Black Sheep have made the short-list with two entries for the International Hotel and Property Awards 2013.

Name: Amy Wenden
Company: Blacksheep
Position within company: Design Strategy

To view Black Sheep’s work please visit: http://www.blacksheep.uk.com/

To enquire about entering the design awards, email: awards@design-et-al.co.uk
. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Having studied a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design, my career has been driven by working with premium hospitality brands. With a focus on the conceptual and strategic stages of the design process, my involvement at Blacksheep is to understand client’s requirements to best develop premium solutions that are inherently brand driven.
. How would you describe your personal design style?
It is definitely something that continually evolves… A sense of charm & delight is always something I aspire towards achieving. There is a certain beauty to be found in a humble collection of objects from different design periods in time.
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
When designing for clients, inspiration always stems from a delightful insight that establishes a meaningful narrative and inherent ‘truth’ to a design concept… Design decisions are based upon meaning rather than a cookie-cutter/trend based approach.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
There is a real direction towards creating branded lifestyle worlds – the restaurant is no longer just about food; retail is no longer just about the clothing. We are moving towards a real lifestyle approach to design.

 
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2013 and beyond.
Lifestyle
Technology
Provenance
Honesty
Charm

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Ensure a consistent narrative to create a more meaningful design

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
They are a great mechanism to expose what is going on in the industry, and recognise talent/achievements throughout the year.

. What projects are you currently working on?
A number of various projects – from fast casual American food concepts, to low-cost hotels that are all about breaking the stereotype of that category through to a totally new & innovative workspace for a premium global brand.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
More travel.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?
My photos.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Relax – Italy, Fun – NY

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
In London – Dean Street Townhouse, Hawksmoor, Experimental Cocktail Club

Your favourite book / film / song?
Recently – The Great Gatsby/ Django / Intentions (by Whitest Boy Alive)

Your favourite food and drink?
An incredible steak with a glass of Malbec

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words).
At home watching a good film

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Travelling the world