Name: Dragana Maznic
Company: Dragana Maznic Design
Position within company: Principal
Website: www.draganamaznic.com

. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

Technology has profoundly altered the way people live, becoming an integral part of Design and Architecture. We are using the achievements in technology to realize the dream of humanity. Virtual and real world are overlapping.

The pulse of our time is reflected in new generations that seek instant gratification and amplified experiences. As a result designers are revamping aesthetic codes, breaking the rules, developing new visions for the way we live; they are imagining lives liberated from convention and trying to strike the right balance between timeless and society’s need for continuous change

A reaction to globalization and loss of regional identity is a need for individuality. Elegant purism is infused with unique ethnic archetypes from difference cultures that epitomize personal style and reveal wonderful values.

Dark tones, coziness and comfort are the order of the day putting former rigor and austerity aside. Moody mysterious ambiances offer security and refuge from global uncertainty. Bold textures and materials derived from nature connect with human spirit, stimulate the senses and add softness to the experience.

Reclaimed materials are creeping into luxury projects striking a tension between raw and refined.

Design of objects and spaces is more emotional and sensual. Designers are creating soothing spaces that allow for reflection, visual delight and ability to restore the sense of well-being.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design.

– Comfortable luxury and organic design

– Sustainable methods; using eco-friendly building and decorating products; recycling and re purposing used or useless items

– Personalization; creating fascinating blends that give living spaces unique character

– Seamless world ; merging sleeping, bathing and living spaces into one another; blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces

– Work environments that speak to Millennials : more flexible, shared and adaptable spaces that generate innovation

. And key trends that we should be aware of?

Future of light: Statement light fixture; off they look like sculpture, on they cast lovely light and shadow patterns;

Incorporating art into urban reality and everyday life

Stunning prints that appear on furniture, photo wallpaper, tableware and everyday objects
Painterly rugs: whether it looks like Motherwell or Monet

Mixing warm metals; rose gold, copper, black

Creating unexpected riskier combinations: pairing contemporary with rustic, pure classic and chic, slick and vintage

Retreat to something vintage or nostalgic in contrast to digital world

Defining what is essential and having less “stuff”; Clutter free spaces

. What projects are you currently working on?

– Active House Sustainable Home Toronto
– Project 21 – 60 Acre Commercial Project Toronto
– Kelsey Luxury Model Home Atlanta

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Make purchases that have longevity and quality, that can endure design and are sufficiently well made to last forever, rather than following passing trends. Make sure you fall in love with your design and furniture before proceeding. Life is more beautiful when you wake up to something you love.

. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

Design, Architecture and Art are my greatest passions; family and special people in my life are my greatest love; nature, music and sport my greatest inspiration. It is a perpetual struggle to keep the balance between the three; However, they are inexhaustible source of my happiness

. How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

They are incredibly important as they help elevate the design and raise the bar in these industries. The recognition of talent and achievement is a wonderful reward for designers’ hard and dedicated work.

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

Yacht design has always been a dream due to my passion for the sea. I will definitely focus more on Yacht Design in the next several years, without abandoning my relentless fight for elevating design and architecture in Toronto. My ambition is to keep pushing the boundaries and inspire and challenge people around me to create ground breaking architectural and design statements that will transform our city.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive? Audi S4 Midnight Blue
Your favourite place to travel to in the world? Northern coast of Brasil.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Exedra Hotel Nice, France; Milos Restaurant Miami Beach.
The place that gives you the most energy? The sea. I am an avid kitesurfer; long sandy beaches along the sea are my absolute heaven.
And the place that enables you to totally relax? Remote Islands of Aegean and Adriatic Sea.
Your favourite food and drink? Fresh seafood and freshly squeezed veggie and fruit drinks.