Sadie Pizzey Interiors have been shortlisted for Regeneration / Restoration Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020. Read more about Founder, Sadie Pizzey below:
Name: Sadie Pizzey
Company: Sadie Pizzey Interiors
Position within company: Owner
Website: sadiepizzeyinteriors.com
Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have been designing and renovating houses for the last 13 years. I grew up with parents who were avid DIYers, they managed and engineered all their projects and had the motto “there is always a solution”! This certainly rubbed off on me and by the time I was 24 years old I had bought my frst home, which had to be a renovation project. Ever since that first project in Peckham (before it was hip!) I have been a serial renovator! I’ve never done a renovation with a main contractor, favouring to project manage specialist trades. From my DIY upbringing, I have been obsessed with how buildings go together and learning from all the many contractors along the way. Designing from
practicality has formed my foundation as a designer, being so hands on has led me to respect the beauty of raw, natural materials, which now has a huge influence on my interior style. My previous career was as an actress and facilitator and so communication is always at the core of everything I do. I love connecting to people, delving deep and understanding what’s important to them. This connection is the most important stage of the design, this is how I create inspiring, unique interiors.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My own design style is creative, fresh design which wows and welcomes. I love natural materials, I have been designing biophilic designs
before I even knew what it was! The texture and tones are a great foundation for any design.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration is everywhere, my husband and I always joke that when we’re out he’ll say “did you see that person” and I’ll say “no but did you see that amazing, crumbling building”! I can never remember anything about what what a person looks like but I could describe every detail of a building I see.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is moving in a direction of creating spaces that connect with the people who live there or use the space. Connecting and supporting each other will be become more and more important, that will include sourcing and supporting as many local artisans and creators as possible. This not only builds a community but it allows for designs to become so unique and individual. Designing spaces for longivity will also be key, we want our homes and building to transition as we transition and those transitions need to be considered in the initial designs.
Name fve key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Custom design, creating one off pieces that excite and inspire clients. Sustainability not just in the use of materials but in designing spaces that will transition as people transistion. Anything goes, I think design will be less about impressing the neighbours and more about our own personal tastes and happiness. Biophilic design, connecting to nature hugely improves how we function and feel as human beings. Designing with or without light, we obviously love to live in light, bright spaces but all buidlings will always have spaces that are darker. Not working against darker spaces but with, creates contrast and intrigue.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Design for the people who live there or who will use the space and not what is currently in vogue.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is an incredible platform for designers and architects to showcase their talents and be rewarded for what they’ve achieved. Sometimes designing can be a lonely business and it can be hard to keep hold of the initial pride you felt for a design. Being shortlisted or even winning an International Design and Architectural award, reinforces that we are not alone and dispels the doubt and insecurity that all designers and architects feel. I am passionate that coming together as an industry and connecting with each other only makes us stronger and richer as we continue to grow as designers.
What projects are you currently working on?
Sadie Pizzey Interiors are finishing off two residential homes in Surrey, I have been working with this amazing couple who have been adapting their lives after a diagnosis of Parkinsons with Dementia. I am so happy to have created an incredible space which is both practical but also inspiring and thrilling. I am hoping to start a refurb in South West London in the next few weeks.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue to create interiors that are bespoke to the people who live there. We live in an incredibly busy world and to sustain our busy lives, we need our homes to be our battery chargers and to help us re-build and recover from everything that life throws at us. Designing spaces that embrace this, will dramatically improve our quality of life.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
I would be a complete workaholic if I didn’t have kids. I love designing and getting lost in a design, and it can completely take over my life. The girls literally suck me out of that, they make me laugh, make me mad and make we worry and all that is what makes us crazy, unique human beings. Sometimes I love talking through a design with my six and eight year old because they come out with comments and questions I would never have thought of. I trained as a dancer and actress at a professional theatre school from the age of 13 and the strict, discipline I was taught has been a help and hindrance in my professional life. The biggest gift it gave me was a love of collaborating with
people, we are so much stronger together than alone.
Your most treasured possession?
My Mum’s jewellery, she died 3 years ago and I miss her every day. When I was little she always wore a gold, fying pig necklace and I thought it was hilarious. Wearing it now gives me great comfort and solace.
Your favourite holiday destination?
I have a big love affair with India, which I inherited from my mum. The food, culture and colours is a sensory overload! My best friend lives in Cape Town and the design products they produce are so inspiring.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Favourite hotel is The Hospital Club in Covent Garden, reclaimed timber and Missoni, what’s not to love! My favoruite restaurant is the Oyster Shack in South Devon, nothing to do with the interiors but chips, lobster and mojitos is my happy place. As long as it’s a fully stocked cocktail bar I’m happy!
Your favourite book, film & song?
Gone With The Wind was the first book I read where I was completely transported to another world and I didn’t want to leave it! We recently watched Hugo for our Friday Movie night and it was so beautiful and captivating. It made a real change from the usual princess rubbish I’m
normally made to watch! Favourite song is Escape, life always feels better when I hear the lyrics “if you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain!”
Your favourite food and drink?
Favourite food is definitely anything with seafood! My favourite starter would be boudin noir, main course obviously lobster and pudding chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. I love cocktails, tough choice between a bloody mary and pina colada!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Strangley I’m equally happy with either snuggling at home with the girls and hubby or being on an incredible beach, with enough rock pools to keep the girls happy!
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I was previously an actress and sometimes I still miss it, I love the camaraderie you get from working with actors.
Sadie Pizzey Interiors have been shortlisted for Regeneration / Restoration Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020.
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