Audi Snyman Interior Design have been shortlisted for 3 Categories in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Founder and President, Audi Snyman below:

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Name: Audi Snÿman

Company: Audi Snÿman Interior Design

Position within company: Founder and President

Website: www.audisnyman.co.za

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I originally trained as a microbiologist, but after about ten years in the labs, I decided to follow my dream and become an interior designer. It is now 23 years later, and we are doing the most incredible and rewarding projects, from private residential homes to safari lodges, medical day clinics and exclusive boutique hotels. I have been blessed to work with incredible clients who have helped make my dream a reality.

How would you describe your personal design style?
I have a contemporary style, with a classic infusion which preserves the beauty of the past. I like to keep memories alive and design helps me do this; the quality craftmanship, time, effort and thought that have gone into creating a masterpiece – these things should be remembered, showcased, and kept alive.  

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I am inspired by my clients and their dreams. I love to showcase the personality of the clients and bring this into their ideal home environment. The end result should be as if I have known them for years – they should walk into the house and see that all the hours we have spent together have helped me create a space that is reflective of their personalities, their choices, and their dreams. If it seems that I have read their minds, then I have done a good job!

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think preservation, sustainability, an appreciation for the environment. Multipurpose functionality is becoming key; we should be able to make use of a piece in various ways; therefore, the importance of investing wisely will enhance this modern concept. I always advise my clients to spend smartly; so that they have their dream space for years to come.

Name key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability (upcycling), Environmentally Friendly, Nordic (Scandi influence), Quality (time and effort put into design, using/reusing old pieces of quality).

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
There should be a gold thread that runs throughout your home; be it a colour or texture for example, and then you add different layers on top of these.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?The International Design & Architecture Awards are particularly important as they are a great way to benchmark oneself in the market and of course, to be shortlisted is wonderful. The Awards provide the means to show the world what is doable, and therefore inspires people to greater heights. For those entering the industry, the competition is a motivator, whilst providing insight into what they too can achieve.

What projects are you currently working on?
Various large, luxurious residential homes in state-of-the-art bespoke estates around South Africa.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
The Gorgeous Grand home was my ultimate favourite to date, because the clients are kind and interactive people. Working closely with them helped the project flow seamlessly; it is so important to get to know your client, and to have their trust. It brings out the best in the entire project – this shortlisting bears evidence of exactly this!

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
It is challenging working with people that are not invested in their home, that are unwilling to listen to advice and do not know what they want.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Fabrics! The feathers of the nest are the fabrics in the house, they form the backbone of the entire project. The luxurious and cosy feel of the house are brought alive through fabric, texture, and colour, wowing all that enter the space.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
It is my ultimate dream to design the interior of a bespoke, beautiful, boutique hotel in an international location outside of South Africa.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
My husband Jan and my two daughters. Scooping second place must be my desk, it belonged to my late father; it is beautifully crafted, made of solid oak and is a beautiful antique. This is where I sit in my studio and it keeps my family memories alive. Yes, storytelling is especially important to me and I use this in my design ideas that I propose to clients.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Singita private game lodge in the Kruger National Park in South Africa is an ultimate favourite, nothing beats an African safari!

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town in South Africa is the most gorgeous hotel overlooking the ocean, with spectacular interior design, finishing and luxury décor. Its eatery, Azure must be my absolute favourite restaurant, the cuisine is delicious and highly memorable. Their bar, The Leopard Bar is not easily forgotten and certainly contains the “wow” factor.

Your favourite book, film & song?
My favourite book is, no surprise, Kelly Hoppen’s interior design book, “Home, from concept to reality” – I have a copy on my coffee table.
Julie Andrews’ “The Sound of Music” has always captured my soul, I watch it often and it continues to inspire me.  
“Highlands Cathedral” is my favourite piece of music, originally performed by Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb.

Your favourite food and drink?
I enjoy a piece of Kingklip fish smothered in prawns and hollandaise sauce, washed down with a good old fashioned Rock Shandy. But to be perfectly honest, my favourite drink must be a lime milkshake! 

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I am blessed to have a beautiful, widespread garden, complete with various alcoves and benches and a host of flowers, including magnolias, lilies, star jasmine and gardenias. A special feature is the formal rose garden, which I absolutely love. My favourite thing in the world is to walk through these magnificent natural spaces, stop and smell the sweet scents of the roses (literally!), inhaling their rich fragrances and appreciating the beauty around me.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I would have been a landscape designer.

Anything else interesting?
I love to create things, so needlework, decoupage, beadwork, crochet, macrame all inspire me. The creative in me never stops; and where possible, I encourage my family and clients to maximise their creative talents to produce their own bespoke creations that can be shared with future generations.

Audi Snyman Interior Design have been shortlisted for 3 Categories in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021.

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