Name: Roisin Reilly

Company: B3 Designers

Position within company: Associate

Website: b3designers.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
After studying Interior Design at the Glasgow School of Art, I moved to London where I worked in retail design for four years, before finding hospitality design. I’m not big on shopping, but will go out of my way to both have and create experiences. I find so much joy in designing spaces where memories can be made. I have been fortunate to work on a range of projects – from the street-food style of Bone Daddies, to high-end projects for The Ritz-Carlton and The Prince Akatoki London.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
On a personal level, I am drawn to the Nordic style and well-crafted furniture, often with mid-century touches. I believe a home should be comfortable and look lived-in, never looking like an immaculate show home. I prefer a well thought-out minimal space – I’m not a fan of busyness or clutter. The challenge however, is to keep the space from feeling sterile or uninviting. The trick is to bear in mind that everything should have a purpose or tell a story of an experience you’ve had or place you’ve visited.

On a professional level, this is a complex question. Ultimately, the team and I design to bring our clients’ visions to life. We focus our skills and experience to create commercially viable and successful F&B and hospitality spaces. The space has to work first, and the aesthetic has to follow, for an impactful end result. I am drawn to details, so this will always drive any designs I work on with the team.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I feel most inspired when I travel and especially when I visit a new place. I live in London which is an incredibly dynamic city, offering so much. Sometimes it can feel like an overwhelming attack to the senses wherever you go. I grew up and spent a lot of time in Scotland also which influences me. There is a rawness about Scotland with its bleak weather and cosy interiors.

I also go to exhibitions, visual art productions, and events, apart from always being at restaurants to keep on top of trends and styles.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
In recent years, restaurant design trends seem to be moving towards maximalism – over the top textures, layers, big statement pieces, eye-catching and impactful elements. Mid-century furniture and mix-match is dominating. Overall, the biggest direction that design is moving towards is sustainability, and exploration of better ways of bringing a space to life.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
A site needs to be operationally sound. That’s my biggest advice. Regardless of how beautifully the aesthetics work, it’s not a successful design if it doesn’t work operationally. When proposing something to a client, be sure that it works, and know how it will be built. The layer of aesthetics comes after that.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
These Awards recognise and reward great design work, going a long way in encouraging and motivating designers. These awards are important because the world is moving more and more towards wanting experiences over things. The F&B and travel industries are catering to this growing need, and interior designers are, in essence, crafting these experiences. The effort and thought that goes into it all must be recognised.

What projects are you currently working on?
We specialise in a range of hospitality projects. Off the back of a successful 2019, we’ve kicked off 2020 with several exciting F&B projects (standalone and hotels) Europe-wide.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
2019 was a very busy year for us at B3 Designers. In 2020, I’m looking forward to a lot more   travel and exploring more.

Your favourite holiday destination?
I have a few – Brazil/Ibiza/Italy/France

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Standard, London
La Paloma, Ibiza
Rogano, Glasgow

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
Film: Goodbye Lenin and It’s A Wonderful Life
Song: Heart of Gold by Neil Young

Your favourite food and drink?
Peruvian, and gin and tonic!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
The perfect afternoon would begin with listening to some great records, then visiting an exhibition, followed by wine.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I loved English at school, so perhaps something that involves writing or storytelling!