The Interior Awards have been running for 10 years now. What has been one interior space that has inspired or impressed you over the last decade?

Mike: Each winner over the previous decade is a great testament to the strength of New Zealand design. Amongst many favourites, I would say Amano stands out as capturing that perfect balance of formality and comfort, exotic yet familiar. The fact that the restaurant is still bustling, years on, shows how investing in a quality interior, combined with a great food offering, is good business.

New Zealanders have been exploring their own backyard this year. What is a spot that you discovered (or rediscovered) here in Aotearoa this year? 

Andrew: We have spent some time this summer up in the Bay of Islands – somewhere we have never spent any time before. I absolutely loved it. Amazing water, amazing beaches and plenty of things to do. If you haven’t been, get there!

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

Richard: I became a father last year, which was a huge high in a disrupted year. There are so many new skills I am learning day-by-day that all come with having a new baby. It’s amazing to see how much she has grown already and how the focus of my life has changed.

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

Andrew: I’m not normally one for TV shows but I started the Netflix series Line of Duty, which is based on the anti-corruption department of the British police. It’s a great series, which is highly addictive. I managed to watch all five seasons over three weeks.

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