Name: Liza Evans
Company: Liza Evans Interior Design
Position within company: Creative Director
Website: www.lizaevans.com
Tell us a little about your background:
I grew up in Notting Hill and my bohemian parents had a wide circle of friends so I visited a variety of different homes and locations in the UK & Europe.
As a teenager I spent my pocket money on ‘objects’ and soft furnishings from Terrence Conran’s shop Habitat and saved them for my first home. Of course my tastes had changed by the time I came to use them!
After starting a career in marketing I realised I had a talent for styling properties to maximise market value so I decided to study at KLC School of Interior Design. I love the Eastern philosophy of design too so I’ve studied Feng Shui in Hong Kong, Malaysia and the USA.
How would you describe your own personal style?
Transitional with accents of colour and texture, but I enjoy interpreting and designing to each clients brief so no two projects are the same.
Where does your inspiration come from?
In London the V & A is a constant source of inspiration for historical and contemporary decorative art and design. Travelling for business & pleasure art galleries, museums and magazines keep my informed and I’m always inspired by nature and wildlife. I love the movies so I often pick up ideas there, especially vintage movies. Living/working in two of the most exciting cities in the world (London & San Francisco) there’s always something to see and inspire me.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
My clients are asking for functional, comfortable and personalized living/working environments.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching interior design in 2015 and beyond.
Natural textures
Sustainability
Function & Comfort
Art as investment pieces
Bespoke furniture which will become heirlooms
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to development projects, what would it be?
Consult, consult, consult – things often change as the project develops. Carry a tape measure and save yourself heartache by measuring and laying out the room in advance.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Very important: they provide an international coming-together of design professionals, to recognize and reward talent, and provide encouragement and inspiration.
What projects are you currently working on?
In London we’re working on a family house in Hampstead, a studio in Holland Park and a mansion flat in Kensington. In San Francisco we are about to complete a model unit for a developer, a penthouse in Russian Hill and a family home in Cole Valley.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I enjoy working with a wide range of diverse clients. Over the next year I am to continue working with existing clients – for filling their projects and expectations and to expand my global client base.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your most treasured possession?
An Art Deco platinum, diamond & sapphire brooch, purchased for £7.50 in Portobello Road when I was 20 years old. It was love at first sight!
Your favourite holiday destination?
The Galapagos Islands
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
French Laundry in Napa, California
Your favourite book / film / song?
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves – it never fails to get me singing
Your favourite food and drink?
Can’t beat a great spaghetti bolognese and a lemoncello
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Afternoon tea at the Ritz or if it’s winter in the city … a good film in front of a roaring fire.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A lawyer
Surprising Fact?
I’m a dab hand at playing cards.