Name: Manel Daetz
What you do:
Creative Director at Henry Corbett & Co. It involves an holistic approach to design from Architectural planning through to Interior Styling. Designing beautiful furniture pieces, stunning kitchens and interiors for clients is so rewarding.
Your latest project:
The most exciting project I have embarked on recently is the design of the Henry Corbett & Co.’s flagship boutique in Woollahra. We have just opened our doors to the public and have been so overwhelmed by the excited responses to the selection of pieces available.
Who are three people that inspire/excite you:
I have been inspired by people from pages in old books to trail blazers that open my mind to different ways of creating for now and the future. These are just a few of the many that have shaped and inspired me.
1) Coco Chanel her elegance is the rule book for design.
2) Architect Geoffrey Bawa his organic design style is timeless.
3) My amazing partner, his consistency and feats of strength inspire me and the people who meet him every day.
What is your favourite…
Car/bike/plane/boat model: Koenigsegg cars, loved that episode of Top Gear & Papillonaire Bicycles are absolutely phenomenal. The attention to detail and unique approach to design is completely inspiring.
Chair model: The humble ‘Tree Stump’ we have all taken a seat as children and loved the sense of being connected to nature, and of course Philippe Starck’s Ghost Chair.
Residential space: Geoffrey Bawa, Number 11 Colombo residence he’s work, lifestyle and holistic design philosophy is remarkable.
Commercial space: Wolgan Valley Resort, Project Architect Dominic Bennett did an amazing job and I love the serenity that the architecture creates.
Decorative product: My chunky wooden bracelet from Paro Paro love her designs and the natural elements that she uses to create her pieces with.
Functional product: The Henry Corbett & Co. “City Light Sofa” it really is special with its natural timber base and duck feather insert you can just feel yourself floating on it.
Handmade good: Sawkille & Co. Trestle table is hand carved with inlayed brass detail it takes tables to a whole new level absolutely beyond beautiful.
Mass-produced good: Alvar Aalto vase it’s such a gorgeous shape.
Meal: The simple Rocket and Pear salad with a few toasted walnuts. Yummmie
Restaurant: I Love Chiswick’s on Ocean Street in Woollahra.
Drink: Chiswick Mule is a special treat.
Bar: I do adore the décor at Eau de Vie
Item in your studio: My scented candles, it’s great to work in a place that is gently fragrant.
Piece of technology: The TV so I can watch Professor Brian Cox’s “Wonders of the Universe” love that series.
Historical figure: Has to be Leonardo Di Vinci from designing to star gazing, the man was a genius his creativity was endless, so inspiring.
Vice: Macadamia Chocolate in any form, little squares, chocolate bars, cakes mixes, brownies I could keep going on it is sooooo hard to resist.
Virtue: Pay it forward; loved the movie and try to live by the philosophy.
What does the term ‘Design Hunter’ mean to you? Uncovering a piece that can sometimes be found in the most unlikely places and seeing beauty in all its forms.