Atelier Nini Andrade Silva have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023. Read more about the CEO and Founder, Nini Andrade Silva, below:

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Name: Nini Andrade Silva
Company: Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
Position within company: Ceo & Founder
Website: www.niniandradesilva.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I was born in Funchal, Madeira Island and graduated in Design at the Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Marketing (IADE) in Lisbon. After that, I pursued my academic and professional experience abroad. I’ve studied and worked in New York, London, Paris, South Africa and Denmark. I’m engaged in giving my contribution to various areas of society both academic and professional, I’m often asked to be speaker at various conferences, lectures and debates. The invitations come from different areas such as Universities, Cultural Institutions, TED Talks, Webinars, Seminars, Fairs, and so on.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Design was born with me and I have been pursuing my passions over the years. I’m contemporary. With the past in the mix. At times there were those who called me Ninimalist as this is a style that characterises most of my work, but I don’t follow styles or trends, I try to create them. Everything in my work has to be perfect, every detail is thought out in detail. I am interested in designing new environments, creating new, different, unique realities!

Where does your design inspiration come from?
The impact in my designs came from my family who gave me the power of believing in myself, experiences, travelling, books, movies, food, people I met around the world, different cultures I found, etc…. I may say that everything inspires me… from the moment I hold a new project my imagination starts to fly all the way back to my experiences, through different cultures for which I was aware over the years and, sometimes, in small details. Actually, even these tiny things that appears are the most daring and different ideas, resulting in wonderful projects.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Interior design is responsible for developing a program of interior architecture that is best suited to each space, concerned with the details and customisation, attributing to them humanity, soul and aesthetics, factors that become crucial when end users make their decision, and so are responsible for the final success of the project . I consider that interior design is largely responsible for the contrast created between the internal plasticity of spaces and the aesthetic rigor of their exterior and consumers are nowadays aware of it! The fusion, respect and interaction between both arts is what give us the direction where design is moving towards.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.

I hope that 2023 will bring us a greater focus and awareness, because all of our decisions, choices and actions have consequences and impact on the planet and environment. As a professional, I hope that the next era will be one of positive change and that our vision will allow us to have more time for the really important things in life! Saying so, the five key themes are:

• Sustainability
• Nature
• Ocean
• Responsibility
• Humanity

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Follow your dreams and believe in yourselves! My team and I dedicate ourselves 100 percent with a single goal that is to see sparkle in the eyes of our clients! This is the faith that my work is well done! Nothing can be more grateful.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
The feeling of seeing my work recognized by The International Hotel & Property Awards is memorable and a proudest moment as good as the feeling of the day when I get to see a project conclusion.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently engaged in several projects across Europe, America and Africa related to the hospitality, private housing and commercial spaces. We are working with the most important hospitality players and hotel chains and we are also betting strong on the design of our exclusive collection of outdoor furniture called – Garota do Calhau Colletion – inspired by the organic shape of the stones from the Madeira Island (my home place) beaches. These pieces are amazing, either by the size and the shape!

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I really cannot branch out one of my projects in particular! I’m the mother and as such I’m proud of all my children!

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Each one was challenging otherwise I wouldn’t have accepted it. All its particularities and differences, are permanently challenging me because they were thought exclusively for each place and different Clients.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
I can’t live without my notebook, a pen, my mobile and my team, as they are like extensions of myself!

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My goals for the next twelve months are keep doing what I love with excellence, quality and rigor. We are currently engaged in several projects and we work for creating very special spaces and environments!

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

Your most treasured possession?
Health and the privilege of working with friends, family and a great team.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Home, once I’m always travelling around the world!

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok
The restaurant at my Design Center, in Madeira Island and Alain Ducasse in Paris
Baccarat Hotel Bar NY

Your favourite book, film & song?
The Little Prince
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Everybody Hurts, REM

Your favourite food and drink?
Vegetables and potatoes
Water

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Designing new things

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Social worker, to help those in need.

Atelier Nini Andrade Silva have been shortlisted for Hotel Design – Europe Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2023.

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