We were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with the team from Design Partnership. They have previously worked with us on bespoke projects such as the Meat & Wine Co Bella Vista and multiple other projects where our Designer Jet custom carpet provided the ideal flooring solution for their design brief. Design Partnership specialises in design for behaviour. They have learned that in order to design successful venues, they needed to place predictive human behaviour at the heart of what they do.
Callie van der Merwe, Principal Architect at Design Partnership identifies the critical aspect that flooring plays in his design process and the range of considerations that must be contemplated when selecting a flooring solution for each project to “meet both aesthetic and functional requirements”. He identifies the essential considerations to be design, colour scheme, functionality, safety, acoustics and sustainability.
“In terms of aesthetics, flooring can add visual interest and texture to a room, complementing the overall design style and colour scheme. We carefully consider the design intent and the mood we want to convey, selecting appropriate materials to achieve the desired effect. This may be the use of timber to carpeting, or even paring it back to a raw polished concrete slate if it allows. It really depends on the design intent of the hospitality space we are conceptualising and bringing to life,” says Calvin Janse van Vuuren, Senior Associate at Design Partnership.
Calvin further touches on alternate considerations required when selecting flooring for each individual space and design. Acoustic performance, safety features and sustainable materials are all key points in this consideration. Calvin explains his commitment to sustainability as a designer and how both company operations as well as product materials are considered when looking at sustainability.
On top of the range of considerations for flooring within the design process, Roberto Zambri identifies both ‘functional and aesthetic’ challenges he faces when contemplating the ideal flooring solution for each project. Roberto highlights budget constraints as the most common challenge as a range of price factors must be considered such as materials and installation. Durability is also noted as a ‘crucial consideration’ by Calvin as he highlights the need for the flooring to be able to ‘withstand the demands of the space’ and can cause a challenge when design opportunities are limited by required flooring performance.
Roberto further identifies the increased significance of sustainable considerations within their design process due to the increased importance of sustainability initiatives by clients and further global awareness. Further identifying how this consideration still must meet relevant ‘aesthetic and functional requirements’, they highlight this challenge as being an essential for designers.
Matching functionality of the flooring with design elements
Further challenges that Roberto faces when selecting flooring for his projects is matching functionality of the flooring with other design elements of the space to meet the overall ‘desired aesthetic of the space’. In terms of functionality, the ease of maintenance is one of the highest considerations of a space and can especially determine between soft and hard floor coverings.
Finally, Callie noted his identification in a recent shift of trend within the design space towards ‘biophilic design and pattern-based work’. Speaking to their current international projects, Callie highlights the global increase of these trends.
“For us after doing work here in Australia but also internationally in South Africa, London, Pakistan and UAE, we have noticed that a trend towards more conceptual-based designs in architecture and design is gaining momentum. This is particularly evident in the work of our company, where we focus on developing designs that are tailored to each project's unique story and vision. We believe that this approach is critical to creating spaces that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant."
Custom carpet - Endless possibilities
As design becomes more personalised and artistic in expression, the role of customisation of standard products is becoming increasingly important. This customisation allows designers to unlock further design expression, creating unique spaces that stand out in the minds of those who experience them. Our company prioritises this aspect of design, recognising that it is essential to creating distinctive and memorable experiences for our clients and their customers.
“By embracing this, we can create spaces that are more than just functional. We can create spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and delight in those who experience them. Whether it's a retail store, a hotel, or a restaurant, our goal is to create spaces that tell a story and leave a lasting impression. We believe that this is the future of architecture and design and are committed to staying at the forefront of this trend,” concludes Callie.
