SHH Architects have been shortlisted for The International Design and Architecture Awards 2013 in the residential £5 million plus category (view project). Here, Associate Director Guy Matheson talks to us about his approach to design…
Name: Guy Matheson
Company: SHH Architects
Position within company: Associate Director
Website: shh.co.uk
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc): I studied Architecture in NZ where I also worked for one of the leading architectural practices. After a short stint at Burwell Deakins I moved to SHH where I have moved up the ranks over the last 10 years, honing my skills primarily in prime residential, but also luxury commercial projects.
How would you describe your personal interior design style? Clean and detail oriented.
Where does your design inspiration come from? Travel mainly. I get a lot of joy from taking ideas from my travels and manipulating them to be appropriate for luxury spaces.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? We pride ourselves on providing projects that are tailored to our individual clients, so don’t really work in the world of trends.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2013 and beyond: Regeneration Appropriate use of resources Death to the recessed downlight! Simple integration of complicated systems. Avoidance of global homogeneity.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be? Spend time and money getting the lighting right. It really makes or breaks an interior.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement? The ID&A awards give a unique platform to celebrate exemplary design where projects are competing against projects of similar type and size.
What projects are you currently working on? Primarily very large one off houses in London, but also a gallery for a private car collection which is a very enjoyable foil.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months? Getting some of these mega-homes finished!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself…
Your most treasured possession? Probably my bike. It’s an oystercard and gym membership rolled into one.
Your favourite holiday destination? Anywhere new. I’d love to spend more time in Africa.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? 101 Hotel Reykjavik, as it’s where I proposed.
Your favourite book / film / song? I really enjoyed watching The World’s Fastest Indian. Anthony Hopkins can pull of a mean Southland ‘r-roll’
Your favourite food and drink? Anything my wife cooks. Especially if it’s come out of the Mamma Agata recipe book.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words) Seeing something new in a foreign land. If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I nearly followed my father’s footsteps to become a scientist.