Name: MARCO BRAGHIROLI

Company: PRESTIGE EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE LTD

Position within company: DIRECTOR

Website: WWW.PRESTIGE.EU.COM

. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I studied architecture in Italy obtaining the Laurea in Architecture at the Politecnico of Milan and studied Interior Architecture at the University of Hasselt in Belgium. After obtaining the full qualification in Italy I moved to the UK and I have been Chartered Architect since 2005. I started working with Traditional Architectural practices on various projects from large residential developments to institutional colleges and in that period I discover my passion for private residential projects which has been my focus since early 2003 and I had the opportunity to follow this further with other practices. I was lucky enough to be the architect of many luxury homes in the UK and abroad delivering beautiful buildings, an experience which has fulfil my desire for beauty without the restriction of institutional committee and only based on a personal relationship with the private client.

. How would you describe your personal interior design style?

My “Architect Ego” is more for a contemporary and modern approach with the challenge of integrating the traditional design and existing building envelope but the best way to describe my interior design style is focusing on the Client taste and drive the design based on their requirements: after all is their home and it must reflect this, architects should be like Virgil driving the Client through the design world.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

Everywhere, inspiration is a daily surprise for me. This can come from a book, a magazine, a conversation with a colleague, a cup of coffee in a new trendy designed place getting distracted by the design feature, a visit to an old historic building, even a walk around in an auction house can inspire me. I travel on a regular basis and visiting foreigner cultures and cities has been part of my inspiration.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

I personally feel that as Architect and Designer we should listen more to the final user requirements and ensure that our challenge is focus on that, the key is being able to design a beautiful and practical space where the final user can identify themselves and see the designer soul in it; that is the challenge. I notice in some new buildings that the design are indeed beautiful and innovative but are not practical and the final user will struggle with the space eventually modify the design to suite losing the designer soul in the building.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

1. “Innovation with simplicity”. Technology is a wonderful instrument if taken in good balance.
2. “Surprise in the brief”. Look for expressing your design drive within the Client brief and taste.
3.  “Seek tradition and beauty”. There are still traditional trades which are proud of their work , I am always looking for them in the UK and abroad trying to sustain them.
4. “balance and symmetry in design”. This will allow our eyes to enjoy what you build, sometime is better to build slightly less but with equilibrium.
5.  “Sustainability and new material”. Try and get as much as possible in the building.

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

Try not to shortcut on design and quality, you will be able to tell at the end.

. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Awards are very important, they allow designer to be exposed to a wider public coming from an environment based on the “word of mouth” and give the opportunity to them and their Client to celebrate the success of their cooperation.

. What projects are you currently working on?

We have various projects in central London and a chalet in Switzerland whilst in the pipeline an exciting new development in Zanzibar and design involvement for a new Yacht.

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Continue to enjoy the architectural work as we do today with more international projects.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?

Family and friends

Your favourite holiday destination?

The Caribbean

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

“Home House” in London

Your favourite book / film / song?

Book: I collect all inspirational architectural book from the Maya architecture to the completed projects in Asia.

Film: The Lord of the Rings

Song: I enjoy Classical Arias and latest David Guetta songs, all depend on the moment.

Your favourite food and drink?

Lebanese with Lebanese wine but my heart is of course in Italian food with a good bottle Chianti.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words)

Having a long lunch with family and friends.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

A designer. I have no alternative as I wanted to be an Architect since I was a child.

Anything else interesting?

During my university years I was working as a fireman for 7 years back in my home town Milan.