Rina Patel
Published on: 2010-10-21
Rina Patel BIID established Vastu Designs 11 years ago. Based in west London, Rina provides a bespoke design consultancy service to her clients. She specialises in high value luxury residential properties both in the UK and abroad. Rina works closely with her clients to understand their needs so that she can design a unique interior that suits their lifestyle as well as reflecting their personality. She aims to create stylish and elegant interiors whilst ensuring her clients enjoy the design experience by absorbing the headaches that are so often associated with redevelopment work. Working as part of the construction team alongside the architect and building contractor, Rina coordinates the works, handles the project administration and manages the appointed specialists. Clients benefit from her extensive product library and “little black book” of specialist craftsmen. Past residential projects range from city penthouses to period country houses, commercial projects include the Knutsford Suite, a private postnatal care unit at West Hertford Hospital. For more information please visit www.vastu.co.uk
What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started out?
To trust my instincts.
If you would hire an interior designer, what is the first question you would ask them?
I would ask them about the difficult challenges that they have faced on-site and how they managed to resolve them as I believe practical experience is far more valuable than formal qualifications.
Which aspect of your work do you find most challenging?
Changing the perception of interior designer held by some architects and building contractors, particularly those that do not know the difference between an Interior Designer and Interior Decorator.
What do you do when you have a creative block?
I like to work through creative blocks by freely sketching ideas without the restrictions of AutoCad. I also like to spend time researching new products and keeping my product library up-to-date.
The first thing you notice when you enter a room?
The atmosphere and the way the rooms makes me feel. I then start to notice any clever design features and details around the room
What is the strangest thing you have ever done for a client?
An overseas client once asked me to buy, set up and decorate a Christmas tree as his children where due to visit him in his London home. It’s not a particularly strange request, except for the timing, it was Christmas Eve!
Which is your favorite room in your house and why?
My dining room. It’s the most flexible room in the house, whether it’s a lavish dinner party for ten or an intimate dinner for two, it’s always comfortable.
If you could have the project of your dreams, what would it be?
A boutique hotel and restaurant for Heston Blumenthal would be my dream project. I’ve often wondered if his alternative and scientific approach to food could be applied to interior design.
What do you consider to be the most significant design innovation of the past 100 years?
All sustainable energy solutions. I’ve recently installed an air source heat pump and as if by “magic” it uses air to heat my office!
If you could have chosen any other profession what would it be?
I’d be happy as a landscape gardener. If I’m not in the office you’ll find me in the garden.
What was it that most influenced your decision to become a designer?
I decided to make a career out of something I feel passionate about so that it never feels like work.
Which celebrity’s home would you love to design and why?
What a fantastic challenge it would be to marry the two styles of the vintage style icon, Katy Perry and the flamboyant performer, Russell Brand.
This interview is very useful for those who wish to work as an interior designer. There are some principals every interior designer should consider to meet the client needs.
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