Name: Fabien Gueret
Company: Warret & Jullion
Position within company: Design Director
Website: warretjullion.co.uk
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I originally trained in engineering and spent the first part of my career working in Finance and Asset Management. I then retrained in Interior Design and created my company 9 years ago.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Personally I have rediscovered the 70s, the years around my birth and I find that era fascinating. I mix it with modern lines and industrial finishes.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from objects and textures I find interesting. I store them until one day I know they have found their home. For instance I have a piece of mahogany and brass from a classic jet boat. I hope that one day this will be the base of a magnificent bathroom.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I feel Design is moving towards ornamentation and depth and away from minimalism and playfulness.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
Space Age
Translucence
Pink
Concrete and Leather
Ornate Ceilings
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Start at the start, that is define the functions and objectives before considering any aesthetics. And then works very hard on the theme or mood. If this is done well, all will fall into place naturally.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The IDA awards are a great to promote excellence in the industry as well as giving us a general direction for Design.
What projects are you currently working on?
The project I am excited about currently is a duplex loft in London where we’ll have plenty of concrete and bricks to play with as well as a huge entertaining space with decks to boot.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I have embarked into trying to assess statistically the impact of design on the value of property and I hope to get some numbers this years. I know this is not glamorous but I think it’s important to be able to demonstrate our value to clients.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My grandfathers moustache scissors
Your favourite holiday destination?
Le Bourget du Lac in the French Alps
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
The Chatwal hotel in New York.
Your favourite book / film / song?
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Your favourite food and drink?
Chinese Malaysian and Weissbier
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)
Restoring one of my many light fittings or an armchair or my old bike
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A math or engineering teacher
Anything else interesting?
I am from Burgundy and I am always happy to talk Wine.
