Having labored in inside design, structure and product design, Sam has developed a depth of experience in industrial hospitality interiors. Since turning into inventive director at Ctrl Area, he has centered on “pushing the boundaries of design and exploring new inventive frontiers”.
Who do you admire throughout the inside design trade and why?
Sam Griffin (SG): I usually seek advice from New Zealand as slightly island in the midst of nowhere — a spot all of us adore for its isolation. But it’s that very isolation that limits our publicity to, and the availability of, offshore supplies, merchandise, fabricators and factories that in the end form our inside initiatives. Fortuitously, deeply ingrained in our native design and structure trade is a aggressive streak, paired with ingenuity and distinctive expertise, the place we attempt to punch above our weight, even with fewer sources. These are the individuals I love — they’re paving the best way, breaking the foundations, and going above and past to create world-class initiatives. Distinctive design is turning into commonplace right here, and our world status is heating up. It’s a rewarding time to be a part of this ever-developing trade.
What traits do you assume we would see this yr?
Jono Parker, Sarah Grace, Simon Devitt
SG: I get requested this query every now and then, and it actually piques my curiosity. I’d describe a development as a notion of recognition by a bunch of individuals and, on the planet of interiors, it tends to be a preferred phrase. I consider that there are extra traits than ever earlier than, operating in parallel, overlapping, endorsed and appreciated by totally different designers and demographics. The concept of ‘one dimension suits all’ is definitely a factor of the previous — now, inventive authenticity and design innovation take centre stage. Our world is extra built-in than ever earlier than — digitally, culturally and creatively — and our design outputs have gotten extra numerous, pulling references from traits each previous and current, globally and regionally. There’s rather a lot on the horizon to discover and I sit up for seeing fantastic examples of design range and originality within the upcoming awards.
What are you trying ahead to whereas judging the Inside Awards 2025?
SG: Having introduced many initiatives through the years, I’m trying ahead to sitting on the opposite aspect of the desk alongside the great 2025 jury. I’ve at all times admired the significant technique of the Inside Awards, the place entries are first shortlisted after which invited to current face-to-face. Following this comes deep discussions between the jury — every choose bringing a novel background and standpoint — earlier than remaining choices are made. I’m eagerly awaiting the submissions to land, getting the primary glimpse of what has been created over the previous yr, and diving into the small print. What an honour!
Click on right here for extra on the Inside Awards and right here to submit your initiatives to the 2025 Inside Awards earlier than Wednesday 30 April.
