Yasmine Ghoniem is the founder and director of Amber Road Design, along with her sister Katy Svalbe, based in New South Wales, Australia. Yasmine founded the company with her sister back in 2013, in order to bring together their individual backgrounds in landscape, architecture and interior design. Their studio creates unique, practical, yet intelligently playful design solutions for interiors and landscapes. Yasmine is also qualified from the Savannah College of Art and Design. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Yasmine Ghoniem.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I like anything and everything. It's when you start naming a style or aesthetic, that you start to walk down the well trodden path and every project becomes a variation of a recurring theme.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
First I always browse, peruse and absorb. I look at my competition and that establishes my benchmark in not only creative processes but the quality of the built outcome.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
Too hard to pick just one. Everyone brings a different flair, point of view and industry trick of the trade to the table so invariably you learn something invaluable with every new collaborator. Our practice loves integrating the makers touch back into modern builds. Our builder 'Promena' gets it right from the start and so our built outcomes are always a collaboration - and that's where the magic happens.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Anything can inspire you, lyrics in a song, a scene in a movie or a strangers outfit. I find leaving the work space a great way to allow new solutions to surface.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Perseverance I suppose. We felt there was something lacking in our industry and thought we had something different to offer. Stay true to your design ethos, collaborate where you can, prepare for some long nights and READ as much as you can ....... you're only ever as good as your last job.
