Name: Tania Azadian
Company: Tania Azadian Interiors
Position / Title: Director
Website: www.taniaazadianinteriors.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
After graduating in 2003 from Kingston University with a degree in Landscape Architecture and with a growing passion for interior design I wanted to explore that avenue and was lucky enough to land an internship with globally renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen. After 3 months as an intern a job vacancy opened up and I didn’t look back working with Kelly on luxury high-end residential and commercial projects worldwide working my way up and becoming a Senior designer in the company.
After 12 years working for Kelly Hoppen I moved on and established my company Tania Azadian Interiors in January 2016.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My personal and professional interior design styles are very similar, contemporary yet comfortable with an elegant and refined touch. I like to add visual interest by layering different materials and textures and including design detail is key to my work.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration can come from anything and everything around you in everyday life – magazines, architecture, film, art, nature, fashion and even food. When travelling abroad or in London I am out there looking wherever I go collecting colour palettes, material combinations and detail inspiration and ideas.
What products/services could you not live without when designing?
I am very lucky to be based not too far from Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, it’s my go to starting point when sourcing fabrics for my projects. I go at least once a month to get inspiration and to keep updated on new collections. Pinterest and instagram are also invaluable tools for initial inspiration and a good place to ask clients to look to pull together their likes and dislikes to help get a brief and design direction at the beginning of any project
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
I don’t think design trends are having as much of an influence these days as they used to. Today clients want a more bespoke design incorporating the personal and practical elements that suit their particular lifestyle and tastes but also wanting a design that is timeless with luxury and quality.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future:
1. Budget – determine a budget with the client before starting the design and be honest with the level of work that can be done with their budget to manage their expectations.
2. Practicality and comfort – designing with the client at the forefront and thinking how they will use and live in the space. Design based on what they like and tailoring the design to their needs.
3. Lighting – good lighting is essential to the design. Add layers of lighting to create different moods and ambience – architectural lighting, wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps
4. Timeless design – use quality furniture and fittings, stay away from trends, use a neutrals and textures as a base to create a design that will last and won’t have to be redone in a few years time.
5. Sustainable design – being conscious of using sustainable materials where possible. Modern interiors are more than capable of balancing sustainability with luxury.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?
Design practically. Create a scheme that is comfortable and liveable for the client with personal touches but by using your creativity also make it a beautiful and elegant space.
How important are The Design Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The design awards are very important in that they acknowledge the success and achievements of talented designers and their hard work as well as exposing them and their projects on a global level amongst fellow industry professionals.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have just started work on a new build 5 bedroom family home in Cobham, Surrey and shortly commencing a complete refurbishment and extension of a large family home in South London. I am almost at the completion stage of a 3 bedroom apartment refurb in Sloane Square, London.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To carry on growing my young company, working with my current clients on their amazing homes as well as looking forward for any new projects coming our way in 2019.
Final thoughts – tell us a little more about yourself…
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Beirut, Lebanon.
From the history, architecture and culture, to the weather, food, shopping and nightlife. Where else can you spend the morning skiing in the mountains and then drive 1hr down to Beirut and spend the afternoon sunbathing on the beach. I love it and have many fond memories of summer holidays there growing up. I hope to visit again this Summer and would love to work on a project there one day.
Your most treasured possession?
My 8 year old pug called Dougie. He is my shadow whilst I work and is currently sprawled across my lap fast asleep as I answer these questions!
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Hotel – Soho Farmhouse
Restaurant – Core by Clare Smyth, Notting Hill
Bar – Dandelyan at Mondrian Hotel, London
Your favourite food and drink?
There is very little food I don’t like but my favourite would have to be sushi.
A good gin and tonic to drink or in summer a lovely chilled bottle of Minuty rosé.
The place that enables you to totally relax?
Anywhere away from a computer screen or phone. Going for a walk on Wimbledon Common or in Richmond Park and sitting on a bench in the open fresh air just watching the joggers, dogs, deer and birds. So lucky
to have these green spaces right on my doorstep.
The place that gives you most inspiration?
Travelling away anywhere and staying in hotels. Getting away from the daily routine and introducing change gives me the most inspiration.