Crystal Collection Launched In Celebration of Lalique’s 100 Years of Manufacturing

Since 1922, Lalique’s creations have been produced in Wingen-sur-Moder, in the heart of the Northern Vosges, in a lush green setting beside a village of some 1600 souls. It is here that the glittering material crystallizes in a continuous ballet of fire that has been orchestrated by generations of expert hands.

René Lalique’s glassworks in Wingen became known as the "Verrerie d’Alsace" (V.D.A). His dream was to bring beauty into the home. He therefore chose to manufacture "utility glassware": dinner services, plates, bowls, etc. in series, but always to a high standard of quality, an attribute that was already part of the company’s signature style.

After a difficult period during the Second World War and the Liberation, when the glassworks was destroyed, the company took a new direction on the initiative of René’s son, Marc, with a focus on crystal and an approach inspired by a combination of innovation and tradition.

Although the factory has been constantly modernized over the years, the artisans’ techniques have remained unchanged: material is worked by hand, it is moulded, the molten crystal is "gathered" like honey, and pressed or blown. Once cooled, it is cut, sanded and polished. This is the Lalique artisans’ trademark: the famous satin-polished finish of the crystal, which generates an effect that combines light and shadow.

In 2022, Lalique crystal is sparkling in all areas, from decorative objects to interior design, perfumery, art, jewellry and the hotel and restaurant industry.

To celebrate its centenary in style, in March the Wingen-sur-Moder factory has produced an exceptional bottle containing a new Lalique fragrance, and a beautiful spirit decanter.

The Fusion Falcon - a tribute to the master glassmaker's art

The bottles will be exceptional because of the number produced, with only ten signed and numbered pieces throughout the world. The Fusion flacon is also exceptional on account of its extreme virtuosity. In a centenary year which honours their craft, Lalique’s master glassmakers have pushed their expertise to its absolute limits. “Parison” is the name given by master glassmakers to the glob of glowing material they pick up with a blowpipe from a fountain of molten crystal. The Lalique Design Studio, under the direction of Marc Larminaux, worked in close collaboration with the master glassmakers to create this tribute to their expertise.

The parison bottle is elongated by a slender black satin-polished crystal stopper, evoking the blowpipe used in workshops. A clear crystal frieze recalls a mailloche, the curved piece of wood used to give the crystal a round shape.

This decorative element contains a delicate fern motif, a plant favoured by René Lalique in his designs, and a reference to the manufacture of crystal: distilled fern ashes are used to obtain potash. Potash is essential to glassmakers as it is used not only to lower the melting temperature of the crystal, but also to give it density, sonority and brilliance. In a graphic and poetic style, the fern has a polished satin finish – a signature of the Lalique crystal workshop – on a clear crystal background. The production process for this extraordinary bottle began in the hot-glass workshop, and involved seven people, the largest team ever to work on a single piece. One particularly challenging aspect was the precise coordination necessary between the artisans, as the bottle is made up of two parts: the “parison” in amber crystal and the mailloche in clear crystal.

In the cold-glass workshop, no less than 11 artisans worked to achieve perfection. The cutting and sanding operations were entrusted to one master glassmaker. A second, specialized in polishing, worked on creating the contrast between transparency and the satin finish. Each stopper was then polished and ground by a third pair of hands.

The Water Drop Decanter - from 1922 recreated in crystal

As a tribute to the history of Lalique and to mark the centenary of its Alsace factory, an original design was chosen from the company archives for a white glass decanter produced in 1922, the year in which the first furnace in René Lalique’s glassworks was lit. In 2022, one hundred years after its first edition, the Water drop decanter has been recreated in satin-polished crystal, the signature Lalique style that reflects the artisans’ unique expertise.

Designed to highlight the colour and aromas of the finest spirits, the Water drop decanter is an exceptional object that will enrich the company’s collections. The first challenge for the five Lalique artisans working together on the piece in the factory’s hot-glass workshop was to “gather” the right quantity of crystal: the decanter has a very thin neck and the drops that cascade down the sides have to be uniform. Precision and meticulous care are required during the preforming of the material, which is then blown into a steel mould.

When the piece had cooled, the artisans in Lalique’s cold-glass workshops began by cutting the decanter’s neck – another delicate technical step, as the diameter of the opening must accommodate the perpendicular stopper perfectly. The latter is formed in a steel mould into which the glassmakers press the crystal. The lightly fluted sides rise to a peak eight centimetres high. After a quick series of cuts to remove any last creases or imperfections created during the firing of the crystal, the virtuosity of Lalique’s artisans can be exercised. The Water drop decanter is entirely satin-finished, with subtle gradations in the droplets, which are polished in stages.

The realism is striking: the depth of the crystal plays with the light, and the droplets come to life. In a final display of dexterity, after three hours of cold work on this anniversary decanter, the Lalique signature and the edition number are engraved by hand on the underside.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the Interior Fittings category, Finfort, discuss the complexity of their product, share tips on creating convenient and consumer-focused products, as well as the key considerations to have in mind when approaching the specification of security solutions.

How important is it to enter the SBID Awards & receive industry recognition for your work? What are the benefits?

Entering the ‘SBID Awards’ was without a doubt, the best decision Finfort made in 2021!  The ‘SBID Awards’ recognise and celebrate the value of design and innovation - so having launched our innovative range of elegant high security door locks with automatic deadbolts in 2020, we were naturally very keen to be part of it. The awards also provided the perfect opportunity for us to proudly showcase our exciting new designs to the interior design industry.

We were thrilled to discover our FinBolt Triple Door Lock set won the SBID Product Design Award for the interior fittings category.  Not only did the award help boost our credibility as authentic and trusted innovators, but it also demonstrated the high-end quality of our products whilst providing an invaluable level of media exposure. This really helped us gain traction as an emerging brand.

What do you think made this particular design an award winner?

The FinBolt lock is a major innovation in door security, combining ultra-safe convenience and beautiful craftsmanship. The award winning FinBolt Triple Door Set makes it possible to secure a door at multiple points, with independently operating locks which automatically deadbolt every time the door is closed. With the FinBolt lock, busy homeowners never need to worry about whether they’ve locked their doors properly again! Once the door is closed, it’s totally secure - without ever needing to turn a key! Not only is it functional, but it’s aesthetically pleasing, with the FinBolt Triple Door Set proving high security doesn’t have to mean ugly! FinBolt’s visible door furniture is boastfully sleek, elegant and complimentary of any door. We think it’s this combination of beautiful aesthetics and unparalleled functional delivery that makes this a standout product.

Tell us about the product development process behind FinBolt. How do you use architectural expertise and technical knowledge to produce effective security products/mechanisms?

As with all our products, we’re proud to start with the needs of the consumer. In this case, a need for convenient high-end security was our starting point. When our co-founder (and architect) Timothy Finn couldn’t find a recessed automatic deadbolt for a client who was always too busy to lock his door properly, he engaged his passion for engineering and set about designing it himself!

Product development involved several iterations of designing, patent application, prototyping and testing to ensure the product worked flawlessly and also conformed to the rigorous British standards. We’re particularly proud that the FinBolt is manufactured in the UK, leveraging expert craftsmanship and the very best of British engineering.

We will also always be committed to refining our designs to perfection, so we sought technical feedback from 100s of locksmiths, by exhibiting prototypes at the Master Locksmith Association Expo Trade Shows in 2019, and we were both thrilled and honoured to receive their ‘Best Product Award’.  We were grateful to have also collaborated with The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, who provided valuable input on the technical challenge of offering bespoke finishes!

Ultimately, key to producing an effective security mechanism is a consistently reliable automatic deadbolt – something we’ve managed to achieve through our patented ‘trigger and bolt’ balanced action, together with a high-security cylinder and key registration.

From a client perspective, what are the key considerations a designer should have in mind when approaching the specification of security solutions?

It’s simple…high-security, user convenience and an aesthetic fit.

There are several high-security door locks available on the market (look for the ‘British Standard’ certification); however, very few deliver the convenience of automatic locking whilst fitting the aesthetics of a classic British door. Think about the average homeowner for a moment – busy people with busy lifestyles. There’s little value in installing high-security manual locks which require specific effort to secure, each and every time you want to leave the house. It’s inevitable that you’ll forget at some stage, leaving your home and its contents vulnerable. Furthermore, your door can set the aesthetic tone for the rest of your home, so door furniture and finish is critically important. Even a slight mismatch of colour will ruin the overall impact and leave homeowners frustrated. This is why all six FinBolt finishes have been perfectly colour matched to the extensive M. Marcus Heritage Brass Ironmongery range for a stunning and perfectly matched finish.

Now that you’ve won an SBID Award, what are the next steps? Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

Since the SBID Awards last October, we’ve been collaborating with Avocet ABS (our cylinder supplier) to increase the range of standard finishes we can offer to our customers. The FinBolt Triple Door Set with 3 star kitemarked cylinders from Avocet ABS will shortly be available in 6 finishes, which includes the very popular Antique Brass and Matt Bronze. We’re very excited to now be seeing our ethos of bringing security and style together, coming to fruition!

We also have two new product designs underway: a fire-tested automatic deadbolt lock for apartment doors, and a high security lock case that integrates the FinBolt automatic deadbolt with smart handles, combining the ease of smart keyless entry, with mechanical automatic deadbolting!

What advice can you give to young designers starting out in the design industry?

Keep the needs and wants of the ultimate end-user at the forefront of your mind, whilst aiming for that perfect balance between function and aesthetics! There will always be an appetite for convenient, beautiful designs which enhance people’s lives. Product design (especially highly technical design) can be arduous and requires tenacity to really challenge the status quo and find better, aesthetically pleasing solutions which ultimately satisfy the consumer.

Questions answered by Timothy Finn, Founder, and Hilary Duggan, Co-Founder, Finfort.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a modern industrial office design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, JN Interior Designs.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief was to design a really funky and cool space to attract the best/most talented people to work for this new and exciting tech finance company.

What inspired the design of the project?

When I looked at the initial space it was your typical office style set of rooms, although in bad need of repair and renovation. However there were some unique features that caught my eye such as the exposed brick pillars. There was a false ceiling in place, part of which was falling down so I could see there was a huge expanse of room above it. This gave me the inspiration to take down the false ceilings and create a really high loft style industrial type design which also made a small space seem much larger.

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

The main office space was not huge so there was a lot to fit in to a small area to not only make it look nice but function for both now and a future expanding business. Removing the false ceiling created an amazing airy space and meant that additional design and storage features could be incorporated, such as a separate mezzanine office with pull-out filing and storage units underneath.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing the design features come together; such as the Floor-to-ceiling glass partition walls, graffiti art mural and a 3m high bubble wall go in, as these elements set the tone for a really funky creative work space.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards are one of the most prestigious global interior design Awards and to receive recognition from being chosen as even a finalist is a real honour. Therefore, I wanted to enter the awards as I was extremely proud of the finished project and the hurdles we overcame to deliver a successfully designed space that my client was amazed with and truly exceeded his expectations for what could be done with the space.

Questions answered by Jennifer Neill, Owner, JN Interior Designs.

Kactus is a contemporary café in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s energetic capital, Riyadh. 4SPACE has designed this eatery in highly Instagrammable colours of vintage pinks and greens. The textures and fabrics used to create interest are oak, steel, leather, terrazzo, bold curved mirrors, a wall full of letters, and plenty of cacti. The café is an expression of international and contemporary lifestyles that celebrate youthfulness and culinary abundance. Kactus is an impressive 230 square metres of glorious space that nods to the 1950s and cleverly blended with industrial touches with corrugated wooden walls and clever pipe lighting.

Project brief

The client’s brief was simple. They wanted Kactus to look bright, fun, lively, quirky, inviting and comfortable. The use of various textures allows a sense of depth and discovery to keep diners coming back to their favourite city spot. Cactus plants are used throughout the design and are the central focus of desert biophilic living.

Concept

Kactus has a modern, chic, tasteful, and contemporary design and was wholly inspired by the fascinating xerophytes. The cactus is a collection of interesting plants that have adapted to live in extreme conditions and harsh environments. Cacti are found in arid, hot deserts across the world. Xerophytes have curious, almost animated features to prevent water loss, including thick, fleshy leaves covered in waxy, spiky and hairy coatings. Kactus allows patrons to connect to nature within a city environment. 4SPACE has paid attention to the unique requirements of desert biophilic design to create a refreshing atmosphere. Think baby-boomer years in Saguaro National Park and towering green desert sentinels that pepper endless landscapes under flushed pink skies.

Various design elements

4SPACE has highlighted an open ceiling concept with beams, hanging plants, and linear lighting at the mezzanine level. The walls and ceiling are kept clean and white and provide an unadorned backdrop for strong accent colours. A seemingly haphazardly placed lens mirror installation provides a central focus. Clever placement of a pink vending machine door, the expansive crossword wall and cacti of various heights, shapes and sizes provide a beautifully screwball vibe.

About the execution and ambience

4SPACE carefully selected expert artisans to fit out Kactus; they communicated frequently with their contractors to ensure a snag-free delivery.

The design is bright, fun, lively, quirky, inviting, comfy and minimalist.

Challenges overcome

The pandemic gave 4SPACE various challenges to overcome. Long-distance communication was necessary to manage contractors in Saudi Arabia. International product deliveries were also a challenge due to reduced shipping and logistics.

Unique features

Various fun features throughout Kactus encourage interaction and provide clever illusions and photographic opportunities for social media platforms. The mirror-clad ceilings create playful reflections whilst the crossword wall allows patrons to find their names in the pools of letters on the walls. Neon cacti lights adorn the walls of the café. The café entrance is designed as a pink vending machine door that provides an element of excitement and joy upon arrival.

Material selection

4SPACE has chosen multi-texture materials and used polished oakwood, steel, leather, and terrazzo throughout. The colours chosen are calm vintage hues of pink and green. Various complementary-coloured neon signs adorn the walls, and verdant plans hang fluidly from the beamed ceilings.

Furniture chosen

Furniture is minimalistic, and much has been taken from the 'interiors 360' collection. Two hand-crafted banquette seating arrangements are shaped like oversized bunny-ears cacti in pink leather.

The standout of this project and why

Kactus provides an inclusive and fun setting for people from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. The contemporary and ultra-modern design encourages interaction between people and on social media. The eye-catching façade and retro branding which was designed by the 4SPACE branding team is a significant statement on a busy sand-coloured Riyadh street.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

In the 30 years since it was founded, TSAR Carpets create holistic compositions that empower its wide range of clientele — from commercial, hospitality, and residential customers — to achieve a cohesive architectural expression from the ground up. For this reason TSAR was pleased to partner with Melbourne-based interior designers, Suede Interior Design, and Crystalbrook, one of Australia’s leading sustainable and innovative independent hospitality companies.

Located in Newcastle’s iconic Council Administration Centre, Crystalbrook Kingsley Hotel is a sophisticated 130-room five star hotel that features an energetic and considered aesthetic designed by the Suede team.

Suede Interior Design included hints and glimpses of birds, footprints, and feather motifs in the Crystalbrook Kingsley brand colours of yellow and charcoal to tell the story of Newcastle’s mining past – the canary free from its cage – immortalising the little bird in the timeless style of the hotel.

“Our aim was to create a design that not only reflected Newcastle, but something that would be culturally connected and relevant to its location. The use of curves and rhythm within the guest rooms and public interiors mimic and pay homage to the lines of the architecture of the building,” explained Clifford Rip. “The interiors, therefore, are both nostalgic and effervescent, the kind of design personality that is considered yet effortless in its sophistication.”

The design team tapped TSAR Carpets to provide luxurious, vibrant and eye-catching carpet that both matched the hotel’s yellow hue, as well as the contemporary and elegant mood within the hotel’s guest rooms, penthouse, corridors, lobby, meeting room, restaurant and lounge areas. TSAR employed the design Thirlmere with custom carving for the bedrooms; Habitat for the corridors; a custom design made in collaboration with Suede Interior Design in the Meeting Rooms; and Pinnacle for the Restaurant and Lounge areas.

“TSAR Carpets knows how to blend the story of both traditional and contemporary aesthetics, and we are impressed by their cutting-edge ability to translate a design into a high-quality textile that will stand the test of time,” says Clifford Rip, Founder and Principal at Suede Interior Design.

In total, TSAR customised more than 3,500 square metres of in-house designs applicable to individual room placement and based on each area’s needs, including performance and durability.

Given the building’s curved rooms and corridors (the building is known locally as the “Roundhouse”), aligning carpet and mirroring the Thirlmere pattern 8 different times to fit each of the 8 floors was a major objective.

Employing a carving technique to the custom, large-scale Axminster carpet for an added luxurious accent — as well as true textured feel and semblance — was also achieved, allowing a more budget-conscious, quantity-based product.

This process involves hand-shearing areas of the carpet's pile in order to create textures around design elements. This particular technique highlights and enhances areas of designs in Axminster — transforming one-dimensional perspectives to patterns that draw the eye across the carpet with ridges and valleys.

“TSAR is driven by the belief that good design goes far beyond aesthetics, which is why we have a reputation for the highest quality and outstanding performance,” says David Sharpely, TSAR Carpets CEO.

“We were pleased to partner with Clifford and his team, who we have worked with over the years. The client trusted us to know the right product to specify, ensuring quality and durability — and at a price point that was within budget. Our knowledge and understanding of carpet design and manufacturing led to a beautiful end product that we are quite proud of.”

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the Fit Out Contractor of the Year - Workplace category, Modus Workspace, share the key elements they focus on when designing workplaces and predict future changes in workspace designs.

How important is it to enter the SBID Awards & receive industry recognition for your work? What are the benefits?

It’s so important to our team and our clients. I’m lucky enough to work with a group of people who get up every day and truly love what they do, no matter what. It doesn’t matter if an award is waiting for them at the end of a project, but it sometimes helps. For my team, it gives them the recognition that they deserve and keeps them motivated to continue to aim high, always. We have seen just how powerful winning awards can be for our clients, from stakeholder management to employee retention and hiring top talent, it also reaffirms to our clients that their investment and trust in Modus was worth it.

As a specialist in workplace fit-out projects, what are the most important considerations when designing for working environments?

For the past 30 years, Modus has been designing and delivering office spaces with the objective and empirical evidence to support, that this helps our client’s businesses perform better and have happier, healthier work environments. Every project is unique, and we approach each one with open minds, because it is about understanding the fundamental needs and wants of our clients including their goals and ambitions. However, there are a few key areas that form the baseline for all decision making: workplace strategy, sustainability, wellbeing, culture and future proofing their space for today and tomorrow.

What insights can you give regarding the future of the workplace? How should office designs evolve alongside changing trends?

There’s a lot of talk around the future of the workplace and how it will evolve and change. The digitalisation of spaces will be a big thing. From ‘zoom’ kitted out meeting rooms to intuitive tech, the office of the future will be designed for a different kind of working and a multitude of different office landscapes.

Now that you’ve won an SBID Award, what are the next steps? Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

We’ve got so many exciting projects already in the pipeline for 2022, we’ve been venturing abroad with projects in Dubai and Europe - it’s all under wraps for now but watch this space!

What advice can you give to young designers starting out in the design industry?

Think big, think broadly and have a go. Be brave with your designs and send that email to the D&B firm you’ve always wanted to work at, you never know what’s around the corner. At Modus, we pride ourselves on nurturing the designers of the future. It’s something we take very seriously and I particularly love doing. We are always looking to take on new talent so if you’re looking to start a career in design, get in touch with us at [email protected].

Questions answered by Vidhi Sharma, Creative Director, Modus Workspace.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features an elegant and modern spa design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Ina Rinderknecht.

Situated in the Croatian town of Dubrovnik, sits the 5-star Rixos Premium, recently renovated by our design studio. Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, we were entrusted with the renovation of the hotel’s lobby, its two restaurants, the sports bar, the outdoor and indoor pools and the large spa area.

The spa area is over 2000 sqm featuring state-of-the-art treatments and offering various experiences. One enters the spa through the newly designed tea lounge featuring one of the best tea selections worldwide and a concept store that sells unique local pieces.

Passing through the spa, arched niches in white marble, rippled walls and the use of trees help to create a pleasant environment. A dry sauna, wet steam bath, cold room, a Himalayan salt room, a hammam and treatment rooms, together with small pools are all included in this spa as well as an indoor and outdoor pool.

What was the client's brief? 

Taking into account the client’s brief to modernize the hotel we were inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history. We were given creative freedom to reinterpret the Rixos lifestyle brand in a fresh and unexpected way. The idea was to create a boutique style hotel in the scale of a large commercial project.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspired by the surrounding culture, architecture and history, our design approach seeks to create a holistic environment where shapes, materials and light combine and balance each other naturally. The story is told across different areas always with a breeze of freshness and elegance. Playing with the symbolic meaning of ‘Libertas,’ the Latin word for freedom and liberty but also happiness and light, we created a place where people can express themselves whilst enjoying a sense of belonging. As with all of our projects, we have taken a holistic approach to interior design, to achieve architectural integrity and structural purity within the original building structure, simultaneously combining playful design elements and comfortable furniture.

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

Not only was the intensity of the time constraint from the beginning of conception to the end of construction was 8 months for a project of this scale, but the project was interrupted by the coronavirus and extreme collaboration and coordination between the international teams was very much needed during this time.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The 2000 sqm spa area was the heart of the project. The client’s wish was to transform the vast spa level into a unique oasis of recreation and well-being. The choice of treatment areas with sauna, steam bath, salt- and ice-rooms, massage rooms etc. were all fully renewed. The main focus was on creating a one of a mind tea lounge which would offer one of the largest tea selections worldwide.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We believe we have the high standards that represents SBID. We are a team of creative international designers who always seeks to create innovative yet timeless spaces, that are unexpected and fresh yet utterly comfortable.

Questions answered by Ina Rinderknecht, Owner & Creative Director, Ina Rinderknecht.

A kitchen by ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ 2021 KBB Awards winner The Myers Touch was designed within a period home in Southsea, Hampshire.

The client had previously lived in the US and loved Sub Zero & Wolf Appliances – she wanted to incorporate them into a pure and modern combined look kitchen with American-style bench seating.

Designer Keith Myers worked with the client to create a kitchen that would create the ‘wow factor’, so they could cook and entertain for their large extended family. Danetti bench seating was installed against the island unit.

SieMatic classic SC10 range cabinetry mixed with SieMatic S2 handleless kitchen range were included in the design, as well as Silestone and Dekton worktops and a Kohler Sink & Tap.

Photography credits: Phil Green

If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the KBB Design category, Extreme Design discuss the evolution of clients' wishes and what role kitchens play in homes today, as well as their approach to designing interiors that reflect the client's personal style.

How important is it to enter the SBID Awards & receive industry recognition for your work? What are the benefits?

The SBID awards create awareness for outstanding achievement and celebrates design creativity and excellence worldwide. It allows designers to push the boundaries of design and bring global recognition to those with good design practices within the industry. At Extreme, it is our vision to make an impact on design in this country, and the awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work.  An SBID award carries credibility and helps build our reputation amongst clientele hoping to engage with Extreme for their unique and special projects.

What do you think made this particular design an award winner?

At Extreme, we believe that every great design starts with an inspiration. This belief and design approach gave us the freedom to design every detail of the client's kitchen to suit their vision. The elegance, sophistication and character of Art Deco design had captured their imagination and would form the basis of the design narrative. Influenced by The Churchill Bar and Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in London, the scheme works as a functional family living space and exudes luxury and exhibits a firm nod towards the clients love of everything art deco. The design transcends material and function and creates a one-of-a-kind space where every detail reflects our client.

As experts within the kitchen design sector, what do you think has been the biggest evolution in the kitchen space over the last decade? What external factors do you think have played a role in this shift?

Over the last decade we have seen clients move away from interiors which follow a common style or trend and look for something more personal, something which is a direct reflection of them and their life story. Since the 90’s the kitchen has been the centre of every household, and our clients are spending more time than ever in these multipurpose rooms. The clients story dictates the design direction, and we are selecting materials and finishes based on emotional connection and not just look and feel. Once a utilitarian design decision, kitchens now truly reflect the homeowner’s life, style and taste.

How do you make sure a design reflects the clients’ individuality and personal stories? Do you have a specific approach and how do you balance this with your own design style?

The client's story is at the heart of every design, and it stems from our belief that a design reflects a life lived, not just a lifestyle. We approach each project with a fresh perspective, bringing new ideas founded from our wealth of experience. The details we gather go beyond just practical and functional requirements. We take time to listen, understand and connect with how our clients want to feel in their new environment. Part of what makes Extreme so different is the design freedom that we bring to every project. Each design is individual, so we don't limit ourselves or our clients to set styles or ranges. Each design begins as a blank canvas and evolves to reflect each client's personal design story.

Now that you’ve won an SBID Award, what are the next steps? Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

The awards have given us the belief and drive to continue developing our design approach, knowing that we have a formula that realises some of the most individual and exciting projects in this country and worldwide.

We are constantly working on what's new and what's next! And we look forward to sharing this with you in the years to come.

What advice can you give to young designers starting out in the design industry?

Open your eyes to the world; you can find inspiration in everything. Listen to your clients, stay focussed and don't be afraid to push your client to the edge of their boundaries. Everyone is different, so listen to your client's story and use this to fuel your creativity and create a design that is truly special.

Questions answered by Jade Jones, Design Manager, Extreme Design.

This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features a stunning and unique restaurant design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design by Paul Bishop.

What was the client's brief? 

The brief for Carna was simple, yet the end result is breath taking. Discovered on the 74^th floor SLS Hotel & Residences, Carna was to be a contemporary steakhouse and immersive meat experience.

What inspired the design of the project?

Meat is art, from preparation through to first taste, and it’s this story we aimed to capture through the interior. We appreciate the butcher to be a respectable symbol of society; a community monarch. They satisfy the most famished, and bring their unique skills to the table to fulfil the deepest of cravings. Their ancient trait is passed down through generations, and it’s this authentic craftsmanship that seethes through every crevice.

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

The sheer volume of space is jaw-dropping, and posed challenges at the onset, yet no corner has been left untouched. It’s strong, sensual and tantalizing of all the senses.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

On the left resides a theatrical bar where seductive red provides a colour bomb to an architectural wardrobe otherwise dressed in shades of green and brown. Hand cut green tiles provide the backdrop to a magnificent showcase of rustic brass finishes which elegantly display the bar's liquor sensations.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

The SBID Awards celebrate the best in design and it is events like this that continuously motivate our team to create iconic experiences all over the world.

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