This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a nature-inspired property in Quintana Roo, Mexico which claimed the SBID Award for Overall Winner 2019. Centric to this award-winning design was the drive to redefine life in the jungle, promoting a non-invasive dialogue between architecture and its natural surroundings. Roth Architecture crafted this unique residence to harmoniously blend in with the environment, respecting and honouring the natural habitat that hosts it.
The use of ferro-cement was specifically chosen to avoid the introduction of heavy machinery into the jungle, thus preventing the felling of 250 trees. The finish, carefully crafted with local materials, makes this a unique space of purely organic forms.
SBID Awards: Overall Winner
Sector: Residential Design
Company: Roth Architecture
Project: Uh May Residence
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
What was the client's brief?
The client’s request was to achieve a harmonious way of cohabiting with the idiosyncratic ecosystem. The main instruction was to have the least possible interference with nature by not cutting any trees and leaving the surface of the soil intact. The fundamental precept to preserve the curvature of the earth and not to cut any trees in the 10 hectares guided every step of the project. Our intention is to show that we can build by learning from nature and integrating and building on its teachings.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The project was inspired by the shape of the Fibonacci spiral. The house unfolds akin to the shell of a snail, respecting the golden cut while effortlessly meandering through the network of trees.
The purpose that guided the construction of the project was the integration of the intelligence of nature’s networking, specifically the information contained in the shape of the surface of the earth and conveyed through the network of trees. The intelligence of Earth’s ecosystem has evolved over millions of years, gradually becoming more accurate. Connected through mycelium, a complex fungus network that is still being researched, trees communicate, help and protect each other.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
The toughest hurdle was, precisely, to not sacrifice any trees. We had to develop new construction techniques to preserve the natural fabric of the surroundings. Everything had to be done manually and in an artisanal manner, which resulted in fostering the collaborative spirit and consolidating our tribe akin to the experience Mayans would have had at the time the pyramids were built.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
For this project I worked for the first time with trained architects which was a new experience, especially since I never followed a formal curriculum myself. When I would trace the outline of the construction in the air with my hand, and the architects would first transpose it into drawings on paper.
Whereas the Mayan members of the team would immediately process the outline, almost like through a photographic process, and start building without previously translating the vision into a concept.
In the course of the project we could observe a cross pollination between the two approaches which was a highly rewarding experience.
Why did you enter the SBID Awards?
We are at a point in human evolution where it is necessary to redefine man’s place in the world through projects activating three fundamental pillars: art, nature and ancestral wisdom.
These three pillars inform not only each and every of our projects but also our organisational structure and the way we connect as a tribe.
Our architecture shows how human creation can harmoniously coexist with the natural world, a concept which was well understood by the original cultures who lived under these precepts and expressed them in a plastic way, with art and architecture operating as a bridge to the source.
Questions answered by Roth, Founder of Roth Architecture
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring the first photography exhibit for famed Toronto photographer, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's Residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
SBID Awards 2019 | Overall Winner
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a clean and minimal kitchen design, evoking the fresh and inspiring environment that is Scandinavia. Taking inspiration from Sweden, Norway and Finland, Mark Taylor Design produced a kitchen design scheme that was both practical and beautiful to complement the client's taste and lifestyle.
Sector: KBB Design
Company: Mark Taylor Design
Project: Scandinavian Inspired Kitchen
The clients wanted a large kitchen and entertaining space, where the children could have their playroom and sitting area, leading into the dining area, and then onto the kitchen. The kitchen needed to feel large but take up only enough space to allow the rest of the living area to feel spacious and fluid - the garden also needed to be very accessible from the kitchen and dining area, as this would also form an important part of the living space in the summer.
We talked to the wife and husband together. She is Scandinavian and likes simple, clean, light spaces, uncluttered. She and her husband are interested in fresh food and entertaining, so lots of space was required for fresh food storage and preparation, while they didn’t want a long worktop run. We needed to find a space for the walk-in larder and extra large double-width fridge, so we changed the building plans to incorporate them. This allowed us to build the rest of the kitchen around these core features. The space needed to be as free-flowing as possible at worktop level. The clients were very keen to have a large island and we used this as the metamorphosis between the dining area and the kitchen.
The hardest part was positioning the tall units so that they didn’t impinge on the rest of the space.
The horizontal dividing bi-folding doors with hidden magnets that keep them in an open position when required is our highlight of the design features. Also receiving our clients glowing report, "We absolutely love our MTD kitchen, down to the last detail. After working close with the MTD design team, we now have the kitchen that we feel perfectly fits our wishes and the style of our house. Aside from the look, what we enjoy the most is the quality of the workmanship which is outstanding! The MTD team were a pleasure to deal with throughout. They were responsive to what we wanted, creative and gave us some well needed advice on the design and layout. We were grateful that they were flexible to our timelines and coordinated well with our builders. Also, the installation team were great; meticulous, tidy and enjoyable to deal with."
Questions answered by Mark Taylor, Managing Director of Mark Taylor Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior for a residential development in Berkshire, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's KBB design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Photography Credits: Jonathan Bond Photography.
We interviewed the SBID International Design Awards sponsor for the Residential Design Over £1M category. Alexandra Lewis-Singer, UK Managing Director at THG Paris shares insight into the history of THG as a growing family venture lead by three successive generations. Since 1956, THG has evolved its designs and product lines, but their ethos remains the same. Representing timeless luxury and celebrating the art of living with a high-end collection of bathroom fittings and accessories.
What are the origins of your brand?
Since 1956, THG Paris has established itself as the brand for high end bathroom fittings and accessories. THG Paris resulted from the meeting of three men, André Tétard, Julien Haudiquez and Alexandre Grisoni, who in 1950 created “Robinetterie de la Poste” in Béthencourt-sur-Mer. A few years later the company moved to new premises and changed its name to THG. The brand was active at that period in standard tapware. In the 1970s, THG turned to design valves and has since developed a large range of collections and a extensive catalogue which today, three successive generations continue to work on.
How do you work with interior designers?
We endeavour to assist with providing expert knowledge, quality products and outstanding service. We also provide advice on specification for private properties & larger projects.
What value does your sector add to the interior design industry?
The bathroom has become one of the most important areas of a home. It is now the only room that remains private as open plans appear everywhere. As a result, clients turn that room into a Jewellery box and our luxurious brassware allows for bespoke designs.
How does your offering enhance an interior designer’s projects?
Our sales consultants’ knowledge is both technical and aesthetic, and designers can rely on the service provided. It brings them peace of mind that nothing will be missed. Also, the vast range of products we offer (150 ranges of taps available in over 20 finishes!) goes from the most classical style with crystal and semi-precious stones to cutting-edge and contemporary.
What are the latest trends you’ve noticed in your client’s requests?
Gold is back, but with a twist. A lot of bronzes, brushed finishes - and our pale gold is this year’s best seller!
Why did you want to become a sponsor for the SBID Awards?
We wanted to support the design industry and champion magnificent interiors. Craftsmanship is why we are in this industry and without these properties, we wouldn’t be able to manufacture these goods.
The SBID International Design Awards winners for 2019 will be announced on Friday 25th October!
Tables to attend this year's SBID Awards are now sold out, but a limited number of individual tickets are still available. Book a seat now!
To find out more about sponsoring the SBID International Design Awards next year, email [email protected]
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a four-bedroomed, new-build residential property in Berkshire. Allison Pidgeon Interiors worked together with the developer on the specification design throughout. Using their many years of expertise to uniquely tailor the interior design to flow seamlessly with the specification, reflect the aspirations of the purchaser profile, and also the Client’s vision for the development. This resulted in the delivery of a super stylish, yet exquisitely comfortable interior through a stress-free and enjoyable process enhanced by the collective commitment of trusted tradespeople, meticulous project management, and outstanding service. These carefully managed interiors were delivered on time and within budget without compromising on quality, craftsmanship or superior design.
Company: Allison Pidgeon Interiors
Project: Oak Apples Drive
Location: Berkshire, United Kingdom
We offered a uniquely personal service to our Client, drafting suggested furniture layouts for all plots on the development. These enabled him to plan functional heating, lighting and electrical layouts for all plots. We also assisted in specification selections throughout, ensuring a nice flow of palette and a high quality of finishes. We joined our Client in numerous meetings at various show rooms to select kitchen and bathroom products and finishes, floor and wall tiling, carpets and hard flooring, paint colours and internal doors and door furniture. We even selected paint colours for the front doors.
Once all these selections were made we used our extensive expertise in residential design, and our research in understanding the target market, to curate timeless interiors which reflect the high quality specification on the development.
The choice and quality of the specification, the purchaser profile, local competition and the Client’s own vision inspired the remainder of the project. We avoided whimsical trends, garish patterns and colours, and instead focused on providing tactile, comfortable interiors in a muted soothing palette, which are aspirational and sophisticated. We believe this direction was correct for the target market.
Many of the items we supplied were made bespoke for the project including upholstery, soft furnishings, window treatments, furniture, artwork and florals, and we sourced beautiful objects with which to complete dressing of the property.
To be honest the project was a dream with a delightful Client and we didn’t have any major hurdles.
We were delighted to see the property installed and complete, but this was surpassed by our Client’s sheer delight when we handed the property over to him (a day ahead of schedule). The positive feedback we’ve received from the selling agents and interested buyers and the fantastic testimonial our Client has written have all been highlights of the project.
Questions answered by Allison Pidgeon, Director of Allison Pidgeon Interiors
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a lavish interior for an new residential development, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's residential design! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Image Credits: Photography by Chris Snook
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a lavishly designed interior for an exciting, new residential development in India, providing luxury living in the heart of Mumbai. Elicyon designed this beautiful three-bedroom apartment, due for completion in late 2019, to blend a premium London aesthetic with the eclectic, Art Deco heritage of the city. Contrasting chevron marble flooring, brass details, bold colours and vibrant prints reflect the property’s tropical positioning and complement its surroundings.
Company: Elicyon
Project: Mumbai Development
Location: Mumbai, India
The client’s vision here was to create a ground-breaking project in Mumbai – a luxury apartment building which is on the same level as the world’s leading residential developments. We therefore brought our vast experience in working on such developments - One Hyde Park, Chiltern Place - and combined it with my personal knowledge of the local surroundings in Mumbai. We were brought on board to design the show apartment, so it was our role to create insight into how spaces within the development could be used and to tell its story to future residents.
We were inspired by both our previous work on some of the world’s leading developments - selecting the best suppliers and designing for a global, discerning client in mind – as well as the architecture, colours and textures of Mumbai. A fusion of bold, vibrant colours and tropical prints contrast a striking chevron marble floor with brass details, blending a sophisticated London aesthetic with the Art Deco heritage of the city. The luxurious and eclectic scheme is designed in perfect harmony with its setting.
As sometimes happens with longer-term projects, changes within government and building regulations presented a significant challenge on this project. The local authority in Mumbai amended the fire regulations and so fundamental changes to the layout of the building needed to be made. We are accustomed to such speedbumps and know how to work around them – either the current design can be transposed to the updated layout, or we simply have to start the story again. We work closely with our clients in these situations to ensure that the process is handled as smoothly as possible.
Having grown up in India and retaining strong roots, working in my home country had been a long-cherished ambition. It was wonderful to combine my knowledge of the city, culture and way of living to the project with a strong influence from my design studies, which are European in origin. The project’s vision represents a moment in my personal design journey, a confluence of east and west, celebrating both without detracting from either.
Questions answered by Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of Elicyon
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a warm and welcoming co-working space with a unique approach to office design, click here to see more.
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a prestigious residential property in the heart of Mayfair with the restoration of a grade II listed townhouse in one of London’s most illustrious addresses for the rental market. Working in close collaboration with Schiller Beynon Interior Design, Shape London, and Cumming Corporation, Portview applied their artisan skills in craftsmanship to uncover a plethora of classical, period features that complement the chic, contemporary interior. Spread over five floors, the spacious property is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living, with large, expansive rooms that boast opulent ceilings and ample natural light. Positioned just 0.1 miles from Hyde Park and 0.6 miles from Bond Street, the property offers the city’s most popular leisure destinations just around the corner.
Company: Portview Fit Out Specialists
Project: Mayfair Townhouse Restoration
Location: London, United Kingdom
The brief was to inject the house with a new lease of life by restoring the beautiful period features throughout the property and combine them with new, premium quality finishes and a contemporary colour palette. Essentially, our task was to mix the old with the new to create a very understated, yet luxurious interior that is compatible with modern living.
As this was a residential refurbishment for the rental market, we used our experience in restoring listed properties to deliver an interior that retained its historical integrity to uncover and develop period features into a number of unique selling points.
The house comprises of two reception rooms, a large dining room, and a ground floor drawing room that is located just off the main entrance hall where a stunning console table made of marble, metal and painted wood, awaits. The vestibule area on the first floor - dressed minimally with beautiful basket weave oak flooring - is particularly impressive as an ideal space for entertaining guests.
The master bedroom occupies the second floor and benefits from a separate dressing room and marble clad bathroom that has been finished with a bronze trim and matching brassware. An additional three bedrooms are located on the third floor, each tastefully dressed to the same exacting standard.
From top to bottom, elements of surprise await guests at every level. A great example of this is a roof terrace which boasts stunning views of the surrounding area, ideal for relaxing in the sunshine or socialising casually with friends.
For the lower ground floor, a further bedroom (and bathroom) can be found. In addition, the family kitchen offers a more informal dining space and features a rear, private entrance via the patio garden.
Working with a listed building presents a number of unique challenges. In this case our biggest challenge was the grand nineteenth century staircase, which was actually installed in the mid-1800s from another building. To make it structurally sound, we had to work closely with our engineers and the listed building officer to position the staircase in the correct place, level it out and make it fit for purpose.
In addition, the basement comprised of a lot of small, tiny rooms that needed to be opened out to create more classically proportioned spaces that are in keeping with the architectural style of the building.
The transformation has really been quite remarkable and it’s all largely down to the great relationships we have with our project partners. The Portview team work tirelessly to ensure every detail is carefully considered and that every finish is crafted to the highest standard. The biggest highlight by far is the fact that we exceeded the client’s expectations and that they are very happy with the finished look.
Questions answered by Simon Campbell, Managing Director at Portview
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring Discovery’s new, inspiring and 5-star green rated head office which stands as an architectural landmark in South Africa, click here to see more.
Portview Fit Out
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a harmonious blend of artistic, Oriental concepts with modern design. The environment, light and temperament of the space was designed to imbue occupants with a sense of calmness. Elegant materials set the tone while the design strives for simplicity with an undercurrent of Oriental influences. The furnishings are also simple in style, their lightness, outline and clean lines of the interior scheme achieves a perfect balance. The pure colours, rustic materials and changes in light and shadow are unique, graceful and restrained throughout. Together they combine a modern design language with traditional culture, infusing the Oriental artistry with the minimal aesthetics.
Sector: Show Flats & Developments Design
Company: INNEST Interior Design
Project: Foshan Green Island Lake Villa
Location: Foshan, China
This project was designed for our client, YANGO Group. Established in 1995 in Fuzhou city, Fujian Province, China, YANGO has now become the top 500 enterprises in the world, providing services in real estate, business operation and property management. It has now set up more than 30 branch offices around China.
As designers, we think to convey a cultural temperament through a space is necessary for interior design. Every era has its own design language. This particular project brings an oriental artistic conception into each room with unique design techniques so as to enable more people to enjoy its artistic atmosphere, which us designers hope can also exert positive influence on the next generation with a nod to the heritage which inspires it.
Integrating all the design concepts we developed for the space to convey the right tone and impression for the interior. As the images demonstrate, in the shape of modernity, the project portrays Oriental connotations, integrates elements of nature and architecture, as well as cultivate an atmosphere of tranquillity and prosperity. With history and culture reflected in the details, it emphasises the simplicity and low-key oriental luxury. The overall space conveys a subtle and restrained temperament. The project also uses the changing natural light and shade in the space to achieve a balance between oriental perception and fashion.
The environment, light and temperament of the interior creates a supreme sense of calmness and underlying luxury. The materials used create the luxurious temperament of the space while the overall design strives for simplicity. Furnishings, which are also simple in style and structure to complement the minimal aesthetic, are placed in careful alignment together to create synergy; with amiable styling and the integration of oriental design features, we achieved a good balance so this is a key highlight for us.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
To share our design concept with others around the world in the interior design industry and to better improve ourselves.
Questions answered by Yu Chao and Guanghui Zeng, Founder and Creative Director of INNEST Interior Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a fun family beach house with a vibrant, colourful aesthetic, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design for show flats and developments! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
INNEST Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a striking beach house, created for a family who expressed a strong desire for the design to be vibrant, yet contemporary; creating spaces for both adults and children to have their own private areas, without being too disconnected from each other. The bright colours and stunning views make for a wonderful place to enjoy some time together with family and friends as the open plan design ensures an unobstructed flow within the main area of the property. Particular elements, such as the introduction of polished concrete, was key to this project as it’s very easy to clean and hard wearing – important as guests will be in and out often. The feature stainless steel slide, which runs from the games room upstairs into the living room was a fun element to add and highlights the playful manner of this family and their new home.
Company: Iggi Interior Design
Project: UK South Coast Residence
Location: South Coast, United Kingdom
To create a fun, family holiday beach home on the UK South Coast.
The family spends a lot of time in this location as they are keen windsurfers. They often spend weekends here with friends which meant that we needed to create a large open entertainment space that satisfies the needs of both adults and children.
A contemporary feel throughout was requested - without appearing too 'cold'. The family love colour and wanted this added into the project in an elegant way. As the house is right on the beach it was important that they be able to see the ocean.
Creating a fun, functional space for families that also looked clean, contemporary and relaxed all at the same time!
The entrance was particularly key to this project, a bespoke spiral staircase was created. This needed to look like a piece of art in itself. We added a mirrored wall to reflect both the curated artwork as well as the architectural sweep of the staircase.
At IGGI Interior Design, we believe that community is so important and design awards give us the chance to share our work with the wider community so that we can all learn and be inspired by each other too. Plus, it’s nice to win every now and then and be recognised for your work.
Questions answered by Susan White, Founder of Iggi Interior Design
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring a blend of Hollywood glamour and Art Deco to create a luxurious feminine home, click here to see more.
IGGI Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards
This week's instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the residential design for an elegant 3-bedroom apartment in London's prestigious One Hyde Park development in Knightsbridge. The alluring combination of soft neutrals with accents of burnt orange, petrol blue and dusky plum melt together in a holistic blend of Hollywood glamour, balanced with Art Deco styles to create a luxurious and contemporary feel for this timeless, feminine home.
Project: Project Vera, One Hyde Park
The layout, flow and final dressing of the apartment was hugely important to the client as this was the first time she was creating a home purely for herself. This is now her main residence and it represents a moment of self-discovery for her through design. The space needed to be multi-functional in order to work for her when she is there alone but also cater for when her children and grandchildren stay.
The exquisite residential space is designed in a Hollywood Deco inspired scheme of soft neutrals, enriched by strong accents of burnt orange, petrol blue and dusky plum. Central to the living area is an elegant twisted glass chandelier with polished 24kt gold. Striking geometric patterns and bespoke marquetry joinery flow throughout, creating a contemporary feel to this timeless and feminine home.
This is our seventh project in One Hyde Park and so we always have to truly challenge ourselves and push the boundaries in order to make each apartment we design in the building unique.
I loved working on the dining room in the apartment – it featured a silk wallpaper with an hexagonal print, referencing the art deco period, which was challenging to install but created a beautiful end result. I was also very happy with the glamorous glass chandelier we added to the reception.
I actually ran into the client recently and she told me how much she was enjoying living in the space – hearing such positive feedback and knowing we were able to deliver exactly what a client was looking for in their home is very meaningful.
If you missed last week's Project of the Week featuring an impressive Shanghai office design which focuses on the wellbeing of employees, click here to see more.
Elicyon | SBID International Design Awards
This week SBID interviewed Charu Gandhi, Founder and Director of the award-winning luxury interior design studio, Elicyon. Charu talks about her feelings of disconnect between architectural training and architecture in practice; particularly, how this influenced her decision to pursue a successful career in interior design. From just a childhood vision to become an Architect, Charu now shares her professional insight into the industry with concerns for the issue of waste within the interior design profession as a whole.
Can you describe your current job?
I am the Founder and Director of interior design studio, Elicyon. Based from our studio in Kensington Village, I lead an expert team of 21, working across ultra-luxury developments and private homes in the UK and around the world.
What is your background and how did you get into interior design?
I originally trained as an architect at the Architectural Association in London, which led to seven years of formal training. I went on to work at Allies & Morrison Architects in 2006, working with luxury residential clients, as well as contributing to large-scale projects like the Doha National Library and the London Olympics Masterplan.
Whilst the allure of architecture was certainly all-consuming during my training, in practice the vocation didn’t really give me the satisfaction I had expected. I was critical of the fact that everything had to be post-rationalised. Everything had to have a gravity to it, which I feel interior design doesn’t overly do. It doesn’t complicate. In architecture, you can’t say something is beautiful for the sake of being beautiful, it’s too blasé and surface-level and architecture tends to think more intellectually than that.
At that point, I thought I would leave design and become an investor. I was planning on going to business school, and I got into a school in France, but at the same time a friend of mine who worked at Candy & Candy had rediscovered her love for design and convinced me to apply. There, I worked on the private commissions team on projects in India and Africa, as well as residences in the prestigious One Hyde Park development in London. A connection at One Hyde Park was the catalyst for my decision to start my own interior design business, when I was offered a refurbishment project in the development.
Describe an average day in your job role..
Every working day is completely different, which I love but which can also be challenging in terms of time and diary management. During a ‘normal’ day, I catch up with the team to discuss ongoing or upcoming projects; I will then usually have one or more meetings with our suppliers in our new studio, going through their latest products and discussing how they could work for a project. Clients also love coming into our new studio as we have a very impressive sample library where they can take the time to look through all of our exquisite stone samples, carpet, furnishing fabrics and wall coverings. I will sometimes have a dinner or after-work function, but I do try not to go to more than two evening work events each week so that I can spend quality time with my family in the evenings.
Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most and/or find the most rewarding?
Our work is all about storytelling and taking the client on a journey. We want them to fall in love with design, with the craft, to have a sense of self-actualisation – when this is achieved on a project, it is hugely rewarding.
I also greatly enjoy working with our esteemed and trusted suppliers. The craftsmen and artisans that we work with – some of the world’s leading glass makers, crystal makers and innovative producers of plaster work, finishes and furniture – are my single biggest inspiration. Understanding how something is put together, the process it undertakes, the precision of the craftsmanship, lights a creative fire for me.
Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?
I am really looking forward to completing our first hospitality project – a boutique hotel in Sri Lanka – as well as completing our stunning penthouse project in Dubai later this year. We are also excited to be working on our second project in China – an incredible residential development.
In London, we are working on a number of very exciting projects including a lateral duplex apartment in Knightsbridge for a private client. Here, we are reinstating period features whilst creating a contemporary family home. Another private client project in Knightsbridge on Ennismore Gardens also involves working in a period environment – the two apartments we are designing are both set within a listed building. One is a duplex apartment with a beautiful feature staircase and the other is a large lateral apartment with expansive windows and stunning ceiling heights of 4 meters.
We are also working in the super prime Clarges development in Mayfair – our design for one of the apartments within the building celebrated the Art Deco theme of the wider scheme but adds a modern twist and focuses heavily on artwork with prints, photography and sculptural works dotting the property.
Whatever comes our way, we’ll continue our adventure with design, beauty, craft and innovation that enables us to take clients on an incredible journey of exploration and enjoyment. As we remain a boutique studio, it’s a pleasure to work with our select few discerning clients who are ready to go on the adventure with us.
What do you find the most challenging aspects of your job?
I always say that our biggest challenge is the next one. We are always striving to learn, grow and push the boundaries so that both our skills as designers and our projects are in an ever-evolving state.
I am constantly developing as a designer, a studio lead and businesswoman, and am very self-critical with both myself and the team on any lessons learnt. We are always questioning how we could do something more special, more groundbreaking with each project.
What do you wish you knew before working in the field?
I had already trained as an architect when I made the very conscious decision to move into the interior design industry, so I felt quite well-informed about the filed at that stage. However, before going into architecture, I was definitely unaware of how much the work of an architect is influenced by governmental legislation, policies and funding, as well as a myriad of conflicting stakeholders. Luckily, during my training I studied at the Architectural Association in London which fostered much more of a creative, idealist and visionary concept of architecture, which I rediscovered when I moved into interior design. I knew then that maintaining a strong sense of idealism was important in my career.
What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance?
I would have told myself that resilience and developing ‘scar tissue’ from enduring a few knocks along the way comes with time. I would have allowed myself to be a paranoid optimist sooner – which is what I am now. It means I am really particular about the design and execution work in the studio. I would have been brave enough to surround myself from the start with a team of people who are better than me. This can seem very scary at first, but it’s one of the most important things I’ve learnt in running a studio. When I come to self-reflect, I often refer to a line from a poem by Maya Angelou:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
What has been your favourite project to work on?
All of our projects are significant to me, each for a different reason. We recently completed a three bedroom apartment in One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, London – our seventh project there. The building holds a special meaning for me as it’s where Elicyon began – we did our first ever project there in 2014. I enjoy making each apartment we work on at One Hyde Park unique, even though the spatial environment and layouts are similar.
Having grown up in India and retaining strong roots, working in my home country had been a long-cherished ambition that I achieved through working on a new, luxury residential development in Mumbai. It was wonderful to combine my knowledge of the city, culture and way of living to the project with a strong influence from my design studies, which are European in origin. The project’s vision represents a moment in my personal design journey; a confluence of east and west, celebrating both without detracting from either.
What do you think is the biggest problem the interior design industry faces?
An article in the FT back in 2018 reinforced my view that we need to lend some common standards in our pricing models for the sake of clients. The article was titled ‘how to see through the smoke and mirrors of architects’ and designers’ fees’ and it very succinctly described what we often see; a lack of transparency, clarity and consistency which leaves our client base feeling baffled, unsure and in the worst case, cheated.
A shared sense of self belief so that we price our fees better and also pay our staff better. I hate hearing of a young designer who has invested into their education only to be told they have to work for free to get a foothold into the industry - that has to stop.
I also think we need to address the issue of waste within interior design. So often, designers sulk when a client wants to reuse or re-purpose an existing piece of furniture or a fitting, but I think this presents an excellent opportunity to restore and respect older, used pieces, rather than just throwing them away and starting afresh. It can take a lot more time and effort to do this, but it is hugely important. For example, when taking out an existing kitchen or bathroom, we try to salvage as much as possible to use in the new design or ask the owner if we can auction or donate the parts so that they are reused. I’ve never had a client say no to this when asked. When we build, we also build to last - longevity is a key part of our design process.
Which people do you admire the most in the industry and why?
When I was a child in India, my parents decided to build us a new home and worked with architect Sujata Kohli. I would watch Sujata walking around onsite, instructing construction teams and implementing her vision and I was very enamoured by her. For me, she combined a scientific, analytical mind with creativity and this became my goal for my future career.
Sujata is still my mentor and someone I greatly admire. She encouraged me to attend the Architectural Association in London, which was the beginning of my training and career, so she has played a big part in my life.
If you were inspired by Charu’s story and want to learn more about the role of an interior designer, click here.
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