Designer insights with Marianna Holoway

Marianna Holoway is a designer and architect working from her design firm in New York, and offering a host of skills, including art directing and event organising. Marianna was born in Greece, having originally studied design in Thessaloniki then continuing her architectural studies at the University of New York. She has worked in Las Vegas, designing cafes, clubs, hotels and restaurants. She has even won design awards, including an International Design Award in 2009. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Marianna Holoway.

Designer Insights - Marianna Holoway

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

As a designer I feel more like an Alchemist, because my responsibility is to give life to some one's dream. I translate my clients idea into a design concept by obeying established “classical” rules. It's not one aesthetic. It's a custom made creative and unique procedure.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

Creativity and innovation requires intensive research and planning more than the traditional projects. In order to achieve this part of the research stage a deep knowledge of unusual and unique materials is implemented.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Respect is a reflection. I respect everybody and I am expecting to get it back. I admire most all the single mother's who are working hard in order to accomplish their dream and to create a happy future to their kids.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Good design begins with the need of the user. As the sophistication of the customers increases putting emphasis to what my clients need is the key to success. The project itself, the intensive research of the needs of my project is what inspires me.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Designing is not a job for me. Is a passion. What made me more and more passionate was the fact that many tried to discourage me over the years by describing how difficult or impossible success  can be achieved for new or unknown designers. Nothing is impossible. The only thing you have to do is follow your own path and leave a trial.