Getting to Know Your Designer, Week One

Today we will be hearing from Lena Gatti as she talks studio life and the responsibilities of an Interior Designer.

Why did you start your own Interior Design practice?

I fell into residential design during my studies. Originally I was interested in working for a commercial practice and was particularly interested in sustainable design. Towards the end of my studies I was approached by several people to work on the interiors of their homes. I was given several Hampton style projects that required a lot of research and detail. From there the business flourished, from project to project.

What does a normal day in the office look like? Tell us a little about your role as an Interior Designer…

My primary role is technical drafting and specifying products. My day to day would entail managing clients, trades, and liaising with suppliers. I can be in the office for up to 16 hours working solidly on projects day in day out, or I can be on site reviewing and problem solving.

Working as a qualified and technical interior designer is broad in its duties. From drafting cabinetry and plans one minute, to picking tiles or fabrics the next.

In your experience, what is the most common misconception about Interior Design?

That we only decorate. Interior design is about designing the interior. It is a technical role requiring a high skill set, therefore one must be qualified. Interior designers can decorate, but this is an extension of their role, not the primary.

What do you find most enjoyable about practicing Interior Design?

I enjoy getting lost in the zone when I’m drafting and creating concepts. I have the artistic ability to understand how clients want to live in their space and I know how to turn conceptual ideas into reality.

There is no better feeling when you walk into a finished project to see what’s been designed in your head and on paper for so long, come to life. The enjoyment on my clients faces when they see this, often brings absolute pride and emotion.

What are some common challenges you face in your job that you enjoy working through?

Spilling tea on myself while I’m being interviewed… ha ha … every job has a problem solving component whether that be the space we design in, the clients requirements, working within the governed spaces provided to us, and budgets. Product availability for example is one of the most problematic areas we face. Products that are available on the market are sometimes not sufficient in their colour, size or shape. Often images clients put to us are from other countries where we cannot obtain similar tiles or lights for example.

Where do you source your inspiration?

All over. From the internet, travel, attending different buildings, numerous books and magazines I have in the studio… but often throughout the design development stage I might be driving or walking somewhere and I have the ability to think in a 3d brain. Once I’m back in the office I’m quick to get an idea into drawings or down on paper.

What advice would you give to an emerging Interior Designer undertaking university or having just graduated?

Work out what part of design you would be happy to work in whether that be commercial or residential. Research different practices and have an understanding of what they do on a day to day job. Make sure you complete an internship if you can to give you an insight into the realities and expectations of working in a design firm. Revit and drawing skills are highly essential and a thorough understanding of your technical role. It is a tough industry, if you focus on what you’re gifted at in your interviews, you should stand out from the others.

What projects are you currently working on and what is in the pipeline for Gatti Design?

We have significant project in Sydney under construction by the water. If you follow us on Instagram, you would have seen us venture to site, and design from the office for the majority of the project (with great communication with our client.) We have five other significant projects in Brisbane that we are currently working on and finalising. One in particular is a modernist home where we intend to bring interesting cabinetry details and finishes through. As not only do we work on high end homes in the Hampton’s genre with a high attention to detail, we do so for high end modernist homes also. We are currently working with an important association to bring licency of Interior Design to the forefront. This is completely separate for our business but is something that we want to do and give back to the industry.

Have questions? Lets talk! Or stay tuned for week two of ‘Getting to Know Your Designer’…