Deirdre Renniers‘ career began following her interior design studies at the University of Johannesburg. After gaining experience in the London office of RHWL Architects. Two years later she relocated to Singapore to take up a position with renowned architect, Kerry Hill, where she had the opportunity to work on prestigious hospitality projects.
In 2001, Deirdre set up her own studio in Singapore and has since competed various hospitality, restaurant, and residential projects. Deirdre and her team have also collaborated with leading branding companies on large scale retail and corporate projects such as Thai Airways International and The Singapore Exchange (SGX).
Deirdre‘s creative experience in a variety of interior design disciplines, countries and cultures has enabled a philosophy of design integrity and cultural sensitivity. Her approach is multidisciplinary and covers all aspects of a project, from architecture and interior design to furniture, product, and graphic design. Her focus is a holistic and simplistic design philosophy.
Deirdre’s passion for delivering an amazing yet meaningful customer experience through interior environments has Taken her into airport lounges and as far as exotic tea plantations.
Deirdre won already several awards for some of their projects: Shangri-La Chi Spa– Baccarat Asia spa Awards 2005 for Urban Spa of the Year and Spa Interior of the Year; Shiraz Persian Restaurant, Singapore Tatler Awards 2007, 2008, & 2009 – Singapore’s Best Restaurants, and Singapore Business Review Top 50 Restaurant Awards 2009 – Top 50 Ranking, Tea Trails – Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice 2009 Awards Winner of Best Hidden Gems, Asia & Best All-Inclusive, World, and Conde Nast Traveller Hot List 2006 for Best New Hotels in the World.
Asian Interior Design have met with Deirdre Renniers to an exclusive interview! The Top Interior Designer Deidre Renniers talks about his career and her journey, as well as about some personal preferences.
Simplicity – I love the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi which basically represents simplicity, modesty, intimacy and integrity of natural objects and processes. I think if design is honest then it is beautiful.
Simplistic but not minimalist. I love the Asian aesthetic, and tropical modernism.
I love working on projects with architects and/or developers who deeply understand design and who believe in integrity rather than budget. I have worked on high-end hospitality projects in Asia where the team has been incredibly professional with understanding of where the designer is coming from, and we are therefore able to execute the design perfectly. I am currently working on a yacht which will be used for high end charters in Indonesia. Because of the constraints, it is a very challenging but exciting project. I love designing spas as the design can be quite theatrical and magical as a specific mood needs to be created. I also love working with lighting designers who can bring the projects to life in the most amazing way.
How about product design? Tell us a bit about the objects you design?
I only design products for my interior projects. Sometimes we can’t source what we are looking for so it needs to be designed and custom made. I do believe that product and furniture design is more challenging than environmental design. A well-know architect who is also a product designer once said that it is harder to design a chair than a building.
Neutral – always neutral and natural tones. I tend to substitute texture for colour, unless I am working on a corporate project where colour is part of the corporate identity. For furniture, a combination of contemporary classics and traditional furniture works beautifully.
Actually, I wouldn’t know. I tend not to follow trends. I do probably pick up trends subconsciously when browsing magazines on the internet. There are a few designers and architects that I follow, but I wouldn’t call them trend-setting. They are established with unique styles of their own.
Be true to yourself and what you are comfortable living with, keep it simple, get rid of items that are not either useful or beautiful, go easy on colour, use more textures instead, and invest in furniture and art that you love.
I am currently working on a 30m Indonesian traditionally built Phinisi yacht. It’s a beautiful boat and a beautiful project. The client has impeccable taste and designing an interior in such confined and unique spaces is a great challenge. I am working with a wonderful team in a very inspiring location.
Cool, calm, and collected.
Website: Deirdre Renniers Interior Design
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