We spent 5 minutes with Ema Kersuliene Creative Director of Emari Design, after they reached the shortlist in the International Design and Architecture Awards 2013.
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Interior architecture is a launch of a 2nd successful career. Achieved education the hard way! For three years I travelled 250km one way 2-3 times a week to Dublin and returned the same day while still holding a managerial full time role in Finances. In the meantime I gained practical experience working on a number of projects. In total have 10 years of educational background in management, interior architecture + design and fine art. Ready to rock + roll to full potential.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Well thought-out experimental and daring, yet elegant. I love to challenge myself by introducing something new + unusual. I am approaching interiors as harmonious sounds in a symphony through texture, colour, scale and energy that is being created. Despite of the visual end-result many customers say my work has very positive energy.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Clients’ special tastes seen through my prism, dreams, visions, nature and work of strong personalities in architecture + design field.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Personality-shine-through [PST], a visual fiesta to relax and engage, innovative in a subtle way, quality finishes.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2013 and beyond.
Signature interiors
Natural pieces/finishes
Man-made pieces/finishes
4D – Not just beautiful inner shell, but a soul created within
Less formal yet representative
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
For Clients: give freedom, keep control.
For Designers: give nothing but the best to stand out and stand the test of time.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Extremely rewarding and highly important on an international platform. Achievement opens many doors and very widely.
What projects are you currently working on?
High-end residential, corporate and hotel projects in Ireland and the UK.
An apartment in Saudi Arabia.
Several projects in the Baltic States.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Achieve economies of scale by opening a 2nd office in the Baltic States and continue working on international projects. I look forward to more boutique hotels/high-end residential/yacht/speed boat projects landing on my desk.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your favourite book?
autobiographies of successful business leaders. I am fascinated by the journey from…to and messages between the lines.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A food critic.