Alternative Flooring have been short-listed into the International Product Design Awards 2013 with their stunning carpet collection Quirky.

For more information about the International Product Design Awards from design et al Magazine please contact –productawards@design-et-al.co.uk

What direction do you feel design is moving towards in general terms? Individuals are feeling more confident to explore more daring design and are also aware of what part design can play in creating a more sustainable future.

What are the key influencing elements at present? Fashion inspires interior design bringing catwalk pattern and colour to flooring and into the home. We are also influnced by social media such as Pinterest where we can gather inspiration and key blogs inform us of trends very quickly. But again we are all aware of being eco and how this is a now a lifestyle and global movement.

What sort of projects are you working on at the moment? We work on residentail and commercial projects and the boutque hotels have loved Alternative Flooring’s Quirky collection with its vibrant patterns and palette.

A designer’s work is so diverse – how do you manage to hold down a career and a life? I am lucky to work in an area that I love and that inspires me daily. I never tire of exploring new flooring ideas and interior design trends.

Name 5 key essentials for 2013 and beyond.

Pattern, Colour, Texture, Eco and Craft.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to product design, what would it be?

Be inspired and push the boundaries of design but never forget your audience!

How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?

They are vital in recognising and rewarding design talent and innovative products, making people aware of just how much work goes into the creation of original designs.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To bring more original pattern, colour and texture to all our floors!

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

• The car you drive? VW Golf. It’s nippy and robust!
• Your favourite place to travel to in the world? South America
• Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Hotel des Arts, Barcelona
• The place that gives you the most energy? Mountains anywhere
• And the place that enables you to totally relax? Walking through the mountains of Majorca
• Your favourite food and drink? Cahors and Comté aka wine and cheese!
• Anything else interesting? I have a pioneering spirit like Alternative!

To see who else has made the shortlist visit – www.design-et-al.co.uk

To view more collections from Alternative Flooring please visit –
www.alternativeflooring.com