19 minute read
Female Frontiers
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, we find out what drives and inspires some of the industry’s female leaders to push the creative boundaries
Annabel Karim Kassar
Architect and Founder, AKK Architects
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.
I chose to study architecture in the Seventies, the heady decade of freedom and possibilities that followed the May events of 1968 in Lebanon. Architecture combined my interests in art (how we see the world), psychoanalysis (how we see ourselves) and politics (how we live). I have stayed and practiced in many countries, including France, Lebanon, Morocco, and the UAE and also worked in China and the US. Each cultural experience influenced my creative process.
In 1994, I founded my own architecture company, now with offices in several countries, and latterly branching out to cover interiors, lighting and furniture design. Restaurant design has become a major activity, although we have designed everything from factories in Chengdu to a golf club in Ajman. Today, AKK consists of an international team of talented women and men whom I’m very proud to work with.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
At the start of the Nineties, I was working in Morocco when the chance came to enter an international competition to rebuild the old souk in Beirut, which had been devastated in the civil war. We were a small practice, but I had lived in Lebanon and felt an affinity with old Beirut and its unique street life and urban pace. In short, we won the competition.
Who has most inspired you creatively?
I am inspired by the old masters – Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, di Vinci – who were engineers and artists as well as architects. I was brought up on the 20th Century greats such as van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and, especially, the Bauhaus school. I am fascinated by the experimental architecture of the American artist-designer Lebbeus Woods. Among female architects, I like the work of Lina Bo Bardi, the extraordinary Brazilian architect and designer.
Your favourite project?
My recent architectural installation at the V&A in London. I do architectural installations as a way of capturing the essence and soul of a building, so everyone can experience it. In this case, it is an old Ottoman mansion in Beirut – one of the last remaining – which was badly damaged in the 2020 explosion and which I am restoring.
What advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
Always be curious – questions are better than answers. Take risks otherwise you will never gain insight. Never be afraid to change your mind in a project; good design work is always a process. And be prepared to fight for your ideas, especially if you are a woman. The best ideas emerge when you argue for them.
AKK Architects / annabelkassar.com
Noor Charchafchi
CEO & Founder, Celine Interior Design
What was your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
The most pivotal career moment for me came when after a few years working as an aviation lawyer, I made the major decision to change career and become an interior designer. I’d worked on a few projects with my husband and realised that design and interiors were my real passion and what I wanted to focus on and develop into a career.
Now that I’m in the industry, there is very little I don’t love about it and I really haven’t looked back since. I do think my legal training and time spent working at large scale firms gave me a good business understanding and I’ve been able to bring that level of professionalism to my business, whilst also embracing my creative side so, for me, it’s the best of both worlds.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
I’m inspired by different cultures, through travel and also fashion, which is my other passion in life. My team also inspire me on a daily basis, without their creativity and diverse skillsets I couldn’t take on the incredible projects that Celine has become known for.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. We have worked on so many wonderful projects but the most important and significant would have to be the renovation of our own family home in Fulham. We really changed each and every room and designed it around how we live as a family. We extended the house out, up and down, added a sixth bedroom in the loft and double the basement which is now home to our business, as well as a gym.
We wanted to create a large, open plan kitchen and living space that spans the entire ground floor, as this is where we spend most time together. I love combining my Middle Eastern heritage and my British upbringing in my designs, and you can really see this within our home, especially in the kitchen, where I added a touch of art deco Arabic glamour to the traditional shaker style kitchen with gold handles. As our children grow up, we’re making changes to the house so that it can evolve with them. We’ve recently renovated my sons’ bedroom and created a space that works as well for a teenager as it does for my younger son.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
As a designer, knowing the rules is a good tool to have – but having the courage to break them is the only rule you must follow.
Alison Evans
Showroom Manager, Obsidian Interiors
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.
I have over 20 years of experience in the design industry. For five years, I was the director of the luxury interior design studio, Water and Stone in Woodchester, Gloucestershire, offering luxury bathroom, bedroom and general interior design services. Then I moved to Obsidian in Cheltenham to become the Showroom Manager and Head of Design. I have been in this role for nine years and have won Designer of the Year and Showroom of the year a few times over this period.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
I have had a wonderful career to date and have been lucky enough to work on some exciting projects over the years. Whilst with Obsidian, I have been proud to lead our talented design team, creating innovative and beautiful spaces in homes and businesses across the Cotswolds. In my early days of working for myself, I was lucky enough to work on the famous Hempel Hotel in London and a luxury apartment in Cadogan Square; both were definitely standout moments in my career.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
Since childhood, I have always loved music and colourful objects and interiors. As I grew up, I fell in love with brands like Valentino and Gucci. Nature and architecture have always played a big part in my life too, from stunning sunsets to the colours of the Cotswolds countryside (where I am lucky enough to live). Kelly Hoppen and Kelly Wearstler are probably my biggest designer influences today. Since a trip to Coachella a few years ago I have also become a huge fan of California, it fills me with inspiration every time I visit; the views, the art and the architecture. Mainly I need space and quiet time to be creative.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. My favourite project was a barn conversion I did here in the Cotswolds a few years ago. The weekend home of a London-based family, the barn had to be completely renovated before we could even begin to think about the comprehensive interiors. Working on an old building makes you think and work completely differently; for instance, when we removed the old beams to replace them with RSJ’s, I repurposed them to hang the lights from. It’s a very different way of working. The project went on for five months and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone but the result was stunning and I am very proud of it.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
I would start by getting your HND in design. It’s a necessary, basic qualification. When I started out everything was hand drawn but now you will need to know your way around a CAD or SketchUp system. Then it is about getting experience – especially try to find a position as a trainee in a showroom like mine and with a head designer like me who is willing to teach you and make sure that trainees do not feel overwhelmed in the beginning.
If necessary, offer your services for free, just to get your foot in the door and gain some valuable experience. Then taking it steady and gradually with the onsite experience as this is just as important as the design; making sure you understand how the installation works in each property.
It’s also important for new entrants to really understand the difference between various professionals in the industry, such as stylists, interior decorators, interiors designers, interior architects etc. Researching each of these, seeing which route interests them the most, and then finding out the qualifications and experience that are needed for each role. The design industry is very fast-paced and most employees now don’t have the time to train you on the job, so it’s really using your own initiative to educate yourself.
JEN BERNARD Founder & Creative Director, Bernard Interiors
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.
I have always had a passion and a keen eye for art, colour and design and, after gaining a degree in Interior Architecture from Edinburgh College of Art, I pursued a career in interior design. In 2008, I started my own design business so that I could create meaningful interiors which, initially, was for just a handful of clients.
Since then, we have ensued extensive growth, seeing the team grow to 21 and counting. We have been lucky enough to work on and be part of the development team for a multitude of care and later living developments, as well as a selection of private properties of high-net-worth individuals across the UK and abroad.
As Founder and Creative Director, I am still very much hands-on and oversee the creative elements and planning of each project, though I am continuously blown away with the innovative ideas the team comes up with against even the most challenging of briefs.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
There have been a lot of highs throughout my career journey, even at some of the toughest times. When we first went into lockdown during the pandemic, that was hard for a team of creatives who thrive on collaboration and love to be in the office together bouncing ideas around. We have such a strong team culture which is so important. We survived lockdown and all came out of it together and much stronger.
When I initially set up the business in 2008, a recession hit shortly afterwards which was unnerving to say the least. At that time, the care industry was one of the first sectors to receive investment and North East care provider Hadrian Healthcare commissioned me to design for their well-established care home group.
It was from this work that Bernard Interiors began to grow and six years ago, gave us the credibility to win other commissions in the sector. This included a fiveyear framework agreement with later living provider Audley Retirement Villages. This completely changed the face of the business for us, and we now work with several other leading names in the sector.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
Honestly, our team of designers and even the newly qualified younger members of the team inspire me daily. They are so passionate about what they do and have an insatiable drive to deliver outstanding work. It is great to be able to give them the opportunity to flourish and grow, as well as giving them the freedom to develop their ideas and creative vision. A collaborative approach is in itself a powerful product and is the ethos of our brand.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.
I am immensely proud of the team’s efforts on the restoration of the magnificent Grade II listed Northcote House, set in the grounds of Sunningdale Park, Berkshire for Audley Retirement Villages. Inspiration was taken from the parks historic background its close proximity to Ascot Racecourse to influence the tailored design and transformation to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable ambience.
Of course, and like with all projects, there were challenges. Being listed, we faced many constraints with building regulations to be able to bring it back to its former splendour whilst being sympathetic to the buildings heritage and history. Though in the end, it was really rewarding to be able to deliver something which exceeded our client’s expectations. Working within the later living and care sector, allows us to not only be creative, but to care about every detail, resulting in positive change for our clients and theirs.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
My advice would be to get as much on-the-job experience as you can and always believe in yourself and your ability, and never give up. Don’t be afraid to ask peers or someone who you admire professionally for advice and learn from their experiences, good or bad. Interior design can be very challenging but, above all else, it can also be the most rewarding outlet for creativity and making a difference to the ways in which people live and work.
JO PLISMY
Founder, Gong
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. My first business was actually a restaurant in Brussels, which I had for four years before deciding to take a break. I came to London to practice my English for a couple of months, at which point I was in my midtwenties. I got immediately hooked by the dynamism and the openness of the city.
Having grown up surrounded by 20th century furniture, Asian and African art dealers in Belgium, I had developed a passion for eclectic and timeless objects and scouring flea markets was a favourite pastime. I was very fortunate to begin working for the amazing interior designer, David Champion for a time, before opening my home interiors boutique on Portobello Road in 1999. This was like a dream come true and Gong was born. A few years later, a second Gong boutique was opened on Fulham Road.
I started to design my own lighting models for Gong and inspired by their success and the desire to be more creative I decided to progressively dedicate my time exclusively to the creation of lighting collections. Today that is what we are, a lighting design company, and we collaborate on residential and commercial projects with architects, interior designers, hotels, restaurants and real estate developers throughout the world, as well as numerous independent boutiques where you can find Gong lamps.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
After having my children, I made the decision to sell my shops and specialise purely in lighting design and this was a really pivotal moment for myself and the future of Gong. I quickly realised the huge potential in this field and I loved being able to spend more time on the design side, exploring new materials to work with and discovering how different shapes and colours diffuse the light.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
My inspiration comes from so many sources, whether it is a piece from the 1950s or from a forgotten past, that I can reinvent to give it a new life, whether it is the nature that surrounds us with all its organic shapes, or an everyday object whose form I think I can transform to make a great light.
I remember during a trip on the island of Sumatra, I was lying on my bed in a modest hotel, overcome by the heat and the humidity typical of those tropical regions. Whilst I was daydreaming, excited about my excursion to the jungle the next day, my eyes were fixed on the mosquito net hanging over my head, it was not fully hanging but knotted halfway as they are usually kept during the day. I noticed it was in a really bad state and I was pretty sure it wasn’t going to protect me against mosquitoes that night, but I thought, actually this could be a nice shape for a light. This is how I got the idea of the Meduse model.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.
It’s very hard to pick a favourite but I am especially fond of our most recent designs, namely the Dusia Collection. These elegant lights feature delicate latticework which diffuses the light beautifully. I took inspiration from the sea for the design, specifically the favolaschia fungus with its mesmerising patterns. The sea and its inhabitants have always been a rich source of inspiration for me and inspired many of our silk designs too.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
I would say try not to be influenced too much by trends and try to start each project with a blank white page. Original ideas are not easy to create. So much has already been done that even when you think you may have an original design, it’s always worth checking there is not something similar that is already out there.
Gong / gong.co.uk
DESIGNER MAGAZINE / DESIGNERATI.CO.UK
WOMEN IN DESIGN
Chantel Elshout
Founder & Creative Director, Chantel Elshout Studio
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities.
I started my design career with a foundation course in Art & Design at London Metropolitan University, and moved on to Chelsea College of Art & Design where I specialised in Interior & Spatial Design. During this time, I also worked as a stylist for Homes & Gardens, Elle Decoration, Sunday Times Home, and Sunday Times Style, before embarking on a career in kitchen design.
I set up my own studio in 2011 and since then have had the opportunity to work on some wonderful projects across the UK, collaborating with talented architects, interior designers and developers but also designing full interiors for our own residential clients.
We have also been a small, design-led studio working closely with our clients, providing knowledge and experience in one of the most technically challenging areas in a home. I am Founder but also Creative Director working on every project that we take on and, along with my team, we create beautiful, memorable interiors for the whole home.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
Last year was an incredible year for our studio’s design recognition – winning two awards for Bathroom Designer of the Year 2022 at the kbbreview Awards and another from the coveted Designer Awards 2022. Being recognised by your peers is a huge achievement which we are over the moon with!
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
I was lucky enough to travel to some amazing destinations over the years and always feel invigorated and inspired seeing design in different countries – not only their use of colour, geometry and materials, but also what is important to them in terms of ergonomics and the feeling that design instills. For me, a home should reflect the personality of their owner and be a haven from the outside world – especially these days where there can be a lot of sensory overload.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project.
Over the last two years we have been working on a very special project; our own home and new studio. We relocated from London to the Cotswolds and have been designing and building a new barn with a separate work studio – our biggest project to date! This will give our clients a true sense of our style, as well as somewhere to see and test products in a real life environment.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
Get as much experience as you can! I designed my own tiny flat – and anyone else’s who would let me – several times over during my early years. I also regularly attend trade shows and events to keep up-to-date with new products, designs and trends as well as doing our own research on finding more sustainable products. To run a successful project, you need a good team of suppliers and tradesmen so I have spent a lot of time building relationships over the years. I live and breathe design and it influences my life in every way. It means that it doesn’t ever really feel like work.
Chantel Elshout Studio / chantelelshout.com
Sarah Ward
Founder, Ward & Co.
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. I began my career in the commercial design sector, delivering interiors for hospitality chain Pitcher & Piano before turning my hand to boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs. I worked on many commercial projects including bar design for Alps-based travel firm Mark Warner, a 15th Century boutique hotel conversion in Buckinghamshire and a three-phase development at Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
My passion for creating uniquely impressive, timeless spaces led me to establish Interiors by Sarah Ward in 1986, now Ward & Co Interiors, which I run alongside my daughter Rosie. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry and multiple awards to our name, we are currently working on a variety of London, home counties and Caribbean residential and commercial projects.
Like many creatives, I’m a storyteller at heart, and each of the interiors crafted by my team have different narratives. Whether the brief is for a private home or commercial space, we always take a bespoke approach. Through my long-standing experience within the interior design industry, I’ve always had an unusual ability to work across different sectors managing all aspects of a project. I love nothing more than creating inviting spaces, full of soul and charming details.
What was your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
There are a few pivotal career moments I look back on fondly. I‘d say being on the board of the BIID years ago, winning design awards, working on key projects for Octagon for many years. Recently opening an office in the Caribbean after winning some statement projects has been a refreshing challenge. Each time we win a new project we are fully focussed and inspired.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
Without a doubt, a life of travel has brought me most inspiration. As much as it is eye-opening, it also grants you that necessary down time to allow creative thought to flow. The world is a melting pot of fabulous culture and it is inspiring. Then, of course, being obsessed with other designers’ work inspires me daily. Throughout my years in the industry, it’s been fascinating to watch how styles have evolved over the years, and in many cases improved.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. We have recently completed Villa Papillon, an eclectic six-bedroom mega-villa in Antigua. Set back into the hill, the villa spans four floors and enjoys some of Antigua’s most sensational views. A passion project of mine since we took possession of the rocky plot four years ago, I worked closely with local architects and landscape designers, overseeing the complete construction and interior design of the villa.
Somehow, the house has an unexplainable vibrance and warmth which, when coupled with the panoramic view, is incredible. Creating flow between the four different levels was challenging, so it has been extremely rewarding to have received such glowing feedback on the interiors. The project has provided our team with a golden gateway to the Caribbean to showcase our work and bolster our project portfolio in the region.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
I’d definitely say training is essential, particularly a course offering drawing and FF&E. Gain as much experience as possible through work placements, and always stay on the lookout at new bars, hotels and show houses to build your knowledge of what works – and equally what doesn’t. Look at scale, colour palettes, balance of colour and texture and learn how they best work together. Really immerse yourself in magazines rather than simply flicking through. Finally, make sure to visit John Cullen’s light room on the Kings Road!
Women In Design
MELISSA KLINK Creative Director, Harvey Jones
Please tell us a little about your career background, and your current role and responsibilities. Having graduated with an undergraduate degree in Fine Art and a master’s degree in Interior Architecture from UCLA, I went on to work within several design industries including visual merchandising, project management, editorial graphic design, and interior design in the luxury furniture industry.
My current role is Creative Director at Harvey Jones. This places me in charge of all things relating to brand and design within the business. Whether designing and project managing our showroom displays, working alongside marketing for brand presentation and presence in the media, designing and developing new product and kitchen ranges, styling photoshoots and designing layout for website, brochure and point of sale material, working alongside the sales team to integrate the best practice of design to our client journey… the role covers all aspects of creative and design application.
What has been your ‘big break’ or pivotal career moment so far?
Perhaps this was getting recruited by Christopher Guy, a luxury furnishings company, whilst finishing my master’s degree. Stepping into the world of international design was a big milestone for my career and has forever changed the way I view the output of design and the process. Understanding there are values that are inherently the same and those that are extremely different from culture to culture forced me to be adaptive in my process.
Who or what has most inspired you creatively?
My current inspiration is watching life through the eyes of my young children. Their innocence and raw curiosity are such a magical reminder that we are surrounded by beauty. The world of design has such an individual influence to it, so many of us are fuelled by our own passion within our careers. It is a gift, but incredibly easy to get overwhelmed with pressure because it always feels personal. My children are the best remedy to take a step back and just enjoy the world we live in.
Please share your favourite, most important, or most recent project. I’m blessed to have designed projects all over the world, but my favourite and most important are the ones I do for my family and loved ones. Whether it is just picking a paint colour for a bedroom wall or full-fledged design overhaul, being able to actually see the transformation and watch the real-time joy it brings to the people I care about the most is priceless. It’s in those moments that you realise how powerful what we do as designers is and how lucky we are to do it each and every day.
Based on your experiences, what advice can you offer to someone just starting out on a career in design?
Stay off your phone and get outside. Building a relationship with nature will become invaluable. Understanding the way nature can really inspire and influence a space – as well as providing you with a retreat when the busy and chaotic world of design needs a pause.
Harvey Jones / harveyjones.com
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