Build Architecture Awards

Build Architecture Awards 2015 88 Pascoe Interiors is dedicated to proving sustainable interior design solutions in their signature mid-centu- ry contemporary style. Clare Pascoe talks us through what has driven the firm to win this highly prized award, giving us an insight into the firm’s ethos and where they take their inspiration. First of all, how does it feel to have been awarded ‘Recognised Leader in Interior Design - West Sussex, UK’? What do you believe are the reasons behind your success? It feels great to be awarded such a prestigious title. We’ve been shortlisted or finalist in awards before, so it feels amazing to have won. It seems clear to me that Build shares our drive for sustainability, as Sustainable De- sign is one of our key USPs, so while we hope our design style and ability is also part of the reason, perhaps our self-imposed Sustainable Design policy sealed our victory. Please give us a brief overview of Pascoe Interiors Ltd, your clients and the services you offer. Pascoe Interiors delivers Sustainable interior design solutions in our signature mid-century contemporary style. While we have amassed most experience working on private homes, we have also been lucky enough to work on various commercial projects including pubs, investment properties, offices and a café. We adapt our style to suit the people and their environment, giving each project a distinct character. Attention to detail is key, as is clear communication and offering a practical human contact for the clients throughout what can be a stressful time. Our aim is to engage our clients so they enjoy the project while ensuring that the onsite team have all the information and support from us that they also require. What is the inspiration behind your work and what factors influence your designs? Ethically we feel very strongly that we should protect resources, respect our environment and focus on a better future; and believe we can achieve this wholesome living while still surrounding ourselves with inspiring, beautiful Interiors. We focus on responsible sourcing, which is not simply about buying eco or fair trade – that’s a good start, but it won’t deliver all a project needs for fine balance. We ask clients to separate their needs from their wants, so we can be sure we deliver their needs without fail, then focus on sourcing the items they love without compromise; compro- mising would lead to a temporary fix which ul- timately increases waste and cost. By delaying some purchases, we can ensure clients have what they really want. It may take longer, but the end result is more than worth it! Aesthetically - a love for mid-century furniture is what drives us, in addition to other influ- ences such as the Scandinavian way of life and design ethos; the qualities of Nordic light and simple luxuries. These aspects are what Pascoe Interiors mid-century contemporary style is all about. We see nothing wrong with buying something outrageous for a clients’ home if we know they will love it, and get happiness from it, for many years to come. Delivering happiness makes us thrive – in this way we ‘sustain’ our clients wellbeing. Technically, I draw upon my design engi- neering degree and familial links to emerging technologies to understand and adopt new Recognised Leader in Interior Design - UK Pascoe Interiors Ltd Company: PASCOE INTERIORS LTD Name: CLARE PASCOE Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.pascoeinteriors.com Address: Pascoe Interiors Ltd, Unit 4 Woodhorn Business Centre, Woodhorn Lane, Oving, West Sussex, PO20 2BX Telephone: 01243 781118 technologies into client homes. Smart Home technology and low energy solutions are two excellent ways that clients can control and reduce their power consumption. Pascoe Interiors also champion the best of British manufacturing, as we are conscious that the UK has lost so many industries and seen skills move abroad, that we are all too aware that if you don’t use it, you lose it. We still have historical mills weaving wonderful fabrics and a wealth of home grown talent in a wide array of British Designer Makers, and we love reaching out to all these people and including them in our designs. When working in an industry that is constantly evolving, how do you ensure that you are up to speed with the current zeitgeist as well as any emerging trends in your industry? It is not our aim to design interiors that meet current trends, but by nature of being ex- posed to the industry you naturally stay aware of what is currently en vogue. I personally have been invited to write articles on Interiors Trend Predictions in the Interiors trade press for a number of years, so as a company we are able to design interiors that are ahead of trends, or trend setting. Equally we work in classic elements from design eras which have proven their design kudos and credentials by lasting the test of time – a typical example is our use of mid-century furniture. If you use beautiful pieces from any era, and get the col- our palettes and lighting right, then the interior will look beautiful no matter what is currently in trend. It’s all about being timeless. What makes your firm unique? How do you distinguish yourselves from your competitors and present yourselves as the best option for your clients? It takes some years of experience for clients to come to a firm for their ‘style’. New design- ers have to adapt to deliver the style a client wants or whatever is de rigour at the time. I