Claudia Afshar Design have been shortlisted for Flooring – Carpet/Rug Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022. Read more about Founder and Principal, Claudia Afshar, below:

Name: Claudia Afshar
Company: Claudia Afshar Design
Position within Company: Founder and Principal
Website: Claudiaafshar.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Growing up with successful parents in the industry, I learned to appreciate design and architecture from an early age. I apprenticed at my mother’s award-winning interior design firm in London, and began taking on my own projects after moving to Los Angeles. A few projects led to more and bigger projects and I soon realised that my small firm had started to blossom. With hands-on experience from the start, I truly gained the most sophisticated, valuable skills and knowledge to prepare for my future in design and architecture.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I am a lover of earthy yet rich tones, natural elements, and organic textures, and enjoy playing around with them to create a unique combination. I tend to pay attention to small details and have a pretty distinct style when it comes to designing. I personally appreciate timeless, contemporary and understated luxury design.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from travelling. Growing up, I spent a majority of my childhood in Spain, which still today is one of my favourite places to visit. Spain, and Europe in general, never fails to inspire creatively, and always leaves me full of creativeness and new ideas. It is most often the little detail that captures my attention. From rare, small finds in hotels and restaurants, to the rich nature and history of the cobblestone streets and extraordinary architecture. There is always something to captivate and trigger my creativity.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design has changed, from overstated to more clean, natural and livable. Nowadays, we value beautiful yet functional design more and find importance in gorgeous execution blended with a different play in textures and durability.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
-I certainly see design taking more of a sustainable approach in the near future, if not already.
-Be true to who you are, get to know your aesthetic.
-Do not follow trends but set them, we aim to be ahead of the game, and stay unique and original.
-Functionality mixed with style, durability and comfort.
-Technological enhancements, such as wellness living, virtual design sessions and a more international work environment.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Finding your personal style preferences is key to achieving your desired design. At Claudia Afshar Design, we stay true to our aesthetic, which in turn translates to our projects.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The international Design and Architectural Awards is very important, to all professionals in the industry around the world, as it recognises creative and hard work by our peers. This award, unlike other awards, allow colleagues and industry professionals to give credit and acknowledgement, which may be the biggest reward as a designer. The award is a major inspiration for all design professionals.

What projects are you currently working on?
At Claudia Afshar Design, we are currently working on several exciting projects, along with many exciting new product lines, in which are in production and some will launch in 2023.

We have many ground-up construction projects, one, in particular, will be a showcase house for some of our product lines and we look forward to showcasing this beautiful residence in 2024.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
It truly is difficult to choose one over the other, as I take on projects with love. While all previous and current projects have or had sides to them which made them unique and special to me, the rug collection shortlisted for 2022 sincerely has been a labour of love. Because I had the opportunity to create something with my own vision in mind, it truly is a piece of me.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Anything textured, such as stone, millwork and fabric, but also unique decorative pieces. Another must-have is an excellent upholstery team. I believe the details of a space will define its level of beauty and its character.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I have some very exciting product lines launching next year, such as a wonderful collaboration with Cosentino /Dekton. I am thrilled for this collaboration to launch as it will include something exclusive you haven’t seen before in the multi-surface space. Additionally, I am working on several construction projects, two of which will be showcased towards the end of the year and will include some special collaborations and wow-factors.

Along with all our projects and product lines at Claudia Afshar Design, we are also aiming to venture into more hospitality, such as global boutique hotels.

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

Your most treasured possession? Family!
Your favourite holiday destination? Europe is always a favorite. Especially Spain. As I spent a lot of time there growing up and share many fond memories.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? So many to name but I would say The Aman Resorts Group is definitely one of them.
Your favourite food and drink? Drink – Gibson Martini or Aperol Spritz. Food – An amazing seafood paella and Mediterranean tuna salad or dover sole and sauteed vegetables. Simple but never fails.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Time spent with family, often by the beach. I also enjoy entertaining and cooking for family and friends.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I am naturally a creative person and need to express my artistry in one way or another. Before designing, I was a professional classically trained dancer, which allowed me to be creative. It has always been a big part of who I am. Designing has become my passion, and I could not visualize myself working in anything else other than design, whether it is interior design, architectural design, or product design – I’m happy.

Claudia Afshar Design has been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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