40 years in design: a retrospective
Looking back over 40 years in the design industry fills me with nostalgia and pride, as well as excitement for the future.
Brought up by parents who owned a gallery and held hearty discussions about art and architecture over the dinner table, it is perhaps unsurprising that I found my passion in the design field. However, I was something of an unlikely candidate, having become a single mum at just 16.
With the support of my family, I was able to study interior design while bringing up my son. Working part time at a restaurant to help make ends meet, I was once told by the manager that I would never amount to anything. Rather than discourage me, this planted a fire in my belly and I was more inspired than ever to forge on with my dream.
As my business grew, I began to show samples from Ballantynes to clients, then passed these jobs onto the department store to quote and supply. This led to a job offer from Ballantynes, which lasted around nine months. The atmosphere there was quite draconian – they even questioned a woman driving the work van! However, I left with contacts and experience, which put me in good stead for the future.
Hands on and full of heart
The early days of Deborah Still Design were fairly analogue, as was the way of the time. There were no accounting packages or design software. I had an old typewriter and I used to paint my own Resene drawdowns to show clients – these days I simply order them online. There were very few interior designers in the country, so there was a tight collegial vibe that I look back on fondly.
In 1994, I was the first interior designer to achieve ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Accreditation. Investing in such credentials and having quality systems allowed me to keep the business side of my work on track, which is where many creatives fall over. It can be difficult to do what you love and get paid properly for it.
Looking back at Timaru Milling Company
This was the first commercial building that I worked on. It must have been the mid 80’s by the look of those computers! It’s always fascinating to see what comes back around on the trend cycle – the monstera indoor plant here, for example.
While I may leave a faint signature on each of my designs, I believe in always creating original work. Over 40 years, I have worked on everything from health clinics and accommodations to retail premises and offices. However, it is the private homes that bring me the most joy – it is such a privilege to work alongside clients and create spaces that reflect their tastes and values. Often, these clients become friends who trust me professionally and personally.
Looking back at Brown’s kitchen
I have a soft spot for this project because it launched me into a 40 year business relationship with my joiner Alan Paterson from Paterson Joinery. We met on this project around 1986 for Client Brown. I used to photograph on a camera, get the photos developed and then take the measurements and make notes from there. How times have changed!
Public spaces are a close second favourite, due to the impact they can have on people. This is especially true of healthcare spaces, which can be the site of much stress and anguish. I hope a safe and nurturing interior will make these experiences a little better for people.
Looking back at Timaru Airport
In the late 80s I was approached to refurbish the Timaru Airport by the Timaru City Council. The 70’s décor would probably attract some admirers today, but it was outdated then. I designed the carpet from scratch and incorporated comfy armchairs made in Christchurch by then local furniture maker, Peter Knox. I have always prioritised local makers. I know they are well made and will last the test of time.
When I sent in my account the city council weren’t keen to pay me, saying “it would be good for PR purposes to design it for free”. I doubt they would have asked that of a male architect.
Good design to me is…
Good design should be seamless and mostly invisible, while bad design will grate on you over time. For me, being a good designer is about problem solving and always learning, whether by facing the challenges of a building project or through more practical tasks, like navigating social media and software.
It is also about drawing inspiration from wherever you can. When I’m out walking in the evenings, I will be thinking about design elements I’ve seen. Watching movies, I will be absorbed by the sets, I often miss the premise of the film! When travelling abroad, I was brought to tears by the art and architecture I saw, especially the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, William Morris in England, and Charles Rennie Macintosh in Scotland.
However, it’s also the simple things. As a young child, I spent a lot of time colouring in, drawing, listening to music and playing with my cats. These humble pastimes still bring me pleasure and create the foundations for my life as a designer. I’m inspired by nature’s resilience and the colour combinations it comes up with. I stay curious about the changing world and the lives of the people and creatures around me. With this passion alive in me, I hope to be designing until my last breath.
What’s next?
I’m fortunate that interior design is centred around knowledge and relationships, meaning it’s something I can do for another two decades if I choose to. While I might not be hauling furniture around to stage a space or moving rolls of fabric forever, I know that I can continue providing an excellent design service to my valued clients.
That’s because to be a good designer you need to enjoy problem solving. Every day presents a challenge of some sort, whether it's on a building project or learning to navigate social media and software. The truth is, I relish the opportunity to learn anything new!
I’m often asked about the threat of AI to design in general, and to be honest, I’m not scared of it. In fact, I see the possibilities it presents. New software and intelligences can help designers convey our thoughts and concepts to our clients more readily. In saying that, I think the face-to-face element of interior design will remain. There’s nothing yet that can replace a real-life experience of colour or textures – people still want to feel the possibilities for their homes and spaces.
Need an experienced eye?
When clients bring me in early to cast an eye over a project, I can save them time and money, while ensuring they get the best quality finish for their budget.
