Name: Nini Andrade Silva
Position within company: Ceo & Founder
Photographer: Pedro Corrêa da Silva
Website: www.niniandradesilva.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I graduated in Design at the Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Marketing (IADE) in Lisbon, and simultaneously pursued my academic and professional experience abroad, where I studied and worked in New York, London, Paris, South Africa and Denmark. I use to say that design has born with me and I’m pursuing my passion over the years. Because of that I really feel that I have not a work, but a project of life and my life is my career.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I use to say that I don’t follow trends, I seek to create them! So, normally I look to be ahead in time and my design comes from the soul – what I feel about the place at that moment. This means that my emotion will be translated into designs.
My carrier has more than twenty years and I use to say that I have not a Work but a project of life! My designs for a distinguished clientele, fashioned a new style – called as Ninimalism. Everything in our projects exudes quality and passion; the greatest of attention, bordering on obsessive, has been paid to every single detail! Is this Ninimalism? Yes, I agree that it is!
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I love design because I love creating new realities and feelings and my job allows me to put a bit of myself in each project that I and my team create. My designs come from the soul – what I feel about the place at that moment. This means that my emotion will be translated into designs. Design has born with me and I pursued my passion over the years so I may say wasn’t hard to bear this point. I use to say that I have not a work but a project of life and my life is my career. I love interior design because I love creating new realities and feelings and my job allows me to put a bit of myself in each project I create.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe that is all about the quest for the essence… Every project is a huge challenge for me and a huge responsibility for my team, grabbing it with all my strength and dedicating ourselves completely regardless of size or function. To goal is undoubtedly the eternal search for the essence, whether the Client’s Vision and expectations. My designs are tailored bearing in mind each project’s functional and aesthetic needs and the and success depends a lot on the balance of this elements! Also, we are experiencing a critical moment for the planet and all areas of activity must have an awareness of civic and environmental responsibility, so it is with design!
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability, Nature, Ocean, Back to the basics and The age of Re-Engagement
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and believe in yourselves! I and my team we dedicate ourselves 100 percent with a single goal that is to see sparkle in the eyes of our clients! This is the faith that my work is well done! Nothing can be more grateful.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The feeling of seeing my work recognized by The International Hotel & Property Awards is memorable and a proudest moment as good as the feeling of the day when I get to see a project conclusion!
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently engaged in several projects across Europe, America, Asia, Middle East and Africa in different projects related to the hospitality, private housing and commercial spaces. We are also betting strong on the design of our exclusive collection of outdoor furniture called – Garota do Calhau Colletion – inspired by the organic shape of the stones from the Madeira Island (my home place) beaches. These pieces are amazing, either by the size and the shape!
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are currently engaged in several projects and the ambition is to move forward step by step, doing what we love with excellence, quality and rigor. We keep the desire to create unique environments, to create fantasy and to turn fantasy into reality!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? Health and the privilege of working with friends, family and a great team.
Your favourite holiday destination? Home, once I’m always travelling around the world!
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. The restaurant at my Design Center, in Madeira Island and Alan du Cast in Paris, Baccará Hotel Bar NY
Your favourite book, film & song? The little Prince, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Everybody heart, REM
Your favourite food and drink? Vegetables and potatoes, Water
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Designing new things
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Social worker to help the one in need