IQ Glass have had a staggering three projects shortlisted in the 2014 ID&A Awards!
Rebecca Clayton
Name: Rebecca Clayton
Company: IQ Glass
Position within company: Marketing Manager
Website: www.iqglassuk.com
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Glazing design has started to move slightly away from sheer frameless installations and instead using very slim neat framing and supports.
What projects are you currently working on?
We currently have 60 projects on site at the moment but we have some brilliant new build houses out near Bath and in Gloucester that should be finished soon. We have just started onsite with a new build house using our Innovare flush glazed window and door system throughout the build and slim Danish bricks as the façade material which should look great.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
We try to keep work to a Monday-Friday affair at IQ but obviously for the contract managers when a project is onsite you need to be on call all the time. Myself I try to dedicate just a few hours at the weekend to visit Starbucks and get some work done, or visit the showroom to show some architects and their clients around our showroom. Other than that I spend time outside with my daughter, trips to the park are a weekend staple.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
Bricks seem to be having resurgence as a design material, although it is more difficult to recess framing within these façade material slim frames for opening doors and windows look great within the façade;
Flush glazed windows and doors are becoming popular, their appearance matches most structural glass facades for a neater external appearance;
Clever design cannot exist solely on its own, you do need to think about its impact on the world so triple glazing systems will become a lot more important in the next few years. You can still achieve very minimal framing using these heavier glass panels.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Think about the glazing early. It is an important part of the external appearance of a build and input will be needed from specialist companies like IQ as to how these may be fitted.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
It is great to be recognised on an international scale. We get to work with some of the UK’s most exciting and talented architects and designers but IQ Glass work very hard to create sleek glass assemblies and enjoy it when our work is enjoyed by others.
How do you relax?
Relax? What is that?…. I spend time with my daughter, away from the computer and phone.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
IQ Glass have just opened our brand new architectural glazing showroom in Amersham there is a bit more work to finish this off so our focus will be on getting more people to come a visit so they get a better understanding of what their glass installations may look like. Also we are about to open up Sky House Design Centre which will be a another great source for architects and designers when specifying interior products.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
The car you drive? – Hyundai i30
Your favourite place to travel to in the world? – Anywhere with sun but I love Greek food
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? – A small wine bar in my home town
The place that gives you the most energy? – Starbucks!
And the place that enables you to totally relax? – The bath
Your favourite food and drink? – A good cider and a large cheese board