meet Anthony Buggy and Joanne Kelly of Think Contemporary...

this week I met with Anthony Buggy and Joanne Kelly, of Think Contemporary for a small chat and a chance to get to know more about their company and the work they do...

'Think Contemporary' is a new design practice in Dublin, specialising in interior architecture, spatial planning and bespoke furniture...together Anthony and Joanne bring to the table a passion for design and they thrive on creating individual and contemporary interiors...

please read on to find out more about 'Think Contemporary', Anthony and Joanne's inspirations and a snippet of some recent projects which best sum up their work and style...

Describe your company…?

J Think Contemporary is contemporary yet not minimalist. A lack of colour and white interiors is not Think Contemporary; it is a mix of design. I would have strong views in colour.
A I would be more muted. We are a good mix.
J I think we create a cosy aspect to contemporary living, we like clean lines and soft finishes.

What was your first experience with design…?

J I have always had an interest in art and design, I always loved helping out with my Mum. I then went on to study Interior Architecture at DIT.
A I have a love for furniture and cabinet making. I appreciate furniture and restoring furniture, and I guess a love for good quality interiors followed. I too studied at DIT.

How would you describe your style…?

J I love contemporary furniture, clean lines and a hint of retro. I love retro pieces and I can appreciate design from that era. Though design has to be comfortable. There is no pointing creating an amazing house and not being able to live in it. The practicalities of living with design are important to us.

Do you have any personal design quirks…?

A I have never been asked that question before. I’ll need time to think.
J I almost feel that it’s easier for someone from the outside looking in to pick these out for us.

Who or what has influenced and inspired your style…?

A Gandon’s architecture, classical buildings – and symmetry. Frank Lloyd Wright, Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier.
J Ray and Charles Eames would have to be an influence of mine. The Eiffel Chair. Santiago Calatrava also was someone I studied a lot in my final year.
A Working with Duff Tisdall exposed us a lot to Scandinavian design. Simplicity at its best.

What ways has the recession affected your work and what measures have you introduced to aide you and your clients…?

J The recession has taken all the decorators out of the market. Think Contemporary is a product of the recession, and our aim is to get the name out there and be ready for business when people start spending. We are busy getting the name out there and working on the profile. It is quiet out there though.
A We are receiving a good reaction from the press, which is a great confidence boost for us and an opportunity to market our work.

Who would be your ideal client…?

J A job in Wexford we recently completed. It was for a couple who were carrying out a new build in Wexford. We were involved in the whole build, and the client trusted everything we proposed to them. They had a similar style in mind, they were fantastic clients, and they placed trust in products we showed them from catalogues.
A They trusted us in every aspect, and reassurances were given on any questions they did have. They were satisfied they were receiving good products in the end.

What is the most unusual request you have received from a client…?

J Unusual? I guess it would be to move a wall to accommodate a bath. It was the same project in Wexford, and our client fell in love with a bath that would not fit the plan. In the end walls were moved to accommodate a bath and the gym was reduced in size.
A Nothing to crazy has been asked.

What will be your next venture in design…?

J We have started our next venture, a prototype for a shelving unit which is in production. We hope to get this finished, photographed and marketed, and then produce a line of furniture.
A We need to view the costs, and we hope it can be manufactured and produced in Ireland.

Where is your favourite space to hang out in Dublin and why…?

A I don’t actually hang out in Dublin too much. There is the Winding Stair, which I love. It has a great menu, lovely noise – it’s small and intimate. It’s nothing fancy, just nice.
J Hmmm...Restaurants? Darwin’s on Aungier St, it’s never too busy and the food is great.

http://www.thinkcontemporary.com/