Interview | Talented David J. Mayer from Whitespace Bangkok – Whitespace is an interior design company situated in Asia that’s known for award-winning work in a variety of disciplines and industries. Whitespace places a high value on connecting with the consumer on an emotional, intellectual, and real-life level because they know that this is a competitive advantage. All of their work, from private dwellings to large-scale retail center interiors, begins with a focus on people. Because spaces are nothing without people, they strive to include their experiences in all of their designs. Whitespace is based in Bangkok and was founded by the talented architect David J. Mayer.
David J. Mayer
Career
How did you get involved in the interior design Industry?
I have a passion for design and would like to know how ideas can develop into things, so I chose to study Interior Architecture at the School of Architecture & Design. Then started my career path as an interior designer in 2003.
How would you describe your work style? Do you have any kind of signatures that help to identify your projects?
Every project has its signature, I was more focused on helping clients bring their needs and what they would like to tell about their brand and products throughout the design.
Being in love with our work is always the key to achieving better results. Are you in love with this job? What do you love most about being an interior designer?
Definitely, this job allows me to use my interests such as design, fashion, beauty, product, people, etc. all together.
What is your philosophy on design and life?
I would use “form follows function”, both in life and design. Not too little and not too much.
Inspiration
Keeping up to date on all the trends is essential for anyone who wants to conquer this market. In what ways do you keep current with new trends?
I always keep my eyes on new trends from design books and websites.
Which major international events do you attend/follow to get the latest novelties?
Dezeen Awards and Design Anthology Awards are my favorite to follow to see many great projects and designers.
How would you describe your personal decorating style?
I would describe it as ‘moderate and appropriate’, and I consider user experiences on everything I put into the design.
All artists need some inspiration to work, and interior designers are artists too. So, what or who really inspires you?
Mostly, I get inspired by people and anything all around me. Even when I’m driving, I often get ideas from what I have seen and what I have been in my daily life.
Inspiration is something that pushes everyone to create unique things. What makes you see the world in a different way?
I think it is my curiosity. I am a person who really likes to explore new things and study my surroundings.
Projects
How important is a perfect chemistry between you and your clients to achieve the best results?
Very important, perfect chemistry between clients creates trust in the designer and connects clients with us. They trust our team to develop a design from our ideas, sometimes from emotions and experiences. Not only trust, but perfect chemistry will give more smoothness in the work process. It is good for both clients and designers.
Choosing the best pieces to compose a project can be the secret to getting the best overall result. Although it seems easy, this is a delicate task and needs full attention on time to execute. Do you have some tips for those who do not know well how to start a challenge like this?
The first step to start every project, we will go on the ‘Discovery Phase’ to study and do research whether on functions, business, target, trend, technology and understand all input from clients’ needs. Then we lay everything together and see what ingredients we need for the project and brainstorm with the studio teams.
Do you think working with teams in interior design is better or worse than working alone? Why
Surely with teams. Everyone has different views and experiences, so it is better to brainstorm from the first step and work together to achieve the best results.
Future
Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about?
I still cannot tell much about it, but it would be one big shopping mall in Thailand. And Whitespace has plenty of new projects to reveal this upcoming year. Please stay connected with us.
Do you have a favorite project or a favorite story about one of your projects?
“Upperground” is one of my favorite projects, a fashion multi-brand store in Central World, Bangkok. I like retail design techniques and features in this store renovation project that enhance the brand’s identity and utilize the space, we use moveable fixtures to display the sneakers, appearances, and accessories in the store. Also, the project working process was fun and challenging.
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