Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), the UK’s leading design festival, returns to London between 23 – 25 May 2023 – with a stronger-than-ever programme including the exciting addition of Design London. “With the global design community descending to London in May, Clerkenwell Design Week is the perfect new home for Design London,” says Marlon Cera-Marle, Design Division Director of Media 10. “Amalgamating Design London (which was formerly held in Greenwich in September) into the programme of events further bolsters the experience of Clerkenwell Design Week, as the most anticipated design destination after Milan.”
The 12th edition of CDW will again take place in the heart of Clerkenwell – historically a melting pot of craftsmen and makers, and now home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world. The 2023 festival is set to offer the biggest programme to date – with more than 600 events taking place across the EC1 neighbourhood.
Since inception in 2009, CDW has established itself as one of the foremost independent festivals in the global design calendar, championing design excellence, creativity and innovations.
“We’re thrilled to be back with Clerkenwell Design Week this May,” says Cera-Marle.“CDW is always known for being one of the key destinations for specification – as well as discovering new talent and ideas – for architects, interior designers and creative minds alike.”
“This year we have a strong line-up of brands, partners and speakers joining our programme – which we look forward to announcing in spring. From product showcases to one-off installations, headline talks to networking events, CDW 2023 will bring some of the most exciting and forward-thinking content to Clerkenwell – while celebrating the best of design and creativity from around the world.”
The 2023 festival welcomes two new additions to its exhibition venues across Clerkenwell, taking the total number to 12. Hosting an array of temporary shows, this year’s venues include:
Together, these 12 unique venues will present over 300 design brands and emerging talent – covering furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, textiles, home interior accessories, lighting, materials and surfaces. Some of the participants include: Ercol, Dare Studio, Benchmark, Another Country, Christian Watson, James Burleigh, KI, Meridiani, Saba Italia, Samuel Heath, Romo, Ultrafabrics, Spark & Bell, Chelsom, Jonathan Coles, and Curiousa. Click here for the latest exhibitor list.
Another significant aspect of CDW is its network of showroom partners (full list), with an extensive line-up of topic-led initiatives and events; from product launches and exhibitions to workshops and panel discussions. This year, expect to see over 130 established names from both the UK and overseas – including: Ideal Standard, Kohler, VitrA, Cosentino, Gessi, Iris Ceramica, Arper, Fritz Hansen, Fredericia, Icons of Denmark, Modus, Flokk, Orangebox, Bisley, Lintex, Allermuir, Bolon, Camira Fabrics, Formica, Solid Nature, Havwoods, Marazzi, Strata Tiles and Parkside.
Meanwhile, eight destinations across Clerkenwell – including the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Paxton Locher House, Bourne and Hollingsworth, Groupwork, the Museum of the Order of St John, Yotel, Brewhouse Yard and Cowcross Yards – will be taken over by a selection of international brands and trade institutions; for instance, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses and Incheon City will present a design showcase at the Order of St John.
Alongside product and showroom showcases, CDW will also bring a series of specially commissioned, site-specific installations – as part of CDW Presents – as well as brand activations from the likes of Budweiser Budvar, Baux, Lammhults, Jennifer Newman, Texaa, Swatchbox, Habbio and Universal Fibers to the streets of Clerkenwell during the festival. Watch this space for further announcements.
Also returning to CDW is Conversations at Clerkenwell – a compelling schedule of daily talks aimed to explore current industry topics, drawing upon insight, opinion and debates from designers, architects and business leaders alike. Curated by brand consultant, Katie Richardson, the 2023 talks will be hosted in a purpose-built theatre in Spa Fields – sponsored by RAK Ceramics. The full line-up of speakers will be revealed in spring.
Last but not least, throughout the festival, various design studios will open their doors to visitors who can participate in a range of creative workshops – as part of the Fringe programme – whilst enjoying a variety of discounts and deals offered by local food and drink partners.
In 2022, CDW returned for the first time after the pandemic, attracting 30,424 visitors from the UK and overseas.
The 12th edition of Clerkenwell Design Week takes place across EC1, London from 23 – 25 May 2023. More details about the upcoming event will be announced in due course. For more information, please visit clerkenwelldesignweek.com.
Cover image: Photo credit © Sam Frost
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Whether it is a space designed specifically for outdoor play or learning environments, or a space to meet and relax, outdoor spaces encourage healthy behaviors and improve the physical and mental wellbeing.
Arper is a fast-growing company founded in 1989 — a family business guided by an integrative, human-centered approach. They have grown from a furniture manufacturing business to an international design presence, dramatically increasing their turnover and adding hundreds of new employees to the Arper family.
Outdoor spaces encourage healthy behaviors, improve the physical and mental wellbeing, and also connect people to the natural world — creating a sense of environmental responsibility.
About Arper UK Ltd
Arper is a leading Italian company that creates chairs, tables, and furnishings for community, work and home. We explore design to improve the relationship between people and spaces. We frame everything—our soft, essential design sensibility, our direct and personalized service, our organizational and corporate policies, our global brand identity—in terms of human values.
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Chosen for the British electrical accessories manufacturer's broad range of distinctive products and in-house manufacturing, testing and finishing capabilities complemented by bespoke services, premium switches and sockets brand Focus SB's Horizon Square faceplate style has been selected by the global interior designers at Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) for this striking high-end residential and hospitality mixed-use project. All products are to be delivered in a sustainable product packaging solution tailored to the luxury property development by Focus SB's design and engineering team.
The £470M Aspen at Consort Place development from Hong Kong Far East Consortium (FEC) is designed by architect Pilbrow & Partners and at 80,000 sq m features London’s newest skyscrapers in Canary Wharf. The taller east tower out of the 65 and 35 storey towers being built by main contractor Midgard is to be known as Aspen and is set to become an impressive landmark on the London skyline.
Aspen will comprise 495 contemporary apartments, a health centre and four star international hotel Dorsett Aspen at Consort Place Canary Wharf offering 231 guest rooms, a restaurant, cafe, gym, conference facility, sky bar, terrace and a specialist retail space. The development is set to complete in 2023.
Designers can contact Focus SB to book a product presentation with a regional business development manager or to register their interest in receiving a 24hr exclusive lookbook preview by email of an industry first luxury product which launched on March 31st!
About Focus SB
Focus SB® is an award winning innovative British manufacturer renowned for the design, development and specialist hand finishing of premium electrical wiring accessories, blending traditional artisan techniques with the latest technology; specified for world class hospitality and leisure resorts, prime residential developments, heritage buildings, royal residences, superyachts and commercial projects both domestically and internationally.
Nothing compares to water – the elixir of life. Whether it’s the soothing sounds, or the feel on the skin, through our experiences with water we can switch off from the noise of the outside world – to find peace for body, mind, and soul. Whether in people’s homes or hotel rooms, it is usually the bathroom that serves as a personal space of retreat. It’s the place for precious me-moments of indulgent bliss where we find hidden strength and new energy. The renaissance of the bathroom and its increasing significance as a zone of regeneration has been accompanied by heightened client expectations with regard to bathroom planning – for private houses as well as hospitality projects.
Guided by the underlying belief that water is the source of vital energy, GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, has revitalized its GROHE SPA portfolio. The word SPA originates from the first letters of ‘Salus Per Aquam’, Latin for ‘Health Through Water’. This is the founding concept behind GROHE SPA. Transforming the bathroom into a home spa is not just about using individual products, but about creating holistic experiences that embrace the positive effects of water on the body and mind. GROHE SPA curates exclusive products to create unique luxurious wellbeing areas that allow the user to become immersed in soothing water rituals.
The broad GROHE SPA portfolio ranges from elaborate tap collections, customisable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics to complementary accessories. GROHE SPA redefines what is possible in terms of design, technology, and precision. Customers who wish to bring a new, bespoke kind of luxury to their private home spa will feel GROHE’s passion for water in every detail.
With GROHE SPA, architects, designers and planners now have the freedom to select from a carefully curated bathroom portfolio which offers customisable options to match customers' personal needs and their individuality. The brand-new GROHE Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections allow a choice of different colour, material, finish, and handle options to help design one-of-a-kind bathroom pieces. In order to enable end-consumers to enjoy an authentic marble style with a high-quality finish, GROHE is partnering with Caesarstone, the global pioneer of premium countertop surfaces, to craft tap handles in the brand’s timeless and durable quartz designs. Caesarstone has a long-standing reputation for designing and producing high-end engineered surfaces, used in some of the most exclusive residential and commercial buildings around the world. Caesarstone surfaces can be combined with GROHE SPA Private Collections for a truly bespoke design.
Thanks to the GROHE SPA Aqua Rainshower Ceiling Shower Modules, the shower experience can also be tailored to the user’s personal preferences. In this way, unique spaces are created that stand out and bear the signature of the designer.
“The products sit at the intersection of premium quality, cutting-edge technology, unrivalled precision, and progressive design. We are driven by a spirit of redefining what is possible, leveraging industry-leading production techniques like 3D metal-printing, to create exclusive designs.
Addressing the rising macro trend for Health & Wellbeing, GROHE SPA is designed to enable architects, designers, and planners to create the ultimate water experience for their bathrooms and spas”, explains Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design, EMENA.
In addition to this versatile but coordinated product portfolio, GROHE offers expert consultation to guide architects, designers and specifiers, as well as project developers, through the whole process.
Architects and designers can experience GROHE SPA first-hand at Milan Design Week, taking place from 18th - 23rd April 2023. Located in the Brera district, GROHE SPA will be showcased by way of a water surface installation – designed by the in-house design & brand identity team LIXIL Global Design – which will reflect the stunning architecture of one of the world’s most prestigious art museums, the Pinacoteca di Brera, while expressing the overall GROHE SPA Health Through Water concept. The exhibition will be complemented by outstanding bathroom designs occupying four immersive cubes nestled within the space, each expressing one of our four tiers: exclusive 3D metal-printed products, the new bespoke Atrio and Allure Brilliant Private Collections, trend-leading GROHE Colours, and a multi-sensory experience for the brand’s modular shower solutions.
The installation will be open to the public on
About GROHE
GROHE is a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings. In order to offer "Pure Freude an Wasser", every GROHE product is based on the brand values of quality, technology, design and sustainability. Focused on customer needs, GROHE thus creates intelligent, life-enhancing and sustainable product solutions that offer relevant added value – and bear the "Made in Germany" seal of quality: R&D and design are firmly anchored as an integrated process in Germany. GROHE takes its corporate responsibility very seriously and focuses on a resource-saving value chain. Since April 2020, the sanitary brand has been producing CO2-neutral* worldwide. GROHE has also set itself the goal of using plastic-free product packaging by 2021.
A gym’s layout has a big impact on the aesthetics of the overall space and, as such, careful planning should go into the positioning of each piece of equipment. “As with every room in a house, a home gym should be worthy of an amazing photoshoot and avoid falling into the all-too-common trap of looking like a cluttered jungle of metal and plastic,” advises Edward Thomas, Managing Partner of Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors.
Firstly, it helps arrange equipment in a way that is aesthetically optimised when anyone walks into the gym so that the space feels expansive and orderly. This can be done by placing equipment in ascending height order and avoiding any bulky machines directly in front of the entrance.
It is also recommended that gym layouts feature zoned areas in terms of the equipment, creating distinctive cardio, strength and stretching or yoga areas. Each of these areas come with individual considerations that will impact the overall layout of the gym.
For the first incarnation of any home gym, it’s also advisable to only fill the space up to 75 per cent. “Fitness is an ever-evolving pursuit and if the user takes up a new discipline in the future, this extra space will allow for new additions, such as specialist machines,” adds Edward.
Access to equipment
Leaving enough space to get on and off equipment might sound obvious, but it is often overlooked during the planning of a gym layout. This is a particularly important consideration for cardio equipment, with treadmills accessed from the back, and bikes and cross trainers accessed from the side.
Minimum safety clearance
Manufacturers will require that treadmills are positioned with a minimum safety clearance of at least one metre behind for safety purposes. In smaller spaces, this can be challenging and will often dictate the layout of the room.
Ceiling height
Cardio equipment requires ample ceiling height, which may also dictate the layout of a gym, particularly in spaces with pitched roofs.
Power supply
Cardio equipment generally needs to be powered and, therefore, positioned near power sockets. While more flexibility can be added to the gym layout with self-powered equipment, these versions don’t feature touchscreen displays. Installing floor boxes with power sockets is another solution that allows for flexibility in the layout of powered cardio equipment without visible wiring.
Television
It’s advisable that all cardio equipment faces a television as these are the machines that people spend the longest duration on and may like to watch TV or an online class while doing so. It’s important, therefore, to consider the distances between the machines and the TV.
Strength Area
Flooring
As strength areas usually incorporate free weights, such as dumbbells or Olympic barbells, a different type of flooring will be needed in this area to provide protection.
Multi-functional equipment
Traditional strength equipment takes up a lot of space, but modern-day solutions allow gym designers to optimise the number of strength exercises per square metre. Choosing multi-functional equipment can allow more layout flexibility by incorporating many different exercises into a single footprint.
Working area
A lot of strength equipment, such as dual-adjustable pulleys or power racks, requires a certain amount of working area around it. These working areas are not included in the item’s CAD block, which many interior designers and architects rely on to plan a gym layout. As such, it is important to check the recommended working area for each piece of equipment and draw that onto any plans to ensure that users will have space to move around it and exercise to the full potential of the machine.
About Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors
Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors is a specialist wellness design for the superyacht and prime property sectors. Their experienced team have an unrivalled understanding of the complexities of gym and space design, both on land and at sea. This together with our vast experience in the health and wellness industry helps create an unbeatable service.
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Opitome, the London based luxury architectural hardware concierge, has made an exciting announcement with the addition of their new manufacturing partner - the highly regarded Italian brand Enrico Cassina.
This alliance represents a significant further expansion for the Opitome portfolio, providing their customers with even more options for high-quality hardware solutions on a global level.
The premium Italian manufacturer provides an extensive range of architectural fittings that span from Baroque to Colonial, through to contemporary styles. All are created in their Italian factory, where the craftsmen and women pour their expertise and passion into creating true works of art.
Opitome Director, AJ Powell states "We are thrilled with this new partnership. Their commitment to quality and service aligns perfectly with our own values and the additions will also complement our existing partner offerings. As we continue to expand our portfolios, we continue to provide our customers with the very best hardware solutions available."
About Opitome
As industry leading experts, we specialise in the consultation and provision of truly exceptional door, window, and interior fittings for high nett worth projects globally. Providing a fully complimentary service, you will benefit from our 360 degree approach. From design concept through to after project care. We’ll work with you to understand your design brief, take care of organising samples and swatches, create detailed door and window schedules, provide technical and onsite support and much more. This is where we are exceptionally different. We look forward to supporting you on your next project.
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Sans Souci, leading designer and producer of glass and lighting installations, has unveiled its latest portfolio with an ambitious new direction for the brand. The new design concept is focused on finding the beauty and innovation between contrasting perspectives, which was the inspiration behind an impressive 15 new collections that will be launched as part of the 2023 Milan Design Week.
The new collections are the culmination an important creative journey for Sans Souci, which has experienced significant growth globally in recent years. Some of the most exciting new designs are collaborations with respected designers Karim Rashid and William Sawaya.
William Sawaya’s BRANCHY collection is sleek and artistic, inspired by the natural world. Long crystal tubes in sandblasted, clear and metallic finishes are fitted together with metal bindings. Each component has a LED light source running through it, allowing the installation to produce a different ambience depending on how you choose to light your interior.
Karim Rashid’s exquisite CHIN CHIN collection plays with your perceptions. Flawless installations are formed of crystal components shaped into golden drinks glasses suspended from glass rings, finished with gradient nanocoating. The effect is a perfect paradox – the glasses look full, but they are empty, they hang upside down, but nothing spills. This design is both opulent and contemporary, creating a dramatic focal point for your interior.
Each of the new collections builds on Sans Souci’s central design concept – finding harmony in contrasting ideas and aesthetics. This is the brand’s response to the most pressing questions the interior design industry is facing. It is focused on embracing the contrasts and equilibrium between different perspectives. The space between luxury and responsibility to the planet, between craftsmanship and sophisticated technologies, between classical design and contemporary ideas.
Martin Chab, Founder and CEO of Sans Souci commented: “Our new direction and collections are testament to our commitment to design and innovation. They show that we are not afraid to combine diverse elements and ideas to create truly captivating pieces. We’re delighted to launch our 15 collections in Milan at one of the biggest design celebrations in the calendar – Fuorisalone and Euroluce. It will be exciting to get feedback from our partners and the wider industry, but this is just the beginning as we continue to grow our brand and portfolio.”
Sans Souci’s exhibition ‘The Harmony of Contrast’ will be showing this April at 2023 Design Week in Milan. One of the highlights will be HARK, an immersive exhibit showcasing Sans Souci’s bold designs and cutting-edge lighting technologies. The multimedia piece features exquisite crystal cuboids that respond to the audio around them, emitting different ambience depending on the tone of sound. A design experience for all your senses as it shows the contrasts between cool and warm, darkness and light, silence and sound.
The exhibition ‘The Harmony of Contrast’ is part of Fuorisalone and will be displayed at gallery Mimmo Scognamiglio Artecontemporanea, Via Goito 7, Milan, from 17 to 23 April. Sans Souci’s new portfolio of collections will be showing at Euroluce at Fiera Rho, Milan, P11.250, from 18 to 23 April. Find out more about Sans Souci’s collections and projects at www.sanssoucilighting.com
About Sans Souci
Sans Souci is a leading designer and producer of quality interior and architectural installations. Design and innovation are at the heart of its vision, offering clients a range of studio collections as well as a bespoke design service to create the perfect piece for each interior. Sans Souci manages the entire creative and production process from its headquarters in Bohemia, the world-famous glassmaking region, ensuring quality and sustainability at each step. Its unique art and lighting designs are installed in luxury interiors around the world, from iconic hotels such as Claridges and Burj Al Arab to private residences and designer retail spaces.
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The flowing yet puristic design of MEM from Dornbracht is reminiscent of the most natural and original form of water presentation: spring. The fitting takes a deliberate step back, and by doing so, is fully taken up by the individual ambience of the architecture. The series stands for clarity, reduction, and balance, and thanks to the extensive enhancement, it now offers an even greater variety of design options.
Dornbracht provides several new variants for the washing area: The washbasin fitting is now also available as a single-lever basin mixer and a three-hole mixer with a flat spout. Joining the wall-mounted fittings line-up, are a single-lever mixer, a three-hole mixer, and a monobloc single-lever mixer. The latter is a totally new product type. All five of the new products have one thing in common – they are perfect for small bathrooms and have an aesthetic impact there. Another impressive new highlight is the slender, freestanding single-lever bath mixer which can be positioned anywhere in the room, as the main attraction.
MEM is impressive, not just for this great product variety, but also for its wide choice of surface finishes. From now on, the series, which was created by Sieger Design, will also be available in Dark Chrome, Champagne (22kt Gold) and Brushed Champagne (22kt Gold). While the Dark Chrome represents subtle elegance, the warm golden hue of the two Champagne finishes sets a refined tone.
New textured handles complete the series enhancements. These are produced by the so-called hammering technique, a traditional and skilled manual working method that creates decorative surface finishes. The indentations and projections formed by hammering reflect instant light, creating glossy and matt areas. This gives the handle a unique texture that is pleasant to touch. Its complex nature stands in fascinating contrast to the strict form of the MEM handle geometry. This elaborate manufacturing process makes every handle unique.
Both the new products and the MEM variants that have been available in the market for 20 years, prove to be unobtrusive and visible at the same time. A spout with a 180-degree bend, an invisibly integrated jet regulator and minimalist handles, the series embodies a basic aesthetic appeal that intentionally avoids any extrovert elements. Conceived according to the Dornbracht design principles – proportion, precision, progressiveness, performance, and personality – MEM conforms directly to the Dornbracht claim of creating “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
More information can be found at www.dornbracht.com/mem
About Dornbracht UK & Ireland
Based in Iserlohn, Dornbracht is the leading specialist supplier of superior designer fittings and accessories for bathroom, spa and kitchen. The company was founded in 1950 and is represented by a portfolio of products on more than 125 markets worldwide. With clearly-defined design principles for a lasting product design and a consistent focus on user needs, Dornbracht has transformed the bathroom and kitchen into living spaces – and in so doing, continues to set new standards. The premium manufacturer is famous worldwide for its design and architectural expertise and quality of manufacture at the highest level and underlines its leadership aspirations with the brand claim “Leading Designs for Architecture”.
RAK Ceramics PJSC (Ticker: RAKCEC: Abu Dhabi), one of the leading ceramics brands in the world, announced today a USD 14 million investment in its sanitaryware production line in the UAE, upgrading the facility with the latest cutting-edge technology kilns and elevating sustainably the company’s sanitaryware operating model.
RAK Ceramics aims to begin installation of the new machinery in 2023, with the aim of going online in the first half of 2024. The investment will allow the sanitaryware line to incorporate latest technology into the heat exchanger system of kilns, with the capability for future conversion to hydrogen fuel and waste heat recycling given advanced features. Once operational, the Company will be able to maximize and optimize efficiency during production, enabling the realization of significant savings in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the process allows for an enhanced yield during production, reducing as such waste and increasing capacity utilization.
Commenting on the investment, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said:
“As a responsible manufacturer and as the fourth largest ceramics player in the world, we have an important role to play on the global stage to make the industry more sustainable. This investment and the launch of this project in our sanitaryware business truly anchors our commitment to sustainability and our drive to long-term value for our stakeholders.”
“For this year, we aim to stimulate sustainability further through our functions and businesses, as we established a clear commitment to prioritize and support sustainable investments, and we are currently working alongside experts in the field to help us in our sustainability journey.”
Over the years, RAK Ceramics' emphasis on sustainable production has expanded as the demand for distinctive and sustainable ceramic items develops and as the Company continues to reap the benefits of sustainable long-term investments on the environmental front, especially in terms of energy conservation and waste management.
The Company has outlined in its 2023 Priorities that it is working on defining and implementing a sustainability strategy for the short-to-medium term, incorporating further ESG practices and initiatives and adopting it across all its operations.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh.
Patrick Norguet is an essential figure on the international design scene. Drawing inspiration from everything that surrounds him, Norguet does not follow trends but seeks to give shape to products whose relevance and modernity would withstand the test of time.
Opitome is a one-of-a-kind luxury hardware concierge that boasts a rich heritage in both traditional and modern architectural hardware design and manufacturing. Our team of qualified and passionate experts, possess unparalleled knowledge of specification, design, and quality craftsmanship.
Through consultation and supply services, we work with interior designers and architects from around the globe to deliver the highest quality, luxurious fittings that meet their specific requirements. A full support service which includes detailed door and window scheduling.
The Opitome brand was founded in 2013 by a team of experienced architectural ironmongers who recognised the lack of flexibility and customisation with regards to hardware, offered to specifiers within the industry. We set out to create a company that could provide unique, tailored solutions for each client's individual needs, along with unrivalled support.
Opitome's hardware concierge service sets us apart. This bespoke service helps clients navigate the technical and aesthetic specifications of architectural hardware, ensuring that each project is completed to the highest standard possible. Today, Opitome's combination of high-quality hardware solutions and exceptional customer service makes us the go-to choice for designers and architects looking for a reliable and trusted partner for their architectural hardware needs.
Our extensive portfolio includes door and window fittings, cabinet hardware, and other interior and exterior fittings made from the finest materials such as brass, bronze, leather, and resin. Our products are not only functional but also add an element of luxury and style to any project, enhancing the overall interior design aesthetic.
When it comes to Opitome's service, firstly our qualified team has extensive knowledge and experience in architectural ironmongery, and work with a wide range of high-end manufacturers in the UK and overseas to provide the finest fittings on a global level. This allows us to provide a wider portfolio of products and solutions to clients, with the ability to tailor bespoke options to meet specific design briefs, timescales, and budgets.
Our team provide exceptional customer support and advice, including a complimentary detailed door and window scheduling service, we will organise samples and swatches, onsite support and provide a centralised procurement service to help clients streamline their supply chain and ensure that all fittings are delivered on time and within budget. We also provide expert advice on the correct specification of locks, latches, hinges, and other associated fittings, helping clients to avoid potential issues and the reassurance that their projects are safe and functional.
Finally, Opitome's passion for craftsmanship and hand finishing is evident in our products, ensuring that each fitting is of the highest quality and built to last.
Opitome understands the complex challenges faced by designers and architects in managing multiple suppliers per project, especially when it comes to the technical specification of architectural hardware. Getting it right is not only an investment for the client but also impacts the reputation of the designer. Aesthetics and functionality must be balanced, which can often be a daunting and very time consuming task.
This is where Opitome comes in. We provide the technical assurances and help with time management for designers. We become an extension of the team, working closely with designers to provide the right solutions quickly, whether it is regarding the design, price point or technical aspect. With Opitome, you are in safe hands. Our years of experience and expertise in the industry have earned us a loyal client base. We help elevate interior design projects to new heights with our unparalleled services and solutions.
We work closely with interior designers to understand their vision, timescales and budget for a project and provide tailored hardware solutions that complement the design aesthetic while meeting practical requirements such as security and accessibility.
Organising samples can be time consuming, especially when short notice is given, so our support in sourcing and delivering samples and swatches, often hand-delivering them at short notice, is always appreciated by our clients and helps to ensure that projects remain on schedule. Our all-inclusive approach means that we will write the detailed schedules to include all associated products such as locks, latches, hinges and so on. This not only free’s up the time for the design teams but also provides the assurances that everything will be fit for purpose and within budget. Finally, we ensure that the goods receive one final quality check at the Opitome offices, before being packed into labelled door sets and sent to site or the client.
The company has gone from strength to strength and there are many significant highlights. I’d have to include the successful completion of several high-profile projects, including luxury residential developments in Mayfair, Kensington and the Cotswolds, where our teams consulted and supplied all hardware throughout. Plus a major commercial office building in the Middle East, along with a royal Palace! We hold a really strong mix of specialisms.
Our team is also growing and Natalie Kelly joined us at the end of 2022 as Opitome Client Relationship Manager, with a specific focus on the interior design partners. Natalie comes with much experience within the industry and from a luxury hardware manufacturing background, bringing a different aspect to our team strengths. Her client centric approach ensures we’re continuing to provide the best level of support as our company and teams grow.
In the last year or so, there has obviously been an increased focus on the use of natural and sustainable materials in luxury architectural hardware design. This has led to an increase in the popularity of quality, more robust materials such as brass, bronze, and leather.
In terms of finishes, we have seen a continued trend towards the use of matte and brushed finishes, as opposed to high-gloss or shiny finishes. This gives a more understated and refined look to the hardware. Antique Brass also continues to be as popular as ever.
Another design trend that has emerged is the use of organic and fluid shapes in architectural hardware design. Rather than the traditional geometric shapes, we are seeing more curves, twists, and asymmetrical designs. Although the classic designs are still extremely popular, particularly in the antique brass and dark bronze finishes.
Finally, there has been an ever growing interest in customisation and personalisation of architectural hardware. Clients are looking for unique and bespoke designs that reflect their personal style and taste, and manufacturers are responding by offering more customisation options.
The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and trends are likely to continue shifting towards sustainable, natural materials and innovative technologies. Designers who stay ahead of these trends and adapt to changing client needs will be well-positioned for success in the future.
As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, the interior design industry is likely to continue evolving towards a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. This trend has already been seen in the increased use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant-based fibres in interior design. Not only are these materials more sustainable, but they also add a sense of warmth and comfort to spaces.
In addition to sustainable materials, technology and innovation are expected to play a significant role in the future of interior design. Smart homes, for example, are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners using apps and voice control to control their lighting, heating, and security systems. A very interesting time.
We’re thrilled to again be working on some incredible projects this year, and we're currently busy writing schedules and organising samples for sign off, to ensure everything runs smoothly. We have a range of exciting overseas developments lined up, as well as work across London and the rest of the UK. Our focus remains on maintaining strong relationships with key manufacturers, so we can develop products that truly meet the needs of our clients. We're always listening to our customers and looking for ways to further improve our service, so we can provide even better support to our partners.
In addition, we're excited to announce that this year marks Opitome's 10th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we'll be collaborating with select partners to develop new and innovative designs. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with architectural hardware, and we can't wait to see what we'll achieve together in the years to come. So watch this space!
Opitome is proud to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, which is a significant achievement and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative hardware solutions for the interior design industry. We are proud to have met the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and customer service required to become a partner.
Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is not only a recognition of our achievements, but it also provides us with a platform to connect with other industry professionals, attend networking events, and participate in prestigious awards programs.
These events are a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and services, collaborate with other experts in the field, and keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
In short, being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is an important part of our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with SBID in the years ahead.
Questions answered by AJ Powell, Founder & Director, Opitome.
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