacturer has collaborated with three design studios on a disco-inspired collection: an extensive collection of sofas by Italian Atelier Biagetti, a series of innovative cabinets by Dutch design collective ROTGANZEN and a colourful range of rugs by French duo GGSV.
At Oxo Tower Wharf and Bargehouse, Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra will present 'The Original. About the power of good design' as part of its international roadshow. The installation focuses on Vitra’s classic and contemporary products, offering insights into the product development processes and recounting the origins and stories behind some of their most recognisable designs.
‘The Original. About the power of good design’ exhibition forms part of Vitra’s ‘The Original’ campaign, communicating Vitra’s commitment to maintaining close relationships with its designers - who are referred to as authors - and the result of these collaborations always being truly original.
Flooring creatives, Bolon will launch nature-inspired collection, Elements, in an exhibition showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Subtle and versatile, the Elements range reflects the textures of the natural environment and is inspired by materials such as linen, oak, ask, cork, birch and marble. The exhibition will highlight Bolon's two new sustainable initiatives, Closing the Circle and Cradle to Cradle with NoGlue®, and reflect on its history of environmental consciousness which started when its founder, Nils-Erik Eklund began making woven rugs from vinyl waste sourced from a Stockholm factory in 1949.
Urban Roof Gardens, leading design practice creating unique and stylish roof gardens, will bring its new Urban Biophilia concept to the Bargehouse courtyard. Exploring the profound relationship between people and nature, the installation will provide city dwellers with a botanical sanctuary.
Leading bathroom brand VitrA will present its new Plural collection conceived by Milan-based American designer Terri Pecora. Inspired by the heritage of communal bathing spaces and rituals, the range introduces the bathroom as a social hub and informal living environment where people meet and reconnect with themselves and their family.
Lighting manufacturer ANDlight based in Vancouver, Canada, will unveil three new product families – the minimal Array collection and the astral-inspired Orbit light by Lukas Peet and the Vine by Caine Heintzman.
designjunction will see the official launch of the Form sofa family, the latest collection by Icons of Denmark. Bringing Danish design to the UK, the brand will also unveil a new one-seater booth responding to the needs for flexible, but private office furniture solutions.
This year, designjunction will not only be returning with an abundance of the latest design innovations, product launches and trends for the forthcoming year, but will be bringing with it an inspirational troop of thought-provoking outdoor installations on the Riverside Walkway. British designer Steuart Padwick will be among the few to make a dramatic addition to the London skyline during designjunction in support of mental health with his project, Head Above Water. With its panoramic views of St Paul Cathedral and the iconic city skyline, the 9 metre high sculpture on Queen’s Stone jetty is designed to initiate the vital discourse about a topic which is all too often swept under the carpet.
The ‘Head’ is deliberately gender, ethnicity and age neutral and stands as a symbol of hope, bravery, compassion, positivity and change for those who have or are still confronting mental health issues. Steuart Padwick first sculpted a head in clay and then developed the concept into its current form using precision engineered, renewable and sustainable cross-laminated timber panels, provided by Stora Enso. To realise the structure Steuart Padwick worked with structural engineering expertise, Ramboll. It is a model of sustainable, smart design and build.
For more information about the events, installations, talks or for a full list of exhibitors, click here
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a workplace which intended to create more of a relationship between office spaces and architecture. Colour on the floor and walls was used to create separate working areas and multi-functional areas, while French windows at the culmination of the traffic flow channel the sunshine and green areas to the inside. A sample display area set at the rear gives users a place to meet and discuss. Here, concrete has been used on the surface to create a sense of vastness and space. Throughout the project, materials were selected for their ability to deliver the greatest impact with minimum quantities required. A bookcase brings the two floors harmoniously together; combing the upper and lower bookcases increased the connection between the two floors so that the boundaries between the floors are removed.
Company: Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute
Project: TOPOSITION Construction Office
Project Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
TOPOSITION Construction, a subsidiary company, is affiliated with the well-known multinational waste treatment company, Cleanaway Company. The parent company's business model is international and is dedicated to the disposal of low-pollution waste. The client has lofty moral and aesthetic standards, and the requirements for work is not only the control of costs, but also the spirit of entrepreneurship; to want to give back to the people of their hometown. They insist on setting the headquarters of the group in this small city of Gangshan District.
Geometry and vertical style designs create an extreme vision and atmosphere. Hopefully it is not only a working space, but also a space with resonance between people and bold architectural elements.
Originally, the plan is not related to the curved wall at the entrance on the exterior architecture; however, based on the idea of creating more co-ordination between the space and the architecture this became an important consideration. The original arrangement were all atrium type spaces, so how to use this to create that connection is what I needed to think about.
The curved wall at the entrance hall is created to connect the office’s entrance hall and headquarters’ lobby by using stone materials to extend interior space from outdoors. The glass wall to the curved stone wall reduces the external interference. The new stone wall extends the original arc of the building, and enhances the interest and coordination of the space.
The side entrance breaks the original pattern and makes the buffer for the original route in the space. As the original arrangement was all atrium spaces, we transform the office area into an atrium, so that there is only a difference of one floor, and you will first see the ground level before the second level. The space converges and then opens. After entering the room, you are drawn to the natural light which creates a path from start to finish; opening the originally closed walls and setting the French windows helped to create a comfortable environment for people to appreciate nature. Creating this connection between people, architecture and the environment was definitely a highlight of the project.
The Award recognises and rewards outstanding and distinguished workers and teams in the International design arena. Winning the SBID International Design Award is a great achievement and honour for global designers.
Questions answered by Keng-Fu Lo, Managing Director of Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a luxurious, 1920’s style family home in South Kensington, click here to see more.
Chain10 Architecture & Interior Design Institute | SBID International Design Awards 2018
The Summer may be drawing to a close, but the design industry is always looking ahead! Check out our round-up of latest must-have interior products and design features to keep your designs ahead of the curve with new collection launches, product releases and creative collaborations to welcome the Autumn season in style!
For London Design Festival 2018, Nicholas Anthony is privileged to unveil the latest in grandeur lighting through its partnership with Occhio. As the recent winner of the Lighting Design Awards 2018 for best “Architectural Luminaire Interior”, Occhio’s prestigious ‘Mito’ design will be on display for all to see during the LDF period in the form of a breathtaking installation. The beautiful ‘Mito’ design is coupled with the Occhio Air System technology and touchless control, allowing you to effortlessly alter the lighting in any environment. Emphasising the Occhio ‘Mito’ is a simple task as the elegant design oozes class and adds that extra sense of quality and wow-factor to any interior.
During the event itself, Nicholas Anthony will play host to the large audiences by welcoming them into the showroom to talk and network; as well as supplying the finest Louis Roderer champagne and freshly made canapés. Once you step inside the showroom you will be greeted by the newest in Occhio interactive technology. From 15 and 17 - 22 September, make sure you find yourself at the Nicholas Anthony Knightsbridge showroom to witness the splendour of the Nicholas Anthony x Occhio ‘Mito’ partnership display.
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Clartés Bohemia is known for being an expert in manufacturing bespoke lighting installations, luxury luminaires and glass objects used in spectacular interiors. In their family-owned glass factory in the north of the Czech Republic, they take interior designer's challenging concepts and turn them into a reality. Having the glass factory and metal processing workshops, the independence from other suppliers makes the difference. All their production is handmade to provide the clients with results of supreme quality and a unique level of artisanship. Their factory offers an extensive range of colours in glass matter and optical moulds catering to any bespoke project need.
Their latest project is the launch of an online UK boutique. They introduce a signature collection of Hobnail Glassware which revisits a successful design from the mid-century supplemented with a modern touch. The collection features a unique optical décor which reflects the light in an exquisite way. All the glassware is mouthblown, lead-free and dishwasher safe, and will become your favourite piece of tableware.
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Designed by Jonathan Hindle FCSD, KI’s new Take5 lounge seating collection is inspired by mid-century styling and designed for today’s workspaces. The collection’s single, two- and three-seater sofas with low or high backs are complemented by ottomans, coffee tables and side tables. Take5’s pillowed shapes and curved armrests are evocative of a teddy bear, instantly inviting the user to feel comfortable and relaxed. The space beneath the armrests also acts as legroom, allowing the user to pivot to the side. The flat top of the armrests double as both a secondary seating surface and a worktop for notebooks or laptops. Each sofa can be fitted with power and USB modules. Matching or contrasting upholstered high backs can be added to reduce distractions, increase a sense of privacy and for noise reduction. These elegant products help to create a more domestic atmosphere in the corporate workspace.
Coinciding with the launch of Take5, KI have teamed up with leading textiles designer, Natasha Marshall, as well as Bute Fabrics, to create exclusive print fabrics to further enhance the collection’s domestic appeal. Two new designs, ‘Vista’ and ‘Pompom’ have been produced in exclusive colourways especially for Take5. Custom colours can also be produced to match a specific project. Jonathan Hindle comments:
“Workplaces are increasingly taking cues from hospitality and domestic environments to create altogether more inviting, comfortable spaces. Untethered from our desks, we now seek spaces that support casual collaboration, or give us an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy office space. Take5 was created to allow workers to find an appropriate work setting for either individual or group tasks, or to simply take ‘5 minutes’ away from work and regenerate.”
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A collection of sophisticated 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics designed by the heritage textiles company. The original British company was founded in 1861 by artist and designer William Morris, and became known for decorative patterns and wood block prints. The collaboration features these iconic patterns in new fabric qualities - Strawberry Thief, Branch, Rosehip, Bachelors Button, Marigold, Poppy, Willow Bough - while also debuting four qualities inspired by Morris’ innovative spirit - Ascot Stripe, Piccadilly Stripe, Jaunty, and Blurred Lines. It also boasts four new colourways - Spearmint, Zephyr, Blue Moon, Peppercorn - updating historic styles with a fresh and pure colour palette. The collection highlights traditional British patterns while introducing soothing tones, offering ornate yet accessible pattern play, and transforming William Morris’ centuries-old designs into exquisite liveable fabrics that can be styled indoors or out.
The pretty muted pastel shades of Sandy Bay’s new Retreat Collection are bang on trend, as is the lovely, tactile matt effect glassware, and attractive packaging featuring the Sandy Bay branding. The 4 gorgeous fragrances are true to their names, Sublime (pomelo, magnolia, jasmine, clove, patchouli and nutmeg), Radiance (rose otto, cassis, lemon, bergamot, violet, geranium and soft woods), Heavenly (watermelon, basil, cucumber floral and musk) and Decadence (citrus, geranium leaves, lemongrass, pine needles, cedar and black pepper). Each has been designed to transport you to a happy place of pure self-indulgence. These are fragrances that you will want to use every day, so the addition of new, natural hand washes and hand lotions are a perfect way to pamper yourself with these delightful scents. The natural theme of this range flows though all products, candles are hand poured using Sandy Bay’s own unique blend of Natural Wax which contains Coconut Wax, and the Reed Diffusers are made with an alcohol-free, odour-free base.
If you have a space that is in need of a vibrant, unique and artistic touch, Deni Lillian Art, the professionals in providing abstract art create bespoke pieces for their clients. Now, a new and exciting collaboration with ImageCo Interiors takes this to the next level! ImageCo Interiors bring a wealth of experience in reproducing large format art in a variety of sizes and finishes - and even provides installation services!
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