Gallery-Like Space Inspired by Surrounding Nature & Natural Materials

Interior designers don’t usually directly specify the technology installation in the home, mainly because it’s moving too fast to learn and advise on the right product. Designers tend to outsource this role to an Audio-Video specialist.

The most dominant piece of furniture in the main room of most homes used to be the television. The room was often designed around this now almost redundant item. The furniture circled facing this big black box demonstrating the dominance television held over our recreation time. Well in case you haven't noticed, it’s changing faster now than you can blink.

TV screens can be beautifully disguised as an old master, a mirror or even made into a fully blown floor to ceiling media wall. The fact is that most young people stream programmes to watch and channels to subscribe too whilst family viewing is quickly making Netflix - a download app or streaming channel by subscription the preferred viewing method. You can continue watching through your iPad on a plane or on the tube etc. These personalised changes have impacted on the focal point of the family home's main reception area.

Just think about bookshelves and how they have become less dominant due to computers, kindles and a host of other mobile electronic devices, all of which remove the need for paper storage and bookshelf space. In fact the Radio, TV, bookshelf and formal dining room, central heating radiators and fireplaces have all but disappeared in recent years in exchange of a technical unobtrusive out of view and personalised choice. This creates more free space in the home.

Possibly one of the other biggest changes of home design considerations is the cost of energy. Saving on energy consumption through clever design alters the way our homes are built and look. Self generating energy-efficient homes in the next decade will increasingly be built so that energy is generated from the environment (sun and wind etc.) locally stored and shared in large banks of street terraces. Whilst the home is unoccupied it will automatically lower or shut down unnecessary levels of power such as a fridge that won’t be opened as well as basics such as heating, lighting and stand-by mode on remote electrical items. Designers are not only concentrating on colour, space design, aesthetics and overall emotive impression when creating a home interiors scheme, they are also incorporating the tech available in the future at a pace faster than we have ever seen before. The purpose is always ‘saving’ time, money, space, energy etc. The antithesis of the impression that most home owners have of a qualified accredited interior designer.

Written by Dr Vanessa Brady OBE. 

Award-winning Interior Designer, CEO & Founder of the Society of British and International Design

(Image by Icon Connect: www.iconconnect.com)

SBID are passionate about supporting designers and the creative industries, particularly when it comes to protecting their rights. In our regular update on Intellectual Property (IP) issues affecting designers in Volume 6 Issue 4 of eSociety, we talked about our collaboration with TM-Eye at the launch of SBID's IP awareness campaign at the House of Commons.

The launch acknowledged the SBID IP Register as a first-of-its-kind management tool to help designers ensure their work is legally protected, which in the case of a breach, gives IP crime experts, TM-Eye, the basis to quickly initiate an investigation.

In light of this recent development with SBID forging the pathway for designers to seek IP protection, SBID spoke to a legal expert from Mishcon De Reya LLP. Suzi Sendama, Associate at Mischon, who challenges the myths surrounding IP rights to ensure you don't find yourself inadvertently on the wrong side of the law!

Common Misconceptions 

At a recent SBID 20:20 Event at The Dorchester, Suzi spoke about a number of common misconceptions relating to intellectual property rights. While many designers have a good idea of what intellectual property is - indeed, is is a company's most valuable asset and exploiting it can be the key to maximising the profits of a business - there are so many commonly believed IP myths that could land you on the wrong side of an expensive claim for IP infringement.

Many of these misconceptions surround what a designer can and cannot do when inspired by the work of others. From product design and written content, to the legalities of using trademarks. It is said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But not all designers would consider it to be a compliment to see their design copied by a competitor. To avoid inadvertently infringing an earlier design, make sure you are clued up on what you can and cannot do if you are designing a product which is similar to one which is already on the market.

Find out what Suzi suggests are the most common misconceptions, what the legal implications of these misconceptions would be, and how you can best protect your work by reading the full feature.

Read this feature →

For further information on Intellectual Property Protection and what we are doing to combat the issue, visit our website.

Suzi Sendama at Mishcon De Reya LLP

[email protected], +44 (0) 203 321 6794.

Have you missed Suzi's most recent article on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules that will be enforced and how they could affect your business? Click here to see more.

This feature originally appeared in the Business section within Volume 6 Issue 4 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

 Click here to read the full issue.

Sharing some of the most inspiring projects from around the world...

In Volume 7 Issue 1 of eSociety we highlighted the launch of the newest edition of our SBID International Design Awards which is officially open and accepting project entries for 2018. Our Awards receive the highest calibre of interior design projects year-on-year for the chance to be recognised for interior design excellence.

However, even if you don't enter your project for an Award, we're always interested in sharing and celebrating impressive design projects from around the world. So much so that in every issue of our eSociety magazine we take a look at some of the most inspiring projects, from large-scale retail designs and global hotel projects to high-end luxury residential developments, to see how creativity in interior design is transforming the way we work and live our lives.

In this issue, we explored a new luxury destination nestled between Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Hotel Californian is idyllically placed in the Santa Barbara, coined the American Riviera for it's picturesque landscapes and Mediterranean climate. Designed by LA-based interior designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard sensitively retained the façade of the original 1925 Hotel Californian, whilst incorporating the rich, eclectic vibrancy of traditional Mediterranean designs.

This 121 room seaside destination comprises of a rooftop pool, featuring panoramic views of the coastline. Brimming with Mediterranean influences and sultry Moroccan details, this project included the hotel's two restaurants and spa; the hotel's signature restaurant, Blackbird; the more casual dining option, the Goat Tree Cafe; and Spa Marjorelle, the hotel's resident luxury spa. Discover more about how Martyn Lawrence Bullard captured the authentic Moroccan character and imbued the essence of Marrakech throughout this stunning hotel design.

Read this feature →

This feature originally appeared in the Portfolio section within Volume 7 Issue 1 of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see more inspiring projects in the Portfolio section, here.

In the latest edition of eSociety, Volume 7 Issue 1, SBID conducted a Special Report on two integral areas of interior design. We spoke with Craig & Rose, Philips Lighting and energy company, innogy, to help to shed some light on the latest industry trends in the field of Lighting & Surfaces. 

 

Colour Trends from Craig & Rose: 

Established in 1829 by two young Scottish entrepreneurs James Craig & Hugh Rose, Craig & Rose built a long established reputation as specialist paint providers in their field. This reputation spread swiftly throughout the UK, enabling Craig & Rose to become the paint of choice for the professional painter and decorator. Edward Brown, the Technical Director at Craig & Rose, gives us his informed insight on which colour palette the Spring season is set to usher in to the market and where the trend for paint finishes will lead in the coming months.

To find out more about Edward Brown's forecast for paint colours and finishes, read his feature here.

Bright Solutions 

The Czech Republic headquarters of energy company, innogy, is using a new LED lighting system to support the circadian rhythms of the people who work there.

Installed by Philips Lighting, the system is tuned to stimulate the energy levels of the 550 staff at set times in the day. According to Philips, "the stimulus from the 'human centric lighting' fixtures is likened to a strong cup of coffee".

Tomas Michna, Senior Manager for Facility and Services at innogy Czech Republic explains how the system works and why this new innovation in using responsive lighting technology in the workplace can help to improve operational efficiency through remote monitoring and maintenance.

Learn more about this revolutionary lighting system, the effects of using advanced lighting technology on psychological patterns and behaviours and how this can be implemented in interior design, here.

This Special Report Case Study originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see the full Special Report on Lighting and Surface, here.

In the current issue of eSociety, SBID talks to Carolina Calzada, co-chair of SBID’s recently launched Colour Council, about the council’s purpose and aims for the interior design industry. Here is what she had to say: 

 

Why is the Colour Council relevant for interior designers?

I think the Colour Council is very relevant to the creative industry in general. With any subject it’s important to have access to a reliable source of information. SBID’s Colour Council initiative not only allows the organisation to share information on colour knowledge but also to set standards in the way we work with colour. It’s also an opportunity to create a permanent knowledge resource for using colour successfully. We will be looking into colour theory, working with colour in space and colour forecasting as well as looking to colour combinations for inspiration; this will enable interior designers to connect with colour experts and establish a reliable information source.

What’s your own experience of working with colour?

For the past 11 years I have worked with many brands, helping them with product development and marketing strategies. I have built a broad knowledge in colour nuances and how different cultures react to colour by working with paint companies around the world. I have also worked with materials manufacturers as Finsa, Formica, DuPont, Ceasarstone and LG Haus as well as companies as Kimberley Clarks, Samsung, Logitech or Panasonic. I would say that this experience has really helped me to understand how consumers think.

Do you think designers understand the importance of colour choices?

I think designers are fully aware of the need to have the right information. We are a savvy industry and understand that having the right knowledge helps us create customer satisfaction. Right now, you need to search the internet to find colour information which is time consuming. Also because data comes from different sources, how can you be sure it’s reliable?  Getting good data on colour is also a challenge for students and anyone else who works in design. Colour is a fabulous tool for creativity but a lack of knowledge in this area can hold you back creatively. That’s why I am strong believer in making information available from a reliable source as SBID.

Carolina Calzada, Co-Founder at Calzada Fox

Co-chair of the SBID Colour Council & SBID East Anglia Regional Director 

This interview originally appeared in the Volume 7 Issue 1 edition of the official SBID interior design magazine, eSociety.

Click here to read the full issue or see the rest of the interview with Carolina, here.

 

In the current issue of eSociety, SBID talks to Suzi Sendama, Associate from Mishcon De Reya LLP about the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules that will be enforced on the 25th of May. She highlights what all the fuss is about and what it will mean for your business?

 

What is the GDPR?

The GDPR introduces more stringent data protection obligations on companies and will strengthen the rights of individuals. Its implementation and effect is therefore of relevance both to corporate entities and to those seeking to enforce their rights. It will be implemented across all EU Member States and its provisions will continue to apply in the UK post-Brexit through the UK's proposed Data Protection Bill.

The GDPR sets out new rules for any organisations that collect or process personal data of individuals (known as data subjects). Personal data is any information relating to an individual, including names, addresses, photographs of individuals, email addresses, bank details, IP addresses and even social media posts – as a result, the GDPR will apply to most organisations that do business in the EU.

As a result of the changes in the law, and the publicity surrounding the introduction of the GDPR, individuals are more likely to scrutinise the way in which information about them is held by organisations.

How will the GDPR affect businesses?

Two key themes arising from GDPR are transparency and accountability. Companies will need to explicitly and clearly tell individuals what data they are holding, why they have captured it and what they intend to do with it. Companies will also need to be able to show that what they are doing is in accordance with the law. In practical terms, this is likely to involve at the very least updating your privacy policy to ensure that it is in plain English and that it accurately reflects what data you are processing.

Electronic direct marketing, such as emails sent to people who are not existing customers, will require a higher level of 'consent' than now: consent needs to be explicit and freely given, by way of  a positive opt in. The GDPR also introduces a requirement for some types of organisation to appoint an expert in data protection law as a Data Protection Officer.

Reputation management should be a key consideration for all companies. Ensure that you have a crisis plan in place for dealing with data breaches. You could also face enforcement action if you are unable to demonstrate that you have addressed the new requirements. The legislation introduces hefty fines for data breaches of up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20million, whichever is more.

Think carefully about a notification strategy for breaches. In the event of a data breach, companies will often have just 72 hours to notify both data subjects and the Information Commissioner's Office, so having a strategy in place for dealing with this will be crucial.

Data breaches are most likely to occur as a result of human error – make sure that members of staff are appropriately trained on the changes which are coming into force and ensure that you have policies in place in relation to data security and how to handle data breaches.

If you are an employer, you will also need to ensure that the way in which you handle your employees' data is GDPR compliant. Review any HR policies to ensure that you have systems in place to deal with your obligations under the GDPR and inform employees and any job applicants about the purpose and legal basis for processing their personal data.

Key action points

• It is vital that you understand what data you are holding, why it is being held and where it is being stored. Understanding the risks and privacy impact of each data type will enable you to better protect your organisation and your data subjects. Where possible, minimise the data you are holding before the GDPR comes into force.
• Transparency and accountability is key: review and amend your policies for collecting and processing personal data. Every pound spent on preparation for the changes in law is likely to pay off exponentially in the future.
• Appoint someone suitably trained in data protection to be the point-person for GDPR, and train all staff on the new legislation.
• Have a reputation management strategy in place for dealing with potential breaches.

For further information on the GDPR and how it could affect your business, please contact Suzi Sendama at Mishcon De Reya LLP, [email protected], +44 (0) 203 321 6794.

Suzi Sendama, Mishcon De Reya LLP

Did you miss Suzi's article on Intellectual Property and Copyright Law? Click here to see more.

 

 

Andrew Davies, Design Director at YTM Group explains how technology is challenging hotel design teams in new ways.

In recent times the focus of hotel design has shifted towards what will make a statement online. The need to create spaces that photograph well, showcase something new and exceed expectations has never been greater. The ever-growing popularity of social media platforms and review sites is making it possible for guests to analyse and appraise almost every aspect of a hotel before they stay, so no room or space can afford to look anything other than outstanding.

In the 21^st century, one thing that guests love to see is the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. As a result, the challenge we often find ourselves presented with, is the demand to deliver an end product that utilises digital tools without compromising on the aesthetic or comfort of the surroundings to ultimately, strike a balance between beneficial tech and unnecessary gimmicks. Finding this balance can be a powerful tool in generating positive reviews and word of mouth, both online and in person.

Innovation with purpose  

Whether it's across public spaces or in the privacy of a hotel room, the temptation among hoteliers is to expect that every new gadget and gizmo in the marketplace be integrated. Yet the temptation to overload on tech can also detract from a guest’s stay. To deliver a true experience, we know that hotel guests need to be connected to a room – not via wireless technology – but through their senses. Lost in a screen, they may all too easily miss the pleasing curves of a four-poster bed, the soft feel of an upholstered chair and even the smell of a carefully placed diffuser. It is important to acknowledge that we remember with all of our senses. Repeat business and particularly referrals can only be acquired by bringing guests into the present and making them appreciate their surroundings.

This, of course, is not to say that technology does not have a place in supporting the guest experience. On the contrary, giving guests control over the ambient temperature and lighting through “Smart” equipment to accommodate their needs can heighten their sense of well being. The challenge however, is always to integrate technology seamlessly into a room, supporting the overall experience and making a stay more restful rather than overpowering it.

All too often it becomes possible to overlook the primary purpose of a hotel bedroom: to sleep. A hotel bedroom should work hardest to support rest and recovery. Few people will book the same hotel twice if they do not wake feeling refreshed, energised and ready to face the day ahead after their first stay. With this in mind, we know that digital devices are accountable for poor sleep. Many studies have shown that screen time before bed disrupts the sleep cycle. While it would be unwise not to accommodate laptop or mobile device usage in a bedroom, there are things that can be done even in smaller rooms to divide spaces and help differentiate between rest and activity space. A guest may not consciously note the positioning of a sofa, bookcase or cabinet between desk and bed, but subconsciously this can make a very real difference to the enjoyment of their stay.

It can be particularly tempting to pack as much new tech as possible into the pubic spaces of a hotel. Gymnasiums, pools, spas, restaurants, bars, workspaces and lobbies can all sport smart technology in abundance. But here, too, it is important to incorporate digital aids with a delicate touch. It might be manufacturing a reception desk that accommodates a slim tablet device into the work-surface or crafting fitted furniture to house television screens or even self-service machines. We can embrace these advances and use them to create greater subtlety rather than let technology become the statement piece.

The terrifying (but exciting) prospect for design teams is that the progression of technology and the way consumers appraise hotels is ever-changing. So we, as designers, can never stand still - it's what keeps us on our toes from day to day!

Andrew Davies, Design Director at YTM Hotel Furniture.