1. MSquared-a design ethos based on ideas
MSquared, I came to understand, uses a fairly
consistent and robust design process to arrive
at exciting ideas. I have come to know that
in Thailand, interior design can have various
interpretations including the idea that it is simply
decoration. The process of choosing FF& E, the
furniture, fixtures and equipment that some
novices out there consider the whole process, is
what a professional designer will simply consider
the final 10 % of the process that takes clients from
initial concept, through design development and
into the blueprint process. Good and thoughtful
interior designers work closely with architects
to provide a smooth and thoughtful process
throughout the project design.
Recently I visited the offices of MSquared, a young interior design practice
based in Phuket. I am always interested in seeing and speaking with new
talent, understanding what is being designed and where
interesting new ideas come from.
What always intrigues me is how ideas are
conceived and how they evolve. I met the
principals of MSquared and soon become focused
on one fascinating project in particular. The
design came out of their understanding of the
uses for the soon to be built building, a dialog of
discovery that had significant emotional responses
attached to it. As that dialog evolved, a meaning,
a reality became evident and the project began
after deeper understanding to represent itself as
the“history of the location”. It reminded me of
palimpsest, the ancient concept of canvases being
reused with some spirit of previous work remaining
and affecting the new work. The designers in this
case thought deeply about the nature of the place,
the uses and spirit of what had come before influencing the new and the
now. It became clear that this project would become memorably, simple and
remarkable all at once, just like the site and its history. I could not wait to know
more and soon enough see the finished project.
Interior designers with ability to draw often work with hand sketches,
including MSquared who use the process to get more out of the client and
more thought into the design by creating an iterative process for everyone’s
benefit. The client in this way can see their concepts combined with the
designer’s splashing out on the paper in front of them. This is in stark contrast
to the frustration a client feels when working with a designer who completely
ignores their wishes and vision. The process that MSquared go through avoids
this common pitfall by allowing a living and evolving sketch to guide the
process as they brainstorm. Once the ideas have been clearly identified by all
parties, the designers go back to their office, develop their ideas, refine them
and return to present the next phase where moods, concepts and generic
details begin to present themselves. What a fun and creative process!
As I watched ideas become something more concrete in front of me, I
realized the“History of the Place”project would be special. The concept was
fascinating, in one section of the project, the concept of lily pads became
a spa, smaller pods conceptually floating on blue azure pools. In another
section, the idea of rice grains that surely had been eaten on that spot for
millennia came to present the shape and direction of fine dining for the
project. In yet another, the massage area was influenced by local flowers
which bloomed just nearby and finally in another area, the fishing equipment
that local have been using there for ages and ages became the concept
behind some of the soft furnishing and draperies. With all these evocative
influences, it became clear why there was so much passion for this project
between owners and designers, and truly for me as well, an observer from afar.
WORDS: MICHAEL EARLE
I cannot wait to return and report on the
completion of this project in all its creative
forms. I hope this write up can help us better
understand how talented and professional
designers work and that we should expect the
best from them.
Interior.MSquared
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