#Trends2024: Cofounders of Workers of Art Priya Rose & Rahul Mathew are choosing eco-friendly materials

Anticipating design trends allows designers to create products that align with consumer preferences. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction as products resonate with contemporary tastes and lifestyles. The onset of the New Year signifies a canvas of new possibilities, unexplored horizons, and a fresh chapter waiting to unfold. We reached out to the cofounders of Workers of Art – Priya Rose & Rahul Mathew, to forecast trends and gain insights into novel ideas, experiment with unconventional materials, and embrace innovative techniques.

What do you see as the most significant upcoming trends in architecture and interior design?

Picture this: Sensory architecture is about to steal the spotlight! We’re talking spaces that not only look good but also feel, smell, and sound incredible. It’s all about creating a symphony of sensations within the four walls. Tactility is our secret weapon; it’s like designing a personal connection with space. Imagine walking into a public building and feeling like you’re in a sensory wonderland; that’s where we’re headed.

Are there any emerging design styles or movements that you find particularly interesting?

Adaptive Reuse is the superhero of design movements right now, and it’s here to save the day. We’re recycling and upcycling spaces, giving them a new lease on life. Social and ecological consciousness have joined the design party, with sustainability in the spotlight. Imagine turning old spaces into eco-friendly gems that reduce our carbon footprint – it’s a design dream come true.

Speaking of eco-friendly, let’s not forget materials that are planet-friendly. Reclaimed wood and even powdered wood scraps from a client’s old home are the stars of our show. It’s like design magic, breathing new life into old materials.

What eco-friendly materials and practices are becoming more popular?

Our design mantra? Reimagine, recycle, renew. We’re taking discarded construction waste materials and crafting them into masterpieces. In one of our projects, powdered wood scraps from a client’s old home are the heroes. It’s like giving old memories a fresh start.

And speaking of sustainability, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling design principles are the rock stars of our eco-friendly toolkit. We’re also taking a page from ancient wisdom, using basic vastu principles to align with nature and optimize air circulation.

How is technology shaping the future of architecture and interior design?

Brace yourselves for the next big thing: Generative Architecture. It’s like design evolution on steroids. Think of it as a digital brainstorming session, generating multiple design options from one idea. It might sound futuristic, but remember when we feared rendering software? It’s that kind of game-changer.

Are there any specific software or tools that are revolutionizing the design process?

Oh, the design playground is full of toys! Midjourney for iterations, parametric design software for unleashing our creative beasts, and 3D printing for opening doors to uncharted design territory – it’s a designer’s dreamland.

How are spaces being optimized for functionality and versatility?

Small spaces, big ideas! Urban living means smaller homes, but that’s where our creativity shines. We’ve dabbled in Ferrocement to create custom in situ furniture that transforms spaces on command. Imagine a dining table that turns into a poker table, all while making the room feel bigger – it’s magic!

What color palettes and combinations do you anticipate being popular in the coming years?

Get ready to embrace nature’s palette! Warm earthy tones meet vibrant pops of color. Think muted greens and cozy terracottas – we’re creating spaces that invite you to escape into nature’s arms.

How are inclusivity and accessibility being integrated into designs?

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our design mantra. We’re breaking down barriers – literally. Wider doorways, step-free entrances, and landscaped seating that’s open to all. And let’s not forget about mental inclusivity; we’re designing spaces that uplift your spirits and calm your mind. (We call it “Moodful Design.”)

How are client preferences changing in terms of design styles, colors, and themes?

Our clients are craving stories. We’ve convinced them that their spaces should tell tales – of their past, their passions, their quirks. They’re mixing styles and painting their walls with bold colors, making their spaces uniquely theirs.

How are professionals addressing the need for sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs simultaneously?

Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the heartbeat of our designs. We’re choosing eco-friendly materials, dancing with natural light, and embracing energy-efficient systems. Our designs are the triple threat – sustainable, functional, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Can you highlight a recent project that exemplifies current industry trends?

Hold onto your hats, “The Ribbon” is a showstopper! A home furnishing store that’s also a design masterpiece. Imagine a multifunctional rod that’s not just practical but a work of art. It’s like having a conversation with the fabrics themselves. And we didn’t strip away the character of the old cladding shop; we whitewashed it, turning it into a textured backdrop that celebrates the fabric – because in this project, fabric is the hero. It’s a riot of colors, textures, and creativity. The future of design is right here, and it’s a joyful, sensory adventure.