Name: Bernd Gruber

Company: Bernd Gruber GmbH

Position within company: Owner

Website: www.bernd-gruber.eu

. Tell us a little about your background in design

After completing my training as one of Austria’s youngest master carpenters, I spent the next five years gathering knowledge and experience in wood working in various Austrian manufactures. In 1992, I took over my father’s carpentry business, which had already been in operation for 30 years, and began restructuring and expanding it according to my own ideas.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?

I would describe my work as good taste, passion as well as a predilection for perfection – and ability to identify our clients’ unspoken wishes.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

I am often forced to find extraordinary solutions for our client to give what they expect from us. However, I am not aware of permanently looking for inspiration, it always comes back to me. For example, when traveling, at trade fairs, working with my team. There are of course great interior designers around the world who inspire me.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Seen overall design must always be seen in conjunction with different cultures and the resulting claims. Design usually subject to a very personal approach and is the expression of this, for me is very important to never compromise on quality. In general, good design is the same as today and in the future to the factors – find creativity, empathy, quality, function its origin. The difference is too early for me to find in which the standard of design in the future by the progressive globalization will be even higher, but so connected I see great opportunities.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2015 and beyond.

Crafts, taste, reduction, sensitivity, claim

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

The creative process itself emerges out of the process of grappling with space, materials and trends. The creative process then runs a goal-oriented course according to clients’ wishes.

. How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The international Desing Architecture Awards are very important in recognising new work and new talents. As well as the importance for designers and clients to meet.

. What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on a variety of projects at the moment – from traditional chalet style to residential in Austria, Germany Spain, United States and Switzerland.

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

We want to continuously improve ourselves – the goal is to preserve the pleasure and not to get out of balance.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession? My family

Your favourite holiday destination? There are to many beautiful places in the world to select just one of them

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? Alila Villa Soori (Bali)  –  Entrecote (Paris) – Potato Head (Bali)

Your favourite book / film / song? Das Kaffee am Ende der Welt / Pulp Fiction – Stoned  (Macy Gray)

Your favourite food and drink? Gin Tonic

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Ride on the street bike

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Journalist