Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Occupation: Multidisciplinary designer.
Instagram: @tolaojuolape.studio
Hometown: Ennis, Ireland.
Studio location: London.
Describe what you make: Considered interior design rooted in narrative and culture with a focus on materiality and aesthetics.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Africa Centre, a cultural space in London with an aim to champion the soul and creativity of the continent in a manner that’s accessible, welcoming, and contemporary.
Describe the problem your work solves: Design with a focus on the experience, look, and feel, always ensuring function and form are intertwined. This spans interiors, furniture, and branding.
Describe the project you are working on now: It has been an exciting time! We’ve been working on a beautiful period residential project and the client isn’t afraid of color and wants to explore form, collectibles, and tactility. In addition to the various projects, we’ve been working on a product line—a range of vases and vessels. It has been very exciting to prototype and develop the design with local craftsmen.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: We’ve been working with a startup restaurant on a series of pop-ups and cafes in London. It’s a new brand and I’m very excited to see how it’s received.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: A good podcast, music, water, and tea.
What you do when you’re not working: Being outdoors is important to me. I like long walks and being in nature. Connecting physically with friends and family to dine, laugh, and love is always very fulfilling.
Sources of creative envy: Ilse Crawford, Gam Fratesi, and Cristina Celestino are a few of my design heroes. Italy and its many cities are a personal favorite and a huge source of inspiration. I try to visit at least once a year.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Social media. It’s a great tool to stay connected and gain inspiration, however, I’ve started to allocate time as it can be distracting.
Concrete or marble? Both depending on how it’s used!
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse. A beautiful period townhouse in Notting Hill is a personal dream home.
Remember or forget? Remember. Helps me savor the best memories!
Aliens or ghosts? Neither.
Dark or light? Light.
(Photography by Felix Speller; portrait by Clara Watt.)
