Introducing Ivan Meade, one of the most inventive Interior Designers in North America and our discussion of his companies innovative works!
Ivan is the principal designer of Meade Design Group Inc., a
multi-disciplinary interior and graphic design studio in Victoria, BC, Canada
that creates interiors and graphics to elegantly reflect the needs and style of
their clients.
Ivan tell us about your beginnings in design and some of your
background, when did it all click?
One
Christmas dinner my mother allowed me to set the dining table. I illustrated all
of the place cards and menus by hand, and collected ornaments from around the
house. Everyone was very impressed and I received a large round of applause for
my efforts. The feeling has never left. That was probably my first experience
with design. I was also very fortunate to grow up in a family that truly
appreciated the art scene; As a kid I was exposed to artists, writers, museums, theater ballet. My mother was a very stylish lady in her own right, and she
had 2 phrases that have stuck with me: “Good taste is a cultural product” and
“Luxury is in the things you touch every day”. – The first is a reminder to
never stop learning and being observant, inspiration can be everywhere; It can
be in art piece in a museum, or in the architectural lines of a building. The
second is about quality, saying that things don’t need to be expensive, but that
quality is the key. These phrases are, in a way, my design philosophy. The
reason I am a designer is that I spent many years studying business, but I
missed the creative aspect. Owning my own business has given me the opportunity
to do both, to explore the analytical side and the creative
one.
Your firm is widely renowned as a multidisciplinary firm. How do you
and your team juggle Interior Design, Graphic Design, Client branding
etc.
I
guess, I was a kid who learned to listen to and keep the good family advice! My
grandfather (who was a really good business man) always said that in order to
succeed in any business you need to have two businesses in one business. When
one doesn't do well the other one will help you to pay the bills. In almost 12
years owning a multidisciplinary firm I have to say that this has been the best
advice I've ever taken. When the economy collapsed in 2008 – Interiors was dead,
but graphics on the other hand, we were insanely busy with (everybody wanted to
stand out). You also have to be able to recognize what your weaknesses are and
accept the support of your team. Everybody has different strengths. I owe a
lot to my team.
What an exciting time to be in the design business. Do you find your
clients receptive to new ideas, looks from Contemporary, Mid Century Modern to
Traditional to old World European elegance? Is there a movement you see of
importance trending?
It
definitely is an exciting time in design. Thanks to the internet, we have more
options available. We also have been experiencing a different type of client – a
client that is more educated in what is available to them. I live in Victoria , British
Columbia
In
the International market, I see a big mix happening right now. People
appreciating good design from the past and mixing it with the best that modern
design has to offer. An eclectic mix of good design. Victoria
What is your working relationship with your clients
like?
This is a very interesting question. The client/designer
relationship is like any other relationship. We are working with core aspects.
A brand identity will represent the client’s business as they'd like to be
viewed, and a home will represent the lifestyle that the clients want to have.
We need to be really careful to understand the clients needs and how to fulfill
them – basically, we need to do our homework. Once we have done this part, we
also have to leave room for spontaneity and creativity and bring something new
to the table – That is when the magic happens.
For
instance, the majority of my graphic design clients are people in design.
Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Designers, Furnishing business, etc.
We have become known as 'the designers for the designers'. First of all, I need
to understand who they are and also to make them stand out in their own market –
what is their unique niche. Because my graphic design clients are design
educated I need to make them aware that we need to design something to attract
that ideal client that they are looking for while maintaining their personality
and uniqueness in the mix. It is challenging but very
rewarding.
Can you describe your personal design aesthetic? Has it evolved over
the years?
I
like quality and uniqueness. I love playing with volume and I usually try to
have one bold gesture in the spaces I design. I think that is what makes a
space memorable. Of course, my design aesthetic has really evolved over the
years. I guess we can always refer back to the cultural aspect; travel and
lifestyle inspire me. My own home is very laid-back, my studio on the other
hand, is an elegant eclectic mix for my clients to find what they like and what
they don’t like. It is harder to mix styles than it is to use only one, but it
also feels less stiff and is much more interesting visually. Adaptability is
the key.
Is there a particular project that stands out as truly a masterpiece
of your work or simply a favorite all around?
I
will have to say that my studio is one of my favorite projects. It is always
evolving. I spend 8 hours per day here, so it needs to be an extension of my
own home and a reflection of who I am while being a place where my clients also
can feel comfortable and inspired. It can be a bit more complex to design a
work space than designing a residence since oftentimes so much more time is
spent there – especially in one place, the ergonomic factors are entirely
different. I was kind of my own client, but I still had to keep my clients
tastes in the back of my mind.
How important is it for art and collectibles to take place in your
designs?
Really important! Actually for me, it is a must! Art is the only
thing that truly showcases your personality. Art is emotional! You can tell the
personality of the inhabitant of a space by the art hanging on the walls. I try
to bring as much “real” art as possible to all my projects. I also believe in
supporting our local art community and showcasing their talents. Technology is
helping us in many aspects of our business, but this is one aspect where it
destroys the opportunity to have artists and artisans involved in our projects
(thanks to mass production). A unique piece of art, always will be unique.
There is one and only one, not 3000 from the same series. We are each unique,
so why not embrace uniqueness?
Please give some advice to the person starting in this
entrepreneurial business?
Find what is unique about you and exploit that as part of your
brand. The lessons I learned from my mother and grandfather are core values of
my brand. When people start comparing you to other designers they will find you
more attractive if you have something that is unique to you. You also need to
understand who your client is, their specific needs and how to over deliver -
that is the key to gaining referrals. Understand your business and value your
business. Design is our passion, but we also need to make a living from it. I
am a very fortunate person to do what I like to do in life and live off of it.
Design is not an easy business, but when you have specific practices in place,
you can really enjoy the ride.
You may reach Ivan through his website, Meade Design Group www.meadedesigngroup.com or his blog http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.com
You may reach Ivan through his website, Meade Design Group www.meadedesigngroup.com or his blog http://meadedesigngroup.blogspot.com
Thank you so much Ivan, for participating in The 2013 Design Series!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Please leave a comment as it means so much to both our guest and to me!
Look for more exciting features to come and be sure to Follow Art by Karena to keep up with the latest !!
The winner of the Giveaway of A Designer Pillow
By Jane Schott of Empress of the Eye
Is Dore of Burlap Luxe! Congratulations Dore!
Please leave a comment as it means so much to both our guest and to me!
Look for more exciting features to come and be sure to Follow Art by Karena to keep up with the latest !!
The winner of the Giveaway of A Designer Pillow
By Jane Schott of Empress of the Eye
Is Dore of Burlap Luxe! Congratulations Dore!
