Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 15 WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND HOW DID THEY SHAPE YOUR PATH AS AN INTERIOR ARCHITECT? I guess my earliest memories of design came from when I used to tag along with my father to the MADC productions, particularly the Shakespeare ones at San Anton Gardens. I used to be mesmerised by the lavish designs of the set, the costumes and the visual feelings they would create in setting the scene and the tone. I remember going back home and replicating the sets out of cardboard boxes, paper, glue and whatever I could get my hands on. During my studies at the UOM I was very fortunate to go on a study exchange in the US, that, together with my 2 year work internship in Spain and working in London for the passed 20 years have all played a significant role in moulding my way of thinking and approaching the various challenges that one comes across. WHAT IS YOUR STYLE? I cannot say that I have a specific style, particularly when working in the hospitality industry. I find that very often the style and the direction is lead by the architectural envelope you are working with, especially if it is an existing building, together with a brief which tends to be associated with the locality and its surroundings. As hotel designers we find that guests would be looking for a unique experience whilst at the same time be surrounded by design elements and details that provide a nod to the place they are visiting. YOU HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND WORKING WITH PRESTIGIOUS COMPANIES LIKE GA DESIGN AND ANOUSKA HEMPEL. HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? Enormously! Having originally studied architecture and then transitionedinto interiors, whilst working with these companies, I learnt the approach in design from an interior perspective is very different. Both companies had different approaches, where with Anouska Hempel it was her signature style combined with the theatrics and story telling that formed the basis of the design of each project, with GA Design there was no particular signature style, it was responding to a brief and locality, be it designing a Resort Hotel in the Maldives to a W Hotel in Budapest or a Corinthia Hotel in Rome. However, setting aside the differences in design approach, one great thing I got from working with both these incredible companies is the international exposure. Working on projects in Chile across to the Phillipines and Europe. Not only have I been given the chance to immerse myself into the different cultures but also I got to learn about the local vernacular and adapting that into a modern day context in the interior design and spatial planning. In depth study and understanding local materials, patterns and traditional techniques was also part of the process and adapting them into the designs and finishes, be it in floors,fabrics and joinery detailing. HOW DO YOU APPROACH A NEW PROJECT, FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION? COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DESIGN PROCESS? Not one project is the same and therefore every process and approach is different. Be it if you are working with an existing building, listed or not to a new build with its own challenges. Location also comes into play, city, seaside, countryside or desert and lastly with hotels it also comes down to the brand and operator. Obviously in-depth conversations and workshops are carried out with the client in order to ensure we are delivering what they are inspiring to achieve and what they have in mind. However, for every project, a narrative is always developed in order to ensure that the continuity in the design extends throughout all aspects from the layout down to the detailing of the furniture, tableware and artwork. WHAT ROLE DOES CLIENT COLLABORATION PLAY IN YOUR PROJECTS, AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE THEIR VISION IS REALISED? Working in both hospitality and residential the client role in each type of project is obviously very different. In a hotel project you have the client's aspirations that need to match and reach the standards required by the specific operator whilst also understanding what the competition is offering and how this new product can be a cut above the rest. In a residential project you are creating a home for a family or individual and therefore it is very much more personal. Understanding the needs of the individual, their lifestyle, and aspirations. However regardless of the type of project, listening, understanding and guiding are key. WHAT ASPECTS OF MALTESE ARCHITECTURE DO YOU FIND MOST INSPIRING, AND HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THESE ELEMENTS INTO YOUR PROJECTS? Malta has a unique and interesting fusion of architecture. A lot of people I have met who have visited Malta for the first time, are quite surprised at the mix and colours which differ immensely from their preconceptions, which tend to be drawn from the Greek Islands and Balearic Islands. Stemming from its geographical position and history, Maltese architecture and culture is a fusion of Southern European and Arab styles which we can trace back many years. I find this synthesis fascinating and enjoy exploring and implementing it in my work be it through colours, furnishings, finishes and also overall spatial planning whilst at the same time making it all relevant to modern needs and styles. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF MALTESE ARCHITECTURE? HOW DO YOU SEE IT EVOLVING IN THE COMING YEARS, AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU HOPE TO PLAY IN ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT? There is a lot of exciting and interesting work happening across the island, both from local designers but also by big international names such as Renzo Piano and Zaha Hadid. Unfortunately a lot of this is overshadowed by the destruction and ill considered smaller developments which are changing our streetscapes for ever. I am not against development, development is necessary for economic progress and growth as well as to meet the needs of a growing nation. However we also need to take a step back and consider what we are developing, and rather than asking ourselves how much can we squeeze within this space, we should be asking what can we fit in this space that will contribute to the quality of life of the occupants and improved experience of the use of the building. There is a lot of exciting and interesting work happening across the island, both from local designers but also by big international names such as Renzo Piano and Zaha Hadid. Unfortunately a lot of this is overshadowed by the destruction and ill considered smaller developments which are changing our streetscapes for ever. " "

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