Build September 2016

Build Magazine 46 Born and raised in Germany, Petra Richards has travelled the world extensively for many years, all the while developing her passion for interior design. Long before she settled – for now – in Denver, Colorado, she began her studies in the discipline whilst living in London, MILAN BARCELONA AND NYC her subsequent work has led her back to Barcelona, the South of France, Palm Desert, New York City, Los Angeles, Aspen, Vail and her native Germany. Now based out of the ‘Mile-High City’, Petra has been expanding her portfolio by partnering her instinct and high sense of sensibility with a close sense of camaraderie with her clients and partners. like to take on a project from the ground up,” she begins, “in close teamwork with the client, builder and architect - following it through the whole design process starting with the space planning aspect to the material specifications, all the furniture selections, accessorizing as well as art consulting. On occasion, I’m seeing a project through all the way - including a toothbrush and a decorated Christmas tree…” According to Petra, inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Petra’s extensive knowledge of different styles and her willingness to experiment with ideas make her ably suited to making full use of a space, and to bringing out the best possible result from her surroundings. In spite of her natural flair for interior design, and evident love AND PASSION for her craft, Petra is humble in attributing her success down to good fortune. “Being in the right place at the right time has perhaps been the key to my success. My life is design and traveling, so I am in constant search for beautiful things. “Beautiful, detailed craftsmanship is essential for a home to stand the test of time.” Petra’s extensive portfolio has seen her bring a new and extraordinary life to interior spaces, in a way that other interior designers would never have fathomed. There is a clear balance at work in her designs, delicately complimenting tastefully decadent styles with bold new directions and materials. While some of her projects seem steeped in modernity, with bright splashes of colour and contrasting schemes dominating an interior, other examples offer a more balanced, yet no less radiant tone. To Petra, the key to her designs is in the willingness to realise an opportunity when it is there. Her message to all interior designers, past and present, strikes a remarkable tone as a life lesson. “Always walk around with your eyes open and be on the hunt for new things,” she proclaims. “It is important to absorb all the visual material you can get your hands and eyes on. You must keep yourself informed of all that is happening in the industry. Most of all, it is essential to discover your client’s vision, in order to bring them the perfect selections and solutions. “Most of all, don’t take design so seriously; have fun with it! “The aim is always to create a space that makes the client feel at home. A big smile on my client’s face is the biggest reward for me, especially after traveling through – and surviving – a lengthy process together.” Based on this ideal, Petra has been able to realise unique visions to fulfil a range of design purposes. From velvet furniture in well-appointed dining rooms, to roaring hearths in a lounge, to ultra-modern four- post beds spacious, grandiose bedrooms, Petra has always sought to introduce a certain quirkiness to her design that lingers like a signature. “I’ve had many successful projects,” she comments simply. “I feel so grateful for the opportunity to work with an array of clients, giving me the ability to learn so much along the way. The challenges and discoveries are different with each project.” Aesthetics in interior design are, of course, constantly changing and evolving, especially as the tastes of Petra’s clients continue to fluctuate; however, Petra has identified that classic principals still prevail. There will always be room for a chandelier in the sitting room, for an ornate wooden sitting table in the bathroom, for the sun lounger in the master bedroom. Bringing the World into Clients’ Homes “I Balancing out this classic décor with more modern amenities is also made especially easy – Petra recognises the impact that technology has upon her work and her industry at large. “Technology has really changed the way in which my projects are executed,” she explores. “I cope by outsourcing the more technical aspects, which means that I can focus on the most important things – the very personal interactions and the actual process of creating and realising the vision, these are the most important things to me.” Lending further weight to her ideas, Petra points towards her innate ability to communicate with her clients, and gain a full understanding of their own desires and the space in which she will be working. “I focus on building a relationship with the client and their space so I can make sure I understand their needs and desires. getting a feel of their spaces is essential to my creativity in every given project. The relationship with the client is the foundation of a project, and the follow-through determines their happiness and your reputation. Casting observations on the wider industry, Petra comments upon the prospect of attracting a clientele with a heightened awareness for interior design, to match her own passion and extensive knowledge. “It is a strong industry currently,” she says, “especially for designers that have access to a high-end, design- oriented clientele, which I believe is particular to the United States and England.” While petra lives in Denver, she still calls Europe her home – the world is her backyard, so she will always have one eye searching the wider world for opportunities to explore and bring back something new. As such, again and again, Petra feels the need to escape from Colorado, and refresh her world view in order to further enhance her next batch of projects. Interior Design & Decorating