Name: Jeremy Blake
Company: Purcell
Position within company: Partner, Head of Hospitality & Head of Sustainability
Website: www.purcelluk.com

. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Educated in Kent, qualified in Newcastle, travelling studentship to Scandinavia, scholarship to Rome, extensive travelling to all continents (but not yet to South America & Antarctica) delivering green and sustainable BREEAM Excellent projects for over 20 years

. How would you describe your personal design style?
Innovative & sustainable bespoke design – contemporary with a twist

. Where does your design inspiration come from?
An appreciation of historical roots, contemporary materials and environmental awareness

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Responsive design to user enjoyment, operational practicalities and environmental needs

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
Joy, comfort, practicality, environment, energy efficiency

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Think responsibly and creatively outside the box

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
As a recognised international benchmark of excellence, they are strategically significant and influential

. What projects are you currently working on?
‘The world’s greenest hotel in St Helena’, extension and conversion of Haddo House for hotel, medi-Spa & Conference centre for Danesfield House, major extensions to The Grove and 1,325 BREEAM Outstanding student rooms for Newcastle University

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To win another major international hotel competition or commission

 . Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession? My wife and family of course
Your favourite holiday destination? The next one
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? Currently, The Plum & Spilt Milk
Your favourite book / film / song? Enchanted April
Your favourite food and drink? Local, fresh and seasonal with a twist
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? With family and friends before or after a good meal or with a good book and a drink with a roaring fire or in sunshine
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Still enjoying myself working with people
Anything else interesting? Becoming a grandparent puts things in perspective