Tag: 20 questions

Joining us from the United States, our latest outstanding design intern is Toree Schulte, from North Dakota State University. Welcome, Toree, and we can’t wait to see what work you create with us!

1. What could you not live without?
Music.

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break?
Any new city where I’m able to aimlessly wander and meet new people.

3. Who is your favourite interior designer in the world?
India Mahdavi is one of my many favourites.

4. Where’s your favourite place to visit in the United States?
By far Los Angeles, CA. My sister lives there, and I absolutely love how it’s a city of opportunity, creativity, endless adventures, dreams, diversity, and culture.

5. What do you love about interior design?
I love how interior design encompasses a creative world of free imagination. Designing a built environment that is able to promote healing and evoke varying emotions to the users in the space makes my heart scream.

6. Your favourite gadget or app?
Spotify.

7. What’s on your bucket list?
Wow, a LOT of things but at the top of my list includes climbing to Macchu Picchu in Peru and visiting India during the Holi Festival and seeing the Taj Mahal.

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, creative, & driven.

9. What is your favourite saying?
“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.” – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
More of a quote than a saying, but it’s my favourite. ?

10. What’s your stress reliever?
A night dedicated to Netflix, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and wine.

11. Who would you happily be stranded on a desert island with?
Bear Grylls from Man vs. Wild. I couldn’t survive a day in nature by myself, so I would definitely need a professional.

12. How would you describe your family?
Dysfunctional and weirdly close, but in a good way.

13. Where do you want to be in 5 years time?
Genuinely happy and pursuing what sets my soul on fire – design – wherever that may be.

14. What’s your favourite meal?
Sushi.

15. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
To date my favourite holiday destination would be Cairns, Australia. The coasts and atmosphere are absolutely lovely.

16. Favourite hotel in Fargo?
The Hotel Donaldson (locals call it the HoDo). It’s an iconic historical building in Fargo and contains a lot of character.

17. How would you describe your home town?
Small, charming town with a strong community that loves its American football and tailgating!

18. What’s in your handbag?
My wallet, headphones, a sketchbook and pencil, and around 8 different lipsticks at all times. You never know when you’ll need that perfect shade of nude!

19. What’s your favourite movie?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2018?
Explore new countries and cities, gain cultural fluency, grow more confident and independent, and develop new skills and build upon my resume with my experience at Kingston Lafferty Design.

Margaux joined the KLD team earlier this summer as a Design Intern. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone from Margaux’s arrival in the bright days of summer. And now as the crisp Autumn air arrives, Margaux finishes up her stint with KLD to return home to France.

During her time here Margaux has graced us with her cheerful, can-do attitude and her immense artistic talent. And while goodbye is always tinged with some sadness, we know this young designer is destined for some great things and a very bright future. Ahead of her final day with the team we caught up with Margaux and chatted to her about her love of nature, interiors and of course sketching!

1. What could you not live without?

I could’t live without my sketchbook and a pencil!

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break? 

Anywhere close to the sea, a natural area where I can unwind.

3. Who is your favourite interior designer in the world? 

I think it is Suo Fugimoto, I like that he wants to create a relationship between the interior and exterior.

4. Where’s your favourite place to visit in France? 

Biarritz, its near the sea and the mountains. A small town but very dynamic, it’s a lovely place to be.

5. What do you love about interior design?

I love the ability to create spaces that cater to peoples needs; creating space in order to make life better for everyone.

6. Your favourite gadget or app?

My MP3, for sure ! I love listening to music all the time.

7. What’s on your bucket list? 

To travel around the world!

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words? 

Passionate, curious, attentive.

9. What is your favourite saying? 

Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you.

10. What’s your stress reliever? 

Talking with someone I am close to.

11. Who would you happily be stranded on a desert island with?

My boyfriend!

12. How would you describe your family? 

Kind, funny, and close.

13. Where do you want to be in 5 years time?

In Canada maybe, I’d love to visit this beautiful country!

14. What’s your favourite meal? 

It depends of my mood. But I would not say no to a Chinese meal!

15. Where is your favourite holiday destination? 

An unknown country, to discover somewhere I’ve never been before.

16. Favourite hotel? 

A hotel with a sea view.

17. How would you describe your home town?

Dynamic, artistic and a woodland – a really nice place to live!

18. What’s in your handbag? 

My pencil case, my sketchbook and sunglasses.

19. What’s your favourite movie?

I just love animation, I find it so amazing how some people can produce all this beautiful work! but it’s difficult to pick a favourite… Maybe Moana, because it is about the sea 😉

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2017? 

Find a internship abroad, somewhere I’ve never visited before (maybe Canada?) and draw, draw and draw ! 🙂

Amira has recently joined the KLD team after graduating with a firsts class honours in Interior Architecture from Griffith College. A Syrian-native, Amira’s passion for her homeland pervades her detailed and powerful designs.

The deeply humanistic nature of design is something Amira was struck by early on in her career, and it is one of the main reasons she chose to change her area of study from architecture to interior design. A deep consideration for human behaviours, characteristics and the resulting ability to create spaces with meaning is what ultimately ignited Amira’s passion for the business of interior design. We are delighted to have her on board team KLD and look forward to having her passionate, creative approach on some of our exciting upcoming projects.

1. What could you not live without?

My cat Za’atar (it means thyme in English but you can also just call him Blue).

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break? 

Walking around old Damascus, having an amazing lunch at Naranj restaurant and then getting all the necessary herbs, sweets, antiques and organic natural soaps from the old market.

3. Who would you turn to in a time of need? 

My family and husband, Sufian.

4. Where’s your favourite place to eat in Dublin?

Zakura because I love Sushi. However, I also like Angelina’s and Sophie’s for the atmosphere, interiors and pizza!

5. What do you love about interior design?

I started my education by enrolling in architecture school. However midway through I got an opportunity to work with an amazing interior designer, and that experience was what opened my eyes to this whole different world and then I realised that I loved the interior aspect far more than the architectural one. I enjoy getting into people’s minds, studying their behaviour and customising a design that reflects each client’s personality.  Architecture was more about buildings but a structure would never be completed without the perfect personalised interior to go with it.

6. Your favourite gadget or app?

I spend a lot of time on Instagram which is kind of bad. My excuse would be catching up with friends and family and finding inspiration and discovering new trends.

7. What’s on your bucket list? 

To rebuild my injured country. I am fortunate to work in a field that can have a great impact on future development. Healing people starts with healing their surroundings.

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words? 

Ambitious, hardworking and creative.

9. What’s your favourite style of interiors? 

I have always loved Parisian interiors. I also have a thing for Islamic architecture and all of its intricate detailing.

10. What’s your stress reliever? 

Cuddly movie nights with the hubby and kitty – sleep works as well!

11. Who would you happily be stranded on a desert island with?

Genie of the Lamp.

12. How would you describe your family? 

Divided by science and art. Brought together by love and cats.

13. What would your ideal day out in Dublin consist of? 

A long hike up the mountains.

14. What would be the last meal you’d want to eat? 

Mulukhiyah cooked by my mom. (Jute Mallow or Jew’s Mallow in English)

15. Where is your favourite holiday destination? 

Istanbul! It has history, modern shopping areas, the beach and great weather. Nothing can beat a week spent in there.

16. Favourite hotel? 

I haven’t been there yet but Le Roch Hotel in Paris designed by the true Parisian Sarah Lavoine is one of my favourites.

17. Who is your favourite interior designer?

Designers* India Mahdavi, Joseph Dirand, Patrick Lewis and Studio KO.

18. What’s in your handbag? 

Everything you can think of. You never know when you might need 3 different lipsticks or rose water face mist!

19. What’s your favourite movie? 

The Grand Budapest Hotel, and all other movies directed by Wes Anderson.

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2017? 

To be a part of the amazing team at KLD and go back home for a visit.

The newest member of our team Kendra, joins us all the way from LA! We caught up with Kendra to get to know a little bit more about her…

1. What could you not live without?

I couldn’t live without my 15 year old pup, Emma. She’s an Australian Shepard who loves food, walks, and playing with socks.

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break? 

Going home to San Francisco and bringing a picnic to Dolores Park with my dog and friends.

3. Who would you turn to in a time of need? 

My family. They’re always there to answer my call and give me advice.

4. Where’s your favourite place to eat in San Francisco?

San Francisco is big on food trucks so I love going to Off The Grid, a food truck market that takes place every Friday night. My favorite truck is called Señor Sisig, and has Filipino fusion burritos.

5. What do you love about interior design?

I love how spaces have such a direct influence on experiences and everything from size, colour, and placement can completely change a room.

6. Your favourite gadget or app?

I like SnapChat because it’s a fast and easy way to share little stories with my friends.

7. What’s on your bucket list? 

To open my own restaurant or bar.

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Thoughtful, creative, and passionate.

9. What is your favourite saying?

It’s a simple one, treat people how you want to be treated.

10. What’s your stress reliever?

I’ll always have a soft spot for board games and puzzles.

11. Who would you happily be stranded on a desert island with? 

My best friends.

12. How would you describe your family? 

Loving and extremely supportive.

13. What do you love about Ireland? 

I love how friendly the people are! I also love how a lot of the architecture is a mix of new and old design, and the city has done a really good job of integrating the two.

14. What would be the last meal you’d want to eat? 

Definitely pizza.

15. Favourite country in Europe you’ve visited?

Ireland has my heart!

16. What hotel would you recommend staying in in Los Angeles? 

The Line Hotel because it’s just the right amount of funky and pays close attention to unique detail. It also has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Los Angeles!

17. How would you describe your style?

My style is simple, laid back, and comfortable. I also love wearing fun socks.

18. What’s in your handbag? 

Chapstick, phone, gum, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

19. What’s your favourite movie? 

I’m more into TV shows, like Friends, the Bachelor and Grey’s Anatomy.

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2017?

To make the most of every moment and to take risks!

At KLD, we’re fortunate enough to grace the presence of enthusiastic and creative budding designers, and that’s exactly what the lovely Victoria from the US of A is! Whilst also studying modern Irish literature at DCU, she is undertaking an internship here before heading back to New York to continue her studies. We put her under the spotlight to get to know her more.

1. What could you not live without?

My dog.

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break? 

I would love to go to Morocco and see all of the architecture, like the Saadian Tombs.

3. Who would you turn to in a time of need? 

My mom and my best friend.

4. Where’s your favourite place to eat in New York?

Atlas Cafe.

5. What do you love about interior design?

I love the ability to transform a space and how that transforms people’s attitudes, in turn.

6. Your favourite gadget or app?

Pinterest – I love the DIY projects it has!

7. What’s on your bucket list? 

I want to travel the world and do something to help refugees.

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Creative, patient, and curious.

9. What is your favourite saying?

“I paint flowers so they will not die,” which is right here in Ranelagh!

10. What’s your stress reliever?

Sleep and Netflix.

11. Who would you happily be stranded on a desert island with? 

My best friends.

12. How would you describe your family? 

Big, loving, and funny.

13. What do you love about Ireland? 

I love how kind the people are and all of the pretty parks/spots to see!

14. What would be the last meal you’d want to eat? 

A lot of gelato.

15. Favourite country in Europe you’ve visited?

France.

16. What hotel would you recommend staying in in New York? 

I haven’t stayed in it but I would recommend the Bryant Park Hotel for its beautiful exterior!

17. How would you describe your style?

It ranges from a little bit boho to more edgy.

18. What’s in your handbag? 

A notebook, some pins, chapstick and lipgloss, my iphone, and my coin purse.

19. What’s your favourite movie? 

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2017?

Make more art, go to music festivals, and a road trip to Canada this summer!

Nita joined the KLD team late last year as Office & Accounts Manager. Originally from Brazil, her incredible organisation skills keep us all in line, as well as her can-do attitude which make her the perfect fit for team KLD. Here we get a glimpse into the things important to her after office hours…

1. What could you not live without?

My family. Even though they are living far away now, they are my base, the support I need to keep going.

2. Where would be your ideal weekend break? 

By the sea, by a lake… I love water and it’s relaxing to have a weekend break with water views. However, I also like to be indoors so a weekend at home with friends over for dinner or a late lunch is also ideal.

3. What do you love about Ireland? 

It’s a safe place for everyone, where you can find a friendly face anywhere you go. It’s a happy place where people like to socialise and people are welcoming to anyone from abroad.

4. Where’s your favourite place to eat in Dublin?

I’m back to Dublin less than 6 months and I’m still adapting. I haven’t got out very often and there a lot of restaurant that I intend to go. Nevertheless, I also love food markets and I would suggest a stroll on Saturday’s Temple Bar Food Market. A “pig in the market” crepe and a “healthy kick” juice is an amazing choice for a kind of brunch. I also love Queens of Tarts on Cow’s Lane, the carrot cake is delicious, and The Keoghs Cafe on Trinity Street… both are good places to have a coffee or  brunch even by yourself.

5. What do you love about Interior Design?

The possibility of creating a space that put a smile on your face, a place where you feel comfortable and brings you good energy, a place where you can put a bit of your personality in it. In my home I like to use feng shui and colours. I like moving furniture around to show a different aspect of the rooms each time I have a party or just to play around with it.

6. Where’s your favourite place to visit in the world?

Italy, always Italy!! I loooove the food, the people, the weather, the views. I’ve been there about 10 times already and I intend to go back soon (still need to visit the south). Last time I was there I spent 2 months in Tuscany studying Italian. Meraviglioso !!

7. What’s on your bucket list? 

See the world, having a child, buy a home with water views.

8. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Like the moon!

9. What is your favourite food?

TASTY!! Right now I’m craving for a good barbecue (South Brazilian style).

10. What’s your stress reliever?

Watch series/movies and have some drinks with friends.

11. Describe your home in 3 words? 

Temporary, improving & cosy.

12. How would you describe your family? 

Big & Loud.

I have 5 siblings, 8 nephews/nieces and my parents are still alive (thank God). All together we are 20 people always around the table or in the kitchen cooking something good. I love my family to pieces!

13. What would be your top tip to staying organised? 

Create a place for each and every thing. This makes it easier to stay organised as you will create a habit to have the things back to their place.

14. How would you describe your style?

I don’t really think I have a style. I’m like the moon changing all the time. Sometimes my taste changes during a day. In the morning I’m feeling playful and choose a mix of patterns and in the afternoon I feel like a clown.

15. Favourite hotel in the world?

I always prefer Hostels. I don’t like sharing, I prefer a nice single room or twin if I’m travelling with a friend. But in Hostels I like the possibility of meeting new people and the fun that comes with it. If you’re like me I would suggest the Athenstyle in Athens with an amazing view of the Acropolis or Travellers House in Lisbon, very central and cosy. I also like hostels that are different and unique. There is one on my to do list: The Base Camp in Bonn, Germany. It’s a warehouse full of old restored trailers and campers.

6. Favourite thing about Dublin? 

Dublin is an alive city! No matter the weather people are on the streets, having a pint, a coffee, a laugh. I love that it’s a capital but it looks like a countryside town.

17. Best place in Ireland to visit? 

I haven’t travel much around Ireland. I know just some main sights to see like the Cliff’s of Moher, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry… but one place that I always like to go back and suggest to first time visitors is Glendalough and Powerscourt Gardens. I like the views, the flowers and the peaceful atmosphere.

18. What’s in your handbag? 

Wallet, lipsticks, tissue paper and recycle bags for groceries: I always carry 2 or 3 of them.

19. What’s your favourite movie? 

Impossible to decide. I love movies and I’m a bit eclectic!!

I like old movies like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singing in the Rain, Sound of the Music… I really like old musicals. But I also like all the Marvel movies as well as the Fantasy trilogies and the real life movies like The Pursuit of Happiness, The Pianist and the latest one Hidden Figures. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would recommend it!

20. What’s on your to-do list for 2017?

Be 40 & Fabulous!!