As a proud partner of Material Lab, based on Great Titchfield Street, London, we were excited to learn there is a new studio manager joining the team.
Responsible for running the day-to-day operations at the studio, Sam joins from a buying role at Wickes, where he specialised in flooring, and then paint. When it comes to colour trends, he tells us he’s the man. We sat down with Sam to find out more about his experience, top trends and plans for Material Lab going forward. Here’s what he had to say...
What better way to start than remind the architecture and design community why they should take time out to visit?
“Because I’ll make you coffee and we can have a chat?! In all seriousness, I’m focused wholeheartedly on continuing Material Lab’s legacy as a creative hub for interior design.
“And a key part of that involves you, the person reading this! Our open door policy means you can come and visit us anytime that suits. Collaborate, explore what other designers are doing and talk about your projects and the materials you’re using.
“We offer a wide variety of samples from our partners, so there’s always something new and cutting-edge to specify. Just last month, we updated Karndean’s collection with its new concrete inspired Karndean LooseLay designs and extended its Van Gogh colourways with smoky hues and pastel greys. There’s always something new to explore.”
Above image features Light Distressed Oak VGW111T
What’s your favourite thing about Material Lab?
“Apart from the location – we’re slap bang in the middle of London – my favourite thing is when a client comes into Material Lab with only a vague, limited description of the material or scheme they want to achieve, and leaves with a product they didn’t even know existed but is exactly what they’re after!”
Do you have a favourite material?
“My favourite material is by the trailblazing Smile Plastics, which transforms waste materials into unique decorative panels for the architecture and design sector. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of upcycling!?”
What’s your favourite trend of 2019/20?
“Colour. Following some of the pared back, more muted tones we’ve seen filtering through interiors in recent years, I am excited by the emergence of more striking, brighter and lighter tones that signal optimism and hope. I have always been a fan of using colour to evoke positive emotional responses.
Is there one particular up-and-coming designer that people should keep an eye out for?
“Atticus Durnell is an up-and-coming designer already making waves in the industry. He is an award-winning industrial designer and maker who is curious by nature and believes difficulties are just ‘unseen opportunities’. He’s passionate about creating remarkable objects that meet our daily needs, focusing on the creation of sustainable materials.
“Atticus’s start-up, That’s Caffeine, is inspired by the notion that designers hold some responsibility for the future of our planet, and aims to have a global impact on future energy and waste reduction.”
Now you’ve gotten to know Sam a little better, why not pop into the studio and put a face to a name? Material Lab is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5.30pm with no appointment necessary.