Name: Olaf Kitzig
Company: Kitzig Design Studios GmbH & Co. KG
Position within company: Founder & CEO
Website: www.kitzig.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I started with an apprenticeship as a decorator and window dresser, which means my education is based technical knowledge and hands-on experience.
After this I chose the option to live and follow my passion – interior design. I went to design schools in Cologne and London, followed by 2-year work experience with Italian design companies. I started my own design business at the age of 28. From this moment on I lived my dream of being an interior designer. The first couple of years I took on every job I was offered: private houses, fashion stores and shoe shops as well as trade fair stands. Nowadays, my colleagues and I are in the fortunate situation that we can work from our four offices in Germany: Lippstadt, Bochum, Düsseldorf and Munich.
How would you describe your personal design style?
That is a difficult question – interior design has so many faces and so many styles. It always depends on the client’s brief and wishes, which always lead us to individual and exciting designs. Our style is inspired by music, fashion, art and of course the political situation around the world. But to cut a long story short, I would say our style is influenced by the things which surround us and make people happy.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
The connection between the world of fashion, art and music inspires us a lot in our design concepts. And of course the financial and political situation is important, too, as well as the technical possibilities we have nowadays. Technical achievements bring up new gadgets and influence the environment we live in and therefore enter the design world as well. This has a big impact on our projects as well.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think everything is possible. Good interior design and architecture have nothing to do with a direction or general trend, and the design world is multi-faceted nowadays. People are so open minded and informed that every proper interior design can have its own impact and ‘authority’.
Name the key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability…
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Be true to yourself.
Design for the user.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
Very important – it promotes talents and I’ve had the honour to win awards in the past. It is a very nice feeling to recognise that people are interested in the world of interior design and architecture. Clients can find very good information about different interior designers and designers in general around the world. It gives a very good overview of the design market.
What projects are you currently working on?
7Pines Hotels/Kempinski New York, USA
Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Kelso, Scotland
Lufthansa Lounges New York JFK, Newark, Washington, USA
Indigo Hotels Erfurt, Germany
Motto by Hilton, Concept Development for EMEA
Me&All Hotels, Leipzig, Germany
… and many more projects!
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Having as much fun as possible!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My two sons and family.
Your favourite holiday destination? Everywhere where I can have a good family gathering!
Your favourite food? My own home-made cooking.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Entertaining or being entertained by my family.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Hopefully a fun person!
Anything else interesting? Embrace the future – it will go on!
Kitzig Design Studios have been shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
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