Infinite Architects Interior Design Urban Planning DMCC has been shortlisted for Luxury Residence £10 Million Plus Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2022. Read more about the Design Director below:

Name: Helen Kristina Skea
Company: Infinite Architects Interior Design Urban Planning
Position within company: Design Director
Website: www.infinitedesigners.co
Company brochure: https://we.tl/t-DUCZGshd1R

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
With a Scottish RAF Pilot father and a Swedish mother I grew up moving around the world, living in the UK, America & The Sultanate of Oman, finally settling in Dubai in 1998. I attained my Interior Design degree from Napier University, Edinburgh in 1993 and have accumulated over 25 years’ experience in the Hospitality Design industry. During this time I have worked closely with many of the worlds’ leading hotel operators in conjunction with many prestigious clients and project teams. Whether it be master planning, concept design, detailed coordination with other consultants or site work, I like to immerse myself in all facets of the design. The range of projects undertaken include luxury hotels, spas, yacht clubs, bars, fine dining restaurants and private villas, spanning Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

How would you describe your personal interior design style?
My goal is to create beautiful spaces to be in. To achieve this I use pure forms, paying particular attention to their scale and proportion, overlayed with a palette of natural materials, tactile surfaces and the utilization of natural light to impart a sense of calmness or drama on a space. This sense can then be heightened by the inclusion of something quirky, an unexpected detail, a contrasting colour or something of meaning to the Client. I love nature. I am inspired by the rhythm, the harmony and the natural balance evident in its symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial and sculptural forms, its textures, tonal hues and vibrant colours. You can find everything here to stimulate the senses.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
Inspiration is a constant evolution of thoughts and ideas that mold and mutate into different concepts as you explore further, everyday objects, art, sculpture, fashion, music, architecture, inspiration is everywhere you look.

Ultimately nature is my main source, organic forms and textures inspire me the most, using subtle patterns and forms from nature, sculptural or etched or embossed on natural stones, woods or metals, using different scales to create impact.

I love my job. It is humbling seeing a Clients joy when a project is complete, is worth all the hard work.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Responsible and innovative ways to create environments that inspire and evoke the senses. The future of design is moving towards sustainability and technology, sourcing materials that have minimal impact on the environment and using the latest technology to ensure the building is energy efficient.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond.
Love your work and strive to be original
Value your team
Attention to Detail
Creating spaces that are fresh, unique and unexpected
To remain humble and grateful as things can change in a heartbeat

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
Listen, understand and be sensitive to the Client’s needs. Pay careful attention to the details. Keep it simple – too many superimposed design ideas create conflict.

How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Recognition demonstrates credibility and achievement giving the design team motivation and increased morale. Appreciation from your peers is always an honour.

What projects are you currently working on?
My current project load is varied. It includes a number of private villas, retail and commercial buildings and Hotels.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
One & Only The Palm Resort, Dubai – as this was probably one of the best project teams I have ever worked with – all the team members worked on this project from design implementation to project completion which meant each team member had a commitment and love for the project and this really shows in the final product. We are all very proud of this project.
I also met my husband as he was the project architect.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Difficult to say, probably the One & Only due to the tight project deadline – we were practically living on site for the last 2 months prior to completion. The entire site timeline was 14 months which is impressive.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
My fabulous team – no designer does it all on their own.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My husband & I hope to get back to the UK and South Africa soon to see our families, this is number one on the list – who would have thought travel would be so restricted, I will never take travelling the world for granted again.

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

Your most treasured possession? Mork & Mindy, our little kittens.
Your favourite holiday destination? I have so many, Tuscany, Italy where we were married, the food and wine is unforgettable. Cape Town, South Africa where my husband is from for its stunning scenery and diverse culture, not forgetting my heritage The Highlands of Scotland for its wild, dramatic nature and Sweden for its untouched pure beauty.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Hotel – SALA Hotel Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort Thailand, Restaurant – Q Lounge at the D Hotel Gocek in Turkey; a stunning venue, perched on top of a cliff that drops off to the Aegean Sea. And Bar, DOSC (Dubai Offshore Sailing Club) Dubai, unpretentious and relaxed, our weekend retreat.
Your favourite book? The most recent book I have read that I couldn’t put down was ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens, highly recommend, so beautifully written.
Your favourite food and drink? Anything my husband cooks with a glass of red.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? Sailing with my husband.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?Anything to do with saving the planet, maybe a marine biologist as I love the Ocean.

Infinite Architects Interior Design Urban Planning DMCC, shortlisted in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2022.

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