Interview with David Collins Studio

How has travel shaped your work?

Travel has made me a practical designer. I obsess now over practicality and efficiency. It has also opened my mind to new ideas, new ways of approaching the creative process, and exposed me to incredibly talented people who are hugely inspiring.

Is it important for you that interiors reflect their locale?

I want to wake up knowing which country I am in. I want the personality of a region and culture to come through in the design. We achieved this at Delaire Graff Estate by working with local artisans, craftspeople and artists, incorporating their art and objects, and layering colours and textures that we felt represented the location. We never imitate or theme an interior. We take inspiration from the environment and reinterpret this into the vision and DNA of the project.

What inspires you most about South Africa?

I adore the textures. The texture of the land, the hand-worked feeling in the art and crafts, the texture in the colour… Also, there is a very special quality of light here. For me, that’s very unique to South Africa.

How would you describe your style?

My style is tailored to the projects. I am very adaptive, collaborative and responsive. I would say that my overriding look is determined by my desire for timelessness — designs that do not reflect a particular time but do reflect a place. My designs will always take inspiration from the building, the location, the cuisine, the landscape and, most importantly, the people. The David Collins Studio look is layered and textured, exuding craftsmanship, playing with whimsy, yet feeling resolved and ordered in a British way. I like to think that our designs are approachable yet luxurious, simple yet detailed, colourful yet calm.

What do you most wish more hotels would get right when it comes to design?

So many hotels get the lighting wrong and try to be too clever. We must remember that a hotel room is basically a bedroom, and should really be lit in a very soft, warm and delicate way to promote relaxation and calm. I also feel that hotel rooms should not challenge you in any way, either through design or operation.