Designers Challenge: Bullied out of business!

Two of the biggest problems designers usually face in business are lining up the next project and getting paid the final instalment of the project in hand. The latter is rarely talked about but after a recent experience, I feel it is time to end the taboo and discuss this issue more openly. 

I recently won a legal case against administrator Keith Algie of RSM UK Group LLP acting against my client who was unfortunately pursued relentlessly by the administrator’s solicitor; Matthew Whyatt formerly of Cassell Moore Solicitors (no longer trading) now trading as Alexander Whyatt LLP. They wound my client’s company up for a debt of £13,000. Unfortunately, they had failed to correctly serve the payment request at the correct address provided by the client. Papers were served at an address entirely unknown to my client which resulted in their rightful ability (due to non-payment) to wind up the company and also bankrupt my client for non-payment. The claim was unopposed (due to my client not receiving the documents served by Whyatt).

After my client was put into administration, together they (Whyatt on instruction from his client Algie) tried to reclaim the designer’s fee I’d received by incorrectly claiming that no design work was carried out and that the fee therefore belonged to the administrator. My client ceased works when administrator’s fees were added to their sole debt of £13,000 for court costs. The administrator claimed £7 million. Proof of design boards, research and sourcing materials and prices was provided as evidence however it was rejected without explanation.

The solicitor, Whyatt, and his client, Keith Algie of RSM UK Group LLP, seemed hellbent on destroying my client’s business. Together they were relentless in their claim to recover the first payment of my design fee (£32,500), claiming it was a deposit and no work had been carried out. Despite supporting evidence confirmed that was not the case, they ignored this and continued to pursue me tirelessly for the repayment across a total of three years, finally ordering me to give financial evidence in court, which I did this year.

Why would I give someone my money purely because they demanded and put pressure on me over a long period of time to do so? That’s bully tactics, which I absolutely despise. I had earned my fee and proved it, so was not going to back down. When it became clear to me that they would not stop, I instructed law firm Mischon de Reya. After three years of unrelenting pursuance generating almost £150,000 in legal fees and other costs to me and £100,000 in fees for RSM, they lost their case and I was awarded over £100,000 costs.

In the vindictive pursuit of £32,500 the tables were turned. Now Mathew Whyatt’s business, Alexander Whyatt LLP, is itself in administration, just weeks after the order was made.

The first payment of £35,000 has since been received from RSM Group via Algie, the claimant, complying with the court order and advising that his solicitor had since gone into administration.

I will never walk away from a bully. When things don’t make sense to me in finance and compliance there’s usually a reason more complex than the surface suggests. Sometimes it takes years to conclude as in this case but over many years in the past, I have won several successful cases where I have challenged a bully or a conglomerate.

It is my right and my duty to stand up for my profession and for myself. I could not walk away from an injustice, regardless of personal or financial risk.

If you find yourself in a legal dispute, especially when it comes to being challenged for your work. My advice would be to stand your ground if you know you are in the right. You can buy insurance to cover legal costs, you can use mediation and you can lean on the SBID for support on legal direction and introduction without prejudice. Designers are often caught up in the issue of non-payment; largely due to the misunderstanding of the role of an interior designer on a project; and in some cases it can destroy a designer’s business. When you are paid to provide a service and fulfil the brief, regardless of gender, age or industry, you deserve to be paid.

Written by Dr Vanessa Brady OBE

Award-winning Interior Designer, CEO & Founder of the Society of British and International Design

Entries open for the 2019 SBID International Design Awards with a new-responsive website, new venue and plans to celebrate SBID’s 10 year anniversary. 

Not only have organisers built a brand-new responsive website, they have relocated the Awards to a new venue and have revealed plans to celebrate SBID’s 10^th anniversary at the awards in October. The new website has been recreated to not only manage anticipated additional entries, but with improved functionality and enriched responsive content, entrants will be able to seamlessly submit their projects with ease from any device.

Considered as one of the most prestigious accolades in interior design by the design industry, the SBID Awards bring together the world’s finest interior design projects across a range of categories. From hospitality and office design to healthcare and residential, the awards currently represent designers from over 40 countries worldwide, across each continent. Consistent in its quest to recognise, reward and celebrate global interior design, this year’s edition will be bigger and better than ever, with a captivating ceremony to celebrate SBID’s 10^th anniversary at the event’s new location; Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London.

Last year saw one of the most globally representative editions to date, with more entries than ever before and an astounding 225,000 unique public votes; industry talent was represented from 46 countries across the globe, with winning projects from the UK, South Africa, China, New Zealand, Canada and UAE.

This year also brings brand new additions to the esteemed panel of judges including Executive Director, Global Experiential Design and Production at MAC Cosmetics; Associate Curator & Associate Director, Curatorial Affairs, Abu Dhabi Project at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation; Construction Director at Nike and Manager for Interior Design at Universal Orlando Resort.

Unlike many industry awards, the SBID International Design Awards are awarded purely on the quality and design of the project. Each entry undergoes a thorough two-tier judging process by panels of leading industry experts for both technical content and aesthetic creativity. Evaluating essential elements such as brief compliance, budget, health & safety and fit-for-purpose design. This is then finalised by a third-tier online public vote, where all finalists’ designs are judged by the public for their favourite  projects.

With the responsive new website, interior designers and architects are invited to submit their projects between now and 5pm on Monday 8^th July. SBID accredited designers can exclusively enter up to 5 projects free* as part of their membership (*admin fee applies). The finalists will be announced on 16^th August and once announced, the public will be invited to cast their vote for their favourite projects online, which will contribute to the overall scores. Winners will then be announced at the Awards ceremony in October.

Previous editions’ finalists and winners are available to view here.

For more information, visit www.sbidawards.com

This month, our focus turns to those all-important quality finishes. Whether you’re finalising a project, or embarking on a new one, it’s important to maintain standards and quality when designing and specifying interior products for your projects. Maybe you’re on the hunt for luxury brass hardware with diamond knurled door knobs, finished in satin nickel; glazed, titanium steel wash basins which possess the sculptural aesthetics of the finest porcelain; or even salt and pool water resistant outdoor furnishings made with the latest all-weather, anti-fade fabrics. Check out our product highlights for the past month of product news, innovations and collection launches to discover more.

Armac Martin launches a new industrial collection for its 90th Anniversary

To mark its 90^th year in business, leading UK brass hardware manufacturer, Armac Martin, launched a new industrial collection. The MIX is a bold, contemporary range, ideal for modern interiors. By choosing between plain, diamond knurled or straight machined versions of the knob and finials, with either a matt black, satin nickel or satin brass finish, designers can “mix” their own unique version of the collection. Founded in 1929, Armac Martin has become a household name in luxury cabinet hardware. Having experienced significant growth during the last five years, the family-run business has exciting plans to expand into the kitchen and bathroom sectors in 2019.

Click to shop

 

SYLKA™ carpets highlight growing demand for neutral designer-friendly flooring

Multi-award-winning flooring brand, SYLKA™ Carpets, says growing demand for neutral shades, such as light greys, whites and creams have led it to keep more than 3,000 square metres in stock to meet the demands of modern interior designers. These more natural colours are ideal for a range of projects and SYLKA™’s carpets are often specified for luxury boutiques, high-end residential developments and some of the world’s most exclusive superyachts.

SYLKA™’s collection is particularly favoured in these colours thanks to the company’s unique NuSilk™ micro fibre production, which makes its range more durable if it is maintained correctly. Thanks to the development of this unique fibre, SYLKA™ can produce beautiful rugs and carpets that emulate real silk, viscose and bamboo flooring, while remaining robust enough to be used in commercial and marine environments. Utilising its natural shades, SYLKA™ has also launched a Hand Tufted service, that allows designers to combine its neutral colour patterns alongside more bold colours to create truly unique one-off designs.

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Bette launches a beautiful, individually made washbasin and a circular bath

The BetteCraft washbasin combines the sculptural aesthetics of the finest porcelain with the perfect material for the bathroom: glazed titanium steel. This artistically-shaped washbasin received the Design Plus Award 2019 at ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for bathrooms. This kind of shape is unusual in the extremely strong and hard glazed titanium-steel and is usually associated with soft clay at the potter’s wheel. To achieve the design, every BetteCraft basin is individually made by hand, then glazed on both the inside and outside.

The BettePond Silhouette is a circular freestanding bath also made from glazed titanium steel. With no beginning and no end; no edges or corners: the circle is the most perfectly balanced figure in geometry. The circular BettePond was designed by Dominik Tesseraux as a reminder of the original shape of the tub. With a generous 150cm diameter, the circle is the perfect place for quiet contemplation and slowing down in everyday life – and an oasis of tranquillity in the bathroom. Bette also launched BetteSpace: a range of three baths that make intelligent use of the space in small and medium sized bathrooms. The baths use trapezoid geometries to make the optimum use of the available space whilst also offering the highest bathing comfort.

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Introducing the new Luxury Garden Collection from Juliettes Interiors

Juliettes Interiors announced the launch of their new Luxury Garden Furniture Range. With a superb selection of high end, contemporary, outdoor furniture designed with relaxed, luxury outdoor living in mind. The Juliettes Garden Collection blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Sumptuous outdoor sofas, super-comfy armchairs and luxurious loungers. Sleek outdoor dining sets, adorable day beds and magnificent, modular seating can be configured to create the perfect combination for any garden space. Freshen up a balcony with understated chairs and a chic coffee table or a simple but stunning sun lounger. Turn a terrace into a spectacular outdoor dining room, or choose sofas, chairs and elegant side tables for intimate evenings, family get-togethers or grand gatherings.

As you would expect from Juliettes Interiors, all items are hand crafted, using the finest materials, with an exceptional attention to detail. Recyclable, GreenGuard and REACH-certified, they are robust and hard-wearing, salt and pool water resistant, with the latest all-weather, anti-fade fabrics in a range of cool, contemporary colour combinations. All that is needed is some glorious summer weather to go with it!

Click to shop

 

The new Poggenpohl flagship store impresses with its extraordinary architecture and kitchen presentation

Poggenpohl inspires, rather than prescribing to customers how their future favourite place should look like. The evidence lies within the newly designed flagship store in London’s upmarket Wigmore Street. Its concept leads the way for more salesrooms across Great Britain and the investment demonstrates a commitment to the British market.

London’s Wigmore Street is one of the best locations when it comes to luxurious kitchen interiors. Anyone looking through the large window of the Poggenpohl flagship store will immediately recognise the brand’s philosophy: an abundance of freedom and individuality. Two floor-to-ceiling kitchens from Poggenpohl are designed with architectural elements: the striking, free-standing classic +MODO, with a dark design, champagne-coloured aluminium elements and a pristine white, made-to-measure fitted solution. They highlight the special skill of Poggenpohl: recognising every room situation and providing a perfect design. On the ground floor, you can discover +VENOVO, the latest iconic product by Poggenpohl, whose consistent development accommodates the modern attitude to life. The presentation of these striking exhibition kitchens offers a glimpse into the materials that are used, subtly conveying the luxury of the brand: high-quality marble, tactile ceramics and cool brass.

Click to shop

 

Vectorworks releases the 2019 Service Pack 3 with more new features

With the Service Pack 3 (SP3) release, Vectorworks introduce three new features that greatly improve presentation and visualisation capabilities, along with overall workflow between products. Designers can enjoy a new live-sync rendering connection that allows them to perform real-time rendering while making design changes within the software. The LiveSync plug-in is developed by Lumion and is the first partner plug-in to use a new Vectorworks Graphics Sync (VGS) API.

With SP3, the new Cloud presentation feature allows designers with an active Vectorworks Service Select Membership to use Cloud Services to generate presentations of designs with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Presentations include interactive 360 rendered panoramas that can be linked together to create a holistic, immersive experience.

With the support of General Device Type Format (GDTF) co-founders, MA Lighting and Robe lighting, Vectorworks have also created a file format called My Virtual Rig (MVR). The MVR file format creates a two-way connection between planning, previz, and console systems that implement the support needed for a seamless workflow.

Click to find out more

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series strives to fulfil the archetypal ideal of the perfect ‘dream home’. These properties offered the prospect of designing a full interior for a show home that would work in conjunction with the original features that form part of the history, uniqueness and beauty of these houses. From the sweeping staircase in the entrance hall, to the elegant Georgian windows and luxurious high-spec kitchen and bathrooms, the property exudes an air of period decadence synonymous with an era of English prosperity. These period features sit comfortably against the more contemporary furniture and furnishings with which the property has been dressed. The muted palette is drawn out through the whole house, with contrast colours used on the furniture to bring depth and richness to the colour scheme.

Company: Suna Interior Design

Project: Ancaster Gate, Richmond

Project Location: London, United Kingdom

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

We were lucky enough to work on the whole of the interior, designing every aspect of the space such as the bathrooms, kitchens, flooring etc. The interior specification was created well ahead of dressing out the FF&E and formed the back drop to the rooms so this was a massive influence on the completed interior design. Throughout the whole project we worked with the Heritage officer, architects and client on how best to preserve the essence of the original building. This meant we wanted to respect the original features and enhance and embellish the design rather than create strong contrasts. The soft colour palette combining soft neutrals, touches of deep charcoal and vintage oak timbers with the classic marble felt like the best way to achieve this. Where possible we refurbished parts of the interior back to their original glory such as the ceiling rose and cornicing in the kitchen/dining room. We also fabricated replicas of the original door knobs for each of the internal doors. These touches brought an honesty and respect for the original building which is evident throughout.

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

We were keen to use real marble on the floor and walls of the bathrooms but as this was an old building we had to work closely with the architects to make sure the weight of the marble would not damage the property. Reinforcing the structure without damaging the interior was an essential part of the process. We also worked closely with the marble supplier to enable us to use the thinnest slabs possible to reduce the weight. We even designed a bespoke mosaic floor in the Master en-suite which avoided the need for large slabs of marble on the floor.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

I know this is a bit obvious but we really love how the whole design has come together. We sometimes work on the specification but not have the chance to dress out the space (and vice versa) so having the chance to do both on this project and see the fully implemented scheme was a joy. If I had to pick a favourite area it would be the large first floor living room and through the incredible large double doors into the kitchen/dining room with its incredible high ceilings. If that isn’t a place to entertain, I don’t know what is!

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

We have been members of SBID for some years and we have always valued the accolades that come with such a prestigious brand so we are always keen to enter the Awards when we have a project we deem worthy. This design is right up there, so we felt it was more than capable of competing with all the other incredible submissons.

Questions answered by Helen Fewster, Director of Suna Interior Design

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a sky-high commercial property defined by sustainability, its energy-saving ability and modern design, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Suna Interior Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018

 

The SBID Education Council puts effective design at the core of the learning process. With the aim of raising awareness in showing how evidence-based interior design decisions can transform learning experiences, member of the Education Council, Dr Pamela Woolner shares her views on learning environments. Pamela is the Degree Programme Director for EdD at Newcastle University and has carried out extensive research which centres on understanding and developing the physical learning environment.

The physical environment makes a difference to education – a setting will facilitate some teaching, learning and social practices while hindering others.  Therefore, the best results occur when physical space and material resources are aligned with pedagogical intentions.  It also means that space can be a powerful driver of educational change, but only if developed purposefully and in co-ordination with changes to other elements, such as curriculum, relationships and practices.

These ideas apply across a school’s premises, but furniture, furnishings and interior design form an interesting part of the overall environment. It is often possible to change the internal organisation and appearance of a school relatively cheaply and quickly, and there are considerable possibilities for involving school users, staff and students, in the process of planning and designing new spaces. So it is unfortunate that school interiors can be overlooked, particularly during times of big school building programmes, such as we have seen in recent years in the UK, Australia and elsewhere in the world. As an example of the potential power of interior design, consider the example of acoustics. Structural decisions, but also choices of furnishings and finishes, can reduce unhelpful reverberation and noise leakage between areas.  This can be vital in enabling teacher decisions to drive learning practices, balancing activity and stillness, group work and individual projects.  In contrast, in many schools, unsuitable environments, both poorly thought-out open space and enclosed rooms with thin walls, cause students and teachers to adapt their behaviour to avoid disturbing other people.

I’ve recently written about how two schools in the north east of England used their environments to support developments in teaching and learning to enrich student experiences and improve outcomes.  A primary school, which we’ve referred to as Southside, got involved with a skills and enquiry programme, Open Futures.  The intention was to change teaching and learning through four integrated strands of curriculum development centred on cooking, gardening, filming and philosophy for children.  Through a very different process, our other example school, Town End Academy, set out to develop an enquiry-based, cross-curricular approach to learning, which is challenging within the English secondary school climate of individualised, subject based learning and high stakes tests.

Southside

At Southside, involvement in Open Futures acted as an immediate catalyst for changes that the school had been hoping to make in curriculum content, teaching approaches and use of school space.  Cooking and growing spaces were developed, as was a base for the film strand, staff went on training courses for the individual strands, while timetables and budgets were adapted to accommodate and resource the programme.  These initial changes helped to support innovation, but it was subsequent developments that enabled the change to be sustained and, we judged, start to become ‘institutionalised’.  Less tangible, but important, changes to educational practices and values were underpinned by more self-evident innovation across the curriculum, staff training and the school environment, inside and out.  Finding school space for Open Futures, from the usual noticeboards to the ‘wonder tree’ in the corridor, which children across the school could use to ask questions and offer answers, demonstrated that the programme was valued and encouraged further engagement.

Town End Academy

At Town End, initial innovations centred on staff development and timetabling to support cross-curricular, enquiry-based learning.  However, teachers were also encouraged to rearrange the furniture in the classrooms to facilitate the necessary student collaboration.  Circular tables were put into some rooms, while, in others, desks were rearranged so that students could sit facing each other.  Further developments into learning through extended collaborative ‘projects’ made more demands on school indoor space, including space to research and develop project ideas, as well as areas for end of project exhibitions and displays.  Tending to work against the cross-curricular intentions was the school interior plan with its subject-specific offices that teachers use for planning, but also during breaks and lunchtimes.

Across both these schools, it’s clear to see that educational change is linked to the physical environment.  Existing space can either support or constrain change, with redesign offering a usefully visual and tangible focus for the development of new practices.  Furnishings, equipment and areas within these schools were used to support initial innovation, then embed the changes and enable ongoing development.

Dr Pamela Woolner
Degree Programme Director for EdD at Newcastle University

Click here to find out more about the SBID Education Council

For more information on these schools, discussion of the challenges of whole school change and ideas about using school space to entrench innovation, click here to read the free access article.

Full reference: Woolner P, Thomas U, Tiplady L. (2018) Structural change from physical foundations: The role of the environment in enacting school change. Journal of Educational Change, 19(2), 223-242.

Following another successful Design Week in Milan which never fails to leave visitors short of fresh interior insight and new ideas for innovation, and as the industry recovers from the intensive overload of design inspirations at the annual Salone del Mobile, May has plenty more excitement in store. With the introduction of new formats, this year’s RetailEXPO will be unifying three leading retail shows; SBID will present essential networking opportunities with a tailored matchmaking event for Turkish Stone, as well as this month’s Business Breakfast Meeting with Wet Room Materials; and the eagerly-anticipated Clerkenwell Design Week will be celebrating its 10th edition in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture.

1st – 2nd May

RetailEXPO – London, United Kingdom

The RetailEXPO is Europe’s leading retail solutions show, which unifies three leading retail shows – RBTE, RDSE and RDE – into an exciting new single show event that mirrors the transformation within the retail industry. Taking place on 1 and 2 May 2019 at London Olympia, RetailEXPO will bring together more than 15,000 retailers, brands, tech exhibitors and retail design businesses. RetailEXPO gives retail and hospitality firms the insight, latest retail technology innovations and design inspiration to re-energise their businesses, enhance customer experience, and drive performance.

A reinvigorated conference programme brings together six streams of insightful content, presented by leading retailers and brands including Lego, Virgin Holidays, Naked Wines, Mamas and Papas and Asda. There will also be a TriED It Talks stage, which showcases how retailers and brands have worked with tech vendors and design businesses to create engaging shopping encounters that deliver enhanced customer experience.

 

2nd May

Turkish Stone in Projects – London, United Kingdom

This Business Matchmaking Event brings Turkish Stone companies and the British architecture, design and construction industry together at RIBA HQ. The event is a part of a trade delegation which is sponsored by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Trade and organised by Istanbul Mineral Exporters’ Association (IMIB) with the Society of British and International Design (SBID). Attendance is complimentary for Architects, Interior Designers, Contractors, Furniture Designers, Stone Consultants, Trade Associations and Chambers and includes a networking lunch and one-to-one B2B meetings with Turkish suppliers and natural stone installation companies.

With a varied palette of Turkish Stone from 14 natural stone installation and supply companies, materials to be exhibited include marble, granite, limestone, onyx and travertine. Suitable for all projects from flooring, cladding, hard landscaping and kitchens, to bathrooms, roofing, fireplaces, memorials and sculpture.

To register your interest in attending, email [email protected]

 

8th May

SBID Breakfast Meeting and CPD with Wet Room Materials – London, United Kingdom

This month, the next SBID Business Breakfast Meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th May 2019 at 9:00am, hosted by the suppliers of luxury Scandinavian inspired wet room solutions, Wet Room Materials in the Milliken Showroom, London. Wet Room Materials will also be presenting their official SBID Accredited CPD, ‘Scandinavian Wet Room Systems: Wet Room Design, Specification and Waterproofing’ to the audience of professional interior designers who gather with SBID to network and connect.

Interior designers or Architects interested in attending can email [email protected] to register their place!

 

19th – 22nd May

ICFF – New York, USA 

For over 30 years, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) has built a solid reputation as North America’s platform for global design. Over 900 exhibitors from across the globe showcase the newest frontier of what’s best and what’s next for luxury interior design to more than 38,000 attendees in the design industry. Expanding with the market it serves, ICFF has more than doubled in the past three editions and become more international in composition. Architects, interior designers, developers and visual merchandisers assemble to find new, unique ideas and concepts and to find inspiration and innovation which fuels the high-end interiors marketplace. The Fair is also a resource for thousands of retail buyers representing the best in luxury retail establishments.

 

21st – 23rd May

Clerkenwell Design Week – London, United Kingdom

Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is London’s leading design district and an important part of the global design calendar, taking up residency in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture. Set across seven exhibition spaces, CDW venues include fabric, The House of Detention, St. James Church and Spa Fields. Each venue reflects the unique nature of this culturally rich area, with leading UK and international companies exhibiting and launching new products during Clerkenwell Design Week. From luxury interiors to innovative lighting, emerging talent and the best of British brands, the exhibition spaces at CDW encompass every facet of design.

This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition. Exhibiting new designs by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Established & Sons to Fritz Hansen’s exhibition in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects and an outdoor cooking space serving food by Kitchen Architecture, CDW’s 10th edition is a show full of celebration and achievement. For CDW Presents’ 10 year anniversary, visitors can expect exciting street spectacles, including Once Upon A Time; collaborating with UAL and in partnership with Landsdown’s London, Graphic Design Communication students create a series of vibrant, graphic installations inspired by the stories relating to the significant locations.

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a sky-high commercial property defined by sustainability, energy-saving capability and its modern design. The underground avenue in B2 is about 370 metres long and 15 metres wide and acts as a walkway connecting three skyscrapers. The Shanghai Tower is located on levels 2-5, serving several commercial functions which includes acting as a venue for international conventions, a centre for fashion-related activities, a venue for wedding celebrations as well as an exhibition/show space. The 5th level includes a ballroom seating 500 guests, four multi-function meeting rooms, a business club, a VIP room, a garden bar and an outdoor garden. Despite having different functions and appealing to different audiences, the design of this project harmoniously blends culture and business demands while embodying the spirit of the skyscraper: sky-high, incisive and supreme.

Company: Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co

Project: Shanghai Tower Meeting Centre and B2 Public Underground

Project Location: Shanghai, China

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

Shanghai Tower is a super high-rise landmark building with outstanding popularity and excellent geographical advantages. Meanwhile, it is also a skyscraper full of cultural atmosphere, using a variety of cultural forms to show the international character of the building. Moreover, the design concept of ‘Nature, Humanity, and Future’ for the building itself is an exciting point to stimulate our project design.

With the city of Shanghai being energised by water, the layout of the whole city follows the meander Huangpu River, generating an organic, geographical flow. The culture of the city therefore changed with the city’s layout, giving it containment. Therefore the main element of the interior design is naturally inspired from Huangpu River: for instance, blue terrazzo flooring which extends gradually in B2 avenue and the blue ripple pattern carpet flooring in ball hall etc. The elements of ‘River’ and ‘water’ are conveyed directly through the design.

The interior design also reflects the facade of the architecture: the form of Shanghai Tower is rotating 120 degrees, standing at Lujiazui financial district. The concept of ‘rotation’ is not only showing dynamic form in physics, it also reveals lots of embedded cultural meanings behind the design we implemented; it showcases the continued eternal flow which stands in the sky space overlooking the city. These forms reflect the spirit of architecture as rotation, filament lines, rhythm, and they contribute to the main style of the space.

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

The Shanghai Tower is a complex building with complex functions. Our design needed to overcome many unknown technical problems. The design area we were involved in uses a large number of curves and shaped modelling, and these modellings must take into account indoor physical space, building structure, electro-mechanical equipment, curtain walls, etc. Therefore, the most difficult obstacle we overcame was the accurate realisation of shaped surface modelling.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of this project was that our design concept incorporates regional culture, with the theme of Huangpu River, using dynamic curve modelling: such as the streamlined blue terrazzo splicing ground in the B2 public underground avenue, the rolling wave-shaped aluminium round tube wall of 5F banquet hall,  water ripple effect blue carpet of the banquet hall floor and so on. Seeing this fluid, river-inspired concept translated effectively into the psychical design is a great achievement for us.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

The SBID International Design Awards, with its considerable attention in terms of international awards, have firmly established its position and specifications in the industry as one of the most prestigious design events. Winning the SBID International Design Award would be a great achievement and honour for designers.

 

Questions answered by Miaoyi Jiang, Company Executive Manager at Gold Mantis

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a project with complex, architectural elements to create multi-dimensional spaces and structural intricacy, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co | SBID International Design Awards 2018

Contemporary art consultants, Velvenoir, shed expert light on how contemporary art can make a difference in corporate spaces. Covering the power of a bespoke art strategy in increasing productivity and creativity; the important considerations to bear in mind when investing in contemporary art, and how art consultants play a vital role within this process.

As Deutsche Bank states; art builds, art questions, art transcends borders, art works… A corporate art collection should not only be focused on investment, rather it should align with the company’s every moral and value to become part of it’s DNA. An art collection can be a powerful communication tool that speaks to clients as well as employees.

In today’s world, we are busy on a daily basis, with barely the time to relax, take a break and simply enjoy the little things in life – especially when we sit in front of a huge to-do list in offices, surrounded by equally busy colleagues in an even busier workplace. This is where art – or better still – a curated art collection, comes into play. A carefully curated art collection allows people to connect, builds engagement, and inspires them daily. Some believe design is the key, but research has shown incorporating original artwork does not only offer various ways to inspire employees, but also allows them to relax and be part of the corporate culture that the firm has to offer. In the end, the art collection should be utilised strategically to make employees feel a part of the companies DNA; even incorporating team members in the selection and installation process. This article will outline the importance of incorporating original artworks in a corporate environment and how to make the most of your art concept to benefit employees and clients alike within corporate projects.

First, it’s important to understand that art inspires creativity and leads to an increase in productivity. A curated art collection embodies the corporate value behind a firm, reflecting innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Various surveys conducted over the years have shown that well-chosen art makes employees and their workplace feel more welcoming and also improves the individual and collective wellbeing. Doctors have even started recommending art psychotherapy to help patients explore their mental health, so it seems visiting a gallery/museum could soon replace the popularised practice of retail therapy! It’s also important to note that art is also a financial asset – even when investing in emerging and up-and-coming artists. Making the right emotional and financial investment for your projects therefore boils down to the strategy behind it, and this is where an art consultant comes in to support the selection process.

How & Where 

First things first, you and your team should work in collaboration with the art consultant to establish the basic requirements of the project to align the art selection with the project brief. You should develop an overall vision and strategy for the art; an allocated budget; the desired locations / spaces in the office or building; as well as the deadline and initial ideas on how to utilise it. Once those questions have been answered, it becomes about researching local and international artists to start the selection process with your team. It is a very personal and hands-on approach in order to best source and suggests artists that reflect your vision, align with the interior design scheme, as well as convey the firm’s philosophy and overall corporate identity. Additionally, arranging artist studio meetings or inviting artists to showcase their work are all part of the process. Once the art selection is confirmed and agreed with you and your team, the acquisition process, logistics, and installation with professional art handlers are the next steps.

The Benefits 

The final art collection can feature literally any shape, size and medium that you desire or that is required for the space; from large-scale sculptures, interactive digital art, screen prints and textiles to paintings, photography and neon art installations. In the end, it all derives from the concept behind the collection and the detailed strategy developed and implemented to communicate the end-client’s values, philosophy and passion to support the culture of the company and enhance the overall interior design. Not to mention the potential of the art increasing in value over time, making for even happier clients!

 

This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features a project with a core focus on sustainability and the future whilst using complex, architectural elements to create multi-dimensional spaces and structural intricacy. From the architectural planning and design through to the rational planning and design of the layout of the building, it was key to prioritise aspects of sustainability such as achieving low energy consumption, high energy efficiency, less pollution and minimising the use of non-renewable resources. At the same time, in the design process, new material technologies such as various types of membrane that meet EU environmental standards, have been used to achieve harmonious co-existence between man and nature.

Company: MYP Design

Project: Chengdu Zhongzhou Mileage Sales Center

Project Location: Chengdu, China

What inspired the interior design of the project? 

This project has the ultimate advantage of high elevation with vast open spaces and high ceilings. The concept of interior ‘architecture’ was used as the preface in the initial conception. Using structural elements to fill empty spaces with curved lines and rectangular structures, a streamline metope unfolds as the central feature at the entrance to create depth and interest. At the bar area, an array of acrylic rods and deep bronze installation in the middle enhance the visual extension and bring about a new attitude. With the geometric modelling of the truss structure, the bar acts as a focal point which abstracts another meaning to connecting within the space.

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

The biggest hurdle was to make sure our design paid respect the space itself whilst aiming to introduce more creative thinking into the space with complex dimensional structural elements to inspire guests and reflect the highest quality of design intricacy.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The change of facade brought about by the interlaced stair skin creates a change in the abstract nature of the project, with a warp and weft effect. Through such expression, the treatment of stair entrance is strengthened. An ‘experience’ is felt as guests are passing through with the changes in light, entering into a giant, dimensional model and experiencing the raw sculptural tension which surrounds them. The streamline shape hanging high in the air not only forms the carrier of light, but also guides the space. The stark contrast between this space and the next creates a more powerful impact as guests move through the building, using the injection of vibrant furniture and bright colours in other zones to inspire a different mood and atmosphere.

Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?

SBID is a design competition that is widely spread and has substantial influence around the world. Of course, it is also a high-quality competition. We hope to achieve recognition of our design works from SBID and enhance our brand awareness to some extent. In addition, I also hope to see and appreciate more international cutting-edge design concepts, works and designers with interesting ideas from this platform, so that we can have the opportunity to communicate and make progress together.

Questions answered by Horizon Ma, Creative Director of MYP Design

If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a neutral and luxurious city apartment, designed with the upmost comfort and style, click here to see more.

We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire

MYP Design | SBID International Design Awards 2018