In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge, Director of Research at Brunel Design School and Brunel University London, Vanja Garaj discusses the use of technology in design and how it affects every aspect of the industry. He also shares what he is most interested to see in this year’s Awards design submissions!
For me, the baseline for good design still is the famous: “form follows function”, which absolutely must come hand in hand with human-centredness and preferably extend into the “less is more” aesthetics. However, the real power stems from the big idea or, at least, a spark of design innovation that sets the product apart in terms of use scenario, functionality, materials, technology solutions and/or form factor.
My judging process is informed by the experience of practicing, researching and teaching design over the years. By combining these activities, I keep up to date with the latest developments and trends. As a designer, I am particularly interested in the interplay between design and technology and the design-led technology innovation that can improve the quality of life in its various aspects. This interest guides what I am looking for in the designs submitted to the SBID Awards.
Technological innovation can greatly facilitate the design process; e.g., the immersive technologies of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are very handy when it comes to conceptualising and visualising new interior design ideas and communicating or co-creating the ideas with clients.
I am also curious to see how the immersive tech-powered Metaverse will develop in the future and to what extent it may become a venue for interior designers to practice their trade. This social 3D digital “real estate” and its promised fully functioning economy may create demand for the design of virtual interiors for the “living” and working spaces within the platform. Some interior design professionals are already getting ready to benefit from this potential opportunity; e.g., see here.
The environments will become ever smarter, with the advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) permitting us to achieve even better energy efficiency and further improve the ability to personalise interiors for comfort and well-being (e.g., air quality) and visual ambience (e.g., lighting).
There are also advances in biophilia and biomimicry and the application of these concepts and the related technologies in interior design. Both concepts promote sustainability and it would therefore be extremely useful to have them gain more traction within the interior design profession. Having said that, I was really pleased to see Ko Tu Elpo – “a smart air biofilter that improves indoor air quality by combining technology and the power of nature”, win in the Interior Technology category at the SBID Awards 2021 for Product Design.
It is very important to clearly present the novelty and innovative aspects of the submitted work. Why do you think your design stands out in the market?
Questions answered by Dr Vanja Garaj, Director of Research, Brunel Design School and Brunel University London.
Dr Vanja Garaj is Head of Design at Brunel University London, where he also contributes to the Professional Design Studio module within the MSc Integrated Product Design programme.
Dr Garaj’s research is aimed at design, development and evaluation of innovative systems, products and services, with the focus on digital and digital-physical domains and the application of the latest technology.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge, Head of Cities Solutions Europe at Jacobs and Co-Chair of the ULI UK Infrastructure and Urban Development Council, Carlo Castelli discusses the change in development of post-pandemic cities, highlights the benefits of holistic approach to design, and shares valuable insight for designing workplaces that attract employees to come back to the office.
Thinking holistically about design ensures social, environmental and cultural considerations are embedded into solutions. We have a great opportunity to blur the boundaries between inside and outside, public and private by creating hybrid spaces. For example, in Union Street, Aberdeen, we created a flexible urban space capable of supporting on-street activities and allowing ground floor activities to spill out on streets, all while considering inclusive design. We see the street being multi-functional, resilient and contributing to the wider transformational change in Aberdeen.
Taking an integrated design approach means all these considerations are used to create a space which is flexible for those using it on a daily basis and is a sustainable addition to the community. It also means that we can create and measure wellbeing and quality of life value substantially changing the way we look at projects and programmes.
Cities have existed for millennia and consistently maintain a fundamental role in our society. They will become more resilient, with the influence of the changing climate and increasing technological innovation.
Successful cities in the future will celebrate social, environmental and cultural differences. We don’t have to choose between a ‘working from home’ or ‘15 minutes city’ model. We can embrace complexity and recognise individual lifestyle choices within inclusive societal progress.
Live, work and play conditions have changed globally. The pandemic and environmental concerns have seen a significant change in how people view work-life balance and commuting. As we come out of the last two years there’s a significant appetite for flexibility in our spaces. For example, unused shipping containers units are being converted into retail units, and workshop space, rooftops into urban farm, and ground floor spaces into housing. This allows for creativity and flexibility in our designs, as well as optimising space usage and future proofing our cities. It is critical to imbed generosity into our buildings and places.
The opportunity for designers is to use their innovative thinking to create solutions that contribute to the challenges we are facing. They are often uniquely placed to work from ideation all the way to delivery so they can meaningfully work with the entire value chain to create better cities and places, integrating nature-based solutions and circularity early into their designs. With nature at the forefront of design, we can plan and develop climate-smart, nature-positive building and infrastructure solutions which enhance quality of life and make our future more resilient.
During the past two years, workers have become used to working away from the traditional office, so there needs to be a draw to bring them back. Quality, variety and generosity are now key. Workplaces need to provide enhanced environmental quality and a greater variety of spaces. Improvement in interior design can also allow for a boost in employees’ health and wellbeing.
Design of workplace should include elements of nature, natural lighting, diverse spaces, and areas for employees to relax and manage anxiety about their return to the office. There should now be heavier emphasis on the type of spaces needed for collaboration. Offices should offer a broader range of experiences than sitting at a desk all day, something people could easily do from home. Workplace design should also facilitate work-life balance and promote a sense of community to encourage employees to return.
For me, what really matters is to work with stakeholders and communities and that designers are true to themselves, values and passions. Passion goes a long way in my mind and that needs to be communicated to our changing audiences.
Questions answered by Carlo Castelli, Head of Cities Solutions Europe, Jacobs and Co-Chair, ULI UK Infrastructure and Urban Development Council.
At Jacobs, we make the world smarter, more connected and more sustainable. Challenging today is our response to the increasing complexity our world is experiencing, putting our knowledge and imagination together to reinvent the way we solve problems and shape the next generation of innovative solutions. Reinventing tomorrow is our promise and an invitation to raise the bar in everything we do. From the brilliant solutions we create with our clients, to the open and inclusive culture we create for our people. From the positive difference we make in our communities, to the added value we deliver to our shareholders.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge and Design Director EMEA at Tetris, Nuno Fernandes discusses the connection between technology and built environments. He shares his insights on specifying products for different environments and gives valuable advice for approaching design projects.
Innovation is the overarching priority when responding to our clients. Now more than ever it’s about connecting people to the building be that a residence or an office and technology should make people’s lives comfortable and easy.
The metaverse really opens a whole new world of work opportunities for designers and architects. We can now also offer our clients a digital experience as there will be a transition between physical and digital in our day to day lives moving forward. Perhaps, for culture and identity consistency, those two projects are designed concurrently.
Yes, it differs. Whereas in hospitality there is a big effort in economy of scale and procurement optimization, for retail, at the high end as is our case, many elements are custom built or even one-off’s. Workplace product specifying is now becoming much more diverse meaning that in one project we have now more products driven by all the different work environments within the same project.
A combination of rational and emotional is our weapon. Our designs should be anchored on the needs of the clients and the users of that space hence why our design is data driven, we then love to tell a story that meets the business and users’ needs while close to their hearts.
Always push your concepts beyond your comfort zone, design is about innovation whilst providing a solution.
Questions answered by Nuno Fernandes, Design Director EMEA, Tetris.
We don’t just create inspiring spaces for businesses. We create inspiring places for people. As a leading design and build company with global reach, we create environments that are beautiful, functional, inspirational and sustainable. We deliver our services to businesses of all sizes on projects in the office, retail and hotel sectors, among others, counting many of the world’s most iconic brands as our clients.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Interior Design judge, Chief Executive at the Design Council, Minnie Moll discusses how the interior design industry can work towards combating climate change and the importance of good design, sharing details about the Design Council’s mission toward more sustainable design practices.
Good design makes life better. It makes things easy, attractive, comfortable, beautiful. And often inspiring and joyful. You don’t always notice good design. It’s bad design that gets noticed because it doesn’t work, or it’s ugly. Good design is inclusive design and people centred.
The climate crisis is the biggest challenge of our era. Design has been part of what got us to this place and it has a critical role to play in achieving net zero and beyond. Our Design for Planet mission seeks to support and galvanise the 1.97 million people in the UK design community to put planetary concerns at the heart of their work. Design shapes the world we live in, and designers have huge power and responsibility to use design as a force for good.
It starts with the brief. Give the planet a seat at the briefing meeting and make sure planetary needs are considered. Being informed and intentional about use of materials – hard to keep up to speed on this I know. Thinking in a circular economy way. How long will this last? Can it be modular and easier to fix/update/refurbish? Understanding the supply chain and sustainability implications of all the elements of a proposed design.
The interior design of the places we live and work has become even more important since covid. We understand even more how important it is for our homes to be a sanctuary – a comfortable and relaxing place to be. And in a hybrid world our workplaces need to be attractive, enjoyable and magnetic places that colleagues want to come into. In both instances great interior design can be sustainable and attractive and aspirational.
If design shapes the world, then the design of the spaces where we live, work and play has such potential to shape how we interact with each other, and how we feel. It can inspire and bring joy. These exciting and high profile awards are a chance for the best design to shine so it’s important to showcase the value your entries provide and explain key design considerations clearly.
Questions answered by Minnie Moll, Chief Executive, Design Council.
Design Council’s purpose is to make life better by design. They are an independent charity and the government’s advisor on design. Their vision is a world where the role and value of design is recognised as a fundamental creator of value, enabling happier, healthier and safer lives for all. Through the power of design, they make better processes, better products, better places, all of which lead to better performance.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge and Associate at SHH, Tony Duesbury discusses the nuances of designing for commercial and residential spaces. He shares his insights on designing guest experiences and how hybrid ways of working are changing the interior design scene.
Every hospitality project is unique and a distinct design narrative allows the opportunity to curate a guest experience. Interior design can help generate interest by creating “a narrative” that helps people engage with the space and learn more about where they arrived creating a ‘sense of place’. This placemaking curates the experience and makes the guest experience more personal.
We have done this in a recent brasserie where the details of the wall panelling took inspiration from the 1970’s façade of the building that was removed, enabling the staff and guests to talk about where the interior inspiration came from. This design curation helps discussion and the engagement between staff and customer to enable a unique personal experience.
Our priority when considering the future of the built environment is to look at all aspects of the environmental issues that may affect a particular project and determine what best fits the project. Whether it is creating more greening, checking the carbon footprint of materials procured or considering the MEP to be implemented. As a first step towards achieving that we will look into forming collaborations with consultants and suppliers who have a relevant approach that is beneficial to the process. We will look at individual suppliers and the principles they have in sourcing and manufacturing their materials. Buying local materials and finding unique local craftsmanship within the project vicinity is obviously a huge consideration in order to reduce the transportation carbon footprint.
The selection of materials will be different when it comes to addressing a residential project compared to a commercial project. This is due to two aspects, firstly, cost is a huge factor in. Residential schemes are led more by the heart, whereas commercial projects are led more by the purse. Secondly, it’s about the traffic of a space. Residential schemes can have more luxurious materials that don’t need to take the same wear and tear that commercial projects do. The high footfall in commercial projects, however, means that the durability of the base palette has to have longevity and accents that are easily replaced can have that more luxurious touch.
This is something like everyone we have been keeping an eye on as it is an evolving discussion that has yet to settle and likely to be a debate for years to come. Most recently the hybrid way of working has changed by introducing more technological elements that enable a seamless change from working at home and then back in the office. The largest shift is really going to be about creating staff retention by giving those unique offerings within the public office space to engage people to want to be in the office. For instance, in a recent project we have been looking at weaving in the local community and creating more opportunities for social interaction. Additional opportunities for offering amenities within communal space benefits peoples busy life styles and will have an increase in staff retention. As well as a way of attracting new talent.
My advice would be to remain very concise about their design proposal and communicate all aspects of the idea, story and design detail as clear as possible. It is important that the descriptive narrative conveys the same message as the visual design and both are coherent with each other.
Questions answered by Tony Duesbury, Associate, SHH.
Created in 1991 by David Spence, Graham Harris and Neil Hogan, SHH is an award winning Chartered Architectural and Interior Design practice working globally and based in London. SHH is vastly experienced at working across sectors – Residential, Hospitality and Commercial, and across disciplines – Architecture, Interior Design and FF&E. We offer a multifaceted, entirely bespoke design service, focused around achieving the best possible end result.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge and Director of Design at IHG, Henry Reeve talks about the most important design and functional aspects of hotel interiors, key product specifications that influence choice and shares his personal sources of inspiration.
Good Interior Design I feel can make or break a guest experience. You need both form and function, yes of course we want to wow our guests with incredible atmospheres rich in detail and finesse but there is little point creating a spectacular environment if the space just doesn’t ‘work’. It’s easy to create that spaces that impress but are poorly equipped or ill-thought through and don’t accommodate guests needs and functions. I think one of the most important aspects of hospitality interior design is to ensure our guest don’t ever feel stupid. Our guests are in an unfamiliar environment, and we want them to feel at home, to relax and unwind. Designs must be intuitive, how many times has one had to desperately search for the light switch, or struggle to find a plug socket or worse cant find the wardrobe!
Specifying product particularly recently has become even more tricky, there is a wealth of options out there but so many factors go towards influencing choice, yes of course shape and form but external factors are now more than ever influencing specification, lead times, environmental impact, over-use and of course cost are playing a huge role.
Constant innovation is mandatory in this sector, the world is moving fast and constantly looking to what’s next. Environmental factors are becoming ever more influential on both consumer choices and economic too. I feel this will become in time a far more important aspect of specification than it perhaps once was. Product life-cycle too is something I am interested to see how the wider industry addresses, how is product recycled/re-used when coming to the end of its life?
Inspiration comes from anywhere, but I must admit that Travel is certainly one source of inspiration to me that I am thrilled is now possible once again. To experience how different cultures use spaces opens ones eyes to new possibilities.
Put your best work forward, ensure photography is exemplar and try to explain your work in a succinct way. I look forward to seeing some wonderful entries!
Questions answered by Henry Reeve, Director of Design, IHG.
I’m Director of Design at InterContinental Hotels Group focusing on Kimpton and Hotel Indigo. Previously I was Associate Director at forpeople, and a Creative Director and Designer at a number of guest experience, retail, and event agencies based across London. I have worked for clients as diverse as Nike, Lotus, Peugeot, Mulberry, Bollinger, Pfizer, Coca-Cola & McDonalds. I trained as a Mechanical Engineer at Bristol University and as a Designer at Central Saint Martins, in my spare time I love to make things.
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge, Maria Vafiadis discusses the compatibility of luxury design and sustainability, addresses the unique challenges between designing private residences and hotels, and shares her views on repurposing in the industry.
The luxury experience today is defined by space and how this space encourages us to make time for rejuvenation. This is one reason why many resorts and hotels are choosing to create standalone villas, cottages and treehouses where guests can quietly share time with family and friends and engage with the natural world.
Our new luxury values are increasingly compatible with sustainability. Government regulation, the marketability of eco-destinations, consumer demand and evidence that guests will pay a premium for experiences that respond to environmental and local community issues are coming together in a union which is already having an impact on hospitality. We are seeing a new, more thoughtful attitude to what luxury means together with a growing desire among owners and consumers to be better custodians of our planet’s resources.
My single focus when designing a private residence is the owner and his/her family. It is all about the owner’s aspiration and the family’s way of life, and the end result should reflect their personalities. By contrast, hotel design has several parties to please – the owner, the operator and, of course, the guest. As a hotel designer, it’s key to create a narrative as the wellspring for the guest experience while you also have to respond to an array of commercial and operational realities.
It depends so much on the client and their aspiration; we have had amazing experiences working on both. Take for example Costa Navarino in Greece. It’s difficult to believe now but when we began our work on this resort it was no more than a bold vision to achieve a luxury destination which would celebrate the heritage and natural world of Messinia. It felt truly meaningful to work from a blank slate and create a new hospitality benchmark in the region.
Several years later, we were appointed on the recreation of The Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland. In its heyday, this had been a glamorous and pioneering destination and it was our task to take this legacy forward into a new era. This was a project that involved repurposing, refurbishment, extensions and new buildings. Its strapline ‘The Future has a Past’ was fascinating to honour and reflect in our work.
I must admit that I do enjoy delving into the past, discovering what was there and helping it to flourish again by combining the old and the new. We have just had a wonderful opportunity to do this in creating Matild Palace Budapest, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The lifestyle of the Archduchess of Austria who commissioned the original building was our inspiration and we wove our narrative around her imagined presence in the new hotel.
We love to work with artisanal and locally sourced products and, since sustainability is high on our agenda, we are always interested in re-purposed items. We believe in the inherent beauty of natural materials, tactility and in products that are well-made – longevity of things is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow on our planet.
At MKV, we believe in the power of design to affect behaviour and elicit emotion. This requires design that combines location, culture, history and modern life in any number of contextual stories which we tell. When they come together in the right balance for the particular project, alchemy results and a kind of chemistry is released between the space and its users.
Cover image: Alpine Spa, Burgenstock Resort
Questions answered by Maria Vafiadis, Founder & Managing Director, MKV Design.
MKV Design’s mission is to create environments that deliver on every level. Aesthetic, practical, commercial, experiential. We achieve this by applying intelligence to design. By developing a personal vision for every project, setting the most uncompromising standards and working side by side with our clients to bring that vision to life. It’s an approach that has cemented our reputation as world-class designers of luxury hotels, resorts and private residences
SBID is excited to introduce a new weekly blog series – the Judges’ Interviews – in which, leading up to the 2022 SBID Awards ceremony, you will get to meet and find out more about the people who will be evaluating the contestants’ projects this year!
In this week’s interview with SBID Awards Product Design judge; design advisor & founder of Habitus Design Group, Samantha Drummond discusses her views on the hospitality sector, what innovations are needed in those spaces and how hospitality design can shape the guest experience.
Design is a means to problem solving. In a hospitality setting, this begins with understanding the customers’, as well as the client’s, needs and aspirations and from this developing a framework for concept development, innovation and creativity. Such an approach is as much linked to strategy as it is to aesthetics. Yes of course the look and feel are important but what matters even more is how the design makes guests feel. Are they at ease? Is their curiosity aroused while their sense of belonging is stimulated? Will the memories they take away with them convert family and friends into your next guests? Design has the power to evoke emotions, to change the way people experience a space and to encourage them to stay longer.
In fact, the creation of large resorts and small hospitality destinations face many similar challenges. All projects, regardless of size, require the same fundamental disciplines.
However, one thing that is different is that the larger the project, the larger the team and therefore more people management is required, sometimes internationally across different time zones. Also, it’s often the case that larger projects have more aggressive deadlines in order to achieve completion on multiple spaces simultaneously.
Hospitality design is a wonderful opportunity to create a stage for guests to live a charmed life during their stay. We aim to craft experiences that make guests feel glamorous, special and cherished. There are many elements that go into the design mix but I do think lighting is very important in shaping the experience as are unexpected surprises – a beautiful repurposed item for example or curated collections of books and, of course, bespoke artwork. Such things help guests connect emotionally, add layers of meaning and create memories.
So much inspires me – I think that’s the nature of being a designer… food, art, music, craftmanship, the natural world. In my work, I love to take on an empty building, a vacant plot of land or even nothing more than a vision in the client’s mind. That’s when I really have to use my imagination to come up with something genuine which hasn’t been done before while also engaging my Advisory head and making a sound business case for my proposal.
There is also the ‘who’ inspires me and here I have been so lucky. From my extraordinary clients who have taught me so much about business over the years to the many world-acclaimed architects, designers, artists and chefs I have been privileged to collaborate with. They have all been an inspiration.
Wellness is a sector that is constantly evolving in terms of treatments, new experiences and now the wide offering from pampering to medical interventions, mind and body wellbeing. I am sure there is opportunity for product innovation here. I also think that in the aftermath of the pandemic, “working from alternative locations” has become a way of life and the hotel bedroom desk could be ripe for a renaissance. However, this will not be as before. An innovative approach to resolving the room’s working space is definitely called for.
Cover image: Private Residence, Denmark
Questions answered by Samantha Drummond, Design Advisor & Founder, Habitus Design Group.
Habitus Design Group set out to achieve extraordinary results by translating their industry knowledge and creative talents into an unparalleled service for the clients, enabling their vision to be realised and become a benchmark in luxury hospitality development. For every project and client, Habitus develop completely bespoke services where the aesthetic of international luxury is sensitively combined with authentic local character and where the issues of large-scale space planning, adjacencies, connectivity and operational requirements are successfully resolved.
In this week’s interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the Flooring & Floor Coverings category, IVC Commercial, the designer shares details about the winning project, discuss the company’s journey to becoming zero impact by 2040 and sheds light on the key considerations for specifying floors for different environments – commercial and residential.
SBID Awards Category: Flooring & Floor Coverings
Practice: IVC Commercial
Entry: Studio Moods
We invest heavily in design and product development and pride ourselves on creating high performance flooring for commercial interiors. Entering awards are a key part of communicating our story of innovation to the design community. SBID’s stature makes the awards a must. To be recognised gives the entire company a lift and supports conversations around new technologies to a wider audience. In short, it is testament that the solutions we produce are recognised as among the best in the industry.
Studio Moods gives designers the flexibility to achieve a truly bespoke floor, which I believe is its strongest asset. The floor is available in a variety of geometric, tessellating shapes and various wood, stone and colour effects. By choosing a personalised combination from these building blocks, designers can create a unique and exclusive design. Ultimately, Studio Moods makes bespoke flooring more accessible. The floor’s performance and recycled content also add to the many benefits of this collection.
Our Journey to 2040 is a road map to reducing our footprint with the ambition to become zero impact. It influences the actions we take not only in development and design but also in manufacturing, installation and end of life. This manifests itself in many ways: the recycled content of products and research into materials that are easier to recycle, more efficient manufacturing, loose lay installation and post-use recovery and recycling.
At IVC Commercial we specialise in flooring for commercial environments, but we are part of IVC Group – with residential brands including Moduleo and Leoline. Key is the ability of flooring to respond to the challenges of the project in question. Broadly, providing durability and remaining easy to maintain are two of the priorities. Specifically, it can be acoustics – particularly important in a growing number of environments – comfort and the ability of the floor to respond to design intentions. In the majority of the projects, it is a combination of this factors that determine the suitability of the floor for the space in question.
Based in Belgium, our research and development team is always busy working on new designs and innovations and we’ve already launched some fantastic new products to the market since we won the award for Studio Moods. Our new Imperfection carpet tile collection – inspired by the Japanese world view of wabi-sabi – is our first to be made from ECONYL®, a yarn that’s made from nylon waste including old fishing nets. It also features a 94% recycled content acoustic backing, so it’s a carpet tile that performs well for the environment, looks fabulous and improves comfort – maybe it’s even another winner! Of course, there’s plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline too.
I’d encourage young designers to be solution and client oriented and to take inspiration from lots of different sources. As an example, for our own product design we look to fashion and global trends as key sources, so it’s best to be open minded. With solutions for specific challenges you may be encountering on projects, it’s always worth talking to your flooring supplier as your default flooring option might not always be the best one for the job in question. We’re always more than happy to talk flooring at any stage of the project and might even be able to suggest a better solution to meet your needs.
Questions answered by Alison McLaughlan, UK head of marketing, IVC Commercial.
IVC Commercial is a global player in the design and manufacture of flooring solutions including Carpet Tiles, Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Heterogeneous Vinyl for use in business, public and private environments. As the commercial division of IVC Group, we’re focused on improving the productivity and wellbeing of users in spaces through innovative solutions that are easy to implement and affordable. Accountable for our actions, we design and make floors responsibly in Belgium, developing a circular approach to the future of flooring.
If you missed last week’s Interview with the Interior Fittings category winner Finfort, click here to read it.
In this week’s interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the Interior Fittings category, Finfort, discuss the complexity of their product, share tips on creating convenient and consumer-focused products, as well as the key considerations to have in mind when approaching the specification of security solutions.
SBID Awards Category: Interior Fittings
Practice: Finfort
Entry: FinBolt Triple Door Set
Entering the ‘SBID Awards’ was without a doubt, the best decision Finfort made in 2021! The ‘SBID Awards’ recognise and celebrate the value of design and innovation – so having launched our innovative range of elegant high security door locks with automatic deadbolts in 2020, we were naturally very keen to be part of it. The awards also provided the perfect opportunity for us to proudly showcase our exciting new designs to the interior design industry.
We were thrilled to discover our FinBolt Triple Door Lock set won the SBID Product Design Award for the interior fittings category. Not only did the award help boost our credibility as authentic and trusted innovators, but it also demonstrated the high-end quality of our products whilst providing an invaluable level of media exposure. This really helped us gain traction as an emerging brand.
The FinBolt lock is a major innovation in door security, combining ultra-safe convenience and beautiful craftsmanship. The award winning FinBolt Triple Door Set makes it possible to secure a door at multiple points, with independently operating locks which automatically deadbolt every time the door is closed. With the FinBolt lock, busy homeowners never need to worry about whether they’ve locked their doors properly again! Once the door is closed, it’s totally secure – without ever needing to turn a key! Not only is it functional, but it’s aesthetically pleasing, with the FinBolt Triple Door Set proving high security doesn’t have to mean ugly! FinBolt’s visible door furniture is boastfully sleek, elegant and complimentary of any door. We think it’s this combination of beautiful aesthetics and unparalleled functional delivery that makes this a standout product.
As with all our products, we’re proud to start with the needs of the consumer. In this case, a need for convenient high-end security was our starting point. When our co-founder (and architect) Timothy Finn couldn’t find a recessed automatic deadbolt for a client who was always too busy to lock his door properly, he engaged his passion for engineering and set about designing it himself!
Product development involved several iterations of designing, patent application, prototyping and testing to ensure the product worked flawlessly and also conformed to the rigorous British standards. We’re particularly proud that the FinBolt is manufactured in the UK, leveraging expert craftsmanship and the very best of British engineering.
We will also always be committed to refining our designs to perfection, so we sought technical feedback from 100s of locksmiths, by exhibiting prototypes at the Master Locksmith Association Expo Trade Shows in 2019, and we were both thrilled and honoured to receive their ‘Best Product Award’. We were grateful to have also collaborated with The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, who provided valuable input on the technical challenge of offering bespoke finishes!
Ultimately, key to producing an effective security mechanism is a consistently reliable automatic deadbolt – something we’ve managed to achieve through our patented ‘trigger and bolt’ balanced action, together with a high-security cylinder and key registration.
It’s simple…high-security, user convenience and an aesthetic fit.
There are several high-security door locks available on the market (look for the ‘British Standard’ certification); however, very few deliver the convenience of automatic locking whilst fitting the aesthetics of a classic British door. Think about the average homeowner for a moment – busy people with busy lifestyles. There’s little value in installing high-security manual locks which require specific effort to secure, each and every time you want to leave the house. It’s inevitable that you’ll forget at some stage, leaving your home and its contents vulnerable. Furthermore, your door can set the aesthetic tone for the rest of your home, so door furniture and finish is critically important. Even a slight mismatch of colour will ruin the overall impact and leave homeowners frustrated. This is why all six FinBolt finishes have been perfectly colour matched to the extensive M. Marcus Heritage Brass Ironmongery range for a stunning and perfectly matched finish.
Since the SBID Awards last October, we’ve been collaborating with Avocet ABS (our cylinder supplier) to increase the range of standard finishes we can offer to our customers. The FinBolt Triple Door Set with 3 star kitemarked cylinders from Avocet ABS will shortly be available in 6 finishes, which includes the very popular Antique Brass and Matt Bronze. We’re very excited to now be seeing our ethos of bringing security and style together, coming to fruition!
We also have two new product designs underway: a fire-tested automatic deadbolt lock for apartment doors, and a high security lock case that integrates the FinBolt automatic deadbolt with smart handles, combining the ease of smart keyless entry, with mechanical automatic deadbolting!
Keep the needs and wants of the ultimate end-user at the forefront of your mind, whilst aiming for that perfect balance between function and aesthetics! There will always be an appetite for convenient, beautiful designs which enhance people’s lives. Product design (especially highly technical design) can be arduous and requires tenacity to really challenge the status quo and find better, aesthetically pleasing solutions which ultimately satisfy the consumer.
Questions answered by Timothy Finn, Founder, and Hilary Duggan, Co-Founder, Finfort.
Established by Timothy Finn & Hilary Duggan, Finfort is a disruptor within the security industry and strives to design the most innovative, highest security, beautiful door locking solutions in the UK.
If you missed last week’s Interview with the Fit Out Contractor of the Year – Workplace category winner Modus Workspace, click here to read it.
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