Melanie Tomlinson Design have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – UK Award & Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Director & Lead Designer, Melanie Tomlinson, below:

---

Name: Melanie Tomlinson
Company: Melanie Tomlinson Design
Position within company: Director & Lead Designer
Website: www.melanietomlinsondesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
Melanie started her design career in 1997, focusing her studies on architectural drafting and technology before refining her academia with interior design at the International School of Colour and Design in Sydney.

Melanie spent her early working career in the USA and Australia. She set up Design Bubble, an Interior Design & Architecture Studio which she ran successfully for 8 years before moving to the UK with her young family in 2017. On deciding to stay in the UK, Melanie Tomlinson Design launched later that year.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Five years ago it would have been towards a monochromatic palette but more recently I enjoy muted pastels. Overall, my personal style remains towards classic structures, timeless design with a relaxed aspect.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Mediterranean architecture, natural landscapes, artisan textiles & ceramics

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Sustainability, not only in design and longevity of production but also in how businesses are managed and the future proofing of them.

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

1. Bespoke one off pieces of furniture that last over mass produced (curated design)
2. Intelligent space planning that suits the way in which you live both now & in the future
3. Push boundaries with what can be achieved with colour & texture (traditional mixed with contemporary)
4. Understand how light and acoustics can be used to enhance design and form an integral part of the process
5. Indoor / Outdoor living space design, integrating the green landscape

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
To engage all the professional partners earlier than you think you should – you will reap the benefits of their advice and expertise throughout the entire design process.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards are important as they reflect not only interior design but also the interior architecture of buildings, signifying the importance of both. The parallels of this award and the foundation of the MTD Studio affords us the time, reputation and knowledge of industry professionals to provide wider insight into the realm of design, the result of which ensures we continue to push boundaries both as a studio and for our clients.

Rarely does a designer step back from a project and truly reflect on what has been achieved before moving on to the next one. For studios and designers, these awards are the epitome of gaining the accolade for projects they live and breathe, bringing clients dream homes and spaces to fruition.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are thankful to be working on a range of high end residential projects ranging from a full duplex penthouse renovation, a primary suite refurbishment in a five bedroom family home to a refresh of an open plan living area in an apartment. We are also looking to undertake a bespoke hospitality project later in the year.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Our Bondi Junction, Australia project is still my favourite as it encompassed what the MTD Studio now carry as our mantra of ‘Interiors Inspired by Architecture.’ The project was a complete renovation – a collaboration of architects, interior and landscape design to ensure a consistent overall approach for the space planning, layout and finish.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Our residential penthouse project in Ascot in terms of the artificial intelligence, lighting and acoustic design that has been on the scale of a commercial project but working within a residential space. A complex configuration and sensitivities resulted in a team of consultants and technical specialists bringing ideation and intricacies that far exceeded anything available ‘off the shelf’! It has resulted in a fully responsive space with extremely conscious design that pushed the boundaries of the studio over and above any project we have undertaken before.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Our studio Sonos playlist, my MacBook pro with AutoCAD license, a hot cup of tea and iPhone for Social Surfing!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To grow the MTD Design Studio exponentially to include a wider team of interior designers and Technical Specialists that bring the upmost passion for what they do every day, delivering an unrivalled client experience from an award winning interior architecture and design studio.

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

Your favourite holiday destination?
A tie between Mainland Spain or Paris!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Brisk walks outdoors or shopping followed by a lazy afternoon drink

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

Melanie Tomlinson Design

---

design et al only work with the world’s leading companies in the Design & Architecture industry.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

How to Apply  /  The Categories