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In Profile:
Alec Wilson, Clive Christian Interiors

In Profile:

Alec Wilson, Clive Christian Interiors

Shortlisted: Kitchen Design Over £150,000 Award

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2024

Clive Christian Interiors

Name: Alec Wilson

Company: Clive Christian Interiors Weybridge

Position within company: Managing Director 

Website: https://www.clivechristianinteriors.com/

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

Educated at Eastbourne College in East Sussex, I was always interested in design and technology and in particular art and technical drawing.  My design career started in 1978 for a local kitchen company in Sussex and within a couple of years I moved to London, working for two prestigious London design companies before starting my own company in 1990.  I expanded the business to Weybridge in Surrey in 2003 where we are still trading from today.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I believe symmetry is a very important factor in a beautiful balanced design and I think it’s worth going to great lengths to achieve this.  Also it’s true to say, attention to detail really does count.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Inspiration mostly comes from the architectural details found within the property, creating a thread running through the entire project.  I try to get out and visit design exhibitions when I can, such as The Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, which I’ve always found to be inspirational and educational.

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

In our sector of the market, design has definitely evolved into a subtle blend of unfussy contemporary elements with some classical features.  Bespoke custom-built cabinets for specific items and tasks, along with extensive options are expected. I believe ‘maximum choice’ will be the direction we’re going in.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.

  1. Functionality
  2. Visual Appeal
  3. Design brief
  4. Sustainability
  5. Innovation

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

Listen to the brief, but offer advice where appropriate

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

A great showcase of achievements by leading industry designers

Clive Christian Interiors
Clive Christian Interiors
Clive Christian Interiors

What projects are you currently working on?

A substantial family kitchen for a new build.

A study and dining room and top floor bar and games room for an older property.

A large study with provision for artworks and artefacts.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

A recent kitchen installation in a magnificent Spanish villa, which involved two islands, many bespoke cabinets and some extensive wall panelling.  This involved several flying site visits out to the Spanish sunshine, which is always welcome!  They were wonderful clients to work with.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

It was a large kitchen project for a very high profile client, who was returning to us for their fifth kitchen in 18 years.  We had limited time to complete the installation and with many other contractors working in the same space at the same time, there was a certain amount of stress.  But we completed on time and our client was very happy.  We’re looking forward to project number six with them in the not too distant future!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

AutoCad

The commissioned hand-drawn illustrations (on an iPad) by our extremely talented artist.

A suitable Spotify playlist on in the background to help the creativity flow.

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

Repeat and improve on our successes of recent years. Discover the secret of successful advertising

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
The acoustic guitar given to me by my father for my 21st birthday.  (Still played daily)

Your favourite holiday destination?
Similan Islands, off the West Coast of Southern Thailand

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel:The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida
Restaurant: The Queens Head, Weybridge
Bar: The Anchor, Pyford Lock at Wisley (by the Canal)

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: High Performance by Peter Grimsdale
Film: Bridge of Spies (or any Tom Hanks film)
Song: Black Magic Woman – Santana

Your favourite food and drink?
Green Thai Curry and a cold glass of Sancerre

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Playing my guitar with friends in my garden

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

Anything else interesting?
I have a magnificently restored 1968 silver E-Type Jaguar, which my wife and I take on organised tours, road trips and car shows.  It’s a real pleasure and privilege to own and drive it.

I have a hobby of making Spotify playlists for certain occasions and events.  I’m not sure how this happened but I have nearly 19,000 followers now and one playlist ‘Blues Guitar Masters’ went viral with nearly 59,000 followers

https://open.spotify.com/user/alecwilson?si=5c5d9f1aee1144e1

Clive Christian Interiors

Interior Decoration: Aston Design

Photography: Nick Smith Photography

Clive Christian Interiors has been shortlisted for the Kitchen Design Over £150,000 Award in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2024.

Clive Christian Interiors
Clive Christian Interiors

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If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by following the links below:

Use the links below for more information about the Awards:

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2024
are organised by design et al and sponsored by:

Sylka Carpets
Joseph Giles

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