Edition No.5
WE’VE BEEN EAGERLY AWAITING THE FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING AND HAPPY TO FINALLY REPORT SIGHTINGS OF DAFFODILS, SNOWDROPS, AND A GLIMPSE OF THE EASTER BUNNY… NOT REALLY. WE GOT OUR CREATIVITY FLOWING AT LONDON DESIGN WEEK AS WE PIN DOWN FINAL DESIGN CONCEPTS, AS WELL AS GET INTO NEW DESIGN BRIEFINGS. ALL IN ALL, A VERY EXCITING AND BUSY TIME HERE INTHE STUDIO.
AI: CAN OUR DESIGN FANTASIES EXIST IN THE REAL WORLD?
From houses balancing between cliff faces, to fluffy exteriors on ski lodges, we’ve been so intrigued by the limitless design possibilities that AI has presented. Obliterating the confinements of design that have haunted us in the past, this new technology allows the mind to wonder to new heights, where anything can exist.
We are seeing more and more studios turn to AI to help support their design work, so much so that a recent survey conducted by RIBA, reported that as many as forty-one percent of architects are now using it. Here at OBS we consider how these designs can truly exist. Can it be a tool to help us conceive designs for our clients, or will it be used purely for inspiration to help push the boundaries of our creativity?
THE BILLION-POUND SUBMARINE MAKING WAVES
Taking the super yacht industry to new depths (quite literally), private submersible yacht design studio, Migaloo, have designed a 165-metre luxury submarine that offers guests the highest level of privacy. With its ability to be submerged for up to four weeks at a depth of 250 metres, the submarine has been designed to respond to owners’ desires for ‘privacy, security and protection.’ Estimated to be worth £3 billion, the sub boasts amenities such as a helipad, swimming pool, art gallery, cinema, DJ booth, and spa. We’re imagining an impressive under water backdrop for late night parties.
LUXURY UNDERGROUND BUNKERS
Talking of isolated locations… we head back on dry land where luxury amenities such as theatres, spas and wine vaults are being built to withstand natural disasters, nuclear attack or even an apocalypse. Planning for the unknown, individuals around the globe are building luxury bunkers that can not only protect them, but also provide all the comforts of their modern-day living. It’s been reported that clients are asking for everything from gardens with fake skies that mimic natural light, to art galleries constructed with the same safety standards as bank vaults.
RAISING A GLASS… OF ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE
The start of Spring has us dreaming of sunnier climes when we can begin to enjoy al fresco dining and a glass of sparkling wine or Rose. We have witnessed significant growth in the production of English wines over the last ten years, with some predicting the market to be worth as much as £350m by 2040. Some argue that the quality and texture at vineyards in places like Kent and Sussex are similar to those in the Champagne region, and even Champagne houses are buying vineyard land here. We recommend trying Gusbourne’s Blanc de Blancs – our current favourite!
WHAT CAUGHT OUR EYE AT DESIGN WEEK
As always, the Design Centre was filled with a creative buzz for London Design Week. We popped into some gorgeous new showrooms, as well as touring the Pop-up House Guests in the Design Avenue. Watch our reel over on our Instagram account @oliver_burns to see how we spent our day.
This month, we've been hooked on the Olympics, from Simone Biles' outstanding performance following her Netflix sensation to our very own Toby Roberts winning the first gold medal in climbing at just 19 years old. It’s an event that inspires us all, as grit, determination, and teamwork combine for success. Here in the studio, we’ve also been discussing everything from Blake Lively’s latest vogue cover to our thoughts on lab-grown materials in the luxury sphere. Read on to hear our insights and the questions we're pondering.
This month, we've been hooked on the Olympics, from Simone Biles' outstanding performance following her Netflix sensation to our very own Toby Roberts winning the first gold medal in climbing at just 19 years old. It’s an event that inspires us all, as grit, determination, and teamwork combine for success. Here in the studio, we’ve also been discussing everything from Blake Lively’s latest vogue cover to our thoughts on lab-grown materials in the luxury sphere. Read on to hear our insights and the questions we're pondering.
Nestled in picturesque countryside, our Cotswolds Barn is the ultimate rustic luxe hideaway, which we designed as a second home for a lovely, longstanding client and their young family.
Nestled in picturesque countryside, our Cotswolds Barn is the ultimate rustic luxe hideaway, which we designed as a second home for a lovely, longstanding client and their young family.
Super Prime agency has always been about exceptional levels of service but as the traditional high street model begins to change and the clients seek more from those they trust, we are seeing the rise of the super-broker. With this shift in mind, we are excited to speak with Trevor Kearney, who Forbes called the ‘Agent of our generation’, and who after twenty years in the industry has just launched The Private Office: Real Estate.
Super Prime agency has always been about exceptional levels of service but as the traditional high street model begins to change and the clients seek more from those they trust, we are seeing the rise of the super-broker. With this shift in mind, we are excited to speak with Trevor Kearney, who Forbes called the ‘Agent of our generation’, and who after twenty years in the industry has just launched The Private Office: Real Estate.