The Sofa and Chair Company have been shortlisted in both the Sofa and Chair categories of The International Product Design Awards 2013.
To view the shortlist please click here or for more information please contact – productawards@design-et-al.co.uk
Company:
The Sofa and Chair Company
Position within company:
Marketing Manager
Website:
http://www.thesofaandchair.co.uk
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Minimalism and Modernism with a Heritage inspired twist. It appears that design trends will embrace well-structured shapes and geometric inducing styles. As always, fashion trends will continue to play a pivotal role in all areas of interior design, from fabrics and colour pallets to shapes and materials.
In addition, personalisation is becoming easier to achieve so the bespoke furniture will become more prominent. Craftsmanship is gaining more appreciation and consumers are looking to original one-of-a-kind design for their product selections.
What are the key influencing elements at present?
Fashion is a clear contributor to design trends; in addition, up-and-coming designers are really setting the innovation bar high. These designers play an integral role in determining the present and future direction of design. Alongside this are the influences of technology, global branding and customer customisation. Not to mention the brands that run businesses on cheap mass production.
What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
We are developing a range of large luxurious seating solutions and exploring different options for catering to larger living spaces. We are also establishing solutions for flexible seating within confined spaces.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
Exceptional designers learn to switch off when necessary and enjoy life. Inspiration tends to flow better when the mind is relaxed. I think it’s important to separate working life from personal life in order to attribute 100% in each domain.
Name 5 key essentials for 2011 and beyond.
- Smart phones
- Clouds
- Free Wi-fi
- Environmentally friendly cars
- Holidays
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Believe in your abilities as a designer and stand by your choices, but always listen to and learn from the advice and experiences of others.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
Design awards are a great contribution to the world of design, enabling designers from all walks of life from large organisations to independent one-man-bands to showcase their work and gain recognition while learning more about what other designers are working on.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To build brand awareness for The Sofa and Chair Company, while developing our extensive range of classic contemporary furniture.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
The car you drive?
Audi
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Korea
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
I love Dim T and Busaba Enthai closely followed by Cellar Door in Covent Garden & Ambience in Wimbledon
The place that gives you the most energy?
Work
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
My cosy bed
Your favourite food and drink?
Thai and Champagne