Outdoor Designs
of true craftspeople whose pieces are designed to
last a generation. We really wanted to demonstrate
this in the garden by showcasing investment pieces
that are the antithesis of the old throwaway culture.
The brass of the Minotti chairs also perfectly
complimented the lights and the brass we used
in our structures and water features. We particularly
wanted to use Brass as it is an infinitely
recyclable material.”
Tell us about your approach and your
decision-making for this installation.
Lucy: “Having worked with Minotti London for
many years on my own interior projects, I hugely
value the high standards and attention to detail
that they maintain in every aspect of their business
of designing, making and supplying furniture of
supreme quality. Such values very much reflect
my design principles and those of Chris in his work
in garden design. So they were a natural fit to
contribute for both years.
“A key focus to Chris’ garden was managing
resources more sensitively, which included being
the first to use all electric diggers on site! This led
me to source the recycled plastic rug from
Tim Page carpets, which stylishly softened the
second pod creating a reflective space perfectly
suited to quiet contemplation, meditation or even
yoga practice.
“Tom Faulkner is a true creative and I have admired
his work for many years. I instantly thought of
his Ava dining table, which subtly enhanced the
garden’s linear and circular themes. It was very
pleasing to see Chris and Tom’s collaboration
evolve creating three dazzling pieces, which
perfectly complemented Minotti London’s furniture,
Cameron Design House’ lighting installations and
Benjamin Raymond’s feature wall.”
How do your furniture decisions differ for a project
like this, in comparison to an interior design brief?
Anke: “In principle the furniture decisions for this
kind of project do not really differ from an interior
design brief. You look at the overall design plan
and brief and select the pieces accordingly, making
sure they totally complement the surroundings
where they are placed without taking the limelight.
“The choice of the Aston cord outdoor dining
chairs came about because of their shape and use
of materials; the chairs added an extra texture to
the garden. The Colette metal frame chairs were
selected as they are quite sculptural and repeated
some of the shapes used in the garden structures.
Always noticeable, but not distracting from the
garden itself.”
How did you fit into the process
as an interior designer?
Lucy: “Back in August 2018, while having a catch-up
lunch with Chris’ Project Manager, Frances, it came
as a wonderful surprise when she announced that
they would like to once again commission me to
source furniture and soft furnishings while providing
advice collaboratively on interior finishes for the
contemporary relaxation pods in their 2019 garden.
She showed me a stunning watercolour visual and
outlined the brief for the garden, which depicted
a formal linear terrace at the front punctuated by
large topiary domes and a pathway leading in a
circular route through rich herbaceous borders
demonstrating the circular pathways needed for
materials in today’s world, finally arriving at two
contemporary pods designed to offer a tranquil
space for relaxation and reflection.
“We went to trade shows to pick up on the very
latest innovative techniques and materials where
I introduced Benjamin Raymond’s thoughtfully
exciting work. It was he who went on to create
the much admired pod feature wall.
“Throughout the year, the project evolved into
a most natural collaboration visiting artisan
workshops and finalising designs and finishes.”Did you have a go-to list of suppliers
you knew you wanted to use or did that
develop as part of the design process?
Lucy: “As a designer, it is important to have your
‘little black book’ of suppliers who are tried and
tested, particularly as I was entrusted to source
and help install these pieces to complement Chris’
garden. It is also important on projects of this
nature for them to evolve with a flexible approach
during the design process to achieve the best
possible outcome. I knew exactly who to bring on
board and I am delighted to say that all supplierswent above and beyond my expectations!”How can the garden design industry better
utilise the work of interior and furniture
designers for future collaborations?
Chris: “We want to blur the boundaries between
internal and external and allow people to
feel more connected and engaged with their
outdoor environment. Which is why working with
architectural interior designers such as Lucy,
architects, and furniture makers such as Minotti
is so rewarding because we can work from
the beginning of a projects life to help create a
cohesive and fluid interior and exterior scheme
for our clients.”Do you feel that the furniture industry
as a whole is well connected between
interior and exterior projects or is there more
opportunity that has yet to be tapped into?
Anke: “That line between in and outdoor is
blurring. People are using their outdoor spaces more
and more. In cities we are noticing that roof terraces/
gardens are becoming more and more popular,
both domestically and in hospitality and offices. The
furniture market has been adapting to this trend for a
few years now by producing some beautiful outdoor
furniture, which looks equally good outside or inside.
Often you cannot tell the difference.”minottilondon.com
http://www.studioclarkandco.com
http://www.chrisbeardshaw.com