The Eav’s Group
The Eav’s Group have been shortlisted for Luxury Residence – London Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Executive Director, Jonathan Eav, below:
Name: Mr Jonathan Eav
Company: The Eav’s Group
Position within company: Executive Director
Website: https://www.theeavsgroup.com/
Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have a Master of Arts in Art, Design and Visual Culture from the prestigious London Guildhall University. Upon completing this degree I worked for several well-established architecture firms in London. In 2006, I returned to Hong Kong to join my family business, Asia Commercial Holdings Limited, which manufactures and retails fine timepieces. Then in 2018 I set up The Eav’s Group to pursue my ambition in real estate investment and interior design.
How would you describe your personal design style?
I would say my design approach is defined by a blended style in which I aim to harmonize classic elegance and contemporary sophistication. I love to craft spaces in which I can enhance the art of living. The work I create attempts to be as timeless as it is luxurious. I do this through exquisite craftsmanship like handmade joinery, and the innovative use of contrasting colours, textures and natural materials.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I like to travel and explore the world for my inspirations. I believe that every corner, every angle, every perspective, has its own story. I like to observe the visual aspects of a space and transform it through intelligent design into something truly unique.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Broadly speaking I think the field of design continues to wrestle with form versus function. Though on the projects I design it is becoming a bit easier as the requirements of “form” are moving towards a preference for understated luxury. We also implement an approach which combines different materials such as a patterned stone, specially stained wood grains, etc. Pulling these concepts together, and where simplicity is permissible, I tend to go for something simple yet luxurious. For example: we may design a painted white cabinet which may appear quite plain from the outside, but once you open it, the interior finishings of the cabinet would look amazing – using various types of walnut finished with a bit of gilded detail to enhance the craftmanship of the cabinet. So, in the end it is very much a functional cabinet, but the inside represents a unique style, which not too loud but one which exudes taste and substance. Materials which establish the form are essential to our work – it is the combinations of these which really excites me.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
So often my advice really depends on the specific project, the client’s requirements, and the designer’s own style. One piece of advice though which I always extend to those who are just starting out is to focus on proportions. It’s a central principle of architecture and it plays an important connection between design, art, materials, and people. Proper planning of the proportions of a project can greatly impact how individuals experience the space. And I like to stress that this applies to all aspects including the floor plans, joinery, cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, furniture etc. Proportions are paramount.
How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
We feel very privileged to be considered to take part in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2023. The awards are a key part to the industry and play an important role in helping to build its participant’s credibility to their clients and image amongst their peers. This distinguished award represents a recognition of the nominee’s endeavours in creating one-of-a-kind projects. And it reaffirms the value and impact of one’s work, enhances internal morale of my team and will no doubt help us to unlock new opportunities.
What projects are you currently working on?
The Eav’s Group team is currently focused on a redevelopment project of an exceptional multi-level home in Holland Park, London.
What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I would say the apartment we resigned at 107 Queen’s Gate would be one of my favourites. I picked this property based on its natural beauty – 5 balconies, 6 pairs of French doors with 4m high ceilings. There were many challenges which the team had overcome one by one. We knocked down everything to a bare shell condition but retained the original architraves and updated them with carefully chosen cornices as a nod to the building’s legacy. The layout and flow of the interiors were redesigned to give the grand apartment a new life as a contemporary home. It was finished as a turn-key home which would have met with even the highest of standards.
What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
It would be the multi-levelled house at Holland Park that we are currently working on. This interesting site was originally a horse stable located immediately to one side of a Grade II listed Mews with a protected arch. The side wall has been retained while the rest of the structure was demolished to rebuild a new home. Our major challenges consisted of preserving the unique heritage environment of Holland Park as well as drawing ample amounts of fresh air and natural lights into the underground spaces due to the property’s local regulation height restrictions.
Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
In today’s smart home era fixtures and appliances are often a critical component of the residences I work on. Getting them right is sometimes paramount to a project’s success. Therefore, as an example, I often call in a kitchen specialist for that specific room to help me translate my overall vision of the home into that space. They can carry out the works with my direction, finding the best materials and equipment, especially appliances. That said a crucial part of coordinating all of this is my in-house interiors division. Their effort and expert artistry is definitely something I could not live without. It is all about teamwork and trusted partnership to make the dream work.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Continue to work on our projects and keep searching for potential new redevelopment sites.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession?
My passport. I am a wanderlust in every sense. Whether it’s by a secluded seaside or deep in the heart of a cosmopolitan city, travel is where I find my inspiration.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Maldives, Santorini, Corsica
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel de Russie (Rome), St Regis Maldives and Rosewood London
Your favourite book, film & song?
Da Vinci Code, The Pianist, all kinds of soulful house music
Your favourite food and drink?
French and Italian cuisines with Champagne
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Connected with nature – whether walking along the beach or far into a forest.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I think I would be a pilot…
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