Rockett Studio Pte Ltd have been shortlisted for in The International Hotel and Property Awards. Read more about Creative Director, Geila Daughtrey, below:

---

Name: Geila Daughtrey

 Company: Rockett Studio Pte Ltd

 Position within the company: Creative Director

Website: www.rockett.com.sg

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I studied Interior Architecture at University in the UK but started working on set design immediately after graduating. I worked on movie sets for four years, designing spaces that were to be viewed only on camera, before transitioning back into real interiors. I missed the problem-solving aspect of designing real spaces that people live, work, and play in, but the lessons I learned in the film industry around how to make a space look and feel relatable without looking themed is still a key influence on my work today.

How would you describe your personal interior design style? 

Working in Asia, I often get told my style is ‘very British’. I think that ultimately comes from the classically Western architectural training I had around proportion, scale, and details. Working in Asia has opened my eyes to different cultural influences and sensibilities and the journey has been fascinating. But ultimately, the project brief dictates the interior design style for me, rather than any personal preference. If I have a personal interior design style, it’s subconscious.

 Where does your design inspiration come from?

The historical context surrounding a site or location is often the starting point for me when it comes to designing a space.

 In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards, in a general sense?

Generally, I am not sure we are as a collective moving there yet, but I think designing spaces in and for The Metaverse is a mind-blowing direction to move into from a creative perspective, with unlimited opportunities. How do you design a space that has no restricting parameters in terms of scale, budget, materials – or even gravity? And how do you teach design and architecture within this space – which is ultimately concerned with rules, principles, and theories, when those same rules, principles and theories could be obsolete? 

 If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?

 Always trust your gut instinct and go with your first selection.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Hugely important. We are a tiny team that mostly flies under the radar, so this is a wonderful opportunity for us to step onto a global stage.

 What projects are you currently working on?

One positive aspect to come out of the pandemic is the opportunity to work remotely. Before Covid, we only worked on projects in Singapore, where our studio originated. Post-pandemic, we are working on restaurants and private members’ clubs in London, Bordeaux, Verbier, Mumbai, Bangkok, Doha, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Thank you Zoom!

 What was your favourite project to work on and why?

We recently completed the interiors of 67 Pall Mall Singapore. The London-born private members’ wine club opened its first location in Asia, and it was a pleasure to work on because of everyone involved in the project. From the client to the consultants, the trades and suppliers – we all worked as a unified team and we all wanted the best outcome for the project, even during stressful moments.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

67 Pall Mall Singapore, because of the unique conditions of the project site. Our client had the brilliant but crazy idea for us to include a six-metre floor-to-ceiling wine tower on the 27th floor of a 1970’s building that wasn’t constructed to hold an enormous wine tower which stores over 6,800 bottles! It was a challenge, but I am incredibly proud of the project outcome, and it’s been a pleasure seeing club members enjoy the space since its opening.

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

My Moleskin notebook. I always have one with me wherever I go. I have boxes and boxes of filled with Moleskins in my attic and it’s always a trip down memory lane diving into them. They chronicle my 20+ year career.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

My idea of what success and growth means has really shifted over the past couple of years, as I think it has for many people. Previously, I always felt that I needed to be growing my team – hiring more designers, taking on more projects – to consider myself conventionally ‘successful’. Recently, I’ve realised that I am really happy with a small and loyal team of talented designers, consultants, and collaborators who work well together. I prefer to focus on enjoying the design process instead of trying to keep all the plates spinning. Most important to me now is a happy team, clients that become friends, and projects that I have chosen to take on, instead of having to take on work just to feed a machine.

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

Your most treasured possession?

An unfinished study of a draft horse done in oil, given to me by my husband. I love the unashamed rawness and honesty of it.

Your favourite holiday destination?

 Anywhere in nature.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Hotel – Villa Spalletti Trivelli in Rome, precisely because it doesn’t feel like a hotel at all.

Restaurant – The Wolseley in London, for breakfast.

Bar – The Whisky Bar at 67 Pall Mall Singapore.

 Your favourite food and drink?

Any kind of Thai food… with a spicy ginger margarita

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? 

Being around horses in any capacity! I am as happy shovelling poop and plaiting manes as I am horse riding.

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

Shovelling horse poop and plaiting pony manes!