Ventura Design have been shortlisted for Interior Design Scheme – Europe, and Living Space – Europe Awards in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about the Creative Director & Co-Founder below:

Name: Arlene McIntyre
Company: Ventura Design
Position within company: Creative Director/ Managing Director/ Co-Founder
Website: www.ventura.ie

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Originally from California, I have always been inspired by the home, design and interiors. I have years of on hand experience, having worked within various pockets of the design industry since 1998. We created Ventura Design in 2005 and wanted to bring our aesthetic to the market.  Since then, we have built an international business including two showrooms in Dublin and the other in the Chelsea Design Centre, London. We will also be opening our fourth showroom shortly in Quinta do lago, Portugal.  We design and manufacture our own furniture in our workshops in Ireland and Poland.  We have a talented team of 60 employees comprised of master craftsmen, interior architects, designers and artisans from all over the world.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Classic and Contemporary. I love creating beautiful rooms and spaces that function well and will stand the test of time.

Where does your design inspiration come from? 
Mainly from the East and West coasts of America.  I love open plan spaces that feel comfortable and timeless.  My clients are still my main inspiration.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense? 
People are nesting more than ever and have had more time to reflect on on their homes and spaces during the current pandemic. Spaces that function well and feel comfortable will become a priority. 

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond. 
To create functional, sustainable, transitional, colourful and individual spaces.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
To approach your home design as an investment to yourself. A home should reflect the clients’ personalities and tell their unique story. It should never be a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards? 
Bringing together and celebrating the industry’s leading architects and designers, these awards showcase the pinnacle of global design. The unique voting system gives voice to over 86k industry professionals rather than a small, selected panel, ensuring meaningful results. We are delighted to be a part of it all.

What projects are you currently working on? 
I’m currently working on a 10,000 square foot home in Waterford, a 9,500 square foot home in Jersey, Channel Islands and villa in Quinta do Lago to name a few.  Myself and our team provide a complete turnkey interior designed fit out to all our projects. 

What was your favourite project to work on and why? 
A highlight project would have been when I worked on two Heritage cottages on the grounds of the magnificent Adare Manor hotel resort in Limerick.  I loved the entire restoration process of bringing these cottages back to life. I have also thoroughly loved working on the beautiful Luttrellstown Castle project in Co. Dublin where we’ve redesigned most of this home including every one of its 20 bedrooms.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
When we worked on a Palazzo in Florence, we found it difficult to get our delivery trucks to the site and our furnishings through the front door!  But it was a very special project with wonderful memories.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? 
My wonderful and talented team! I feel very blessed to be able to both design and manufacture beautiful and bespoke pieces for all our projects.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To continue working on amazing projects and people.  To grow our online business, to expand our UK business with a second retail showroom coming soon, to continue designing new furniture pieces and launch our new lines, to open our new kitchen showroom where we will launch our own bespoke kitchens, and finally to get vaccinated so I can travel to London and visit our wonderful UK team!

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? My 18-month-old daughter, Allyson.  She my life source and inspires me every minute of every day. 

Your favourite holiday destination?  The beating drums of Istanbul and the sunsets in Italy.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?  Le Sirenuse in Positano hotel in Italy, The Rooftop bar in The Continental Hotel in Florence for cocktails, and my favourite restaurant would have to the La Cantinetta di Rignana

Your favourite book, film & song? Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (book), Somethings Gotta Give or Casino, Rolling in the Deep by Adele

Your favourite food and drink? Crab linguine and wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?  Power naps followed up with brunch and walking in the park with my husband, our little daughter and 2 dogs!

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

Anything else interesting? Travel has always been so inspiring and I’m really missing it at the moment!

Ventura Design, shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.

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