If you have an interest in design, and have spent any time in Dubai, then chances are that you would have enjoyed some of Paul’s stunning work; Paul’s impressive resume covers a spectrum of the design field from high end commercial interiors, hospitality, leisure/ retail through to residential.
His latest creations include, Cin Cin, and the Exchange Grill refurbishment located upon the 2nd floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Dubai, two Pool bar projects and an exclusive Spa/ Relaxation centre at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, through to his cutting edge retail designs for Franck Muller and the multi brand flagship stores at the Burjuman Centre, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A hugely varied career also includes designing Aston Martin offices, the DIFC commercial representation offices, Espacio and the ground breaking design for Innovate, all located within the Emirates Towers respectively.
Throw in a touch of high end contemporary residences such as that for H.H Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan and you get the complete picture.
Born and educated in Britain, Paul has an MA in Interior Design/ Architecture from Manchester Metropolitan University, and has a number of awards to this name, including being elected Honorary Associate of the a royal Society of Arts in 1990, and Fellow of the Royal Society at the age of 25. Prior to running his own consultancy, he worked in Dubai as Interior Design Head for KEO International Consultants.
1. Paul, you will be part of the Dubai Ideal Home Show again this year. What are the perceptible changes in the design trends do you see this year compared to last year?
First of all, to be part of the Dubai Ideal Home Show itself is quite an experience for me. During this exciting event I will be co-hosting the Inspiring Ideas Theatre with my honoured colleagues in the industry including interior designers Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Mary Gilliatt, Georgia Kiafi and Gordon Russell, and landscape expert Grant Donald.
Dubai and the region have seen several changes in interior designing and decoration. From high end commercial interiors, hospitality, leisure/ retail through to residential, the design field has gone through several phases for the better. Take for example my latest creations including, Cin Cin, the new wine bar and Café Sushi at The Fairmont. Two Pool bar projects and an exclusive Spa/ Relaxation centre at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the cutting edge retail designs for Franck Muller Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the multi brand flagship stores at the Burjuman Centre.
All these will illustrate that Dubai and the GCC region have come to encompass a wider range of design ideas and philosophies.
2. Could you trace the key developments in interior designing in Dubai and in the Gulf region over the years you have been living here?
Over the years the region has seen various changes in design and decoration both interior and exterior. What was once a simple high-rise with Surface Decoration has given place to a more contemporary aesthetic, an ecletic architectural playground showcasing an assortment of both known and unknown Architects and Designers alike.
While the region has welcomed these design ideas, there are still residences and commercial buildings that exhibit a touch of tradition. Therefore retaining and creating an Equilibrium between the old and the new.
3. Is there anything special that inspires your design ideas? Like the regional culture or something you have experienced or noticed in your life?
Everything I see and experience has inspired me in my design ideas, and continues to do so upon a daily basis and of course the regional culture has had its impact as well. We are continually exposed to changes and shifts in trends through media and fashion. Be it art, music, theatre or film. All are relevant to the creative process and influence in a myriad of ways some not being recognized until further down the line.
4. You have created designs for a broad spectrum of settings – from high end commercial interiors, hospitality, leisure/ retail through to residential. Is there anything else you are planning to try in the near future? Something that you would like to do but haven’t yet done so far?
In design and decoration every project amounts to trying something new, as you are constantly questioning the boundaries of your discipline. I am planning to create a new philosophy and approach in design and how it is delivered, I also have plans to expand and diversify more upon an international stage as I would relish the opportunity to apply my design expertise upon this level and I am positive that I will be able to continuously offer something different.
5. Do you always stick to your design plans or do you give a free reign to your imagination even during the execution stage?
Imagination is applied through the creative conceptualization of the design stage although you at times need to be flexible and quick thinking upon site during the Execution Phase due to unexpected issues.
6. What kind of advice you can give to those aspiring to be designers in this region? Is there anything specific they need to understand before setting out to do the job?
Yes, it is the desire to design and achieve the near-impossible. Design is born out of creativity and vision. Unless you have the desire to create and enjoy what you do, this cannot be accomplished. While external influences can be allowed to a certain degree, only a constant urge to create something new can lend your work credibility and durability.
7. How creative one could be while designing homes/residences, villas or apartments, in this part of the world?
Nowadays with technology coming to the aid of designers, the scope is unlimited. From drawing room to kitchen and the garden, anything can be modified to suit the environs, but what one needs to keep in mind is the requirements of the homeowner, his preferences and his priorities, a lot of things could be achieved within these parameters and of course, there is a big difference in designing when it comes to villas and apartments because of the spatial conditions pertaining to such.
8. Are you planning to offer something different at the Inspiring Ideas Theatre during this year’s Dubai Ideal Home Show?
Yes, a very interactive and informative performance, where the audience participation is paramount. At the Inspiring Ideas Theater in Dubai Ideal Home Show 2006 visitors will also be able to get design tips and suggestions. They will also be able to get an exposure of my works on display.
9. Do you believe such interactive segments(with visitors) at a trade exhibition like the Dubai Ideal Home Show are relevant or useful for the design industry to gauge the pulse of the market and the requirements?
In fact, the interactive segment is one of the most relevant sections of an exhibition. While the benefits could be enormous for other industries, for the design and decoration sector in particular this is quite valuable as we could gauge the pulse of the consumers. Such interaction will give the designers a better picture of the ground realities while dealing with a consumer.
10. Consumer’s preference or market trends – which one do you go for, while designing?
It is striving to obtain a perfect synergy between both. It is necessary for the designer to understand the requirements of the consumer first-hand. This is of the utmost importance while executing a contract but at the same time depending on the professional experience of the designer he/she can always suggest changes where it could be profitable and improve the aesthetic appeal of a locale.
You can visit the Dubai Ideal Home Show 2006 for more such tips. See you all at the show.
Show Profile:
The Ideal Home Show launched in 2005 to a fantastic reception from visitors and exhibitors. Presenting great products and entertaining celebrity presentations, it caught the imagination of the Dubai public and its media. The 2006 show is building upon this successful launch to firmly establish the Ideal Home as an annual consumer event of choice for Dubai’s residents and visitors. Ideal Home provides a ‘one stop shop’ to see the very best that of local companies (retailers) have to offer.
Company profile:
The Messe Frankfurt Dubai team has over 20 year’s experience of organising international trade fairs throughout the world. The successful portfolio of events they organise in Dubai include Intersec,Materials Handling & Logistics, Hardware & Tools, Garden + Landscaping, ISH – Kitchen + Bath,, Light Middle East, Beautyworld Middle East, Wellness & Spas Middle East, Interior Lifestyle Middle East, Hometech Middle East, Automechanika, Dubai Ideal Home Show and the Middle East Toy Fair. Messe Frankfurt is a subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt, the world’s second largest trade fair organiser conducting over 100 events worldwide with 15 subsidiaries across Europe, Asia, America, Africa and the Middle East.
