Our Unique Team of Interior Designers

Maria Katsarou Vafiadis is an established thought-leader within the interior design world, an opinion former and a regular commentator on industry issues.

Her body of work over 25 years demonstrates true versatility. Every project is a one-off, reflecting her constant quest for new ideas and approaches. She is as confident in re-imagining large spaces and making them work harder – something much in evidence in her design for the Kempinski Budapest – as she is in creating intimate and theatrical interiors such as at Style Hotel in Vienna. Her ability to celebrate location is at the heart of the new Bürgenstock Hotel perched 500m above Lake Lucerne and her feel for context, while adding something new, comes through in her work on the Hotel Schweizerhof, Bern. The beautiful Costa Navarino is testimony to her ability in creating spaces that take guests on a unique journey while Matild Palace is testimony to her meaningful story-making ability when bringing heritage up to date.

Maria’s vision comes from her creative instinct for luxury design and her profound insight, drawing ideas from diverse sources, whether an object that tells a story, or the energy of an entire city.

When it comes to style, Helen Quaine considers herself a bit of a chameleon. She enjoys adapting and responding to a wide range of design briefs. From the art deco-inspired Sheraton Park Lane to the modern interiors of the Radisson Blu Gautrain.

She is also happy blending multiple influences within a single project, as seen in her work on Hotel Schweizerhof Bern. Whatever the scale and scope of the project, Helen brings a commercially-minded approach that makes best use of space and ensures the needs of the client and the end users are always met.

Dominic was inspired to become a designer by the graceful proportions and fine detailing of his grandparents’ Georgian home. The projects he works on today are decidedly more contemporary, but he has retained his focus on detail and the importance of craft.

Whether designing urban hotels, such as Sofia Balkan Palace or, currently, mountain retreats including Aminona Luxury Resort and Elatos Resort, Dominic looks at every project in a global sense, from the broad picture to the smallest element. A natural problem-solver, he believes that any design should be underpinned by the very best technical know-how.

“I believe that a good designer has to re-invent. It’s about being inspired by the world around you and channelling that into a well-conceived design.”

Ky is proud to have been part of the team that created the world’s first seven-star hotel – the Burj al Arab in Dubai and the uncompromising standards of that project are a hallmark of all his work today.

Whatever the brief, Ky believes that the essence of great design lies in understanding local culture and a sense of place. Time and again, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to balance context with creativity, creating designs that are both respectful and inspiring.

“My natural instinct is to be different; to always provide something that is unexpected, whether in terms of creativity or practicality, while never forgetting the important issue of buildability.”