The Interior Awards have been running for a decade now. What is an interior project that you’ve been inspired by over the decade – domestic or international?

Kelly: My favourite project is the St. Andrews College Centennial Chapel in Christchurch. It includes both the use of Décortech and Trespa, so perhaps I may be a little biased. The Christchurch earthquakes damaged the original Chapel but the architects decided to salvage and incorporate many building materials to use as features within the new design. The interior is really quite phenomenal. From the dark, rough-sawn timber walls and brick to the lighter American White Oak ceiling. The whole space feels very natural and earthy, which is offset by the folded-glass screen to the south. A truly fantastic space. 

In this last year of New Zealanders exploring our country, what was your favourite spot that you discovered (or rediscovered)? 

Ross: I recently rediscovered the natural beauty of Goat Island, a trip I regularly take with my two sons but one that we haven’t taken in a while. We started off with the traditional visit to Ti Point Reptile Park, followed by a refreshing swim in some of the clearest water I’ve ever been in. A walk to the Marine Centre, listening to my five-year-old’s recurring joke of “There are no goats on this island!”, was followed by a sundown picnic. Good for the soul!

Tell us about one new skill or interest that you’ve acquired over this last year of shifting lockdown levels?

Natalie: I have two kids who both required assistance to complete their schooling via distance education during the lockdowns, so I have acquired newfound levels of patience and gratitude. Patiently waiting for the schools to re-open, and grateful when they did. On a more serious note – I do feel as though my view of the world has changed dramatically. I have more empathy towards those I don’t know, and I have learnt to be truly grateful for everything I have and to stop complaining. We have been blessed here in New Zealand during this Covid pandemic – and I recognise that with a happy heart!

At a time when we’ve all binged TV, books, podcasts and other media, what was your favourite find? 

Natalie: I truly enjoyed The Queen’s Gambit, which is available on Netflix. If you haven’t watched this series, I highly recommend it. It’s an extremely well-told story, showcasing one of the world’s oldest and most intellectual games, chess. Having played chess as a child with my dad, it brought back fond memories of my childhood. But, more than that, it is the story of a girl who had lost everything, who did not have the best childhood, yet persevered, believed and achieved what most privileged could not have – that was inspiring! It makes you think about what you can achieve with just the right attitude.

Meet the rest of the Interior Awards sponsors here. And click here to enter your projects into this year’s Awards.