Ahead of the International Design and Architecture Awards Staffan Tollgård took some time to tell us about his thoughts on design, trends and the red thread….
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
There seem to me to be two divergent directions for design at the moment. I see design moving resolutely forward into an industrialized future – EOQ from Hong Kong is a good example – where the machines of tomorrow create shapes that were previously only possible on paper. Yet I also see designers embracing the techniques of previous generations of craftsmen. Stellarworks in Shanghai embody this tradition in an altogether modern way.
What are the key influencing elements at present?
The most interesting thing at the moment is the cross-pollination of design. Through travel and the web design heritage and local knowledge are being used in workshops around the world.
What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
In the UK we are working on residential projects in Belgravia, Notting Hill and Regent’s Park. Commercial projects include projects in Notting Hill, Fleet Street and outside London. Outside of the UK we have a few projects in Lagos and in the Algarve.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life? I have two small children that are even more demanding than my clients.
Name 5 key essentials for 2012 and beyond
Identity
Responsibility
Communication
Mentoring
Karma
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Find the red thread. It’s a Scandinavian expression that I use time and time again to explain the guiding principle of creative work. It’s unique to each project and following it makes each of our designs feel coherent and cohesive.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
Any creative individual loves a pat on the back.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? We are moving our showroom from Notting Hill to a beautiful new location in Grosvenor Waterside, SW1. We will showcase our favourite furniture from around the world and bring a few new brands to the UK that we’re really excited about.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Triumph Thruxton 900
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
The Alps
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Amanpuri / Zuma / Pollen Street Social
The place that gives you the most energy?
Shanghai
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Stockholm archipelago
Your favourite food and drink?
Sushi and Sake
Anything else interesting?
I met my wife on a film set. She was an actress, I was the 1st AD