Name: Louis Henri Bührmann 
Company: Louis Henri Ltd
Position within company: Managing Director and Pekingese Tamer
Website: www.louishenri.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
I was born in South Africa, travelled the world and returned to Johannesburg to complete my degree in Interior Architecture at the university of Technology in 2001. I came to London in 2002. Having gained experience working at Andrew Martin, Northacre and finally setting up Louis Henri a decade ago.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
We focus on our client’s needs, what they want to say about themselves in the way they live. We focus on creating bespoke completely custom homes for the finest clients.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Knowing where something has come from, the place, the story, the maker and the people behind every aspect of a beautiful life.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
There are so many levels of design direction, I find for us, we have been fortunate to have clients that are excited by pushing boundaries with materials and design style combinations.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
– Something gold
– Something old
– Something personal
– All of the above mixed with friends and family.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Understand the limitation of the material you are working with.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and
achievement?
It gives young designers, motivation and opportunity to reach a wider audience. It betters the overall standard within our industry and sets a good benchmark for next year.
What projects are you currently working on?
We have been working on our new collection of over-scaled furniture and lighting. Various residential projects in London, Johannesburg and Saudi Arabia.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are completing our new design studio in Stockwell, at the same time focusing on our product ranges for the next year.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?
Tickets to the next flight to see my family
Your favourite holiday destination?
A simple beach hut and hammock is all I need
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel de’Ministere Paris it’s just so perfect.
Your favourite book / film / song?
A long walk to freedom
Your favourite food and drink?
Having a BBQ in my garden
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Artist in the mountains
