Name: Eva-Marie Eriksson
Company: Fyra Ltd.
Position within company: Co-founder, Interior Architect SIO
Website: www.fyra.fi
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I graduated from Lahti Institute of Design in 2002 and have been working in the field ever since. After working in different studios for years, it was time to make a move and that was when Fyra was founded in 2010. I founded Fyra together with three co-founders and our aim was to build an agency that would focus strongly on collaboration with the customer, with the team and with other professionals. We are specialised in hotel- and restaurant design, working environments and cross-sectional projects. My passion is in the hospitality sector and specifically designing hotels and restaurants. The world keeps on changing and this sector needs to keep up and the work is never the same. This August Fyra will turn 10 years and the company claimed its place as a responsible and proactive player in the industry. We just got awarded as the Interior Architecture Agency of the Year 2020 by the Finnish Association of Interior Architects (SIO) – it is the highest recognition in the field.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal style is quite Scandinavian and light. I prefer interiors that have build up with years and that have layers, history and stories in them. I prefer natural materials that age beautifully, the older the better. Because I work withing interior design, I prefer having my home very neutral without any strong colours (except in art). Living in Finland also make me appreciate light. When you don’t have it outdoors all the time, you need to make it work inside.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I am a typical Finn so I get my inspiration from walking in nature, having a sauna or just strolling around vivid Helsinki watching people and surfaces.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Hopefully towards more sustainable choices and projects. Sustainability should be something taken for granted already. In our projects e.g. we always consider if there is something old (furniture, materials) we could use.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Hybrid spaces, human centric, emphacy, sustainability, ergonomics
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Think twice: is it necessary, what’s the purpose and who is it for?
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Getting recognition abroad is always a great thing and a reward to your work and specially to the design team.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a couple of hotel designs and two restaurants.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
First of all to survive the Covid-19 breakout. But starting a project abroad is something we are aiming for.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? Laptop at the moment
Your favourite holiday destination? My summer house in the Finnish archipelago
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Hotel Nobis in Stockholm, Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen and Hotel St.George in Helsinki. Restaurant Savoy, Restaurant Penélope and Bar Bardem in Helsinki.
Your favourite book, film & song? It’s very hard to choose just one! Book: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Film: Out of Africa directed by Sydney Pollack. Song: Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.
Your favourite food and drink? Kombucha and sparkling wine and good food in general.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Dinner or walks with friends.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? No idea because I have never dreamed of anything else!
Fyra have been Shortlisted for Hotel Over 200 Rooms – Europe Award, Hotel Suite – Europe Award and Bar/Club/Lounge – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
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