Aesthetically yours

Elaborating,this art and design consultant says the stress these days is on keeping design minimalist,without too many lines and motifs cluttering it. “If you notice,the reception and waiting area here is modeled to resemble a home space. There’s a fireplace and the use of contemporary and vibrant colours adds to the feel,” informs Chui. “The property aims to become a haven for business travelers. Through my design elements,I’ve tried to make it ideal for solitary,social and business travelers,” she adds.

Asserting that the emphasis in the ‘modernist manifesto’ is on exercising restraint and control in design,Chui says it’s crucial to remember not to go over the top. “The days of flamboyance and ostentation in interiors are over. The stress now is on giving the guest a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere,while adhering to the diktats of contemporary design,” says Chui,who has designed hotel,club houses and residences in Hong Kong,Shanghai,Beijing,Shenzhen,Guangzhou and Chongquing.

Courtyard by Marriott being her first project in India,Chui says it was a memorable experience working in a totally different creative milieu. “I’ve always aimed to achieve an integration of design and art through my projects and with Courtyard,I think I’ve managed to achieve this on a lot of levels,” asserts this Singapore resident,who originally belongs to Hong Kong.

“My firm GIL,based in Singapore,offers a range of design solutions,from schematic space planning,design concept development,art consultancy and custom art programmes,all the while keeping in mind the aesthetics of the discipline,” adds Chui.

Receding designs
With almost all sectors feeling the effects of recession,architecture and interior design too has been affected. Chui says the best way to keep afloat during this difficult period is to cut out the trappings and concentrate on the basics. “With recession becoming a reality,the bubble of high expenditure on design and interiors has finally burst. However,we in the design arena had realised this a long time ago and hence,had already decided to cut expenses and make do with concentrating on the basics,as much as possible,without compromising on the quality of work,” says Chui. “Now that the worst of the crisis is over,new projects and newer concepts in design should soon see the light of day,” she adds.