Rodrigo Vargas Design: Creating a Serene Spa Design

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a serene spa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Rodrigo Vargas Design.

This Spa is the first of its kind, complete with personalised treatments, immersive facilities and approachable wellness offerings. The modern, warm space draws upon the principles of the golden ratio with rounded rooms, curvilinear walls and intuitive design to promote a transformative and holistic experience. Rich texture and luxurious materials embrace the client, while unexpected elements create moments of surprise and delight. Lighting sparkles in hushed golden passageways, leading to an immersive oasis, transporting the mind and body through design. Earth- borne finishes of stone, cerused wood, grass cloth and linen bring the soothing serenity of nature to one’s fingertips.

What was the client's brief? 

There was no brief but the following directive: work within existing planning and programming and time sensitive delivery.

What inspired the design of the project?

We wanted to create a transformative experience that transports you to a different place. A full departure from the wild aesthetic of a casino hotel. Juxtapose the high energy and colour saturated world above to a quiet spa space, a completely calming and rejuvenating experience.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The project was in the basement of the casino hotel, and the ceiling above received all of the mechanical from the entire operation above. Heights were low and long, at moments, claustrophobic. We shaped, contoured and divided the ceiling and spaces into a path of discovery and movement.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Collaboration with the other teams and ownership, they were understanding and encouraging of our vision.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To be part of the greater design community and acknowledge what our community does.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are honored to be considered as part of a larger group including both our clients, vendors and peers, who are interested in the process of creating beautiful spaces. It's wonderful to have our design as part of a whole and not just stand alone.

Questions answered by Rodrigo Vargas, Principal at Rodrigo Vargas Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern penthouse design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Fenton Whelan.

Situated on Kensington Gardens, Park Modern by Fenton Whelan is an extraordinary £550m residential development, showcasing 55 exquisite apartments. The crown jewel of Park Modern is the 9th floor marquee penthouse, meticulously designed by Fenton Whelan’s in-house design studio. This five-bedroom penthouse offers expansive lateral living of over 6,800 ft2. The innovative design and meticulous attention to detail bring forth unrivalled quality, surpassing the standards of London’s super-prime marketplace. Park Modern Penthouse sets a new benchmark by offering unparalleled design features, lifestyle amenities, and a truly exceptional living environment overlooking one of the most well-known parks in the world.

What was the client's brief? 

The client's brief was a compelling challenge – to craft an exceptional aesthetic that seamlessly merged modernity, international influences, and a timeless allure, creating a living space that resonates uniquely with each individual resident.

What inspired the design of the project?

The project's design narrative is an homage to London's alluring charm and the awe-inspiring Hyde Park. The essence of this iconic location served as the catalyst, infusing the design with a sense of grandeur and tranquility.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

A paramount challenge was defying spatial conventions to preserve the openness and panoramic view of one of the world's most celebrated parks. This meant artfully avoiding the intrusion of walls, while also orchestrating an intricate dance between materials. The fusion of metal and solid wood, accentuated by the opulence of natural stone, was a technical puzzle that required meticulous craftsmanship.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Amid the array of accomplishments, the spotlight undoubtedly falls on the featured floated marble fireplace. Positioned at the heart of the space, this architectural marvel transcends conventional boundaries. The fireplace stands as a testament to our innovation, where it levitates gracefully, enveloped by marble on two sides, and adorned with transparent glass elements. Its presence not only offers warmth but also bestows an exquisite blend of design and functionality that is truly captivating. This singular element epitomizes the seamless fusion of aesthetics and engineering in our project. Among the many triumphs, the contemporary artwork stands out as a masterpiece of finesse. This piece serves as both a focal point and a harmonious complement, exuding an aura of elegance and an artistic ambiance that elevates the space.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was a quest for excellence and an aspiration to bring home the coveted trophy, an acknowledgment of our creative dedication, and a testament to the remarkable results we've achieved through our passion for design.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being selected as an Award Finalist is an immensely gratifying affirmation of the passion and dedication that have gone into these projects. This recognition on such a prestigious platform amplifies our sense of achievement, motivating us to continue pushing boundaries and redefining interior design standards.

Questions answered by Arta Marku, Creative Director at Fenton Whelan Design.

Which elements of your profession do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy the most is the creative process. I love the initial stages of a project, when I have to brainstorm ideas, gather inspiration, and develop concepts and discus them with my team. It is incredibly fulfilling to see these ideas come to life as I work on creating mood boards, sketches, and 3D renderings. Another aspect that I find enjoyable is the opportunity to collaborate with clients and other professionals in the industry, I love visiting building sites. I value the input and perspectives of others, and I believe that collaboration leads to the best outcomes. Working closely with clients allows me to understand their vision and preferences, and it is rewarding to see their excitement as we bring their ideas to fruition. I also find great satisfaction in the problem-solving aspect of interior design. Each project presents unique challenges, whether it's maximising space in a small apartment or finding creative solutions for a limited budget of boutique hotel. I enjoy the process of analysing the space, identifying potential issues, and coming up with innovative solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.

What has been your most memorable career highlight from the past year?

I designed a new home for clients in Poland, who lived permanently in Germany, so they rarely visited the investment. It was incredibly rewarding to listen to a recorded message from my clients who expressed their impressions from the first day after entering the house delight with every detail and very grateful.

I also have to mention the satisfaction I get from cooperation with the Soroptomist International charity for which I design and complete flats for orphans, given them by the city council. Flats are in bad condition and required refurbishment. Seeing their joy and gratitude when they can start their adult life in a nice comfortable homes encouraged me to use my professional resources and finance from the charity in more projects of this kind.

What are your favourite types of projects to work on and why?

I enjoy working on residential projects as they offer more space for creativity and personalisation. Witnessing the positive impact it has on the people who use the space, is truly fulfilling. It reminds me of why I chose this profession in the first place - to create environments that enhance the quality of life for individuals. Commercial spaces such as boutique hotels, or medical clinics as involve creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that cater to specific target audiences or brand identities. Renovation projects can be challenging but rewarding I’m fond of working on building under preservation. They often involve transforming existing spaces, updating outdated designs, and maximising the potential of a given area. Renovations allow to work with existing structures and reimagine them in innovative way with respect to the past. I had a pleasure to work on the successful project of boutique hotel in a building from XV century despite difficulties and challenges.

What are the most challenging aspects of working in interior design?

One of the most challenging aspects of working as an interior designer is managing client expectations. Each client has their own unique vision and preferences, and it can be a challenge to balance their desires with practical considerations and budget constraints. It requires effective communication, active listening, and the ability to guide clients towards realistic expectations while still delivering a design that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. Additionally, working within project timelines and budgets can be challenging. Projects often have strict deadlines and financial limitations. This requires careful planning, organisation, and the ability to adapt and problem-solve when unexpected issues arise. Another challenge is managing multiple projects simultaneously and in different locations as I work now with clients from US, UK, Germany and Poland so effective time management, prioritisation, and delegation are essential skills to ensure that each project receives the attention and care it deserves.

What do you wish you knew before working in the field?

To deliver a successful interior design project as much as creativity several business skills are essential such Project Management, Communication, Budgeting and Financial Management, Negotiation and Vendor Management, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Customer Service. It was a moment in my career I realised by possessing these business skills, I can effectively manage projects, meet client expectations, and deliver successful interior design projects and still focus on creativity. Another thing is that I decided to study Corporate Management to gain knowledge that helps save a lot of time avoid stress.

If you could give one tip to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Find inspiration in design, nature, materials, travel and fashion, be a careful observer. Travel as often as possible to develop creativity and be inspired by different cultures.

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

As remote work and flexible lifestyles become more prevalent, interior designers will focus on creating adaptable and multi-functional spaces. Design solutions that allow for seamless transitions between work, relaxation, and socialising will be in high demand. With a growing focus on environmental consciousness, sustainable design practices will continue to gain prominence in the interior design industry. Designers will prioritize the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction techniques to create environmentally responsible spaces. The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies will continue to grow. These tools will enable designers to provide clients with immersive experiences, allowing them to visualise and experience their designs before implementation and from my experience clients tend to like it but still want to see and touch textures, materials and and colours in real.

What does being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer mean to you?

I am very honored to be a member of this organisation. It obliges me to adopt a reliable and creative approach to each projected and to make sure they are carried out with attention to detail as well as in accordance with construction regulations and guidelines in individual countries. Accreditation gives the opportunity to participate in training, conferences, follow the latest global trends or the latest technological solutions. I love to attend designers breakfasts, always well organised and inspiring.

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This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Japanese inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Filipao Nunes.

Señora Tanaka, a project of extroverted personality and energy, offers a unique and avant-garde design concept. Its interior design with a look towards the Japanese architectural tradition and an urban air, is developed on a single floor; combines the use of lines with clean and simple volumes, textures and materials. Textures play a fundamental role in Señora Tanaka’s design. Natural materials like wood and stone are used in wall and floor coverings, adding warmth and an organic look.

What was the client's brief? 

They were looking to represent a homage to the restaurant Señor Tanaka, inheriting the passion of Nikkei Food. The personality of this project is a sophisticated and energetic female figure, the perfect harmony of a new generation and evolution of the Señor Tanka. Reflecting a fusion of the gastronomy and the architecture of Japanese culture.

What inspired the design of the project?

From the serene and pure textures of Japanese culture, architecture, and interior design. This inspiration guided the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the space.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Our main challenge was the location of the project, since it is located in one of the main streets of Mexico City inside a building. Our goal was to promote and highlight the restaurant in a way that wasn't overwhelming.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

In the selection and application of lighting and textures. We pay special attention to the details of textures that define Japanese culture. We wanted lighting to play a vital role, taking the space to new heights, using strategic natural elements and raw materials, together with the ingenious manipulation of light.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

It is an incredible opportunity to show the innovative and creative work that my team and I have worked on. It also allows me to compare my project with other featured designs, learn, and contribute to the advancement of the design.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It is incredibly validating and rewarding for us. A testament to the work, creativity and dedication that we have put into the project.

Questions answered by Filipao Nunes, Founder of Filipao Nunes.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful office design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, spAce.

The guiding idea of the project was to create a NAOS Universe where different environments or “planets” would be formed through the use of colors, textures, and furniture, based on the concept of humanising the workspace. Within it, reflection, serenity, and creativity are achieved through architectural design elements that create an oasis of inspiration and motivation. Behind every space created in this organisation, there are reasons that inspire growth as a consequence of a different, more empathetic, flexible, and above all, more creative work model.

What was the client's brief? 

The client was looking for an office that responded to the changes resulting from the pandemic in which they had started to work in a flexible and hybrid way and the office had to function as a social hub.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration of the design is closely linked to the products manufactured by the client being in the skin care business, the sensory aspect was very important. Additionally, Naos is a company that exploits the use of color a lot and we decided to make the offices very colorful, creating monochromatic spaces.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Like many corporate projects, the schedule and costs were very tight. The challenge of the project was largely to match the expectations of those involved with the constraints.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We loved the result in the employees who use the space. People are extremely excited to return to the offices and the new office has become a tool for the organisation that has helped it work better, putting the human being at the centre.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

There are many international design awards but I think in particular the SBID awards are among the most professional and recognised.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Space is not an architecture firm that has a particular interest in receiving awards, our priority is to create spaces that transform people's lives in a positive and long-term way. However, being finalists in awards of this caliber is a recognition of the effort of all those involved in these projects. We are very happy.

Questions answered by Juan Carlos Baumgartner, Founder of spAce.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a multi generational family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Stripe Design Services.

This Californian home was transformed from a standard house builders’ specification into a showcase for the owners. The multi generational Indian family who lives here now has a home which unites the living and cooking areas with the outside space which reflects their way of life. The introduction of a sweeping staircase connects the first and second floors and celebrates the triple height entryway. Guests experience an open floor plan with generous vistas throughout the house with a multitude of surprise elements such as pops of charm delivered via playful wallpaper and decorative tile.

What was the client's brief? 

The client wanted a multi generational home that incorporated their collection of traditional artifacts, embraced their love of cooking and yet still had a modern aesthetic.

What inspired the design of the project?

The inspiration for the design came from engaging the client in conversations around their culture and traditions. We wanted to deeply honour their historic roots. The use of saturated colour, pattern and wallpapers give the home a sense of familiarity.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The staircase in the original layout was secreted behind a wall, absolutely hidden. It was evident upon entry that there was a second story and the entry boasted a triple height vault. Redesigning the space to incorporate a sweeping elegant staircase was challenging both design wise and structurally. The result unites the two spaces. We intentionally created a simple design so that the staircase felt graceful as opposed to ostentatious, the flat underside of the curve afforded us the opportunity of a sweep of burgundy paint, a nod to the owner's love of wine.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We all love different parts of the house but giving the family a very ergonomic, functional kitchen was probably one of the most rewarding moments. Everybody engages in the cooking process in this home and food is central to their family experience. The wallpaper in the powder room is also sincerely delightful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We thought that this project might be noteworthy. The bay area is very multicultural because of the huge amount of technology companies. The project all at once celebrates the success of it's owners and pays homage to their cultural roots. It does not follow any trend and it does not feel like an algorithm from Pinterest. It is unique.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are all tremendously excited. It feels a little surreal actually but I think that we all feel vindicated for the time and effort that we put into creating special environments for clients.

Questions answered by Suna Lock, Creative Director of Stripe Design Services.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an idyllic villa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Balan and Nambisan Architects.

Balan and Nambisan Architects was commissioned to design a luxurious villa in a warm contemporary style. Drama is created in the powder room with a ceiling mounted Gessi faucet over a floor standing washbasin in a surround of onyx. A Bulthaup open kitchen is the heart of the home. In the master bedroom flawless white statuario marble is contrasted with dark walnut wood. A bespoke leather headboard serves as a fitting backdrop to the Capital bed. The master bath uses Stonewood marble contrasted with vanities in wood with brass details.

What was the client's brief? 

A custom designed villa for a close knit family with a considerable extended family who spend lengths of time together during festivals, celebrations and holidays. Bangalore, India is a dense, crowded urban city with a population of 11 million and life for a high achieving family can be extremely stressful and chaotic. Our clients desired the home to be a complete sanctuary from the chaos, tailored to their lifestyle. An absolute necessity was the home offering multiple entertaining spaces with the ability to entertain across three generations simultaneously. Equally important was the sanctity of the private spaces. An abode to withdraw from the chaos of city life, a home with spaces for physical fitness and one to entertain. A luxurious home with a careful integration of design, materials, detailing and technology.

What inspired the design of the project?

Keeping the home private was a key driver of the design. The design of the home wraps around external spaces that are scooped out of the plan, ensuring that outsiders do not have the ability to look in. Yet the home is always connected to the outdoors with landscaped courtyards and planters wrapping around on the upper levels. We used three materials - stone, wood and metal, these three materials are mouled in different ways to either block, semi open or open up views to spaces. The journey begins with the solidness of road-facing external form cladded in sandstone panels cut to a bespoke size and finished in 2 textures to create a dynamic facade. A facade that changes through the day with the play of light and shadow. As one moves through the home, these three materials take on different forms of detail to embellish spaces.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the most challenging aspects of the home was executing the staircase around the lift volume. An elliptical metal staircase wraps around an elliptical glass lift within a 5-storey atrium volume. The only areas of support for this grand staircase was at the main landings, spanning 3.6 - 4M floor to floor. We went through 3 metal fabricators and multiple mockups before we were able to eventually execute the structure. The steel stringer beams were laser cut and bent into a curve, the balustrade was bespoke designed laser cut panels, each section precisely cut, bent and labelled for each run. A challenge was executing and sequencing the entire space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The design and execution of the staircase and executing this home through Covid.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Having recently opened our office in London, it was only natural that we would become members of SBID with SBID representing the UK interior design industry, one of the world's leading design industries. Entering the SBID awards has allowed us to showcase our design capability to the design community as a whole here in the UK, as well as allowed us to gauge where we stand within the UK and International design community. This is an important step for any practice especially for one that has decided to open its first international office.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being nominated as an Award finalist is a huge honour for us. It is an affirmation of our design skills from the international design community and this means the world to us especially as we take the next step to build our practice here in the UK.

Questions answered by Nilanjana Roy, Partner at Balan and Nambisan Architects.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a joyful family home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, AMC Design.

AMC Design was commissioned to create and design a space for a growing family. The design brief was a combination of function and flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property, bringing out the family’s personality with colour and pattern, and making the space joyful, child friendly and stylish. AMC Design ’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right.

What was the client's brief? 

The main focus of this project was to create more space for a growing family, by extending the living area via a loft conversion. AMC Design’s ethos is to do a house once and do it right – leaving space for a family to grow. The design brief was a combination of function, flexible living within the beautiful bones of this historical property. The family expressed their interest in converting the loft space, which led to the creation of two further bedrooms, an office, bathroom and playroom for their three children. The clients were drawn to neutral palates but were keen to add more colour and pattern, being brave with AMC Design’s guidance. AMC Design wanted to create a space that brought colour into their lives but didn’t take over. To make the space joyful and child friendly. It was also important that the space worked for them as a family of five and could accommodate visiting friends and family.

What inspired the design of the project?

A creative family, their excitement to bring colour and style into their traditional home was the main impetus for engaging AMC Design and really inspired the design of the project. Storage was the focus throughout, with the family highlighting the need for flexible, hidden space as key within the initial brief. The magic of the historic houses prevalent in the West Yorkshire area, of both Victorian and Edwardian heritage, is the abundance of nooks and crannies available in which bespoke storage can and was installed, to work for family life. From chimney breasts to recesses in attic bedroom eaves, practical and usable spaces were found throughout, adding function and form to this colourful redesign.

With a young family comes different personalities, which we were keen to reflect in the throughout the home. The bold flair and true family personality is prevalent throughout the project, with colour and texture punctuating the airy and bright spaces. Throughout this iconic northern property, the magical combination of bright, sumptuous colours and textured bespoke cabinetry, in the context of this historical house, has created a functional and yet luxurious family home, which can be grown into and enjoyed for decades to come.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Without doubt, it was the ceiling height in the newly created third floor, loft conversion. With limited head room, we had to identify how best to use the space so it could be enjoyed by all members of the family.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When we handed over the keys on completion of the project, the clients were really pleased and delighted to tell us how much they enjoyed the process. Over the following weeks, we received videos of the two youngest seeing their rooms for the first time, which was just wonderful.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are a great celebration of global creativity and design, and we are very excited to be part of that.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

To be an Award Finalist in the Residential Budget Up to £50,000 category is extremely exciting for myself and the wider team. We are competing with some very talented and creative designers, and we feel honoured to be considered against these titans of our industry.

Questions answered by Ann Marie Cousins, Founder of AMC Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a luxurious care home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Catalyst Interiors.

Catalyst Interiors were commissioned by their client Cinnamon Luxury Care to design and fit-out The Gables care home in The Midlands with luxury and hospitality in mind; the first impression of the bright and welcoming reception and piano bar is one of style and elegance. Every detail has been considered to include a coffee bar, piano lounge, hair and beauty salon, cinema and private dining room together with an array of other facilities where residents, their families and friends can enjoy time together.

What was the client's brief? 

Our client, Cinnamon Luxury Care, strive to provide the highest level of care in a beautiful home, where every detail has been designed with luxury and hospitality in mind. First impressions count and the central communal area should be bold yet elegant, bright, and welcoming. The interior should then transition to a more homely feel within the residential areas. The right environment coupled with the right care and the right stimulation can transform people’s lives, helping them to feel happier and more fulfilled – this was our ultimate goal. The resident was always at the centre of the design from initial room layouts & colour schemes, right down to selecting the final finishing touches in artwork & accessories.

What inspired the design of the project?

With The Gables, on a suburban site with panoramic views across the Clent Hills & further Midlands, a key element we looked to achieve with the interior design was to make the space feel warm and welcoming whilst also being bright to bring the landscape and greenery into the surrounding rooms by day and then to transform the outdoor terraces at night using lighting to create a dramatic visual backdrop to the lounge, bar and restaurant. Residents also have the luxury of an onsite beauty salon, private dining room and cinema – this offers residents a life of independence without leaving the safety and security of the care home. However, this is the place the residents of The Gables call home, and as you journey into the care home from the piano bar the design style transitions to a more homely and relaxed atmosphere. Having a new home should always be exciting and something to look forward to and this is what we looked to deliver with our design, without compromising on the practical elements required in a care setting.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The main communal hub at The Gables (Reception, Piano Bar, Salon & Private Dining Room) was a total of 130sqm – fitting in all the amenities whilst ensuring the space didn’t feel too cramped or busy and allowing appropriate space for walking aids/wheelchairs was challenging at times. We overcome this by working in collaboration with the architect before construction started to amend the main building layout by moving doors, internal walls and creating illusions of separate areas using varying types of flooring & ceiling coffers that are even wallpapered in some areas instead of physical walls. And of course, construction of The Gables started at the end of 2020 – this meant that Covid & the after-effects of Covid caused a few delays and stock issues along the way!

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

When designing The Gables I used ‘outcome based’ design techniques to create an environment that fully supports residents living with age related health and mobility conditions as well as dementia. These include ‘Invisible Design’ , ‘Homeliness’ & a ‘Wayfinding Strategy’. Invisible Design included installing electric scent diffusers in Dining Rooms and Bathrooms. Half an hour before mealtimes, the scent diffuser will start to diffuse smells of fresh baked goods for example to entice residents to the dining area – prompting hunger and thoughts of mealtimes. Scent diffusers are also used in the Assisted Bathrooms where the scent of essential oils is released into the air to create a calming atmosphere and to help relax residents.

Also in the Assisted Bathrooms homeliness is implemented, there is a very apparent stigma that care homes are clinical environments – especially bathrooms. One way we tried to break this stigma was with signage and the language used. Instead of ‘Assisted Bathrooms’ we have created ‘The Spa’ – with a very soft palette of beiges and natural woods, non-slip tiled flooring instead of safety vinyl and privacy screens that are designed using decorative fretwork screens with mirrored back and shelves. This helps residents in the bath to feel more relaxed and to shield them from the door and reduce the feeling of being watched by staff in the room for safety reasons. However, through the open shelving design staff can keep a watchful eye without affecting the relaxation of the resident.

The Wayfinding Strategy is used to help residents navigate their way around the dementia community. Each wing has a different feature colour, with landmark objects at decision making points along the corridors. Residents are actively encouraged to take part in activities in the 3 themed wings: Fashion, Music, Travel/Transport. Each bedroom at The Gables has a media unit. Each media unit has a chamfered display on the end that faces out into the doorway. Not only does this promote wayfinding in helping residents recognise their own room with their own photographs/ornaments on the shelves but it also makes their bedroom feel more homely.

Once The Gables was complete, I visited with several copies of a document highlighting the importance of these design techniques and held a half day session with staff including Home Manager, Care Staff & Housekeeping. The importance of educating the people who will be responsible for the day to day running of the care home is invaluable as it helps to ensure after cleaning for example that wayfinding landmarks are returned to their original location. When designing for care – I always think it is vital to ask yourself “would this be something you would have in your own home?” because after all – it is someone’s home! Of course, we all have personal style and colour preferences – but I feel design is not only about looking beautiful. It is about functionality first – then beauty. To create a successful interior (especially within a care environment!) is being able to drape the functionality with the beautiful elements to create a home for the residents where they will be safe, happy, and given a helping hand where needed.

A Wayfinding strategy tailored to each dementia community is just one of the ways we help to achieve this at Catalyst. Bold and contrasting colours yet still complimentary of each other, traditional patterns and textures with subtle locational cues and wayfinding items such as the artwork, retro kitchen accessories, montage of retro food signs and plaques. These are the sort of items that offer a helping hand to people living with dementia to emphasise the use of a space without compromising on the style and homeliness of a space.

The highlight of any project has to be going back to visit the home when residents have moved in. Seeing the space being used and enjoyed by residents, their families and even the local community – encouraging more visitors and creating more social opportunities for residents who otherwise may not get these opportunities living in their own home. Witnessing and hearing about how residents live a more fulfilled and enriched life at The Gables because of our design techniques is the most rewarding part of the project and the reason I love what I do!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are one of the most prestigious Interior Design awards globally and to be recognised for this award is a huge achievement that we are very proud of. I also think it is important to highlight the Care Home design sector and the design constraints associated with care homes within such a reputable design community – I am grateful to SBID for including our sector in the International Design Awards alongside some of the best interiors in the world.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

As Healthcare Interior Designers we have been nominated for and won many Healthcare Design Awards. However, as SBID is considered one of the most prestigious accolades in interior design by the best in the industry, the SBID International Design Awards are awarded purely on the quality of the design, innovation, and aesthetic. This means that being a finalist in the International Design Awards has really put us in the spotlight as a company for our Interior Design capabilities – it is an achievement were very proud of!

Questions answered by Jade Mannion, Lead Designer of Catalyst Interiors.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a Colombian inspired restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.

Bishop Design was appointed to create a space inspired by South America, bringing the soul, culture, food, music, passion, and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. They wanted to create a space that would transport guests to places they might never have been.

What was the client's brief? 

From the onset, the Client clearly envisioned creating a venue that blends exceptional culinary innovation with an intrinsic curation of entertainment and talent, delivering the ultimate social dining experience and bringing something unprecedented to the region. Rather than everything being fabricated architectural repurposing was to play a key part in the design with each piece bringing its own story, adding depth and character to the space.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by South America, predominantly Colombia we wanted to bring the soul, culture, food, music, passion,and craftsmanship of the people to Dubai. En Fuego is a celebration of their richness. We wanted to create a space that would transport you to places you might never have been. The wonder and excitement of these faraway corners enticed us to have fun designing something that would exhilarate the city.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Sourcing the items to fill the ceiling was a challenging task. We often believed we had enough until they were suspended, only then realizing the need for more. This too presented its own challenges, as we strived to ensure that each item exuded the intended Colombian spirit and clearly represented the essence of South America. Fortunately, we successfully managed to capture the vibrant spirit and energy of Latin culture. The venue, as a whole, exudes a lively and dynamic atmosphere, infusing the region with bold, colourful energy. It boasts authenticity and possesses an abundance of character and soul, guaranteeing that everyone will discover their favourite moments within its walls. This is the true beauty of the space.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Paul Bishop, the owner, and founder of Bishop Design embarked on a journey to Colombia alongside a team of creative specialists. Together, they explored enchanting and unique antique shops, craft stores, markets, and personal collections. Their mission was to uncover items that would each contribute a distinctive story and soul to the restaurant's ambiance.

One of these captivating narratives revolves around Oliver, a local gentleman of 74 years who owned a quaint rooftop workshop nestled in the heart of Medellin. Over the past years, he had dedicated himself to crafting intricate models of the region's iconic decorated buses, known as Chivas. The team's encounter with Oliver took place at a flea market, where his unwavering commitment to his craft left an indelible impression. A visit to his workshop further solidified their admiration, leading them to acquire every available model for the project. These models represent his final creations, making his legacy a part of En Fuego in Dubai.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was driven by our desire to be part of a celebration of design excellence. These events serve as a stage where our commitment to quality is recognized on a global scale. The awards offer validation that our designs align with the highest standards, making it a significant step in showcasing our dedication and expertise to a broader audience.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being named a Finalist for the Award is a tremendous honour and validation of the hard work and dedication our team puts into every project. It's not only a recognition of our design skills but also a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional results. This recognition bolsters our reputation within the industry and among our peers, highlighting our ability to consistently deliver design solutions of the highest calibre.

Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Owner and Founder of Bishop Design.