Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 13 WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF DESIGN? Before I discovered my passion for interior and spatial design, my first introduction into the arts was through the great masters. I was fascinated by the likes of Michelangelo, Picasso, David, and Raphael and deeply attached to Gombrich, where I would pour over critical writings on their works. This early interest in the fine arts laid the foundation for my understanding of composition and design fundamentals. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY THAT LED YOU TO ESTABLISH STUDIO NICHE.? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE STUDIO? It was always an aspiration of mine to establish my own design studio. The process was an organic one and after spending several years gaining experience and industry know-how with two well-established design and architecture firms, I founded Studio NiCHE. The final push to branch off on my own came as a result of the Covid pandemic. Works on two major hotel projects quickly came to a halt, and whilst I had been mentally preparing for this transition, though the circumstances were far from ideal. Despite the challenges, I persevered through those tough early years and managed to establish Studio NiCHE. I vividly remember the world reeling from the early months of the pandemic whilst I was at the bank asking for a business loan—it was quite an interesting time. WITH OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN TOP DESIGN FIRMS, COULD YOU SHARE SOME OF THE KEY LESSONS OR EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO DESIGN? Growth in the design industry is a continuous process. As designers we are constantly experimenting and researching within the boundaries of materiality and human interaction. Here are some of the pivotal insights that have shaped my approach: 1. Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and as designers, we need to adapt to new needs. Creating spaces that allow people to thrive in their surroundings requires flexibility and innovation. 2. Environmental consciousness: It's crucial to consider the environmental impact of our designs. This involves thoughtful choices regarding scale, materials, and the fundamental needs of the space. Every decision should be driven by intelligent reasoning, not just aesthetics. 3. Purposeful design: Whether designing a home, shop, bar, or restaurant, it's essential to push boundaries and question every solution. Every element should have a purpose—why place a light there, why is it dark in that corner, why use a particular material? Design is a series of aesthetic decisions that create a cohesive composition. 4. Exploration and curiosity: Constantly explore every iteration and push beyond societal norms. Even if the best solution is the conventional one, it's important to explore all possibilities before settling on it. 5. Continuous Learning: Keep your mind engaged with interesting content. Read publications like Dezeen, Designboom, and Architonic thay give some insight into the reasoning behind design solutions. Stay updated on materials and innovations, and don't limit yourself to locally available resources. 6. Avoiding over-reliance on Pinterest: While visual inspiration is important, it's crucial to develop your own ideas rather than relying heavily on platforms like Pinterest. By embracing these principles, I've developed a holistic and thoughtful approach to design that continues to evolve with each new project. COULD YOU HIGHLIGHT A FEW PROJECTS THAT YOU'RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF AND SHARE WHAT MADE THEM SPECIAL OR CHALLENGING? I am particularly proud of several recent projects, each special and challenging in its own way. Here are a few highlights: 1. Villa in Zebbug: This project stands out because I had full autonomy over the design. The client placed complete trust in me, allowing me to bring to life his vibrant character while preserving the beautiful features of this traditional building. The result is a harmonious blend of vibrant design and tranquil undertones, creating a space that is both lively and serene. 2. Three-bedroom apartment in Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq: This project holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the first major projects for Studio NiCHE. The client allowed me to break away from standard layouts and experiment with materials to create interesting spaces. A central feature of the apartment is a sculptural black mirror wall with a floating marble cabinet. This centerpiece serves multiple purposes, including concealing a TV and reflecting external views into the interior. The continuous play with light and reflections elevates the dynamics of a modern home. 3. Mercury Tower two-bedroom apartment: The Mercury Tower Two-Bedroom Apartment presented a unique challenge due to its distinctive architectural constraints, which inspired us to extend the parametric design from the exterior into the internal spaces. This approach heavily influenced our design strategy, resulting in an exceptionally interesting interior. Being a commercial holiday space in a vibrant urban environment, we had the freedom to push the envelope with bold colours and textures. This allowed us to create a sophisticated yet lively interior that harmonises with the bustling surroundings, while maximising the apartment's stunning views and contemporary architecture. 4. St Julian's penthouse apartment: Working on this penthouse in St Julian's was exceptionally rewarding as it demanded innovative solutions to redefine conventional layout parameters. Deconstructing the norm, we introduced a more intriguing approach where foliage takes center stage in the space, seamlessly blending with sleek lines, high- end materials, and thoughtful spatial planning. The result is a sophisticated and comfortable living environment that maximises space and enhances the apartment's luxurious feel. While there are many other interesting projects, including the Find.co offices and WorkNiche, these recent ones showcase the diverse challenges and creative solutions that define Studio NiCHE's approach to design. Each project is a testament to the trust clients place in us and our commitment to delivering exceptional results. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE? ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC ELEMENTS OR PRINCIPLES THAT CONSISTENTLY DEFINE YOUR WORK? While I often work to a brief, I truly thrive when a client entrusts me with full creative freedom. In these projects, my primary focus is on the experience I aim to create. I strive to evoke emotional value through my designs, using elements such as strong colours, dramatic lighting, and statement materials. My goal is to create spaces that offer a transcendent experience to the user. This approach is my signature style and is something I aim to emphasise in most of my projects. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON MODERN BUILDINGS AND HOW DO THEY FIT INTO THE TRADITIONAL MALTESE BUILDING STYLES? This has always been a hot topic locally. Development itself is not inherently wrong; bad development is the real issue. Unfortunately, Malta has seen more than its share of poor development. The good contemporary projects are really It's crucial to consider the environmental impact of our designs. This involves thoughtful choices regarding scale, materials, and the fundamental needs of the space. Every decision should be driven by intelligent reasoning, not just aesthetics. " "

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