Designer Industry Thoughts: Get to Know Our Team

This week, the Interior Design and 3D visualisation teams at Rigby & Rigby have been reflecting on the future of our industry, while also offering a glimpse into their personal perspectives. Read on to learn more about our talented team and their vision for what's ahead.WHAT DOES THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY LOOK LIKE IN 10 YEARS TIME?We anticipate a notable integration of technology into our processes and designs. This integration will not only streamline the design process, allowing for rapid communication of multiple ideas and options within a condensed timeframe, but it will also pave the way for the development of more distinctive and contemporary finishes. We’ve observed a growing trend among suppliers who are incorporating virtual reality services to showcase their products. While this presents exciting opportunities for immersive experiences, we acknowledge that it may pose a challenge for clients who are pressed for time, requiring them to allocate additional consideration.

Anticipating the evolving demands of our clientele, we foresee a heightened interest in integrating technology within residential spaces. This projection is reinforced by recent phenomena such as the success of NFTs and Japan’s integration of robotics into domestic environments. We can appreciate the potential of virtual reality and the metaverse as technologies we should further embrace.

Furthermore, we recognize a shifting mindset towards minimalism and functionality, with individuals placing less emphasis on material possessions and prioritizing connections to nature and muted tones. This trend underscores a renewed appreciation for simplicity and a harmonious balance between form and function, reflecting evolving work and family cultures.

Sustainability remains a paramount concern for both our team and our discerning clients. We are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of our designs and strive to integrate sustainable practices at every opportunity. Additionally, there is a growing awareness of the profound impact design can have on physical and mental well-being. We anticipate a greater emphasis on creating spaces that promote health and wellness, with features such as air purification systems becoming essential, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

HOW WILL THE USE OF 3D AND VIRTUAL REALITY EFFECT THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT?We recognize the transformative impact of 3D and virtual reality technologies on the design landscape. These tools have effectively dissolved the constraints of the physical world, offering clients an immersive and interactive design experience. The integration of 3D visuals and virtual reality facilitates greater client engagement and streamlines the feedback process.In parallel with our focus on the psychological dimensions of design, the utilization of virtual reality enables individuals to develop profound emotional connections with their envisioned spaces. By experiencing a simulated environment prior to construction, clients can establish a deeper affinity with the project. However, recognizing the time constraints of our clientele, we acknowledge the continued appeal of single renders for expedited decision-making processes.Furthermore, as societal trends veer towards a heightened connection to nature and groundedness, we anticipate a renewed exploration of solar dynamics in design. The potential for harnessing natural light and its impact on spatial aesthetics and functionality presents an intriguing avenue for further exploration.

WHAT COLOUR COMBINATION DO YOU LIKE AND WHY?Our designer's responded:- Blues and greens/teal. Colours of the sea which is constantly changing. They can also be found everywhere within nature which is calming and makes me happy.- In the past I found neutral palettes to be uninspiring and dry but in recent time have come to find the calming nature of them and the way that they let the content of a design speak louder than the palette brings not only a tranquillity that is appreciated in a busy and invasive world. Bringing a level of softness to an otherwise urbanite lifestyle.- An overall light and neutral palette create a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the interiors. I like adding a pop of colour (darker tones) to create contrast to add interest to the interior. One of my favourites is dark green as it works well with quite a few colours.- Neutrals with a lot of contrast. I like black and dark grey to cut through a soft, neutral palette. This provides a good backdrop for art and objects to shine.- We’ve seen layered neutrals as a trend over the past year so it’s refreshing to see bright pops of colour used wisely, I appreciate the combinations found in nature. Flowers are brilliant inspiration. Some of the blues and yellows remind me of my favourite art genre, pop art.- I equally like the use of bright and bold colours, as well as neutral palettes. However I like high contrast combinations to create a more bold and striking aesthetic.- Recently I have seen some neutral schemes with a range of autumnal colours such as dark reds, aubergine and greens. The spaces look so welcoming and effortlessly designed.- Neutrals and light colours are my preferred combination. I like a touch of contrast by using dark blue and green tones to add more detail and something that stands out from the rest.

WHATS THE ONE THING ABOUT YOU THAT WILL SURPRISE MOST PEOPLE?Our designer's responded:- I think tomato soup is overrated.- At university my lecturer told me to give up on 3D as I had no aptitude for it, now I run the 3D department. Never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do.- I don’t like chocolate ice cream!- I am terrified of heights which would surprise most people because I frequently take on challenges at height.- No matter the weather, rain or snow, I never miss the outdoor bootcamp training I do at the weekends.- When I was 6, I was evacuated from a war zone.- Even when I am running late I always have to make my bed.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY?- Get experience wherever you can, getting your foot in the door is the hardest part.- Listen, take notes, ask questions and apply yourself whenever you can.- Appreciate all styles, you are not the end user, it’s our job to create something that has their input too. Eventually you’ll be able to apply your own style.- Be passionate about interiors and everything around it, art, industrial design... It’s a very creative industry that lets you experience many aspects of design.- Surround yourself with inspiration, go to exhibitions, displays, galleries and fashion shows, anything you have access to.- Interior Design isn’t just about the visuals, its about practicality, function and movement within the space.- Really listen and understand the intention of the space, you’ll achieve a more full and finished result.- It’s never too late to enter the industry, I started my work life in an entirely different career!- If you show enthusiasm and are willing to muck in, then you will succeed.- Not everything is a smooth road to success. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.- Say yes to opportunities, be open to different ones, you will usually end up surprising yourself with the outcome.- Stay curious and experience different cultures. There are a lot of benefits to stepping outside your comfort zone and learning from people and experiences in a different and authentic environment.

WHAT TRENDS DO YOU FORSEE IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN INDUSTRY IN 2023?There’s a consensus that the resurgence of long-forgotten materials presents an intriguing prospect. For instance, while chrome and stainless steel currently dominate furniture specifications, we’re intrigued by the potential return of brasses and golds, adding a touch of timeless elegance to modern interiors.Moreover, we foresee a shift towards curved and rounded finishes, along with the revival of minimalist design principles. These elements contribute to the creation of tranquil spaces characterized by softness and simplicity, reflecting a growing preference for understated sophistication.In line with technological advancements, we anticipate a greater integration of technology into design. Innovations such as roll-up TVs are on the brink of release, promising to seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal within interior spaces.An overarching theme within our discussions is the importance of conscious design and sustainable practices. We’re enthusiastic about incorporating recycled materials into our projects, recognizing their potential to add depth and character to spaces while aligning with our commitment to environmental stewardship. This shift towards locally sourced materials not only fosters a sense of authenticity but also underscores our dedication to supporting local economies and reducing our carbon footprint.

HOW IS LUXURY AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKING TOGETHER?It is common to believe that these two elements don’t collaborate. But we’re witnessing a notable shift in the perception of sustainability and luxury. Suppliers are pioneering the creation of new finishes that are not only sustainable but also uniquely durable, challenging the notion that these two elements cannot coalesce.Luxury inherently embodies longevity and sustainability. Premium items are designed to endure, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing environmental impact over time.We perceive luxury as synonymous with timeless design, prioritizing enduring elegance over fleeting trends. This ethos emphasizes the creation of striking designs that transcend the bounds of fashion, promising longevity for decades to come.Moreover, our exploration of sustainability in luxury design has led us to recognize the value of traditional craftsmanship and meticulous manufacturing processes. Sustainable interior items often entail longer production methods, resulting in superior quality and luxurious finishes—a testament to our commitment to excellence, particularly when afforded higher budgets.In alignment with our ethos, we acknowledge the significant environmental impact of our material choices. Inspired by pioneers such as Stella McCartney, we advocate for the adoption of cruelty-free practices, eschewing animal hides and reducing CO2 emissions in the process.While we embrace innovation, we remain vigilant against the pitfalls of ‘green-washing,’ prioritizing genuine sustainability over mere marketing tactics. At Rigby and Rigby, we are actively integrating these principles into our projects, exploring novel materials and techniques to elevate the luxury market while minimizing our ecological footprint. We’re delving into the realm of conscious materials, leveraging by-products and offcuts to create exquisite sheet materials akin to organic counterparts like marble. These materials find application in kitchens, bathrooms, and joinery, demonstrating our commitment to marrying luxury with sustainability in every facet of our design process.Written collaboratively by our Interior Design & 3D Visualisation DepartmentsMeet the team:James Ashfield | Tania Blanco | Kamei Chan | Rebecca Dix | David Torres | Issy Leeming | Kay Sames | Lucy Marsh