Design Emporium Ltd have been shortlisted for Residential Swimming Pool Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Principal Director, Rik Smith, below:

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Name: Rik Smith

Company: Design Emporium Ltd

Position within company: Principal Director

Website: www.designemporium.co.uk

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have been working in the industry for over 15 years, initially working as an assistant on the renovation and refurbishment of a large country estate in North Wales. After gaining experience alongside other professionals I began my own design business specialising in the project management and interior design of residential properties. My vision was to create an architectural and interior design business that was truly cohesive from start to finish with a collaborative approach throughout the entire process.

In 2014 I expanded the business to include our in-house architectural team and becoming a RIBA Chartered Practice in 2019. I also became a member of the British Institute of Interior Design in 2019. The combined affiliations now underpin our business and help us create a single vision.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My style is generally modern, creating light, open, and uncomplicated houses with elements of scandi influence, often using natural materials and timbers to bring softness and texture. Although I would say my personal taste would be more modern, I am hugely influenced by more classical and period interiors and this inference is often seen across all of my work, especially within the cabinetry and joinery.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration for an interior often comes from the architecture of the building and the setting/locality of the property. I have always believed a property must work in its locality and bring positive benefit to the area. My belief is the interior must be complementary to the property, and influenced by the building and wider landscape.

Beyond this, I find that the public buildings and progressive commercial interiors, including hotels, often bring me inspiration when designing and considering a residential property.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I often us the term “broken plan” when discussing an internal layout with a client. The current year has meant the home has now become more multi-functional and will continue to be for years to come. The pressure on a home and requirement for additional functions is meaning spaces have to be more adaptative, and although cellular living is unlikely to make a return, open plan spaces are too restrictive to single uses. The idea of broken plan takes influence from both cellular living and open plan. Creating spaces that flow seamlessly into one another, but retain permanent or temporary structure that allow for division of spaces as required.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

1. Broken plan spaces. Spaces must be adaptative and allow for multi purpose use
2. Material availability. Globally there is huge material shortages, and this will certainly mean a resurgence in local sourcing for both materials and manufacture
3. Sustainability – properties must begin to reduce their carbon footprint aligned with the global intent. Developed countries around the world will be requiring every property, including those refurbished, to achieve must greater energy performance.  
4. Longevity – designing for today doesn’t always create the home for tomorrow.
5. Serenity/tranquillity – you will generally spend more time in your home than anywhere else in your life. Creating a space that brings you calmness and helps to maintain your mental health is hugely important. Concentrate on what brings you calmness from your home, is it an uncluttered interior, a warm cosy fire with deep colours? Focus on how you relax and build a home around this.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Consider the short, medium and long term. Your current life may not be reflective of your future. Before undertaking a project be realistic about your future needs and requirements.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The awards allow us to showcase our work alongside our piers. The awards give us a platform to demonstrate what we are capable of and the opportunity to gain further recognition.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are working on several refurbishments of Period and Listed Buildings in the North of England, a penthouse apartment in central London, and currently undertaking the full architectural and interior design of two contemporary 700m2 new builds houses in Yorkshire.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
We undertook the complete remodelling, renovation and fit out of a Garde II Listed Manor house on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The project was hugely challenging, requiring a sensitive approach to the historic fabric of the building, whilst trying to ensure we achieved a modern and functional property for the 21^st century. The ability to blend the original features of the property with more contemporary detailing created a beautiful home, both functional and befitting of the period building and setting.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
We undertook the extensive refurbishment of an iconic residential building in the centre of York, including the redevelopment of the entire basement. The conservation constraints and access into the site posed huge issues. The proportions of the rooms, scale of windows and ceiling heights of Circa 3.5m meant the entire interior had be carefully balanced so no piece became diminutive. To create a family home that feels cosy in a “grand” house is particularly challenging!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
I’ve become attached to my iPad. Whether this for presentations, quick sketch ideas, overlay plans, or to make quick notes that immediately pop on my computer.

In terms of services. Quite simply, without the talented craftsmen we work with locally and across the industry, our designs would not be possible, and our aspirations couldn’t be achieved.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I am wanting to continue the growth of the business, bringing further support to our architectural team with the addition of an experienced technologist who can extend our technical abilities.

I hope that with the solid portfolio of works we have built and general ethos we will continue to become one of the preeminent practices in the North of England. The combined skills of architects, interior architects and interior designers within one company is relatively unique in the North, and I now want to demonstrate the benefits to our potential clients. 

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

Your favourite holiday destination?
Mallorca and New York. Both have stunning scenery. Mallorca has an ease to life amongst some dramatic scenery on the North West Coast – it’s an easy place to relax quickly. New York – it’s all about the scale

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Sushi Samba in Herron Tower – dinner with a view!
The Shangri la in The Shard London – a room with another spectacular view!
Domino Jazz Club, Leeds – great underground music venue in my home town. You have to walk through a working barbers shop, through a hidden door to access the venue.

Your favourite film and song?
Wolf of Wall Street or Forrest Gump! Classics that you can always watch again. Your Song by Elton John or I’m Kissing you by Des’ree

Your favourite food and drink?
Tapas – multiple choices and a great way to eat with friends. It creates a very sociable atmosphere and great vibe. To drink – nothing better than a glass of Cote de Provence Rose in the summer or 2/3 pint of  craft ale.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Sport, usually tennis, followed by drink and food with friends in the sun! Alternatively, an afternoon exploring a new city on holiday – wandering and getting lost!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would be a cabinet maker. I love to create, and I have always wanted to learn the traditional techniques of the older craftsmen.

Design Emporium Ltd have been shortlisted for Residential Swimming Pool Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.

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