Name: Esra Kumbasar

Company: Accouter Design

Position within company: Assoc. Design Director

Website: www.accouterdesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have over 20 years experience in the design world and studied at Ravensbourne University. I have extensive experience in both luxury interior architecture and hospitality projects and  have completed multi-million pound schemes all over the world for high profile developers and private clients.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I’d say my style leans on refined elegance – timeless chic and understated

Where does your design inspiration come from?
 Anything and everything inspires me from art, nature through to architecture.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
 Design now is very much about being sustainable we are really having to think ethically about what we are designing and where we are sourcing our product from. I believe in the years to come we will make decisions about design based on their longevity rather than consumer turnaround.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
 – Sustainability
– Longevity
– Ethically sourced
– Values
– Recycling

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Always remember the detail – this is the one thing that elevates a design from being mediocre to being very special.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is always good to be recognised by industry professionals – the awards show and push the boundaries of design giving us a point of reference to aspire the next round.

What projects are you currently working on?
Accouter Design are working on lots of international projects under NDA’s along with some lovely central London refurbishments.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Always to push the boundaries in design – providing unique interpretations by combining existing with new innovation.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
I don’t really believe in possessions so I wouldn’t say I have one, I respect what I own and try not to think of it as disposable.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Austrian Alps

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Maison Assouline

Your favourite book, film & song?
Film: Yentil
Book: The Number One Ladies Detective Agency
Song: Laura Mvula  – Green Garden

Your favourite food?
Roast Chicken Dinner

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A sleepy Summer afternoon drinking Pimms by a lake…

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A Horticulturalist – I love getting my hands dirty.

Accouter Design have been shortlisted for Living Space – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020.