Erin Barr Design
Erin Barr Design have been shortlisted for 1 category in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.
Name: Erin Barr
Company: Erin Barr Design
Position within company: Director
Website: www.erinbarrdesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I studied fine arts and followed with a degree in Interior Architecture graduating with honours at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. I worked with KTA and Brooke Aitken Design in 2005 on various commercial and retail projects in Australia before joining Chapman Taylor Architects in London in 2006 –working on a number of airport design projects in the UK and Europe. In 2009 I joined Anouska Hempel, where I worked for 5 years as a design associate leading a talented team on high end residential and hotel projects throughout the world, including a luxury boutique hotel in Beirut, a bespoke furniture fitout of a Manhattan brownstone NY, a boutique hotel design in Santiago Chile, and the furniture design and fitout for a luxury private residence in Singapore.
How would you describe your personal design style?
Having lived and worked in London for the most part of my career, my passion is working with historical buildings and the modern design interpretations that can be made within them. I love to make a bold design statement, that differs from the trend.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
A lot of inspiration has come from my early work at Anouska Hempel. This along with living and working in various countries whilst experiencing different cultures has really opened my mind to the possibilities of the interior.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Like many other industries, design is certainly steering on a fast track to being 100% sustainable in some form or another. My recent time in China has really brought this to my attention and the innovative design materials that are being produced are not only focusing on this but are also so inspirational.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
Be confident. Be bold. Be you.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be? Think outside that box. So much is achievable that you may not initially think possible.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is incredibly important to have impartial design awards. They are a window on the promotion and public benefits of architectural and design excellence, big and small.
What projects are you currently working on?
Some wonderful London terrace house projects.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I have a few favourites, notably the repeat clients which have also resulted in lifelong friendships.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
I would have to say the beginning projects are always the hardest. When you’re finding your feet, finding you’re A team and building that network. Once you have this developed everything becomes easier!
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
I cannot live without my joiner and love the local London artisans. I am a big fan of Mosa tiles and their various formats, when porcelain tiles are called for it makes designing internal spaces a dream.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
The next 12 months will see more projects coming out of Australia along with the UK & Europe, and I need to photograph a few hidden projects!
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My growing art collection, latest piece by Deborah Paauwe. I love finding emerging artists and slowly adding to my walls.
Your favourite holiday destination? Tokyo, the perfect combination of design and culture.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? A hard question as I LOVE exploring hotels, new and old, it could be my guilty pleasure! The Signum Hotel on the island of Salina, it’s a wonderful authentic Italian dream. I’m a big fan of small hidden restaurants with a set menu so you can appreciate the chef offering. My favourite bars are Speak Low, Shanghai and the Roxy Beach Bar, Mallorca.
Your favourite book, film & song? Book – I’m a design magazine kind of girl. Film – Four weddings and a funeral. Song – Cleopatra by the Lumineers.
Your favourite food and drink? Mangoes in whatever format and a good flat white – can’t live without it!
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? With friends, at a beach bar in the Mediterranean, drinking rose!
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? An artist
Anything else interesting? My first business in my early 20’s was drawing people’s pets!
Erin Barr Design have been shortlisted for 1 category in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.
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