Atelier Giorgio have been shortlisted for Restaurant – Middle East & Africas Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2022. Read more about Owner & Lead Interior Architect Giorgio Tatsakis below:

Name: Giorgio Tatsakis
Company: Atelier Giorgio
Position within company: Owner & Lead interior Architect
Website: www.ateliergiorgio.design

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I recently graduated from Greenside Design Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Interior Architecture. At the age of 19 I managed to secure my first design project for a luxury restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg. This restaurant went on to win the 2020 HOSCO Restaurant Style Award for its interiors, atmosphere and ambience, this being my first design award. From this recognition, more clients approached me with more job opportunities, whilst I was still studying full time.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I would describe my personal interior design style as a combination of a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. I have a sense for using authentic materials in my work. I firmly believe that raw and authentic materials bring soul and life to any space due to their natural and imperfect qualities. All of the spaces I design follow my aesthetic and because of this, I love incorporating raw materials into these designs, be it timber or natural stone elements, as they bring warmth into the design.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My inspiration is drawn from my travels around the world! I believe it is so important for designers to not only travel in general, but, to attend Interior Design trade shows, such as Salone in Milano and Maison et Objet in Paris to find new design trends, and make new connections.  When travelling I truly believe it is essential for interior designers to immerse themselves in the different cultures, languages, and experiences.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
 I believe people are becoming more conscious of the materials which are being used in projects and the overall quality of workmanship. I believe people are seeking a turnkey fit-out, now more than ever, giving one person accountability for work.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
Timeless design
Sustainability
Authenticity
Functionality
Versatility

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
To stay authentic. It is only natural for interior designers to gather inspiration from beautiful spaces and pieces all over the world, however it is important to take these inspirations and make them your own and adapt them to your design style and aesthetic, and of course the space.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The International Hotel & Property Awards have always been extremely important in recognizing talent and achievements throughout the industry, however, now it is even more important than ever, after the Pandemic, where most projects were at a standstill. These awards help designers showcase their work and gain recognition. Entering design competitions such as The International Hotel & Property Awards is a good form of competition as once you have seen what is out there, it helps designers higher their calibre to what is being done around the world and continuously evolve their work. On top of it all, getting acknowledged for your work is always incredible!

What projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on three restaurant/ bar spaces that are opening within the next three months! One being BGR in Oxford parks, the second GRK by Ethos in Rivonia and the third Kuzina. Further, I am busy working on two luxury residential projects that I am totally in awe of, as well as a possible new project in London.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
The luxury home project I am currently working on has to be my favourite project! I love working closely with my clients to make their home their sanctuary! Home projects are more personal and tailored to the client, rather than a concept. The 1500sqm space has a home cinema, two lounges, a gym, wine cellar and four bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
I would say that projects that I work on and have worked on are not challenging for the most part, however an underlying challenge I personally face is being so young in the industry. I have had to work extremely hard to break the mould of what a  well established interior designer is. I have been faced with a great amount of age stereotyping, and have not always been taken as seriously as someone who is older would. However, there are also positives to being this young and new in the industry. I often find clients wanting to work with me because of my young age, as I tend to bring new and fresh ideas to the table!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Fibre Guard fabric! I work with the most extraordinary company called Home Fabrics in Sandton which imports Fibre Guard fabrics from Belgium! Fibre Guard is a stain-resistant fabric with provides peace of mind due to its engineered qualities. The fabrics are perfect for professional, hospitality and residential use, with any stain, including red wine, just coming off.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My goals and aims for the next twelve months are to launch my company overseas and break into the international market.

Final thoughts:

Tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations.
My daily inspiration has to be my family. I am constantly in awe of all of their achievements and how driven they are in their daily aspirations and tasks. It is a quality I believe I have inherited from them and am extremely proud to have.

Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession has to be a black and white photograph I have of my grandparents from the 1950’s. It is one of the oldest pictures I have of them, and it dates back to when they first came to South Africa from Cyprus, looking extremely chic. I have an extremely close relationship with them, so I will always treasure it.

Your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination has to be Paris! I look forward to my yearly travels in January to attend the Maison et Objet design show. There is just something about the architecture, food and overall energy of the city, that draws me in and gives me this sudden burst of inspiration.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
My favourite hotel has to be The Margi hotel in Vouliagmeni, Athens. It’s a boutique hotel found in the Athenian Riviera and it could not be more perfect! My favourite restaurant and bar is Hovarda on Rupert Street in London!

Your favourite food and drink?
My favourite food/ meal has to be the Scallops from Sexy Fish in Mayfair, and my favourite drink is an old school, simple Aperol Spritz.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
My favourite way to spend the afternoon is to make myself a cup of tea and sit in the garden. It is my time to unwind and relax.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would definitely be doing something in the hospitality industry, whether it be owning my own restaurant and bar, or managing one.

Anything else interesting?
I own a ceramics & woodware company called Clay by MG (@claybymg).
Clay by MG was founded in late 2018/ early 2019 by myself and my sister, Mary.  We were renovating our home and had the opportunity to purchase new crockery for our kitchen and instantly found a gap in the market! There was no local company that would allow a sense of customisation when it came to ceramic homeware crockery pieces. 
As the awareness about Clay grew, we decided to expand the brand and in 2021 launched ‘Clay Woodware’, which sold out in a matter of minutes. We are now currently in the process of growing the brand even more and are branching out and are launching ‘Clay Decor’, which will consist of gorgeous bespoke pieces, later this year! 

Atelier Giorgio

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