Name: Maryann Schmidt
Company: Hunt & Design
Position within company: Head Designer / Founder
Website: www.huntanddesign.com.au
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I have always been a designer at heart and after 10 years of corporate life in another industry I started studying interior design and never looked back. I started Hunt & Design with a holistic approach to design ensuring the final result is one that fits perfectly in its environment and captures our clients’ individuality.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I’m a sentimental person and feel most comfortable surrounded by pieces of the past. Mid-century design resonates with me and I enjoy recreating vintage pieces and curating them with more modern elements in my home.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I’m inspired by restaurants, cafe and bar design. I love the eclectic mix of materials and how playful you can be in commercial design and enjoy translating this into my residential designs.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Being more community focused. I love working with local suppliers and designers to achieve bespoke pieces for my clients. This supports our community as well as results in beautiful pieces that are treasured and last the lifetime of trends.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainable, colour, community and mixing styles & materials!
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Take your time, work out what you like and why. Do all of this before you buy anything!
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
As we are a small design studio and regardless of the result, just to be recognised on a global scale by such prestigious awards is a privilege and also incredibly humbling. We admire so many of the designers you feature and its always so wonderful to cheer on our colleagues in the industry and celebrate our successes together.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are working on some beautiful residential projects in Sydney with a focus on coastal living.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Keep working with great clients who share a similar mindset on design and quality.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? I treasure all the pieces of art and notes my little kids make me.
Your favourite holiday destination? Byron Bay – the beaches and the hinterland are just jam-packed with beautiful eclectic finds as well as great bars & restaurants.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? I love Mr Wongs in Sydney, its designed by Sibella Court and I love her eye for detail.
Your favourite book, film & song? Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton – never wanted it to end. I’m a bit out of touch with recent movies but I adored Rocketman. In your eyes – The Weekend.
Your favourite food and drink? Can’t go past a duck ragu with a delicous bottle of Pinot Noir from the Otago in New Zealand.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Flicking through my design & art books on my window seat preferably with a glass of wine on a rainy day.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? An Artist.