Name: Mickaél Hofmann
Company: Mickaél Hofmann Immobilier Sdrl
Position within company: Owner
Website: www.mhimmo.ch and https://www.lerepairedutrappeur.ch/en/
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc) :
I work in the real estate sector for 28 years : sale, construction and renovation.
How would you describe your personal design style?
What I like is the contemporary and clean style. I appreciate when there is a guideline and harmony among the rooms.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I have always been an observer of the places which I visit, the properties or the hotels where I stay. I take a lot of photos from the details which I like or I take note of the ideas which inspire me.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think that design works with the existing, by modelling from the past trends and by integrating the technology of tomorrow. Like our rhythms of life, design must be able to evolve more and more quickly.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2019 and beyond.
I do not consider myself as a designer so this is a difficult question to answer. For me, the five key themes to take into consideration are : to respect the environment, to balance the design aspect and convenience, to rely on sober and timeless materials, to use lighting to transcend the atmosphere, to place customer expectations in the centre of the project.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Design shouldn’t outweigh the functional or practical side.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
For me, this is a recognition outside our frontiers, which give the opportunity to have the opinion from other professionals on the work done and which also bring a better exposure in the profession.
What projects are you currently working on?
This holiday chalet, destined to our family, is part of a little hamlet of 4 chalets located in Crans-Montana (Switzerland). Within the end of the year, we will finish the construction of the other three chalets and then I will be constructing a new building in the city of Sion.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To enjoy, among other things, our holiday chalet !
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My family
Your favourite holiday destination?
For me, Valais (this is the region where we live and have our chalet) is the best destination for holidays ! But as I am living here, I will say California and Singapore.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
I had the opportunity to stay at Setai Hotel in Miami last summer. I have enjoyed the atmosphere of the place. The Chedi Hotel in Andermatt (Switzerland) is also a must to visit.
Your favourite book :
The Little Prince, film : “La Vie est Belle” & song : “What a wonderful world”?
Your favourite food and drink?
Without hesitation the sushis. For the drink: clearly water ( from Valais of course)
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Doing sport in the nature, spending time with my family, make business!
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
As I am not a designer, I would say real estate agent. I would not see me doing something else because I love my job.
Anything else interesting?
In a project like this one, you do nothing only by your own, the success is to be surrounded by good people : it starts from the mason until the interior designer… all of the team have contributed to the achievement of this project.