Name: Maxine Tissenbaum 
Company: Maxine Tissenbaum Interior Design
Position within company: Owner and Founder
Website: www.mthome.ca
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc).
I started out as a young fashion designer creating belts and leather accessories. I sold to numerous high-end boutiques and department stores. I segwayed into house design dressing houses instead of people! Its all about lifestyle for me. I have an honours degree in English. When I moved from Montreal to Toronto, I decided to take my career in a new direction and went to the Ontario College of Art to study Architecture/Design.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Design has become more interactive with the client, with the onset of social media and décor websites available to them.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2018 and beyond.
• Using colour as a motivator
• Incorporating antiques with modern elements
• Sourcing new and innovative materials that will withstand the test of time
• Simplicity is key – pairing down fussy elements
• Bringing the outside in, and the inside out
Where do you feel yacht and aviation design is going in terms of schemes?
Fresher, lighter, and more comfortable.
What projects are you currently working on?
Currently we are building a 10,000 square foot house in the Bahamas on the beach. A new build in Palm Beach, Florida. A 7,000 square foot condo with exclusive rooftop in Toronto – to name a few.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Think outside the box, and approach each project as if it were your first.
What products/services could you not live without when designing?
The internet has made everything faster and more accessible. We can give clients answers and design inspiration, as well as new products with an instant turnaround. Its brought the world of design to our fingertips.
How important are The International Yacht and Aviation Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Its like the academy awards of design!
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To keep moving forward, being innovative, and always pushing myself and my clients to exceed our expectations.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself:
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Paris
Your most treasured possession?
My family
Your favourite hotel, restaurant and bar?
The Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Favourite restaurant is the Cipriani in Miami,
Favourite bar is in the Faena Hotel in Miami.
Your favourite food and drink?
Sushi and sake
The place that enables you to totally relax?
Reading a good book on the beach
The place that gives you most inspiration?
Travelling through Europe
Any final thoughts?
Looking forward to the awards ceremony! See you in Venice!