Drawing his inspiration from the Parisian influence, Australia-based interior designer James Dawson is responsible for some luxury home designs, creating sophisticated and luxurious spaces for the most demanding clients. Thanks to James’ eye for luxury design, each work is imbued with life and vision and creates a deep emotional chord for his clients, connecting interior design and people in a seemingly effortless way. Through this exclusive interview, Boca do Lobo gives you to know more about James Dawson and some of his renowned projects.

Being in love with our work is always the key to achieve better results. Are you in love with your job?

I do love my job, my passion for designing runs deep. What do you love the most about being an interior designer? I enjoy the creativity of my job, I’ve started working on other aspects within design like designing a luxury homewares collection and opening the Dawson school of design dawson.edu.au which is Australias only exclusive interior design and decoration school. I love that starting as an Interior Designer has laid the foundations for me to move into different areas.

See Also: Meet the Designer of the Year at Maison et Objet Paris

Do you have a favorite project or a favorite story behind one of your projects?

My latest project is a residential project based off Matisse and Jean Metzinger Drawings. I like it because I’ve been able to push the boundaries with the design, using a lot of beautiful marbles, muted greys, its luxury and visually strong. 

How important is a good chemistry between you and your clients to achieve better results?

I’m very up front with clients in the beginning about the unique way in which I work, it’s organic and based on feelings and instinct not processes and paperwork. That’s what works for me and the clients understand that.  I feel like that honesty creates a good chemistry from the begining.

To conquer such a demanding audience, is truly important to be informed about the latest trends on the field. How do you do this?

Its important for me to remain authentic and original within my designs so I really don’t follow trends and I think that helps with my success. I like to beat along to a different tune.

How would you describe your style? Do you have any personal “signature”?

My interiors are both masculine and feminine, adventurous and polished. The materials I use combined with strong pattern, shapes and monochromatic under tones, make my interiors have their signature style.

All artist have some kind of inspirations, and interior designers are no exception. So, what or who really inspires you?

I get inspiration from books, I love collecting rare books, design books, fashion books. All books are a perfect way to explore the design word without leaving your office.

Is there any project in the world you’d like it had been made by you?  

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista at Fusio designed by one of my favourite architects Mario Botta. Perhaps this is where I found my love of using natural materials and lines.

Choosing the right piece for a design set might seem an easy task. However, it takes a lot of time and attention to find the perfect match. Which advices do you have for those who do not know how to start a challenge like this?

Keep it simple. Always include at least one hero piece of art or furniture and don’t try and use everything just stick to one style.

Which are your favorite brands, those that can never be missing in your projects?

My go to brand for accessories would be Moooi and for furniture it have to be Maxalto collection by B&B Italia directed by Antonio Citterio for it’s clean lines and beautiful fabrics.

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