Laid Back Glamour
presents the USA monthly column for ID-DIGEST publication.
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Introduction
Your Name: Nik A Ramli
Job Title: Interior Designer
Where were you educated?
I was educated in the United Kingdom at the De Montfort University in interior design.
What credentials do you hold?
The highest credentials I hold are an MA Interior Design after I have obtained a BA (Hons) Degree at De Montfort University. In the early days of my education in interior design, I have obtained a BTEC Nat Diploma at the Bradford And Ilkely Community College, United Kingdom and a Diploma in Interior Design in Malaysia.
Do you have any professional awards or certificates?
I was a Runner Up for Homes & Gardens Show Interior Design Awards 2005 for Concept For Living magazine in the United Kingdom, public vote.
How many years have you been in the business?
I have been in the Interior Design business for over 15 years.
Do you own your own firm, are a partner in a firm, or work for whom?
I do not own a company unless I could call ‘www.nikaramli.com’ a firm? I have the experienced working with interior design companies in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and the United Kingdom, London for several different projects. Now I am concentrating my creativity in design by doing freelance and contracts work with other firms to build my portfolio.
What made you decide on this profession?
It was only when I was given a fish tank as a birthday gift. I enjoy viewing the aquarium display at the vet / animal hospital and borrowed their ideas and transferred the display by adding my own touches into my aquarium. I began wondering how many other spaces I could transform and I started to observe what my mother was doing, which was rearranging the home display.
The design ambition than took off after that. At school, I have chosen subjects that are related to design. At home I always re-arrange the furniture of the house. My mother will be thrilled with the transformation however at times… (You know what!). Eventually my father paid for my education and I went on to gain my university qualifications.
Who in your profession has influenced you the most?
My mother by observing her changing the layout of the home and my father by his photographs due to his work, he traveled a lot. Also my sisters on how they have dressed the wall with posters of their much love stars. My brother however used to decorate his desk top with lots of interesting objects and pictures. I soon borrowed their ideas and transferred it into my own bedroom.
On the professional level, there are too many to mention from past and present. However I have to mentioned Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Mackintosh. They have achieved international recognition and their innovative style influenced the world. They are the subject of global lecture courses and their names frequently mentioned in the media to date.
What design center do you use?
I do not use design center that often. Good research, forward thinking and ideas from others are important as part of a learning process, what I have observed around me, by reading, through product that I have seen and music that I listen. A visit to places such as bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels or even store visits give me a lot of ideas, thinking how the design works in that environment and how I would create a creative idea that will work for a project of similar brief.
What is your favorite aspect of the business?
Getting to know the clients and bringing their ideas out into reality is one of the best parts of the business. By working on a design brief provided from the clients and helping them through the design and the research process of the project. As a designer, I also learn new ideas from the clients through every discussion we have carried out during our meeting. I also enjoy learning about how each individual clients use their personal spaces. Of course the very best aspect of the business is getting PAID at the end of the design project!
What is your favorite style / medium to work in?
I don't have a favorite style because I do not want to limit myself into a box. However, fresh contemporary, encompasses old, new and elegant touches that focus on statement styling are my style. I love injecting a touch of my own personality, as well as something unexpected into a project, perhaps having an item with sentimental value such as an old toy, photograph or even your very first camera, displayed it in one of your display units. Also I love to work with textured materials and products that you just want to touch and feel, makes use of light, colors, collectables as well as plants and my design signatures is to include a piece of bespoke artwork or furnishing, which I made specifically for each project.
Do you have a favorite color?
Personally I love all colors. But I must say that Red is my favorite. The color of glamour, vibrant, warm and seductive yet danger at the same time! However if the question is regarding to the interior design schemes, it is varies. At the end of the day it all depends on the clients, the brief and budget.
What do you consider to be your area of skill or expertise?
I can tailor to work on a project with the largest and smallest of budgets. I have the ability to create a laid back glamour looks by mixing designer pieces with inexpensive finds that easy to live with and fulfill the client ideas into reality. I’m a good space planner with good attention to detail with a good eye for colour as well as an awareness of good lighting that defines a space and creates different moods. As a designer I am familiar with furniture productions and manufacturer’s business side of it.
Also the media in the United Kingdom have noted that my presentation hand drawings and mood boards as very professional and clear to interpret and the scheme perfectly met the brief and have a good commercial sense and standing out as being quite PR savvy.
What has been your favorite project that you have worked on so far?
All of my projects will be the favorite. However if I have to select one, I must say it will be my property that will be ready at the end of 2009. I have the freedom to design the space as I wish and exploring my own creativity to produce some bespoken furniture. As for the schemes I will produce two concepts, one with my wildest creativity proposal and the other is within budget of course!
Where were you born?
I was born in a hot sunny cultural country called Malaysia.
Where do you call home? How long have you lived there?
United Kingdom is my home now. I have been living here for almost 20 years. However Malaysia remains to be my family home. I am lucky to have two homes.
How would you describe yourself?
Approachable, friendly, easy to get along with, open minded, optimistic and never given up on my dreams. As for career I’m self motivated interior designer with excellent attention to detail, well thought out space planning and presentation technique, good communication skills and open to new ideas.
Where would you most love to live?
I love where I am now, but I do have the desire to live in the USA if an attractive opportunity comes along. I would like to explore my ideas into the USA and learn about the inside of interior design and culture there.
Where would you most love to visit?
There are so many places I would love to visit in this God green earth, such as some parts of Asia, Africa and around the world where the place has not been explore too much by tourism yet.
What regions have had the greatest influence on your work?
The world! As I travel, the culture from each country I have visited plays a vital role in my design ideas including their architecture and landscape even food and music, providing me one crucial part that have influenced my work.
What hobbies or activities so you enjoy outside of work?
Besides travelling, exercising at the gym, visiting the museum, the theatre and socializing with friends I enjoy painting and writing. I have tried my hand at script writing and have submitted it to the UK TV channel. Also at present I am writing on a music biography for a book. From time to time I will write to magazines and newspapers with regards to interior design tips. I am also working on a proposal for interior design TV show with regards to my design experts.
When the next generation looks back on you and your work, what would you like to be known for?
‘Laid Back Glamour’ - a designer that able to deliver design ideas into reality with fresh statement and contemporary style encompasses old, new and elegant touches with an arty twist and a good eye for lights and thematic use of colors.
Written article copyright Nik A Ramli
Projects photos copyright Nik A Ramli
Profile photos copyright Nik A Ramli
Copyright 2009
Malaysian –born Nik Ramli is an inspiring interior designer, creating a name for himself at design shows and exhibitions as well as being a contributor to magazines, radio and promotional films. His designs are well thought out, planned and executed to the minute detail. He has managed to create laid-back glamour on almost any budget by introducing design classics and blending them with budget conscious products, furniture and accessories. The dazzling magical effect expounds upon his intense attention to detail. His lively, playful, sensual approach, combined with his acute eye for color and use of lighting successfully orchestrates his ability in exuding the sought for mood.
As a youth, interior design was not his first choice of career. He wanted to become a veterinarian, as he loved animals. However, once he decided to pursue a career in design, he chose the appropriate school subjects, those were related to design. Later he moved to the United Kingdom and is now working full time as well as freelancing. After receiving his Diploma qualification, he went on to obtain a BA (Hons) and then an MA in interior design.
To date Nik has established his own interior design website. His freelance practice is predominately in the UK, although he worked in several well established companies in London and in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Nik was the conceptual designer for South Indian actor, Chiranjeevi's bungalow project in Hyderabad, India. He also designed a bedroom for the well known BBC Radio 1 DJ, Chris Moyles. Nik waltzed round with the British actress and Strictly Come Dancing and Casualty star, Georgina Bouzova’s London home on an interior design consultation for her lounge.With a keen eye, his good commercial sense and savvy public relations abilities have enabled him to become successful as an interior designer.
To date Nik continues to publish articles in ‘Concept For Living’ magazine and the UK newspaper called the 'Metro.' He has just appeared in the January 2009 issue of 'Space' magazine. (Produced in Malaysia and Singapore) He will also have an upcoming appearance in the March 2009 issue of the UK magazine 'Homes & Gardens'. In this article, He will be demonstrating his knowledge and expertise in the area of home office design.
Nik is also currently proposing a TV show in interior design to production companies in the UK or Malaysia. We look forward to seeing him take on this endeavor.
To be successful as an interior designer Nik noted that a designer has to be open- minded to new ideas and trends, and to be confident when putting new ideas into their projects. He believes hard work is the key to being successful, yet a balance between work and private life is also very important. Design is a competitive world and a designer needs to be well educated and presented, as you are an advertisement to potential clients about yourself and your product. A designer needs to stand out from the crowd and developing a reputation by word of mouth is one key to obtaining this success.
Known for his ability to create laid back glamour on almost any budget, he explained that to get the wow factor you should mix designer pieces with inexpensive but interesting finds. In regard to bedroom design, he notes that to improving ones ‘romantic’ life can be accomplished by introducing bold and sensuous colors. Clever lighting and mirrors help to produce a scheme of seduction. A good quality bed is also a necessary investment. Nik explained that Europe produces many of the most high quality products in the world. When dealing with small spaces, good storage system solutions are vital to maximize the sense of space. Mirrors will brighten up any space and will help to create an illusion of spaciousness. Using color and clever lighting will also have an effect. Finally, his advice to anyone wishing to be a designer is that solid, practical background knowledge is important. Designing is not only about pretty drawings and ideas, a designer also needs to bring the clients brief into reality. Good communication skills and good project and time management are integral to a project’s success to create a successful career in interior design.
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