Q and A / 15
www.sbid.org
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We do regular work with Missoni and once we created these huge 25 foot vases coated in multi-coloured glass mosaics, which had a vibrant pattern that are the signature of Missoni designs
They were incredible. I really enjoy working with creative designers, those that push the limits and those that explore our material to the limits. I get inspired by their energy and hunger to create something that makes you stop and take notice.
SOCIETY: What is the main challenge facing our industry? DH: Ten years ago we developed a green philosophy that remains true to our core values today. Our glass mosaic tiles and agglomerate contain up to 72 per cent post-consumer recycled glass. It is imperative to develop critical thinkers in our industry, designers who understand the ecological impact of their work and manufacturers like us that develop environmentally-friendly products, materials and systems. I would say our greatest challenge, as an industry, is the sustainable use of our planet’s resources. I’m proud of how we are managing that at Trend and Granite Transformations.
SOCIETY: Which part of your working life do you enjoy the most? DH: Being involved in a creative sphere. I enjoy the new colours, materials and design collections coming out of our studios and production facilities. And then seeing how imaginative interior designers use
them for eye-catching environments. On the Trend side, we see many exciting and imaginative applications of our agglomerate and glass mosaic in hotels, retail developments, offices and public spaces. With Granite Transformations, we get involved in lots of televised home makeovers, where we actually install our materials in real time. It’s fascinating to see how celebrity designers utilise our materials in distinctive ways. Our finishing materials have artistic applications too, from gold mosaic tiles adorning works of public art to the custom-made floor mosaic at the Louvre-Lens museum and our agglomerate slab being used as a ‘canvas’ by avant-garde artists.
SOCIETY: Finally, do you have any advice for anyone who is just entering the interiors industry? DH: Overall, the sector will need to recruit more than 90,000 people in the years to 2017 to replace those retiring or leaving, so there is a genuine opportunity for young people to develop a long term career in the industry. It’s an exciting place to work and I’d encourage any young person to reach out to those with experience for help and guidance. Finding a mentor can also be good for one’s career development, no matter what level you’re at - and don’t be shy, ask plenty of questions!
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