m d design
Over a number of years, based between Beijing and Shanghai, my Husband and I worked with D C Design, a top end design and retail group, owned and operated by a very successful expat Chinese couple.
Focusing on top end Italian and Spanish bathroom product and tile. I initiated and managed the in-house local architects and designers in creating and establishing the huge flagship showroom in Beijing and the Concept showroom in Shanghai.
Having previously worked in the industry internationally, one of my main rolls was to introduce the Chinese clients and procure product from the Italian and Spanish factories, which I knew well. This involved many months each year sourcing new product and ideas in Europe.
I was also involved in the companys' design and fit out of luxury high rise apartment developments in both Beijing and Shanghai.
My love of all things Asian and tropical has enabled me to live and work in the Philippines and Bali. Consuela Estate on the beach in Dauin, a beautiful area on the southern tip of Negros Oriental Island, an island in the Visaya group in central Philippines was home and work for many months where I redesigned the huge grounds and interiors of the main bungalow.
A number years of involvement in Bali enabled me to completely redesign and fit out a beautiful villa in Canggu. The villa consisted of 2 large unloved ancient beautiful Javanese jogolos and a large pool. Good bones but almost derelict. Over a period of many months of redesign and endless work, the once sad and unloved villa was transformed into a magical property both inside and out. I redecorated the entire property with furniture which I either designed and had locally constructed or procured beautiful simple pieces of Dutch antiquity. The grounds were completely stripped and and redesigned, with lush tropical planting, zen like statues and water features.
my work in New Zealand
More recently in New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege of designing and being involved in the construction of numerous residential properties for private clients, specifically on Kawau Island and Mt Maunganui. The zen like island houses were designed to meld with the landscape and focus on the stunning views. With low lying mono pitch roofs, external walls clad in stained cedar and expansive floor to ceiling glass allowing full view, light and essential airflow.
More recently in Papamoa and Mt Maunganui, the houses have been designed on small pieces of land and carefully designed to provide upmost privacy. These homes incorporate design features such as lofty open ceilings, expansive glass windows and doors opening onto pools and secret heavily planted areas, with strong tropical leanings. The interiors typically feature light white finishes and various textures; timber, brick and stone. With such finishes I was able to create calm zen like tropical oasis.