Name: Nicholas Sunderland

Company: Nicholas Sunderland Interior Design (NSI Design)

Position within company: Managing and Design Director

Website: www.nsinteriors.com

. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I Started my career working in major Advertising agencies reaching board level for multi national agencies before moving into the interior design world.

I started my Interior Design career late but feel I have achieved a great deal in a relatively short time. I’ve met and worked with some of the most important people in the world and yet have blended into their homes like a family friend. Something I try to do with all my clients to make them feel relaxed and comfortable.

I am now an international multi award winning interior designer in London and has over 35 years of experience in Design and Interior Design working with some of the most prominent people in the World. As well as working extensively in the UK, his private commissions have taken him to New York, Dubai, Asia and the Far East for Diplomats, VIPs and Presidents.

Always working to budgets and briefs requiring lateral thinking I mixes styles and character into my designs showing clients how to go beyond their vision to create stunning homes the media clamour to showcase.

I am an official presenter for Grand Designs Live London and again in Birmingham in October 2015. I have also given inspirational Interior Design lectures to Forums, Universities, Business Leaders, students and members of the public across the world. His commercial experience covers Advertising Agencies, Charities, Barristers Chambers and sales environments.

I am also now head of design for property development company, Edward Sunderland Ltd, turning dreams into reality for discerning clients who seek the best their money can buy. These uniquely personal homes are beautiful and functional and focus on Architectural Design delivering attractive living spaces with bespoke interiors spaces, incorporating high technology and leading edge design.

Private projects currently range from large homes designed and built with Hotel spaces in mind to high end residential blocks of 9-14 apartments with 9 – 30 plus bedrooms, and equivalent bathrooms. My homes match the luxury boutique hotel style and finish.

. How would you describe your personal interior design style?

Its an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary with High Tech influences for Modern living

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

A variety of sources, but I often look at the industrial elements of a building and incorporate it into a modern interior for bold statements

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

More open living, high tech labour saving but moving back into more colour, away from the neutral, even if only in statement pieces

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

Open plan integrated living, Storage, Lighting, Natural light, Flow of space

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

Keep it simple

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

Any recognition of ones work is important, even in a shortlisted category. Its shows clients, and the world the level of experience, quality of design and its appreciation by ones peers.

. What projects are you currently working on?

Purchasing private properties for Apartment developments across London

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

I Love my work, so more of the same!

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?

A large Amethyst Crystal from Pakistan, given to me by a friend and client just before she was assassinated

Your favourite holiday destination?

Venice

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Buddha Bar Hotel Paris, The Wolseley London, Sketch

Your favourite book / film / song?

Dune, The Fountain, all Buddha bar music!

Your favourite food and drink?

Beef Wellington, Bollinger!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Stretched out on a sofa watching Sci Fi films, drinking wine and eating rubbish. Rarely happens…

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

A vet, healing animals must be beyond satisfaction.