Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Brisbane Interior Designer Arielle Spratt

(Interview by Hannah Suraez, Brisbane Creative Industries)




In your own words - who are you and what do you do?

I'm an emerging designer specialising in interior design, external concept design, visual merchandising and styling! I recently started up my own studio, Innovante Design, in 2009 and am working on a number of projects at the moment as well as studying Architecture at QUT University. I'm also a songwriter and guitarist, although my original music has taken a backseat while I get my design business established. I have also started an online networking group and blog called Gloss Posse in 2009 which is a dynamic group for emerging female designers & entrepreneurs.

As someone who has recently moved to Brisbane (from the Gold Coast), what is your concept of space like in terms of creative and cultural space? What would you like to do in  the Brisbane space? What about in other spaces?

Living at Mermaid beach on the Gold Coast was beautiful and there was always that feeling of open space right on my doorstep. I was really lucky to live so close to the ocean and it influenced me creatively as I love to be around nature. As a designer I draw a lot of influence from nature as well as my surroundings.

Moving to Brisbane was quite a big change from the coastal lifestyle on the Gold Coast, but I've found it exciting as my experiences with Brisbane's city space around me has opened my mind. I'm constantly being inspired by the city, its architecture and its energy. I would love to be involved in designing a public space within Brisbane that reflects young emerging designers and musicians in some way.

 

Tell us more about your interior design project at Base Backpackers aka Palace Backpackers in Brisbane! Sounds really interesting.

I'm currently working on the interior design fit-out for Base Brisbane Central Backpackers, 308 Edward Street, in the city and it's a very exciting project! The building is heritage listed and turns 100 years old this year so as a designer its a privilege to work on such a historical and iconic building. Backpackers and guests can expect the new interior to feel fresh, fun and compliment the history of the building as well as Brisbane. I really wanted to create a unique experience within the space and have based my concept on sub-tropical Queensland and the natural elements.


As a professional, what is your concept of space in terms of meeting client needs and project briefs?


It's important to listen to my clients as well understand the spatial relationships between the external and internal areas of the project. The quality of space has an impact on people and the environment. As a designer you can alter someone's perception of a space by adding or removing elements and therefore create a new atmosphere and experience. I am always aware that space is affected by chosen materials, sound, colour, lighting and temperature and how one chooses to manipulate it.
A favourite quote of mine:

"Space constantly encompasses our being. Through the volume of space, we move, see forms, hear sounds, feel breezes, smell the fragrances of a flower garden in bloom....Its visual form, its dimension and scale, the quality of its light - all of these qualities..."
Ching, D.K, Francis. (1996, p92). Architecture, form, space & order. New York : Van Nostrand Reinhold

What about your personal concept of space - what makes good space work-able/live-able/beautiful?


I believe that good space is created through the function and harmony of forms and materials. I also think that space is more beautiful when we bring the outside in. By simply bringing some greenery inside, or allowing more natural light and breeze into a room the atmosphere in that space is lifted.


What would be your ideal work space?


My ideal workspace would be a loft style studio apartment with amazing views over Brisbane city. I'd love to have a dynamic and collaborative-style studio working alongside other designers such as graphic artists, industrial designers, architects and even fashion designers with room for a stage to have live original bands perform and space to host special events.



Feel free to contact her via email, her site or Twitter accounts @glossnrock and @glossposse! Also check our her band's MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/arielleband%EF%BB%BF

Hannah










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