Winner of the Residential Property Europe Award at the 2012 Design Awards Gregory Phillips talks to us about the importance of sustainable design and his goals for the next 12 months.
What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms?
Personally, I like to create houses that are both glamorous and a sanctuary. A house is a place for living, entertaining and finding some peace from the stresses of fast moving modern lifestyle.
What are the key influencing elements at present?
We all have to accept that energy conservation and sustainable design is high on the agenda for all regulation changes. We work to incorporate these issues within our projects whilst not sacrificing any of the drama that we like to produce in our architecture.
Clients demand high levels of service. Our ethos is one of fully understanding our client’s needs and sensitively translating these into designs of the highest standards. Through dialogue and impeccable attention to detail, we create contemporary, elegant and practical solutions of exceptional quality.
What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
We specialise in residential design. At present we have projects for new build houses in the countryside and within London. We are working on a number of total house refurbishment projects in London that include new basement floors, some include new basement level swimming pools. We have projects where we are extending houses to create fantastic new spaces. On most of our projects our clients ask us to design both the architecture and the interiors, they like the holistic approach we provide.
A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life?
You could say the life is learning and learning is life. Design is all about taking life and finding a physical form that enhances peoples’ lifestyles. A great team of architects/designers in the office and a supportive family are also crucial! Established in 1991, the practice consists of a team of highly creative and dedicated architects and interior designers. Our award winning innovative residential projects include new houses, renovations, remodeling and extensions to existing houses as well as interior design projects.
Name 5 key essentials for 2012 and beyond
Enjoy your house and any views of the exterior that you have
Make your house beautiful inside and outside
Conserve energy by adding high levels of insulation when modifying a building
Recycle rainwater for use in irrigation systems
Entertain and enjoy your house
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Be very clear about the purpose that you are trying to achieve. Ask why and be clear about the brief, then the perfect solution can be achieved.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
Awards provide the recognition and verification that promotes designers and furthers the ambition of the industry. They provide consumers with new ideas and possibilities.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I established Gregory Phillips Architects just over 20 years ago. We specialise in designing houses, so over the next year the aim is to keep building houses in London, throughout the UK and I would like to build a house in a fantastic location in North America or Europe. I am particularly keen to build near a lake or the sea.
The car you drive?
BMW
Your favourite place to travel to in the world?
Paraty, Brazil
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar?
Nobu restaurant at the Metropolitan Hotel London
The place that gives you the most energy?
Swimming in the sea
And the place that enables you to totally relax?
Sitting in a steam room
Your favourite food and drink?
Sushi and a wonderful white burgundy
Anything else interesting?
I paint abstract art.