Name: Esra Kazmirci 
Company: Esra Kazmirci Mimarlik  (ESRA KAZMIRCI INTERIORS)
Position within company: OWNER
Website: www.esrakazmirci.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I raised in Mersin, Turkey. My mothers interest in design had a major influence on me at a young age; I’ve studied at the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.

After that I started to work under the supervision of experienced interior designers at various design & architecture firms. In 2012 I opened my own interior design firm as Esra Kazmirci Mimarlik (Esra Kazmirci Interiors). Esra Kazmirci Interiors is an Istanbul based interior design studio and construction firm for residential, hospitality and commercial interiors, exteriors and landscape.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Contemporary and eclectic at the same time. In the direction of our clients’ request, we’re trying to create a common space by suggesting our taste. According to the priorities and the life style of our clients, we pay attention to use functional and aesthetic criteria together. It must be timeless, must be peaceful, dreamy and must give you joy… must absorb you, there must be life experiences, it must give you peace and pleasure, there must be colour harmony, an opposite must be created, a balance must be provided with the accessories…

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Sometimes a window which is facing a tree or sometimes an old library is enough for me to improve the general concept of the space. Everywhere… every moment…

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
People are becoming more knowledgeable and trying to use modern technology.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
Budget, functionality, quality, timeless, balance of colour and light.

 If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
The most helpful recommendation that I can give to those who wants my consultancy is to design their own spaces in a flexible structure according to their pleasure which can change over time.

How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Design and Architecture Awards give designers the opportunity to showcase their talents. There is such an array of beautiful designs and designers out there and it is always wonderful to see so many beautiful residential and commercial spaces being transformed by creative individuals like ourselves. It is also always so interesting to see the abundance of styles that are presented throughout the awards shortlist.

What projects are you currently working on?
Turkey, Bodrum, Swiss Residences; Istanbul, Rumelihisarı,  Private House Project; Istanbul, Çekmeköy, Private House Project; Istanbul, Tarabya dublex flat interior design project; Istanbul, Tuzla, Private House Project; Numarine Yachts interior design consulting (32 xp and 24 xp motor yacht); London, Lots Road, two storey House Project.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To move into a larger offıce & expand the studio.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My family is and will always be my most treasured possession.

Your favourite holiday destination?
The Isle of Capri and Amalfi Coast. The island rises very high, so wherever you are there are magnificent views.

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
I have lots of favourite hotels around the world but Firmdale / The Soho Hotel London is one of my favourites. Each time I find again the friendly welcome of the reception, the charming and cosy atmosphere of the lobby and the delicious personal touch of the rooms, at the same time elegant, comfortable and well-kept.

As a restaurant Test Kitchen, Cape Town South Africa. And as a bar The IVY Los Angeles.

Your favourite book / film / song?
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (Book) Sliding Doors (Film); She (Song)

Your favourite food and drink?
Spaghetti lobster and as a wine  Chablis 1er Cru, ‘Montee de Tonnerre’

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
If I’m not working; having time with my family and friends.

 If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I think I would be a fashion designer.