Name: VAIDA ZEMAITYTE 
Company: CLE DE MAISON
Position within company: Owner and principal designer
Website: www.cledemaison.lt
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).
I received my formal education of interior design from College in Lithuania. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. My first official job after graduation was at my professor’s architectural firm. Now I can say that she was my mentor and somehow pushed me to start my own career. For several years I worked individually and in 2016 opened my own design studio which specialized in residential design. I am fortunate to have fantastic clients and team – they help to bring my idea of design to a larger audience.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I like to call it – Thoughtful luxury.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design inspiration comes from multiple facets such as art, travel, museums, exhibitions.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Great design is not just about spaces that look fabulous, but about spaces that tell a story and meet the needs of the people living there. Nowadays people are seeing a lot more organic and environmental approaches to design and using materials that is timely and lasting rather than on trend. There’s a longing for a more authentic way of living and higher quality of life that is often founded in a more curated and tailored approach to design. In the COVID-19 era home offices will now be the norm as home has become a sanctuary where we need to blend work and relaxation. Home offices are at the forefront of most people’s minds and it has never been clearer the impact that our home environment has our moods, well-being and productivity.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
- Multifunctional interior in the COVID-19 era and smart planning of the living spaces;
- Escape from artificial materials and surfaces;
- Craftsmanship;
- Sustainability;
- Timeless elegance.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Be Bold. Be different.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It’s a fantastic recognition to receive and we are extremely proud to have been nominated. It’s a great opportunity to have your work recognised not only through your clients but shared by your colleagues and people working in the same environment. It’s also a valuable opportunity for networking and meeting other talented designers, architects from all over the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
Cle de Maison’s team is extremely lucky to be working on a number of very exciting and varied projects including:
• holiday residence of NBA player in Lithuania;
• Penthouse in Miami (Florida) for Lithuanian politician;
• Holiday apartment in Mayfair (London) for sheikh from UAE;
• holiday apartment in Monaco for Lithuanian Parliament member; • Plastic surgery clinic in Lithuania.
We also have several private residential projects in early concept development stages in Lithuania.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Growing international exposure – we are about to open our office in Mayfair (our main office is in Vilnius, Lithuania). Also, we are in early stages of collaborating with Portuguese furniture manufacturers to launch a furniture collection. I do hope to achieve that in 2021. Moreover, we are planning to launch our online interior design courses.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? The greatest value for me is my Family, dog Como and my knowledge.
Your favourite holiday destination? Nida (Lithuania) and Como lake.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel – Baccarat in New York; Restaurant – L’Avenue in Paris.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Actually, I’m not a reader (at this period). Some years before I was a fan of Dostoevsky literature. Film – Pretty woman.
Your favourite food and drink?
Oysters & champagne
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I m a workaholic so it’s difficult for me to relax more than 10 min. But when I have a chance I like fine dining at a fancy restaurant. I’m a food lover.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Actually, never thought about that!
Cle de Maison have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – Europe Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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