Your name: Andrew Waller
What you do: Interior Architect
Your latest project: A new Graphic Design studio for a long time creative partner – Spring in Alaska
What first inspired you to be a designer? Growing up in the UK there is such a weight of history and diverse architectural styles. I remember as a youngster always being enthralled by the idea of design and working with space.
How/why did you choose the medium/format you work in?
Studying architecture gave me such a fantastic and broad set of skills when it comes to applying design in the real world. I have tended to focus on interior built spaces which allow me to have more control over detail within a project. My particular passion when it comes to interiors would be joinery and how this structures space.
What do you believe the role of design is in the modern world?
You can come at this question from so many different angles – especially when dealing with interiors, which today are much more accessible to everyone through massive media exposure. One could argue the role of a trained designer is more important than ever.
Who are three people that inspire/excite you:
1) The Classics (Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Gerrit Rietveld) – it’s hard to go past these brilliant minds for pure inspiration – I won’t be missing the Power House Museum’s exhibition on Corbusier later this year.
2) Friends and Family
What is your creative philosophy?
When it comes to my work I am not so concerned with applying a standardised ‘Waller Design’ stamp to each project. I approach new jobs with a sensitive understanding of client needs that take on board both the physical and emotional requirements of a space.
What does the term ‘Design Hunter’™ mean to you?
Always keeping your eyes open. Being aware of your environment – you never know when a design solution or idea will present itself!
What is your favourite…
travel destination: Paris
hotel/place to stay: I just returned from Milan and the Salone. We normally stay in a hotel but this time we used AirBnB which was brilliant. I love how it gives you access to stay at a locals place – such a better way to become part of the city.
periodical: InDesign, Domus, Habitus, World of Interiors, Monocle
luxury goods company: Established & Sons
value for money company: Thonet
design classic: BestLite
new design: ‘Luminous’ table by Glas Italia (Designer Tokujin Yoshioka)
type of chair: This week its …… Walter Knoll’s CUOIO lounge chair
meal: Rain, hail or shine I go to the beach every Sunday morning for breakfast – it’s one of the most superb aspects of living here in Sydney.
restaurant: there’s a great pizza place in Bondi I go to it makes the best pizza’s in the world
drink: I’m not a big drinker, I rarely go out to bars, in fact I am a complete hermit. Ha!
gallery/museum: Historic house Villa Necchi – I just recently visited in Milan
item in your studio: my library
artwork: I just recently bought a John Olsen for a job – the colours are stunning.
piece of technology: iPad