Happy Place Design have been shortlisted for City Space (Apartment/Penthouse) – London Award & Bespoke Cabinetry Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020. Read more about Founders & Directors, Madelyn Dransfield & Julia Ryan, below:
Name: Madelyn Dransfield & Julia Ryan
Company: Happy Place Design Ltd
Position within company: Founders & Directors
Website: www.happyplace.uk.com
Tell us a little about your background in design:
Having met in 2012 at Sydney Design School, we both moved to London, Madelyn in 2012 and Julia 2013. After both working in design in different ways for a brief period in London, we made the decision that we wanted to work together and for ourselves. Our dream was to create something unique and fun, and Happy Place was born in 2015. Design is our passion and is a second career for us both. We each bring a great deal of complimentary work and life experience from our previous careers to Happy Place.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Whilst we do have our own personal styles which no doubt influences our design decisions, we don’t have a signature design style as such that we imprint on our projects. We design for our clients. We love many different design styles and so we get a great deal of joy in interpreting our client’s desires and making they a reality, and the style you see in our projects is very much governed by our client’s requirements and preferences. A core value of our business is our clients’ happiness so that very much defines our projects.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
We are both Australian and have spent many years living in Sydney so it provides a lot of inspiration for us both. Australia has a very different climate to the UK, and that climate and the lifestyle that comes with that has resulted in a unique style and ethos. Australian design is relaxed, inviting, emotional and location-appropriate. Also, Australian cities are quite diverse, both culturally and architecturally, creating a really special and vibrant spirit, and hopefully we bring some of that Aussie spirit to how we work and design.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
More than ever people are aware of the impact interior spaces can have on our happiness and well-being. I think increasingly we are drawing inspiration from mother nature and designing very people-centric spaces. Great design isn’t just about spaces that look fabulous, but about spaces that tell a story and meet the needs of the people who occupy them, enhancing their happiness and well-being.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability
Authenticity
Individuality
Adaptability
Well-being and happiness
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of colour and to inject personality into your interiors. Be brave! BUT Don’t be a slave to trends.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture awards are important as they recognise excellence in design across a wide spectrum of categories internationally. The fact that the voting system requires a high level of engagement and commitment to the process and is carried out by such a large number of design industry professionals gives it significant kudos. We are very grateful to have been shortlisted for City Space
(Apartment / Penthouse) – London Award.
What projects are you currently working on?
We have recently completed the refurbishment of a prominent Sales & Marketing Suite for a large London Developer. We are about to install 3 very distinctive interior schemes for the permanent Show Apartments at London Dock for St George (a 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment). We also have several private residential projects in the early concept development stages; a penthouse apartment in Westcliff on Sea and a terrace in Islington.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We are in the early stages of collaborating with one of our furniture makers to design a furniture collection and we hope to launch that in 2021. We have been very fortunate that during this challenging year, we have been really busy, so we aim to continue to grow a business known for exceptional customer service, high performance and quality and to continue to deliver exceptional design projects for our clients.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Madelyn – Karaoke machine
Julia – couldn’t possibly choose!
Your favourite holiday destination?
Madelyn – Hossegor, France
Julia – New York
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Madelyn – Depends on the city!, The Ledbury, Folie
Julia – Park Hyatt (Sydney Harbour), Din Tai Fung, Gordon’s Wine Bar
Your favourite book, film & song?
Madelyn – Whatever I am reading (at the moment it is Untamed by Glennon
Doyle); Pulp Fiction; Black Hole Sun
Julia – No favourites books, am more passionate about movies!; Donni Darko; Everlong
Your favourite food and drink?
Madelyn – Oysters & Champagne
Julia – Cheese & Martini
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Madelyn – Long lunches with my closest friends
Julia – feet up with a fabulous drink
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Madelyn – DJ
Julia – Owner of an amazing vintage fashion and interiors boutique
Happy Place Design have been shortlisted for City Space (Apartment/Penthouse) – London Award & Bespoke Cabinetry Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2020.
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