Name: Vee Kessner
Company: Space Studio Ltd
Position within company: Director
Website: www.spacestudio.co.nz
Tell us a little about your background in design:
I have been in the design industry for 30+years after completing my studies in the US. Initially I worked as an Interior designer within architectural practices, both in the USA and then in New Zealand. This provided extensive experience into collaborative design and working as part of a large team on projects of scale in retail and hospitality. 20 years ago Space Studio was established as a bespoke Interior studio focussed on hospitality design. This work has taken me throughout the Pacific region designing and delivering interiors on hotels and resorts.
How would you describe your personal design style?
My personal style tends towards creating spaces that reflect relaxed luxury with a focus on texture, scale and organic detail.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
As each project Is so varied, inspiration can come from a variety of sources. Responding to and creating a connection with the locale to enhance one’s experience of place Is central to my approach. Researching and understanding social, cultural, historical and geographic context creates the narrative that inspires and informs the design.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Design is now about creating a space in which people feel relaxed but engaged. The term “quiet luxury” is often used. I prefer “Relaxed Luxury” which speaks to a layered design solution encompassing depth of tone, texture, colour, and lighting.
