Name: Robert Angell
Company: Robert Angell Design International
Position within company: Founder CEO
Website: https://www.robertangelldesigninternational.com/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I Have always been passionate about design and made objects. I find stimulus from visual and beautiful objects that surround our everyday lives, whether it’s a stunning architecturally inspiring house to an amazing piece of furniture each has a way of engaging my senses and I get real pleasure from that. I studied a Honours Interior Design Degree at Nottingham in the UK. Working with architects and designers creating beautiful marina residences to glamorous hospitality event spaces for air and yacht shows. I then embarked on an incredible fifteen year stint with David Collins Studio. Here I really cut my teeth on Luxury Design with David where everything was designed with the utmost attention to detail and that’s something that I still carry forward today. ‘God is in the details’ as Mies van der Rohe once said and its so true that everything has to be considered to create a beautiful object or interior.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
This is a difficult question, because there is not one simple answer and that’s because its something that grows and evolves with time and has so many other influences that shape my everyday life. Whether its fashion or paintings. I know I like clean, uncluttered spaces with beautiful art and furniture that evoke an almost gallery like vibe, yet not stark. Colour is always important to me as it surrounds us and really sets off objet and furniture evoking a sense of calm and timelessness
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration comes from my travels around the globe. I am like a sponge soaking up culture, fashion, art, people and place, seeing how people interact with there everyday surroundings and then improving how this is done with a sense of a beautiful aesthetic is important to me.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is moving so fast and people have insatiable appitites for change and newness that as a designer I relish the opportunity to edit and create interiors that really focus in on a clients brief. There is a lot of nostalgia in design at the moment which is something that gives us comfort in a world of uncertainty, but then again, out of this will surface a real drive for newness and difference. Its definitely an exciting period to be designing in.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
I think sustainability is key when designing and to use really considered materials and know where they are made. Longevity where materials will stand the test of time and are fit for there use. Wellness through design is important to allow our minds to be at ease with the surroundings we are in. Experiential interiors leads us to potentially a heathier life where happiness and mindfulness are allowing us to be at one with ourselves. Timlessness where trends are not followed but almost are created by creating classical themes though good, clever and considered design.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Research what you are going to create something in a way that really brings about an individual style and vibe for your client.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The IHPA epitomise the very best designers in the world through an awards ceremony which is unparalleled and they understand the effort and dedication that designers across the world strive for in a way that makes us as designers really proud of what we all create for our amazing clients.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are about to finish a stunning Hotel in Birmingham UK which is in a Listed building. We are in progress on a stunning new build hotel in Jeddah right by the Red Sea and we also have another Luxury Hotel in London which is also underway. We are also looking at some restaurants across Europe at the moment. We also developed a Covid-19 ‘model restaurant’ as if we did not have already enough to do but it gave us a chance to start thinking about how we may have to approach designing spaces slightly differently in the future.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
They are all my favourites because they all involve different experiences and challenges that allow us to create wonderful spaces for diners and guests to enjoy and create their own memories.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
I relish challenges and I think that it’s a part of the design process that we almost create them ourselves to really search for the best solution for our clients. When we are designing bespoke finishes and furniture the challenge is to always create something beautiful and one that fulfils the brief.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Sketching is key to let the creative juices flow so having a great set of pens and pencils are still key to getting ideas down on paper.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to grow the business with my amazing team here in London and to perhaps explore some new territories where we can learnt new skills and enhance the world for our clients and ultimately the people who experience the incredible spaces we create.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My Library of design books which are invaluable to what we seek to create and can learn from what has been designed through the past generations
Your favourite holiday destination? South of France where the food, architecture and beaches are just a great place to fully relax
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel Coste in Paris as it just evokes an instant emotion when you enter.
The Cliff in Barbados which oozes excitement, simplicity and elegance
American Bar at the Savoy, not because we designed it but because of its just the best and most original cocktail bar in London.
Your favourite book, film & song?
Les Artistes Décorateurs 1900-1942 by Brunhammer, Yvonne & Suzanne Tise
The Italian Job, because it just makes me smile
Joy Division, Love will tear us apart, who went on to create New Order.
Your favourite food and drink?
I really enjoy Thai food with an ice cold beer.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Going to look around galleries and antique shops and finishing off relaxing in my garden enjoying the nature.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I have always been very creative so something connected to the arts, architecture or Fashion.
Anything else interesting?
Enjoying life and living it to the full.
Robert Angell Design International shortlisted for 8 categories in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
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