What material do you think is under-represented in New Zealand interiors? 

Melanie McDaid (MM): Linoleum flooring. Natural linoleum or Marmoleum is bio-based (linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, tree resins, ground limestone, jute backing), highly durable, non-toxic, anti-microbial, easy to maintain and often contains recycled content. Sadly, linoleum has largely been replaced as a floor covering by polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is often colloquially, but incorrectly, called linoleum or lino.

Used in a considered way, linoleum is amazing in retail space. When I did the Opening Ceremony store in London, we specified a number of colours from a classic Forbo range. It was so economical and had the most wonderful texture and glitter through it. We designed a bespoke, geometric flooring pattern that worked with the original building shape, and it was magical.

What is your favourite New Zealand commercial interior and why do you think it works well?

MM: I’m really enjoying the various commercial spaces of the ongoing mixed-use development at Hobsonville Point called Catalina Bay, which are housed within the existing historic RNZAF buildings. I am interested in imaginative and innovative, high-quality reuse of existing buildings, and I am excited to see the adaptive reuse of these spaces, including the Little Creatures micro-brewery under construction in an existing hangar building; Cheshire’s Catalina Workshops; and Walker Mitchell’s Fabric Café, run out of the old wing fabrication room. The spaces feel restful and when I am there; they make me want to stay.  

What interiors or architecture related book are you reading at the moment?

MM: I have a mountain of architectural and design books in my studio, collected here and from all over the world (including some family heirloom, first-edition New Zealand and Australian house building books). The book I pull from the shelf most often, though, is my Architect’s Pocket Book (Routledge Pocket Books by Jonathan Hetreed, Ann Ross and Charlotte Baden-Powell).

It is a lovely size and brings together a wealth of useful information that architects need on a daily basis, whether on-site or in the studio. The regulations, standards and sources are more relevant to the UK, but I have personalized it over the years with scribbles, New Zealand conversions and extra print-outs tacked onto the pages. I would be lost without it!

What music are you likely to be listening to while selecting the finalists for the Interior Awards?

MM: My life is pretty hectic at the moment, raising a family and managing Sloane & Peach. So, if I am honest, when I am working I like (need!) quiet. However, I have always listened to classical music when I need focus and gain creative inspiration, so I think I may tune in to Radio New Zealand’s Concert station to chill out.

What advice would you give to this year’s entrants?

MM: Enjoy and revel in your entries, and celebrate all the hard work and lost sleep and dreaming that went into them. It’s time to celebrate your work now, regardless of whether it wins or not. In terms of designs going forward, I think we all could benefit from increasing our consideration of comfort, ease of use and accessibility. 

See the key dates for the 2019 Interior Awards here, and get your entries ready to submit beginning 5 February.

interiorawards.co.nz