Name: Sara Bederman
Company: Sara Bederman Design
Position within Company: Owner and Principal Designer
Website: Sarabederman.com
Tell us a little about your background in design
Upon graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I applied to a rigorous and accelerated program studying Interior Design. To my excitement, I was awarded an entrance scholarship granted to honour a pre-admissions design project that I had submitted. I was taught theory as well as practical applied design and finished the program with solid skills and deep knowledge in all eras of interior design. After graduation, I moved to Chicago where I worked for a boutique design studio in the heart of the design district. I would comb through The Merchandise Mart sourcing the perfect finishes for some amazing projects in Lincoln Park and The Gold Coast. It was an amazing start to a fulfilling career. When I moved to Toronto, I opened my own design studio in 2006 and have been happily designing ever since.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My eyes devour design. I see the beauty in all types of interiors, but for my own environment, I prefer clean lines with subtle luxurious accents. Including natural finishes in all of my designs is a must- finishes such as wood, marble, wool. These finishes add elements of texture and warmth that can’t be achieved with man-made finishes alone.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
My eyes are always looking for great design. Whether it is a finished space or a fabulously designed piece of furniture, I am inspired by the biggest and smallest things. I am always inspired. When I travel, I try to visit home and design stores to get a sense of the city’s design offering. I love working through Instagram and Pinterest for immediate inspiration and my favourite print magazines give me a reason to slow down, sit down and devour some beautifully designed homes and exciting new innovations in design.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I hope that design is moving toward a responsible and environmentally ethical direction. So many people strive for beauty in their interiors but at what cost to our planet? And are the interiors created healthy living and working environments? We spend so much time indoors, shouldn’t we be given healthy spaces to enjoy? I plan on focusing more and more on specifying pieces designed by local craftsmen and paying more attention to where the finishes we specify originate and what they are made from.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design.
Environmentally responsible
Lasting construction
Timeless details
Creative and unexpected details
Design beyond trends, design for my clients
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Design for how you live and work. Don’t follow trends, follow your interests, attractions and lifestyle needs.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is important for my studio to reach beyond Toronto to gain international recognition. I look forward to meeting fellow designers from all over the world. It is a very exciting opportunity to be included in this prestigious competition.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a number of renovations as well as some new construction. I do primarily residential work, but we are gearing up to begin a medical spa design later this year.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I am always working toward more challenging work. I am a highly creative person fortunate enough to have a very creative team of assistants and trades. With this support I enjoy working on new even more challenging projects where we can employ our creativity and dig deeper into the design.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My family, my dog and my horse
Your favourite holiday destination? Punta De Mita, Mexico
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Bar Au Lac Hotel, Zurich
Your favourite food and drink? Contemporary Mexican food, a great glass of
white wine
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Riding my horse
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? An equestrian
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.