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Tobias Oliver Interiors

Tobias Oliver Interiors

In Profile: Tobias Oliver Interiors

Tobias Oliver Interiors have been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Creative Director, Tobias Oliver, below:


Name: Tobias Oliver

Tobias Oliver Interiors

Company: Tobias Oliver Interiors

Position within company: Creative Director

Website: www.tobiasoliverinteriors.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I am qualified with a BA (Hons) in Interior Design from Regent’s University London (2006-2010). During my four-year study period I was awarded the Dean’s Award for Arts and held internships for world-leading interior designers. I also received an American Degree in Interior Design (BFA) – allowing me to work globally with the correct accreditations. In 2016, following 12 years of experience in the high-end residential interior design arena, I opened my own interior design studio – Tobias Oliver Interiors. Three years later as the business expanded I opened a lifestyle showroom, art gallery and new larger interior design studio on Berkhamsted High Street, Hertfordshire.  Since then, the business has kept growing as with all the experiences that come with that!

How would you describe your personal design style?

My own style is very eclectic and maximalist.  I love creating spaces that push boundaries in terms of colour, texture, pattern and layering.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

I love filtering through design books to find ideas that I can use and expand on.  Most recently I was gifted a collection of books by American designer Jeffery Bilhuber; from this I begun to see how his extremely clever use of trims could push how I use them in my own projects. I’m very excited to see how this develops later this year on a tête-à-tête à-tête currently in production ready for a installation in November… watch this space…

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

What’s really exciting to see is designers emerging who are steering away from what has been a copy and paste design norm we have seen in the past 10 years.  Seeing WOW!house this year was a total joy.  All the rooms were full of innovative inspiration and I came away motivated to continue on my own design direction, and I think that goes for many others that I’ve spoken to.  In a general sense I see lots more of mixing materials, texture and pattern and creating more of a sensory experience.  

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

  1. Spaces than enhance our mental wellbeing.
  2. Sustainability.
  3. Innovative use of materials.
  4. A sense of playfulness.
  5. Craftsmanship.

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

Trust your own instinct.  Don’t look at what someone’s doing to the left or right of you.  Your direction is forward.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

The International Design & Architecture Awards are a fantastic way for interior design firms, such as ours, to be recognised for the hard work and attention to detail that is brought to each and every project we work on. This recognition helps us to be able to work with clients who understand and respect the amount of work that goes into designing and project managing every aspect of each project we work on. It also helps to warrant our accreditation as a qualified interior design firm, and the education and experience that make up our team.

What projects are you currently working on?

We have a very eclectic pot of projects at the moment and we can’t wait to share these with you over the course of the next year.  From art deco chic to contemporary minimalist. At Tobias Oliver Interiors we pride ourselves on not having an “in-house style”. We work with all our clients to help them realise their ultimate design aspirations for their homes and ensure that we carefully manage each project to deliver something unique and special, which ultimately meets the brief and exceeds all expectations. All our clients are different and therefore every project is different, and that’s what makes our jobs interesting and challenging!

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

We have just finished a project where we used a kingfisher teal high gloss lacquer on an entrance hall panelled walls, with a gold lead ceiling and limestone floor.  In the corner I designed a bench with the most beautiful fabric I’ve ever seen! The clients wanted an entrance to be wowed by and it’s fair to say they were very happy with the results!  We’ll be sharing this project with you in the next month.

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

Each project is challenging as I wouldn’t be trying hard enough otherwise!  I wouldn’t say one in particular sticks out but I would say without a strong project build manager this can cause many issues.  I try to explain to clients as their project begins they should expect it to expand and without a trust worthy and insightful project build manager – hidden costs can suddenly appear which can often escalate without your build manager’s proactiveness and willingness to get ahead of any issues that may arise.

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

The Design Centre Chelsea Harbour! We are so lucky to have this resource at our fingertips.  I have never been without coming away being inspired and excited to continue with the designs on our projects.

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

I’ll be very honest about this.  I am a highly trained designer, but without any training in managing or being an effective leader.  Since setting up the business in 2016 I’ve learned whilst I go which has been sufficient up until six months ago when I realised I wanted to enhance my professional career by seeking new skills to enable me to successfully coach and mentor members of my team.  My goals for the next 12 months is to continue on this journey I am on with my leadership coach and to put my lessons into action and build up a strong and successful team. formalising ways of working and adding in processes to ensure the businesses on-going success!

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

Your most treasured possession?

A piece of moldavite my mother gave me, I had it encased in gold and I wear it on a chain around my neck.  Moldavite is a finite gemstone that was formed when an asteroid hit earth nearly 15 million years ago after travelling around the universe for however many millions of years before that! I still can’t get my head round it but either way. 

Your favourite holiday destination?

  • Lisbon

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

  • Hotel Westminster, Paris
  • Langosteria Restaurant, Milan
  • The Highwayman – love my local!

Your favourite book, film & song?

  • The Velvet Rage – Alan Downs
  • Hidden Figures
  • Fast Car – Tracey Chapman

Your favourite food and drink?

  • Anything Ottolenghi
  • Vesper Martini

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

  • Walking my dog, Otto

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

  • An Artist

Anything else interesting?

This year I jumped out a plane for charity and Tobias Oliver Interiors has planted over 10,000 trees!


Sponsors
  • Sylka Carpets
  • Joseph Giles

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