Crestron International have reached the shortlist with two project entering the ID&A Awards 2014. They will compete for the Living Space – UK Award and the Home Cinema Award.
Petra van Meeuwen
Name: Petra van Meeuwen
Company: Crestron International
Position within company: EMEA Media Relations
Website: www.crestron.eu/showroom
Louise Bradley
Name: Louise Bradley
Company: Louise Bradley
Position within company: Director
Website: www.louisebradley.co.uk
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Petra: In recent years there has been a definite coming together of design and technology. More and more designers are including technology in their portfolio to meet the increasing demand for home technology from their customers. Bringing the Lighting/security/HVAC/audio visual etc together as an integrated solution seems to be a topic that designers are more and more interested in to see how this will interact with the interiors and décor. This is why Crestron has recently launched 2 brand new BIID courses to offer interior designers all they need to know about home technology and how this can seamlessly blend in with design.
Louise: I think design has always been an exciting environment as it draws inspiration from so many aspects of life. What is interesting at the moment is that there are so many diverse influences, creating an eclectic spectrum of styles, rather than one defined look. Technology has developed so quickly with design, it is now a must have for luxury living. With the Crestron showroom, I aspired to design a space that combined beautiful finishes seamlessly with state of the art technology, creating a harmony between the two disciplines.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
Petra: Customer experience, smart home technology, energy management
Louise: Lighting, Accessorising and dressing a room (plays a key part in finishing and interior), Layering of textures, Bespoke, Metallics
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Louise: I think the most important piece of advice is to create a scheme which is timeless and practical for everyday living. I always encourage my clients to think about the long term plan rather than creating a statement which will become dated and irrelevant in a short time.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Petra: We are so proud of our Chelsea showroom – A beautiful home cinema and living space where all elements are controlled by a Crestron system – from the eye-catching collection of flickering candle lights to the audio-visual aspect, climate control and security. For it to be considered for an award is a great achievement for Crestron and Louise Bradley.
Louise: I am delighted to have been recognised for my work with Crestron. As a designer, I focus on my work, rather than profile, but it is always a compliment to be selected and I am thrilled to be a part of these Awards.