Name: William Hefner

Company: Studio William Hefner

Position within company: Founder

Website: https://williamhefner.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

I attended the graduate program at UCLA and for eight years worked for the international firms Skidmore Owings and Marrow.

How would you describe your personal design style?

I try not to have a particular design style. We try to make every project unique to its surroundings and the client and enjoy the artistic freedom.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Travel, my knowledge of architectural history I have a huge architecture and design library and have an undergraduate degree in art history.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Design is moving in generally more toward plastic forms, more sustainable and international rather than regional flavor.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

Flexibility, sustainability, accessibility, Embracing new materials and simplicity.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Clarity and simplicity

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

They are great to see on an international level what current thinking is regarding design.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on large homes in the California region as well as a series of Mountainhouse S in the western United States. We’re also working on a number of multi family housing projects.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To minimize impact on our buildings on their sites and to address sustainability during the construction process and occupation.

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

Your most treasured possession?

1960Porsche 356 B convertible

Your favourite holiday destination?

Japan

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

Aman Tokyo for Hotel

Restaurant and Bar: San Ysidro Ranch Stonehouse

Your favourite book, film & song?

Film: Chinatown

Book: Sometimes A Great Notion by Ken Kesey

Song: Chopin Waltzes

Your favourite food and drink?

Food: Teppanyaki

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Afternoon sailing

If you weren’t an architect, what would you be?

Photographer

Studio William Hefner have been shortlisted for 10 Categories in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2020

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