Name: George Singer
Company: George Singer
Position within company: MD
Website: www.georgesinger.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I studied project design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.  My major project was a kinetic chandelier which mimicked dappled sunlight through trees.  Following some design jobs with Tord Boontje and Alexander McQueen, Totem Studio, Mathmos, and Bryden Wood, I continued my work in the design of bespoke, contemporary chandeliers.  My first big commission was for three large chandeliers for the Bluebird on Kings Road in London.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My main objective is to create installations of true beauty.  I use very high quality materials and always allow the form and the materials to be in harmony with one another.  I always use a minimal approach and never use decoration in my work, but rather allow the materials and form to create the aesthetic.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I take inspiration from nature, architecture, lighting installations and jewellery design.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I believe people want honesty in what they buy.  People want quality products which are designed and made to last.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
Hand-made, quality materials, good manufacture, inspiration from nature, built to last.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Listen very carefully to the client.

How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Very important.  I believe the International Design and Architecture Awards is the most prestigious awards of the year.

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently making four chandeliers for a beautiful house in Paris.  It’s a dream project for me and I’ve always wanted to make some chandeliers in Paris.  The house is in an extremely beautiful art deco style and I can’t wait to contribute to it.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I would like to win larger commissions around the world.  I have just completed a sixty-meter-long installation in Scotland and I would like to carry out installations of a similar size in China, the US, the Middle East and in Europe.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My father’s signet ring.

Your favourite holiday destination?
South of France

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eifel Tower.

Your favourite book / film / song?
Favourite film: Pollock.  Favourite Song: the Joe Cocker version of With a Little Help from my Friends.

Your favourite food and drink?
Hand-made pasta.  Coconut water.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Skiing in the Austrian Alps.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
An actor.

Anything else interesting?
I think it’s very important to stay humble in your work.  I  often remind myself how lucky I am to be doing what I do.