Daniel Hopwood- Seminar on the "Future of Interiors" (notes I made)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT-kgaN-F_M

Project 20 years ago   “soooo not design”

Clients demands have changed. Now- space to entertain, large, something that will last. Then- made to look older- social mobility, quality still important.

Trained to understand what the client wants/ style

Old styles made to look in a modern way but something that we recognise.

Different approach to design completely

Magazines now- design flow much more

You can a look for very cheap now. Good design

Work onsite but look at people onsite/ understand your building/fitting team

Trouble finding decent builders. They can come from abroad- Dan Hopwood doesn’t care, as long as they understand the project. Reintroduce apprenticeship scheme such as in France and Germany. We are getting to a stage in this country where it is seen as a shame to work with your hands. But there is great beauty in it. Plea for future to have more craftsmen.

Young couples do not know each other’s parameters. They may have style but  They have two very different styles.

Combine old and new- big thing

Avoid quagmire of beige usually with compromise.

You cannot buy style, you just have to put it together.

If you commission something you will keep it for life. Stick by you as it is ingrained in you.

Beauty of working in London is that you get a lot of people from abroad. My job to interpret what they want. Their style with a little urban style.

As a designer, should not go barging in. The success is when the client feels like it belongs to them.

Families- dominated by kids. Ruled by them. Toys everywhere.

I get a lot of yummy mummies down in nappy valley (wandsworth) saying they are all different from each other. (Laughs)

Project some time ago. Lots of layering. It wasn’t bought from one place. Time to pull house together. Build it up.

Government says- morally wrong to pay cash to your builder. People have their hands tied! Government needs to give reductiosn on vat to builders and craftsmen- consumers protection and a lot more money to government than they get now. Avoids cowboy builders.

Astonishing that people cannot visualise a drawing, but it is true!

Visuals get rid of the fear- push and nudge on the design side. Be a little more daring with it (on it)

People want to define their style. Doing 3ds helps in that direction.

Attain a future that is better made. But following in the same style and angle that we are now. Getting things that people like as an individual and not being a dedicated follower