Name: Dorothee Maier & Andreas Utzmeier
Company: meierei Innenarchitektur I Design
Position with company: Owners & CEO
Website: www.meierei.org
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
We both first learned a traditional trade (tailors and carpenters), studied interior architecture and worked in renowned offices in Munich and Milan. In 2003 we founded the meierei in Munich.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Our design style is always based on the building and the personality of our customer. Our design is flexible and not tied to fixed parameters. After we understand the character of the project, we develop a vision that always demands the courage of the customer but also surprises positively. Our goal is to create something unexpected. We have big pleasure to look outside the box!
Where does your design inspiration come from?
For us, design is a built expression of a special way of life. This always reflects art and history, longings and desires of society. The inspiration comes from a new perspective, the transfer of knowledge, the play with conventions and the provocation.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Man is a creature of habit, but he wants to be surprised. In this respect, the design repeats itself, but is overlaid with new layers and updated. It is always a mix of retro and modern comfort combined with innovation.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
– Spaces and things should be designed for durability.
– Flexible design for flexible use.
– High quality protects our planet because things are valued better and less quickly become garbage.
– Praise to the patina!
– Wabi-Sabi shows the beauty of time!
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Our bottom line: It isn’t expensive to create a good environment, it’s expensive to live in the wrong one.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards?
The International Hotel & Property Awards brings the unique opportunity for a diverse and professional reflection of our work. It also becomes a mirror of our customer’s courage. Both provide valuable feedback for future projects.
What projects are you currently working on?
Seminarhoel Kloster Irsee, Bavaria, and Landhotel Post in Munich, Bavaria
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Despite the corona shutdown, we want to find visionary hoteliers who want to modernize or renovate their houses in a progressive and quality-conscious way.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
Big emotions!
Your favourite holiday destination?
Puglia Italy
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Villa Verdin, Millstatt am See, Austria
Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: “Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke”, Joachim Meyerhoff
Film: “Spirited Away“Japanese animated fantasy film (2001)
Song: “24K Magic“ Bruno Mars
Your favourite food and drink?
Vietnamese food and Champagne
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
In the shade of a large tree on the bank with a good book and drink in hand
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Cook and Tailor
Anything else interesting?
A vision a day, hurray!
Meierei Innenarchitektur Design München have been shortlisted for Lobby/Public Areas – Global Award and Hotel Under 200 Rooms – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
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