the designer this week - 19th September 2022
This week let’s take a look at a new design book, the Four Pillars Gin distillery in Healesville & Sarah Ellison Piccolo sofa.
The Designer This Week 19 September 2022
OUR ROUNDUP THIS WEEK:
One of the best parts of being a designer is being able to regularly be able to check out everything that is happening in the design world ‘because it’s work’.
I’ve decided to share a roundup of my most inspirational projects, tips, events and resources for your enjoyment and I’ll summarise all I’ve been working on the blog and YouTube. I hope you enjoy it!
So first up
Four Pillars Gin Distillery - Image by Anson Smart
DESIGN INSPO
Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville, Vic
I’m clearly having a brick moment, because this project is full of it. It also contains one of my favourite materials- copper. I know, I know…copper is so hard to take care of but it is incredibly beautiful if aged properly.
Prior to Covid, on a trip to South America, we landed in Chile. The passport control desk was covered in copper, as this is one of Chile’s biggest exports. It looked amazing. Nicest passport control desk I’ve ever seen.
Anyway, I digress. The great thing about this project is that sustainability was at its heart. It included 100kw solar rooftop, no excavation went into landfill of course, that recycled masonry. Sigh!
It was designed by Breathe Architects who designed the facade as a kind of heat insulation device, reducing energy consumption. Internally, there are a couple of different bar areas which each has a defined aesthetic and make use of the beautiful surrounds of the Yarra Valley.
The business end of the distillery, is open and exposed to the visitor’s view. There is nothing more compelling than watching something being made.
Making Theatre from Sydney Design Week
DESIGN EVENT
The Sydney Design Week was held this week. I was so busy that I didn’t get to go, but I’m going to make it next year once I have launched my courses.
Some highlights were a talk by designers who work within the restaurant scene. I always believe that some of the best interiors are in our restaurants- particularly the smaller ones. Anyway, missed this one hosted by Jill Dupleix which discussed memorable interiors in the dining scene.
I will manage to get to the exhibition, New Australian Design at the Powerhouse. It’s on until the 30 April next year so you have plenty of time!
DESIGN BRAND
I am totally loving this 70s sofa in a chocolate brown. When I was little my parents had an amazing brown cord sofa. So comfortable, like a big warm hug! The sofa is totally modular and the ridges remind me (in a good way)of the cord fabric. Might be a bit of a crumb catcher. Whoever gets one should make sure that they use the corner attachment!
Corner modular sofa- Sarah Ellison Piccolo Sofa
Sarah Ellison Piccolo Sofa
DESIGN BOOK
This book was recently launched at Sydney Design Week. I haven’t managed to snag my own copy yet, but I love the idea of using reclaimed materials, which, surprisingly are pretty hard to get. I’m doing a house in Wollongong at the moment which is clad with reclaimed bricks and I will not be surprised if the lack of bricks delays the project.
I had a look at the projects that were featured in the book and there is a good showing of a couple of Aussie projects- one of which I will feature here.
I loved looking at some of the interiors of the projects. A lot of the time, reclaimed materials are used on the external parts of the design, but I liked how quite a number of the projects used reclaimed elements in the interior. There were brick walls cutting into the interior from outside, their finishes left raw and, in some cases, untreated. One of the most interesting effects of using reclaimed materials in an interior is the patina that is left, adding interest and distinction to an otherwise simple design.
LAST WEEK ON DESIGN INK CO:
YOUTUBE:
How I use Notion effectively as an Interior Designer
In this video, I create a basic Contacts database for all your connections. Your database does not need to be complicated- you just need to connect it.
Thumbnail for Notion for Interior Designers - Adding a contacts database
ON THE BLOG:
I haven’t had much time to create more blog posts. I plan to write a couple this week …otherwise , here are some from last week.
I talked through the ideas behind the Notion design hub. You can read it here.
I discussed the top five things I have learned in my first year of Design Ink Co.
I also walked through what do you do when someone wants free interior design advice.
Check out our courses on branding and websites specifically for interior designers just like you who want to start and scale up their interior design businesses.
