dip arts interior design
I was lucky enough to start work with Inarc design which specialised in classic contemporary highend homes and office fitouts. This was excellent training in fine detailing of joinery where the clients were attuned to design and were prepared to spend the time to achieve the best possible result.
What is your design strategy?
I think it usually starts with space planning then a pattern, or maybe colour mix and then the whole project starts to come together. Whether this is an enormous light fitting a piece of furniture or a certain fabric, something will usually inspire the design process.
What is your major design focus at the moment?
I am involved in hospitality at the moment, designing restaurants and bars.
What are your favourite newly opened bars at the moment?
The new Honey Bar in South Melbourne has a fabulous interior, also I like the interior of Cumulus in Flinders Lane.
What are the current trends in the industry?
Creating an ambience whether it is with texture or lighting. The creation of ‘mood’ is essential to be a successful interior.
What are the sort of problems designers are responding to nowadays and have they changed since you started?
There seem to be consultants for everything nowadays whether it be lighting, wiring, green or eco friendly, recyclable, acoustics. Whereas in my early career we would manage many of these things ourselves. There are green codes for new buildings and you need to keep up to date with requirements.
What have been your most memorable projects lately?
The conversion of the Mercy Hospital into luxury apartments. And the noodle bar “sho” at the Crown Casino complex
Have you got a favourite must have piece of furniture at the moment?
Patricia Urquiola for Emu has released fabulous outside wire chairs which are so different from the current range available. Also I have always loved Grant Featherston classics which always add a bit of timeless fun to an interior.
Working in hospitality at the moment where do you find hospitality specific inspiration? Are there any special publications that you use?
I keep abreast of current and coming trends through overseas magazines and also there are some fantastic design books available. Of course the ideal is to travel to design fairs such as the Milan Furniture Fair and also to the leading entertainment destinations which in my field at the moment would be Las Vegas and Macau and maybe Europe.
