Kim Williams Design have been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about founder and owner, Kim Williams, below:

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Name: Kim Williams

Company: Kim Williams Design

Position within company: Founder and owner

Website: www.kimwilliams.co.za

Tell us a little about your background in design:

My love for interiors started when I was very young. I was born with a clubfoot and my disability slowed me down tremendously in my early years. I spent a lot of time indoors and became fascinated with changing the layout of my bedroom, and seeing how it affected what people did and how they moved in it. 

My professional career began in the corporate world, focussing on business strategy and the impact of behaviour in business. I spent 21 years in the change management field, studying behaviour and then ran my own consulting practice for 13 years. I had spent time doing interior design for my own properties, then I decided to develop my interior design skills further. My simplified approach is embedded in my Pure Design Innovation blueprint, which not only makes the design process seamless, but also gets us to the interior concept as quickly as possible. I never stop learning about people and what they need from a space and why. In addition, innovation and evolution in materials and technology continues to impact my approach and what I do.

My experiences and design journey recently inspired me to write a book titled My Yellow Room, An insightful look into a behaviourist’s approach to interior design, where I weave both written and visual storytelling to inspire others through the lens of my life as a creative behavioural strategist. I wanted to help people understand the basic principles of how a space affects their wellbeing, mindset, and energy – that small things make a big difference – and how they can be freed from limitations. 

How would you describe your personal design style?

My philosophy is quite strategic and mindful. It is first about understanding the reason for the change; the experience we want to create and the impact it should have. The behavioural strategy feeds the interior design, the materials we use and how we then craft the space. Understanding first becomes the source of inspiration for the interior concept and the impact it must have. This is relevant for all our projects no matter the size or the type.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

My starting point in the actual design process is not about the designer, it is about the client. My designs are about marrying the end experience with an innovative layout, creative design, materials, pattern and colour, and layering the space to create resonance and flow. Understanding the people in the interior space is the first step in the process. What is the reason for the change, who are they, and how do they want the space to feel when they are in it. Knowing these feeds into the experience I want to create and the impact it should have on those living or working there. I combine this with understanding the architecture and the light, and what the vision for the space is, and am not afraid to experiment where it is right for the outcome.

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

The world is constantly changing, trends come and go, and new movements begin. Our realities and experiences are influenced by this fluidity, as well as disruption, as the ebb and flow of life around us evolves. As interior designers our thinking is always about how spaces can be improved, changed, and elevated so that we can positively affect how others – and ourselves – live, work and play. 

The world is also becoming smaller, and we have access to more information, networks and people that influence our thinking. We will therefore always be influenced by what is happening in the world. Technology and online worlds also influence our aesthetics and what we want in our spaces. For example, we saw a surge in classical decorating worldwide with the influence of popular series such as The Crown and other historical dramas with rich, opulent interiors. 

I believe that the role of the interior designer is shifting to being more than just creating beautiful aesthetics and drawing people to spaces. It is about how we create a voice for our clients and create an experience for them. It is about embracing our stories, our culture, and our unique worldview to craft interior spaces. Opening our eyes to the talent around us in our local markets and streets will enable sustainable local economies, innovative products, and fresh perspectives. It is up to us to look at what we have here, to use it, present it and make it valuable. Our perspective is unique, and we should embrace it.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

1. Expression and the combination of old and new to create unique expressive aesthetics that reflect the persona or brand. It is not just about ‘who am I and what am I about’ but also articulating something new and different. 
2. Furniture that is rounded, irregular or simply an interesting shape, and can stand alone as an art piece. 
3. Colour is very important with palettes that are either muted, natural, and soothing or bold, mystical, and engaging.
4. Continued movement that uses local crafts and natural materials such as rattan, wood, stone, weaves, and using pieces of leftovers to create quilts and wall hangings. Textured fabrics, nostalgic prints, wallpaper, interesting lighting, and the incorporation of technology can also be used to create a strong identity through interior expression.
5. Interior crafts should nurture a comforting experience or an esoteric, elevated outcome. These are reassuring interiors with a meditative, balanced focus. Glass and translucent objects and furniture reflecting light, engage the eye and representing spirituality and consciousness are important aspects of this trend. 

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

The most important factor is understanding the people, who they are and how they want the space to feel and how they want to feel in it. It is about understanding what they do, what they love and what in their space can make them happy. Getting the essence of people helps you define and craft a vision and experience that is then uniquely theirs. Good design engages you, takes you through a space and evokes something in you. It must be seamless; one should never notice that something does not work or fit. There should be resonance in materials, pattern and form married with innovative functionality, layout, and creativity.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

The International Design & Architecture Awards provide a platform for interior designers around the world to showcase their talents and unique perspectives. Being selected amongst peers from around the globe pays homage to local talent and it is an honour to be recognised for excellence amongst peers from different cultures and countries.   

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a residential lifestyle hotel on one of the last open beachfront plots in Cape Town. It is such an inspiring site with iconic views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and Robin Island. I am inspired by the magical sunsets on the horizon and the panoramic views, the owners of this future development will acquire.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

I recently co-designed the first of its kind dentistry clinic in Africa. We received four honourable mentions at 2022 International Design Awards and made the official selection for the year as well as shortlisted for a Loerie 2022 Interior Design Award. This project was executed during the height of COVID under extreme pressure and stress. The design speaks directly to the importance of nature and the organic outcomes creates a calming atmosphere that facilitates a unique customer experience. We were trusted completely with the design although on a limited budget, and the outcome simply speaks for itself. The perseverance and determination of the team to execute during these times resonates in the detail and results our client achieved. It will always be my most loved project because it reflects the very essence of human nature.

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

My favourite project was also our most challenging project simply because so many of our team members were ill at the time. I remember drawing sketches and details on the construction walls simply because I was unable to get construction drawings out in time. We all played multiple roles. Nothing was too much trouble. We did what we needed to and the outcome was simply short of miraculous.

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

The new Samsung Freestyle Viewer. It absolutely changes how you need to design a living room.

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

Kim Williams Design Studio is all about understanding the stories of our clients and how their spaces should deliver a lifestyle, a return, or an experience. Our focus is to keep evolving and help our clients achieve this, delivering something special and unique. We have recently launched our Interior Behavioural Trend Report Behind the Design, as well as our own South African interior range in collaboration with Jessica Jane Molebatsi which we are very excited about, so we very much look forward to both these ventures doing well.

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

Your most treasured possession?

My art teacher, Laura Wenman, a well known South African painter,  painted a very special piece for me that hangs in my entrance hall. It is called Kim’s Roses and I simply adore it.

Your favourite holiday destination?

I love water so if there is water in any form, whether it is a beautiful island or a gorgeous ski resort, I am in my happy place. I love an active holiday and my most favourite cities in the world are Barcelona and of course my beloved Cape Town.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

My favourite hotel has to be Hotel Omm in Barcelona. You can see Gaudi’s La Pedrera chimneys from the Terrace and I love the simple avant-garde style of this space. It feels like a holiday and it is simply filled with happy memories for me.

Favourite restaurant is a quaint local restaurant in Melkbosstrand Cape Town, Melkbos Kitchen that serves homey food as you look out on Melkbosstrand beach. My favourite dishes are the tempura prawn and the oxtail.

I have recently discovered the Athletic Club and Social in Cape Town which is an iconic historical site. The space is moody and eclectic, filled with jazz, reflecting the personality of Cape Town.

Your favourite book, film & song?

My favourite book is The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett. I must have read this book more than a 100 times growing up and it is still a beautiful story of transformation that resonates with what I believe my purpose is in this life.

Your favourite food and drink?

Oh my word, any form of sparkling wine or champagne – my favourite has to be Klein Roosboom’s recently released My Way Brut Cap Classique – and I love my partner’s lamb chops made on our indoor “braai” at our home in Bloubergstrand.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Somewhere with a view and glass of bubbles in hand with my special people.

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

I wasn’t always a designer for a profession and becoming one has been my dream. I absolutely love being a designer. I would not change it for the world. I get to make the world beautiful every day which makes me very happy. I enjoy making a difference to the lives of my client’s, so they can live their best possible life – at home and work.

Kim Williams Design