Name: Deborah Bass 
Company: Base Interior
Position within company: Creative Director
Website: www.baseinterior.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I entered the world of interior design very much ‘at the deep end’ and at quite a young age. I had been working for a property company who had just started to develop property, their interior designer had let them down at the final stages and so I was asked to complete the dressing and snagging of 2 apartments in Bayswater. Shortly after that I was given 2 apartments in Marylebone to design and project coordinate from start to finish – I had to programme and order the building materials for the contractors too – it was great training, a baptism of fire even, but very rewarding!
I continued working in development and set up a strong design team whilst I trained as an Interior Designer – I trained part-time at The Interior Design School in Queens Park, with Iris Dunbar, I still go back there to help with the student crits. In later years I felt envious of my colleagues who had studied Interior Design at an Art school so I chose to study full-time Interior & Spatial Design at Chelsea College of Art & Design.
In 2010 I formed Base Interior and over the past few years we have grown steadily and completed some fantastic projects.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Personally I like interiors to be effortless, elegant and timeless, materials should be natural and it is so important to me that I can return to a project 5 – 10 years later and not feel like I am stepping back in time.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
The architectural style of the property would be the initial inspiration, along with the client’s brief. We always try to uncover something special from even the most private client so that we can design with their personality in mind and create details that celebrate their passions.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
There seems to be a much greater enthusiasm for interior and product design in this country, the industry seems more open and positive in its outlook. In terms of any specific interior design ‘fashions’ this is something I tend to avoid, I have never appreciated the ‘fads’ – I like my clients homes to be timeless.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
– Future proofing for audio visual upgrades
– An eco-friendly approach to Mechanical Infrastructure
– A sustainable approach to sourcing materials
– Forward thinking in terms of lighting & AV control
– Longevity in design
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Be decisive but equally don’t be defensive about your decisions – the best schemes are a little organic and always stay true to your inspiration.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
They are becoming increasingly important, especially for younger practices to gain recognition and to boost morale. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our work.
What projects are you currently working on?
A multi-unit residential development in North London, a large house in North London, a new house and land in the Costa Brava, a duplex apartment in Mayfair and the entrance of a beautiful Art Deco apartment building in Marylebone
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to create beautiful and entrancing homes for our fantastic clients.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?
My family, health and business
Your favourite holiday destination?
I dont think holiday has the same resonance at the moment, with an 5 month old baby and a 3 and half year old but I am thinking The Seychelles would be a nice treat!
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
The Four Seasons in Florence is very beautiful
Your favourite book / film / song?
This is the holy grail, I think we are always searching for this I love the book Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie, Kill Bill is an amazing film and Romeo & Juliet by Dire Straits never fails to move me
Your favourite food and drink?
I love Italian food, in Sicily they make this amazing aubergine pasta dish – Spaghetti alla Norma – I could live on that. A good old English cup of tea.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Out and about with my husband and children, visiting galleries or at Columbia Road Flower Market
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I always wanted to write children’s books and illustrate them.
