Poggenpohl have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £100,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture 2021. Read more about Senior Designer, Sherynne Murray below:

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Name: Sherynne Murray

Company: Poggenpohl

Position within company: Senior Designer

Website: www.poggenpohl.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I studied Spatial Design at The University of the Arts London. Followed by a couple of years visual merchandising and then my first kitchen design opportunity came fourth. I worked as a kitchen designer and then worked my way to managing my own showroom. Poggenpohl then found me and I started what has been some of the best years of my career life.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I definitely have more than one and they are modern, contemporary and minimalist.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I like to look in design magazines, online inspirational platforms and also I take a huge amount of inspiration from outside natural surroundings.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Clients are pushing the boundaries using bespoke and darker moodier colours, charcoals, midnight blues, blacks and dark woods. There is a move to the dramatic darker tones which is extremely exciting.

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

• Sustainability
• Minimalist/ contemporary design
• Blurring the lines between spaces (for example kitchen + living, bedroom + bathroom)
• Pushing the boundaries Light and dark spaces
• Combining opposing materials in a non-conventional way.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Classic stands the test of time!

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
To me this is an extremely important awards as it allows me to showcase my work amongst some of the most talented designers in the world. This will stay as part of my journey as a designer for the rest of my life and sets me at a particular level within the design industry.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on numerous projects all over the UK and some overseas.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
My competition entry, because as well as the kitchen being absolutely stunning the clients were great to work with through all stages of the project. They knew what they wanted, they trusted in my guidance. We also formed a personal relationship and they attended numerous events we held to show their ongoing support.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
A small compact kitchen in Belgravia London. The client had a tiny space and wanted to use every inch. We had to create and design many bespoke cabinets that would fit the space and be made to the ergonomics of the client. The design was floor to ceiling, wall to wall. We even designed a tv that sat inside the wall which at that time was innovative and very new to the market.

We had to think of many space saving solutions including a plinth hoover which again was very rare, but the kitchen turned out to be a huge success when completed.

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

• My pencil and pens. When designing, I prefer to start with the simple, organic natural hand drafting. I feel it gives that personal effect before using the CAD package.

• 3d design CAD package which allows me to communicate my ideas to client’s and give them a real feel for what their space is going to look like.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
After a year of lockdown and having to learn different ways of presenting my vision, I plan to use the new tools that are now in my possession to strengthen my offering and in turn become a stronger and more successful designer. My role is very client facing, therefore not being able to see my client’s due to having to work from home and our studios being closed. I was forced to think outside the box, in a way, adapting and learning new survival skills for our industry.

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

Your most treasured possession?
My nan’s glasses

Your favourite holiday destination?
Croatia

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Junction Arms especially in the summer/ Electric theatre/ Portobello House

Your favourite book, film & song?
Cocktail with Tom Cruise

Your favourite food and drink?
I love Thai food, but I am definitely one to sample worldly cuisines

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Meeting up with family and friends for a coffee and catching up on the weeks adventures- if not at the beach!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I have always loved luxury yacht design

Anything else interesting?
I can sing and I enjoy listening to all types of music genres. Any way I can express myself I am happy to do so which is why I love design so much.

Poggenpohl have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £100,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture 2021.

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