STUDIO BIOGRAPHY
1
2
3
4
Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is an internationally acclaimed interior architecture and design studio based in London and New York. Founded by Martin Brudnizki in 2000, the Studio is composed of 70 multi-disciplinary design professionals; from Architects, Interior Designers, FF&E Designers, Furniture Designers, Art Consultants, CAD Technicians and CGI Visualisers to our Management Team, who lead and support every aspect of our Studio commercially and creatively. The Studio has a wide range of experience, creating hotels, restaurants, bars and private members'clubs, alongside designing luxury residential developments and helping a select number of people build their dream homes. Working across the globe, MBDS benefits from a worldwide network of suppliers, contractors and artisans; from Hong Kong to Los Angeles, Melbourne to Miami, Paris to Dallas, Toronto to Amman and of course London and New York.
Johannes Vermeer, The Astronomer, 1668 5
6
MARTIN BRUDNIZKI
“ If we assemble large-scale constructions out of the smallest and most precisely cut components, we would discover in the analysis of the small individual moment the crystal of the total event.” Walter Benjamin, The Arcades Project, 1928
Ben Nicholson, 1924 7
The great twentieth century cultural critic Walter Benjamin thought we should carry the principle of montage into history. He believed that building an accurate idea of someone relies on assembling those abstract moments that inspire us.
Aesthetics & Functionality
Likewise, Martin Brudnizki is best understood through details of his history.
8
Born in Stockholm, Martin's love for design started from a young age. His mother was a stylist and drew upon her Central European heritage, decorating their apartment in a style inspired by Joseph Frank, Adolf Loos and the Vienna School of Architecture. His father, a mechanical engineer, believed in the power of materiality and the cool simplicity of Scandinavian design; often leaving drawings lying around that Martin would pore over. The combination of these elements embedded a deep understanding of aesthetics, layering and colour alongside a grounding in technical functionality, helping shape Martin's approach to design.
Classical & Contemporary Martin grew up between two of Stockholm's most revered architectural landmarks; the eighteenth century Adolf Fredrik Church and the modernist Gunnar Asplund-designed Stockholm Public Library. These two buildings sit not just on the same road, but at a crossroad in architectural history; the church coming at a moment when Sweden looked to reinterpret the clacissism of Ancient Rome and Asplund's library referencing and reducing classical antiquity to abstract geometric forms. Both became a huge influence on Martin's thinking. The way Asplund so wonderfully harnessed the history of classical design into something so contemporary and the way the Baroque architects before him looked to the Ancients. This made Martin realise that as designers we have a responsibility for drawing on the past to seek out the future.
Designer & Businessman Before embarking on his studies in Interior Design at The American University in London, Martin first studied Economics at the University of Stockholm. His time studying the world of business left an appreciation for a Client's commercial objectives and a respect for practicality. He has since become known as the "businessman's designer."
9
Since creating his internationally acclaimed interior design studio, Martin has gone onto win many awards and much praise... Architectural Digest (US) AD100
Architectural Digest (France) AD100
Elle Decor A-List
House and Garden Top 100
Wallpaper Magazine Power 200
London Evening Standard's Progress 1000
“An award-winning perfectionist, with a love of high spec materials, bespoke furniture and lighting, and the desire to mastermind every last architectural detail” - House and Garden “Martin Brudnizki is one of the most sought-after interior design talents in the restaurant world” - FT How to Spend it “Martin Brudnizki is considered one of the best restaurant and hotel designers of his generation”Wallpaper* “Martin Brudnizki solidifies his position atop the totem pole of movers and shakers who make up this design centric city” - Surface Magazine “If it looks amazing and you have to ask, the answer is probably Martin Brudnizki” - Celebrated Living 10
“Interior designer Martin Brudnizki is the man behind some of Europe and North America’s most resplendent, big-budget signifiers of contemporary luxury” - The Modern Home “If you’ve had a fancy lunch at a hip restaurant in a leading international style capital, it’s high time you met Martin Brudnizki as he probably designed it.” - TANK Magazine “No one does relaxed glamour quite like Martin Brudnizki” - Interior Design Magazine “Brudnizki's greatest skill is the ability to merge the traditional with the fantastical into a seamless amalgamation that is uniquely his vision” - DuJour Magazine “Martin Brudnizki is a world-renowned interior designer, best known for his work on high-end restaurants, hotels and private members’ clubs” - Financial Times
11
12
OUR VALUES
“ True education is concerned not only with practical goals but also with values. Our aims assure us of our material life, our values make possible our spiritual life.” Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1938
13
O
ur Values form a guide as to how the Studio acts both internally and externally. They inform every decision we make, are built into everything we do and provide a clear idea as to how the Studio conducts itself.
14
We are Collaborative Our relationships are genuine. We see our Clients as collaborators in pursuit of creative and commercial success.
We are Professional We share our expertise through providing a specialist service that is consistent, meticulous and clear.
We are Informed Our knowledge of design, architecture and history allows us to make informed choices on every aspect of the process.
We are Intuitive We have a spirit of enquiry and curiosity which enables us to see things from a fresh perspective and elevate the brief.
We are Dedicated By immersing ourselves in every project down to the smallest detail, we develop a clear vision that goes beyond the expected. 15
16
OUR DESIGN PRINCIPLES
“Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision.” Cecil Beaton, 1957
17
O
ur Design Principles represent the Studio’s philosophy in how we approach design. This is not a house style but a system of ideas that is applied to the individual project. Throughout our methodology we continually come back to our Principles to ensure the end result reflects the high standards we expect as designers.
our Interiors are Contextual
are Composed
We create interiors that respect and harness the history and character of the building, street and community in which they are embedded.
Through layering materials, textures, patterns and styles we create embracing spaces that offer richer, deeper and more satisfying experiences.
are Focused
are Detailed
We create interiors focused on our Client's needs. From achieving our Client's business objectives to carefully studying their lifestyle and interests, we strive in developing their dream space.
Our focus on detail isn't just an obsession, it has become a trademark; as our projects have become synonymous with subtlety and style.
18
Exude Quality
Flow
Through using quality materials and working with exceptional craftsmen, we are able to create long lasting interiors which allow people to experience the space through all five senses.
We see the end-user experience as the true measure of a design's success and work to craft interiors that flow in their layout, design and functionality.
Push Boundaries
Stimulate Emotion
Drawing on our ability to think creatively and go above and beyond the design brief, we create interiors that push stylistic and industry boundaries.
Our interiors are multidimensional, capable of being as welcoming as they are intriguing, as relaxing as they are provocative and as inspiring as they are enduring.
19
20
OUR PURPOSE
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Aristotle, 384 – 322 BC
Baron de Cabrol, Beautiful People of Cafe Society, 1954
Crafting Experiences.
22
A
t the heart of the Studio's work is a profound commitment to an individual and their experience of an interior. Through the careful study of a project's context and a Client's lifestyle, a dedication to functionality and a love of layering different materials, textures and styles, the Studio handcrafts environments that enable our Clients to develop personal and long-lasting relationships with their interior spaces.
23
24
OUR EXPERIENCE
“It is beyond a doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience.” Immanuel Kant, The Critique of Pure Reason, 1776
Aquavit, London
26
NOTABLE CLIENTS
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, LVMH, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Soho House Group, Sydell Group, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, Annabel's, The Ivy, The Royal Academy of Arts, Thomas Keller, Nobu Matsuhisa, Wolfgang Puck and Daniel Boulud
We have collaborated with some of the most prominent names in the hospitality industry, giving us exemplary experience and knowledge of the market. Through this experience the Studio has acquired an eceptional level of expertise in the design and realisation of high-profile and luxury schemes, always reducing the complexity of any project to simple design solutions.
27
28
OUR METHOD
“A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.” Louis Kahn, 1930
The Beekman, New York 29
Martin Brudnizki Studio Design Director ID Associate
FF&E Associate
ID Senior Designer
FF&E Senior Designer
ID Designer
FF&E Designer
ID Junior Designer
FF&E Junior Designer Visualiser
30
STUDIO STRUCTURE
Through our experience of delivering worldclass projects we have developed a wellbalanced Studio structure comprising of 70 multi-disciplinary design professionals. Within the Studio we have a wide range of skills from Architects, Interior Designers, FF&E Designers, Furniture Designers, Art Consultants, CAD Technicians and CGI Visualisers. This is alongside our Management Team who lead and support every aspect of our Studio commercially and creatively. Martin Brudnizki, our Founder and Creative Lead, is involved in every stage of each project from a creative review perspective. Martin is supported by two Design Studio Directors and five Design Associates who lead the management of the Design Team and projects across the Studios. Each project is assigned a Senior Designer who is the main project contact and works alongside both the Interior and FF&E Designers on the day to day running of the project they are assigned. We have an internal review process which allows Martin and the Management Team time with each project and its team; to develop our work collaboratively and within a clear and communicated process. 31
32
PROJECT PHASES
We have carefully crafted our service to ensure that we offer a holistic approach to design that takes into consideration every single detail. We understand that interior design goes far further than the physical appearance of a space and is about enchanting every one of our senses; creating delight, mystique and wonder in a space that is highly functional and efficient. Great design cannot exist without precision and purpose and so we have developed a method of delivery that allows us be both creative and technically astute, issuing clear sets of drawings and design information that are easily coordinated by the wider project and construction teams.
We typically work with these design phases which align with the RIBA and AIA design phases:
PHASE 0. PHASE 1. PHASE 2. PHASE 3. PHASE 4. PHASE 5.
Pre-Design / Feasibility Study Design Concept Schematic Design Design Development Construction Documentation Construction Administration
33
34
PRE-DESIGN / FEASIBILITY STUDY
PHASE 0.
The Pre-Design or Feasibility Phase captures the key principles for the layout and the very initial interior direction. We produce this document to ensure that we have agreement on the basic space planning from which everything else can be developed. It will provide a strategy for the project and inform the wider team (and your business plan if relevant) on the parameters of a space.
Typical deliverables
A/
Meet with the Client to discuss the brief.
would include:
B/
Propose a space planning solution indicating how the Site could be utilised to meet the brief.
C/
Assess the viability of the project with the Client and agree a layout.
D / Upon the Client’s approval of the Feasibility Study, begin the Design Concept.
35
RESTAURANT PLAN
MALE WC
ENTRANCE LOBBY
FEMALE WC
KITCHEN
BAR PANTRY BUFFET DISPLAY PRIVATE DINING BAR
GREETER
RESTAURANT
LOUNGE
ORANGERY
COVERS
©
RESTAURANT VIEW
BAR & LOUNGE
75
RESTAURANT
196
TERRACE
116
TOTAL
387
RESTAURANT PLAN
JANUARY 2017
PAGE 3
36 ©
RESTAURANT VIEW
JANUARY 2017
PAGE 4
DESIGN CONCEPT (DC)
PHASE 1.
Following approval of the Feasibility, we develop the look, the feel and the aesthetic direction for the project. The culmination of this process is a formal Design Concept presentation and document where we present a detailed narrative that includes mood imagery, suggested colours, materials, furniture items, design elements, details and the overall scheme layout for the entire project.
Typical deliverables would include:
A / Meet with the Client to discuss the project schedule and time tables as well as coordinate with the Client on initial cost plan.
B / Discuss initial design direction to ensure a mutual understanding of the creative approach to the project.
C / Develop Client’s comments into the Design Concept presentation.
D / Present the Design Concept including mood and/or image boards, proposed space planning and layouts as well as suggested furniture, joinery and decorative lighting fixtures, including both custom and found.
E / Review Client’s comments and feedback following presentation to be integrated during Design Development.
37
38
SCHEMATIC DESIGN (SD)
PHASE 2.
Following the sign off of Phase 1 we will begin Schematic Design; a critical phase within the process, where we further develop the interior design scheme to the specification and dimensions of the different areas within the space. We create a comprehensive drawing set of the interior architectural design which includes drawings and sketches that communicate the general functional arrangement, designs and concepts for key areas and allows appropriate co-ordination with all involved. Further, a schematic presentation of the FF&E items will be produced for the Client to review each item prior to Design Development.
Typical deliverables
A/
Develop the Schematic Design in coordination with the project team and
would include:
incorporate preliminary structural design, MEP systems and existing conditions plus operational directives and BOH allocations. B/
Prepare schematic drawings of each area for Client review and use by the Project Manager/and or other retained consultants.
C/
Review costs and budget requirements with the Client for cost control.
39
40
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (DD)
PHASE 3.
Upon approval of Schematic Design, we will then proceed to Phase 3 where the design is refined and plans and specifications are documented. This phase includes the preparation and finalisation of design intent drawings for specialist finishes, joinery, lighting and furniture – all of which are based on the agreed design concept and schematic design. It is during this point of the design process that we prepare furniture, fittings, and equipment FF&E schedules and summaries and prepare specifications for procurement.
Typical deliverables would include: A/
Develop detailed drawings, specifications
D/
Provide ID schedules and specifications
and project schedules for all site areas,
for finishes, decorative ironmongery,
based upon approvals and feedback
sanitaryware, furniture and decorative
received during the prior phase of work.
lighting fixtures for all other site areas within the scope of work.
B/
Collaborate with the Client appointed planning consultant (if applicable) to
E/
Continue to review costs and budget
submit any required planning application
requirements with the Client for cost
and work with an approved inspector to
control.
ensure the design concept is compliant with all statutory regulations.
F/
Coordinate with contractor, subcontractor and other consultant with the
C/
Produce an ID drawing set consisting
sole purpose being to ensure that our
of plans, elevations, and details plus
design intent is met.
a drawing set of joinery and furniture details for all other site areas within the scope of work.
41
42
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS (CD)
PHASE 4.
Construction Documents describe the quality, configuration, size, and relationship of all the design components that are to be incorporated into the built space. The documentation is consistent with the project programme, the construction budget and the project schedule. The documents are used for the tendering process to obtain bids from contractors and also used by contractors to obtain price quotes from subcontractors.
Typical deliverables would include: A/
B/
Coordinate with all Client appointed
to any comments received on MBDS designs
fully coordinated set of Construction
to ensure that the developed design scheme
Documentation.
and its implementation comply with local
Respond to any Request For Information
authority requirements. Support the Client and PM during the tender process by responding to questions related to
Revise ID drawing set, schedules and
any ID queries.
H/
Issue a final ID drawing set, schedules and
desired value engineering.
specification documents to the PM with
Further review costs and budget
the sole purpose being to ensure that our
requirements with the Client for cost
design intent is met by the contractor, sub-
control, taking into consideration any value
contractor, or any other consultant.
engineering.
E/
G/
any other consultant in a timely manner. specifications where necessary to reflect any
D/
Liaise with the Client and PM with regard
consultant as necessary to achieve a
(‘RFI’) by the contractor, sub-contractor, or
C/
F/
I/
Confirm any prototype and interior finishes
Coordinate with Quantity Surveyor (or
are approved by both MBDS and the
equivalent) to assist in development of
Client and/or other relevant parties before
detailed cost estimates as/if required.
construction commences.
43
44
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION (CA)
PHASE 5.
Construction Administration refers to the period of time that the interior fit out is on site and in motion. During this work stage we will be supporting the Contractor and Sub-consultant Team in the implementation of our design in situ. A schedule of regular site visits is established and there are regular progress reports with additional visits scheduled around particularly important phases of construction and installation.
Typical deliverables would include: A/
Review, comment upon and approve for
D/
Liaise with the PM and/or any other
design intent only all interior finishes
relevant parties during the ‘build out’
samples, prototypes, shop drawings and
period within reason.
submittals to ensure conformance with the design intent and approved material
E/
selections.
Inspect works and support the PM or EA/AOR in the creation of a snagging list of required corrections upon completion
B/
Coordinate with the Client appointed
of construction and installation of
EA/AOR and/or consultant on
interior elements to be used for onward
procurement of FF&E, unless directly
submission to the PM for their use.
procured by MBDS at the Client’s request.
F/
Perform final walk through of the Site to review and comment on placement of
C/
Respond further to any RFI’s by the
Furniture.
contractor, sub-contractor, or any other consultant in a timely manner.
45
46
FEATURED WORK
“Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.” Frederic Chopin, 1810 – 1849
Dean Street Townhouse, London 47
48
ANNABEL'S | LONDON
49
UNIVERSITY ARMS, CAMBRIDGE
50
HARRODS WINE SHOP | LONDON
51
THE IVY | LONDON
54
CIPRIANI | MIAMI
55
THE BEEKMAN, NEW YORK
PINK MAMMA | PARIS
57
58
AQUAVIT | LONDON
59
THE BEEKMAN, NEW YORK
60
THE BEEKMAN | NEW YORK
61
SOHO BEACH HOUSE, MIAMI
62
SOHO BEACH HOUSE | MIAMI
63
SOHO BEACH HOUSE, MIAMI
64
FORTNUM & MASON | HONG KONG
65
ESSEN RESIDENCE | GERMANY
68
SPA EXPERIENCE | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
69
70
CAFE NOVIKOV | BAKU
71
SOHO BEACH HOUSE, MIAMI
72
FOUR SEASONS ASTIR | ATHENS
73
74
FOUR SEASONS | PALM BEACH
75
76
SEXY FISH | LONDON
77
78
EDEN ROCK | ST BARTHS
79
80
APPENDICES
“As a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.” Benjamin Disraeli, 1880
Annabel's, London 81
82
AWARDS MBDS has garnered a notable awards cupboard during its experience spanning two decades. Below is a selection of highlights.
Best Outpost
Top 20 Interior Designers
Wallpaper* Design Awards: Aquavit
Wallpaper* Power 200
New City Icon
Leading 100 Interior Designers
Tatler Travel Awards: The Beekman
House & Garden
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
Best Bar
New York Landmarks Conservancy:
European Hotel Design Awards:
The Beekman
Scarfes Bar
Best Of Year Awards: Best Hotel
50 Best Interior Designers
Restoration
Country And Townhouse Magazine
Interior Design Magazine: The Beekman
Restaurant Of The Year BMW Square Meal: 34 Mayfair, Scott's
Pineapple Award For Outstanding Contribution To Hotel Design
Best Beach Hotel Gold Standard Hot
House & Garden Magazine
List Conde Nast Traveller: Soho Miami Beach
Winner Of Build Architecture Awards Best Restaurant Interior Designer
Coolest Restaurant In London Harper's Bazaar & Möet
The Progress 1000
Going Out Guide: Scott's
The London Evening Standard Best Interior Debrett's 500
GQ Food and Drink Awards: 45
Most Influential People in the UK
Jermyn St.
83
84
AND OBJECTS
And Objects is Martin’s product design company. Founded in 2015, the Studio embodies both the artist-engineer of the modern movement and the master craftsman of a medieval guild, believing in the proverb “form follows function” and realising this idea through an in-depth understanding of quality materials and the production process. The end goal for And Objects is to create an object of extraordinary beauty that can both transcend style and remain eternally useful. And Objects works alongside MBDS, drawing on an extensive archive of experience and references, to create imaginative, beautiful and bespoke pieces that respond directly to their situation and are tailored to each project.
Eddystone, And Objects x UECo.
85
86
PARERGON ART ADVISORY
Working alongside the main interior design Studio, Parergon is Martin’s art advisory service. The name derives from the Parergon, a theoretical way of observing the picture frame, in that the frame is neither part of the artwork, nor part of the wall, but a bridge between the two. It is this space that our Parergon service explores, connecting art with interiors. Parergon Art Advisory is involved in projects from the very beginning, ensuring a seamless translation of Martin’s vision, all the way from the architecture through to the art. The service Parergon offers includes creative direction, art sourcing, framing and installation.
Cy Twombly, Rome Palazzo, 1960
87
88
SELECT LIST OF WORKS Mr C, Miami | 2019
Sexy Fish, London | 2015
Baur au Lac, Zurich | 2019
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, London | 2015
Les Jardins du Presbourg, Paris | 2019
The Academicians’ Room, London | 2015
Four Seasons Astir, Athens | 2019
45 Jermyn St., London | 2015
Fortnum and Mason, Hong Kong | 2019
Café Boulud, Toronto | 2015
Pas D'Art, Stockholm | 2019
The Ivy, London | 2015
Harry's Bar, London | 2018
Sessanta, New York | 2015
Le Chardenoux, Paris | 2018
The Palladio, London | 2015
The Surf Club Restaurant, Miami | 2018
Smith & Wollensky, London | 2015
University Arms, Cambridge | 2018
Matsuhisa, St. Moritz | 2015
Grand Hôtel Stockholm | 2018
Holborn Delicatessen, London | 2014
Park MGM, Las Vegas | 2018
Holborn Dining Room, London | 2014
Annabel's, London | 2018
The Confidante, Miami | 2014
Mina Brasserie, Dubai | 2018
Jackson + Rye, London | 2013
Harrods Wine Rooms, London | 2018
Scarfes Bar, London | 2013
The Coral Room, London | 2017
Drake One Fifty, Toronto | 2013
Bullion, Dallas | 2017
Hartnett Holder & Co, Lime Wood
Four Seasons Hampshire, UK | 2017
New Forest | 2013
Hotel Twenty Eight, Amsterdam | 2017
34 Mayfair, London | 2011
Pink Mamma, Paris | 2017
Pizza East Portobello, London | 2011
The Assila, Jeddah | 2017
Cowshed Spa, Miami | 2010
Madison Sq. Park Tower, New York | 2017
Soho Beach House, Miami | 2010
Parsons Green, London | 2016
Cecconi’s Miami Beach, Miami | 2010
Aquavit, London | 2016
Le Caprice, London | 2010
The Beekman, New York | 2016
Dean Street Townhouse, London | 2009
81 Dean Street, London | 2016
Cecconi’s W. Hollywood, Los Angeles | 2009
The Ivy Café Marylebone, London | 2016
Hix, London | 2009
Campbell Gray Living, Amman | 2016
The Club At The Ivy, London | 2008
89
MBDS.COM LONDON STUDIO UNIT 1G CHELSEA REACH 79-89 LOTS ROAD LONDON SW10 0RN UNITED KINGDOM T. +44 (0)20 7376 7555 E. STUDIO@MBDS.COM NEW YORK STUDIO 227 WEST 29TH STREET 13TH FLOOR NEW YORK NY 10001 UNITED STATES T. +1 212 929 2995 E. STUDIO@MBDS.COM
92