Auckland host
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Morning Person: Meet Erini
This week were getting to know a bit more about one of the team at Designworks, one of Australasia’s leading strategic design practices and our hosts for CreativeMornings in June. Read more about Designworks here…
Our Morning Person works in the studios Spatial Team, and as such has played an important part in the design of the new space. That’s why we think you should Meet Erini from Designworks!
- Who are you?
Erini. I currently work as a Senior Designer at Designworks. I studied Interior Architecture and Design at Victoria University in Wellington. This was followed by 3 years working in Wellington then 5.5 years in the UK. I have been back in NZ for 2.5 years and loving every moment! - What gets you up in the morning?
Throughout my career I have always felt privileged and grateful to have a job that is my passion - design is definitely not just 9-5 for me! Being an interior designer my focus has always been to better peoples environment and experience in a considered and crafted approach - this is what gets me up in the morning. As an aside, I have a strong passion for floristry and completed a night course in London for interest. I do the flowers for our office every Monday – fresh from the markets, 13 arrangements, flowers everywhere! - Tell us about Designworks in five words or less.
Stimulating, addictive, contagious, friendly, approachable. - What’s a surprising fact about you?
I am Greek (1st generation) and was brought up in Wellington’s Greek community - a warm bubble filled with olives, feta cheese, dancing and love! My parents only taught me Greek (what other language do you need?!) - therefore my very first memory is day one at kindergarten not understanding a single soul – it was a defining moment – since then I have never appreciated communication more. - What’s your favourite thing about Auckland?
Auckland is just getting better and better (said by a Wellingtonian!) The city is full of vibrancy, diversity, life and upward energy - these would be my favourite things - oh and that the cafe / coffee scene is getting a whole lot better….still a way off Wellington though! - Best breakfast you’ve ever had?
Hands down my trips to the Greek Island of Lesvos (where my father is from) starting the morning with a swim in the clear blue sea followed by Greek coffee, homemade Greek yoghurt, honey and bread - so simple yet deliciously perfect. - Best piece of advice you’ve received?
The grass is the greenest beneath you. - Who would you love to hear speak?
In my first year at Uni my tutor introduced me to the works of Herzog and de Meuron. From then on I was completely hooked and they have influenced me hugely. While I was in London I heard they were doing a talk at RIBA however it had completely sold out. Unable to get any tickets from anywhere or anyone(!) I ended up writing a letter expressing my immense interest and they were nice enough to give me a ticket. Even luckier after the talk I was able to speak to them both and have a photo. It was one of those magical moments! - Secret Superpower?
Patience. - Is less more?
The best pieces of design look ‘easy’, ‘effortless’ and ‘natural’. The finished article rarely conveys the hard yards that are involved in creating it. Any great piece of creativity requires dedication; a clever approach, careful consideration and in depth thought. It is through this process you are allowed space for natural editing and refinement – so in this regard, yes, less is more.
We’re lucky enough to be invited in to the brand new Designworks workspace for this month’s CreativeMornings. We can’t wait to check it out! Details on how to get to Designworks here. Don’t forget to bring a cushion!
