Architecture & Design

Architecture & Design | 17 " " Architect Richard England in his acceptance speech after receiving the President's Award at MASP 2024, said "make sure that whatever you put up is better than what you have pulled down". ARE THERE ANY EMERGING TRENDS YOU FIND EXCITING? Where do I begin, Biophillic design is by far one of the trends that I find very exciting. Connecting architecture and interiors with nature and stimulating the 5 senses for me plays a very important role in setting the tone and creating the space. In the hotel world the phrase 'quiet luxury' or 'understated luxury' has become a very popular design approach and trend which has obviously derived from the fashion industry. With today's fast pace lifestyle people are looking for simplicity, comfort, home away from home experience paired with luxury service. Brands like 1 hotel andSix Senses are slowly emerging in the European markets and setting new standards which are interesting ones to watch. LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER, WHAT PROJECT OR ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY? That's a hard question, it's like asking a parent who is their favourite child. I am proud of all my work to date in some form or other, be it from what I learnt down to the people I worked with. However looking back at most recent achievements, it would be winning the MASP Award this year for Interior Architecture in Hospitality and Tourism. The project was AX Odycy, originally the Suncrest, which was one of my very first projects back at home. One of the biggest challenges on the project was the reinvention of an icon and giving it a new lease of life for the next 20 years. I worked with a phenomenal team lead by Box Concept Studio who were also the architects and Sara Brincat who I worked with on the Interiors. Our scope of work focused on the Entry Lobby, two all day dining restaurants, a bar and lounge as well as a destination restaurant, a cocktail bar and nightclub. Each area had to have its own identity and story to tell, providing a different experience for guests, however at the same time ensuring a language continuity runs through the building linking the spaces seamlessly. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING INTERIOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS Development is necessary for economic progress and growth. However we also need to take a step back and consider what we are developing, and rather than asking ourselves how much we can squeeze within this space, we should be asking what we can fit in this space that will contribute to the quality of life of the occupants D U X T O N R E S E R V E S I N G A P O R E , A U T O G R A P H C O L L E C T I O N

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