Nelson Design have been shortlisted for Residential £10 Million Plus (Property Value) Award Regeneration/Restoration Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020. Read more about Founder, Claire Nelson below:
Name: Claire Nelson
Company: Nelson Design
Position: Founder, Director
Website: Nelson Design
Tell us a little about your background in design:
Formally, I studied at the Instituto per L’Arte e Restauro in Firenze, but the real learning has come over the years working on a huge diversity of briefs – both commercial and residential – with many of the world’s leading creatives in furniture design, textile industry, manufacturing as well as from contractors and being on site. I set up my company in 1991.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I am not looking to be recognised through an in-house style – rather I am wanting to use creativity to find distinctive design answers. The client, the brief, who and how it will be used are all so important and this gives a rich and wide portfolio of works, no theme is repeated and every detail is scrutinised which in itself gives me and my team enhanced knowledge of the design world and what is and isn’t achievable. I look and explore how to take many of the ideas I have developed for hospitality projects Into a more domestic setting and visa versa.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Colour, texture, art, architecture – my surroundings
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Sustainability and diversity are obviously huge, but already, these are givens. Authenticity is an important new direction, as more clients want to bring their own values and perspectives alive. This will reflect a plethora of personality – playful, serious, British, global – but as always depends on the task.
Five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020:
Again, it starts with sustainability, but add longevity to that – I really believe that the days of disposable solutions are behind us. Searching for the new, for the genuinely innovative never goes away, but value is going to be key. Clients are smart, so understanding quality and distinctiveness at varying price points is crucial.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Lighting and art – every time.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards?
Hugely important. They celebrate the industry at its best, inspiring, education and challenging us all on what is current, relevant and fresh. That is so important for the new and diverse talent that we need to attract into the industry tomorrow.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve got a series of exciting residential and commercial projects, both in the UK and Internationally.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I am hoping to launch my own furniture collective if I can find the time!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession:
The first painting I ever bought.
Your favourite holiday destination:
I have a house in Begur which is the perfect refuge for family and friends.
Your favourite Hotel, Bar or Restaurant:
For a restaurant it would have to be sitting under the plane trees outside Sa Rascassa in Aiguafreda. For a hotel, Il Sereno on Lake Como is a proper treat!
Your favourite book, film and song?
Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Film: Too many to mention – I enjoyed Parasite this year.
Song: I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing by The New Seekers
Yesterday Once More by Redd Krosse ( a Carpenters Cover Song)
Nelson Design have been shortlisted for Residential £10 Million Plus (Pro-erty Value) Award Regeneration/Restoration Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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