LIFESTYLE AND LIVING
It all starts with a conversation
A guiding hand transforming your home
I have been working in design for a long time. I have worked on several continents, in different climates, on varying scales and budgets and for very different clients, with unique lives and likes and dislikes. I understand, more than ever, that our role is one of guidance. Experience, skills, creativity and, ultimately, listening are at the service of our clients to reach a desired outcome that is not just structural, functional or aesthetic. Interior architecture and design are truly about transforming your life, yours, there are key steps that we follow to reach the through the transformation we bring to your space. It desired outcome of a joyful, functional and stylish is about aligning your values, current circumstances home. They all start with a conversation. Of course, and aspirations with the features and possibilities the minute I walk into a space, I can identify points of your home, despite, or along with, its challenges that could benefit from some focus and attention, in and limitations. Over the years, I have found that the my opinion, but I am not you and it is not my space. clients who most benefit are those who recognise So, first and foremost, we walk around (or look at that they have reached a milestone, are undergoing plans and photos, if consulting remotely) and ask a transition or significant life change. This calls for questions – lots of them. We listen to the answers transformation: something new, different, fresh and and to what is said - and what is not said, implied, freeing. In the past year alone, we have worked on just bubbling at the surface, screaming for attention. defining properties following a relocation, a divorce Ones that you are not sure you can, should or are or a loss, before the arrival of a baby or after the kids allowed to say, because you would be asking for had left. too much, it wouldn’t be reasonable, it isn’t really It could be about rediscovering a space you have necessary – but it would be nice to have… been seeing for years and cannot see anymore, for This lets us into your life, your loves and your its familiarity, warts and all. Or hates, your pet peeves and your “These conversations about redefining an old space to suit weaknesses. Do you cook a lot? Do a new life, because you are so aware you entertain a lot? Do you love are about you – your of its pain points, its frustrating reading in bed? Do you exercise when lifestyle, your values limitations, its immutable challenges everyone is still asleep? Do you work and it is time to move on. It can also, and aspirations. What all hours yet want to feel connected of course, be about defining a new makes you tick, dream, to the rest of the household space to suit that new life or new activities? Do you want to practise smile and breathe phase – because you are ready. your putting or play an instrument more freely?” Irrespective of which scenario is or opera super loud? And what else? 70 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | W I N T E R 2 02 2
