John Evans of John Evans Design spent 5 minutes giving his thoughts on his influencing elements of design in 2013 and beyond..

1. What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?

With the economy in its current state, we are finding that clients are even more careful with their money. Design works well when the period features are able to sit alongside a modern application of design in 20th Century furniture and décor to create a timeless classic interior.

2. What are the key influencing elements at present?

The ‘British’ brand is very strong at the moment following the London Olympics, with the World still focussed on us. Britain has an exceptional history in Design and Architecture, which is always being re-visited with modern applications to keep it relevant.

3. What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?

We work on a diverse range of projects.

On the retail side we are working on several out of town stores for Bensons for Beds, rolling out our new concept. We are also developing a new concept for 3 out of town stores for the DFS Group, located in England, Scotland and Ireland.

We have just completed a concept for a wine shop that opens soon in London.

On the residential side we are working on a very large listed property in Oxfordshire which we are remodelling and doubling in size. We are working on a complete refurbishment of a listed Regency property in Leamington Spa.

We worked alongside another interior designer on the conversion of two large apartments into one in a building in London close to Buckingham Palace.

We have a project that is about to start on site for a private swimming pool and gymnasium, including a cinema and accommodation in the Cotswolds, as well another project that’s about to start on site that includes a swimming pool with underground steam room and changing rooms in Surrey.

4. A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?

I am very lucky to have the back up of a wonderful team of people in my office who run and work on all the projects allowing me to take an overview.

5. Name 5 key essentials for 2013 and beyond.

Originality

Impact

Longevity

Good Lighting

Communication

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

Keep it simple.

7. How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designer’s talents and achievements?

I feel it is very important to be recognised for achievements and talents. In the last few years all we have heard about is cutting costs and doom and gloom, all too often the importance of good design is underestimated.

Design and innovation are incredible driving forces, which will help with the economic recovery.

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

To achieve more interesting and stimulation projects so that as an office we can push ourselves to produce the best design solutions possible.

9. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

The car you drive?

Range Rover & BMW Z8

Your favourite place to travel to in the world?

South of France

Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?

Hotel Costes in Paris

The place that gives you the most energy?

London

And the place that enables you to totally relax?

With my wife and pug at home in our house in Port Grimaud, South of France

Your favourite food and drink?

French and Italian, White Burgundy

To view more of John’s work visit: www.johnevansdesign.com